Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings, 3760-3763 [2019-02169]

Download as PDF 3760 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2019 / Notices receive a summary from the Shrimp Advisory Panel meeting; and, review of Final Action-Shrimp Amendment 18: Evaluation of Shrimp Effort Threshold Reduction in the Area Monitored for Juvenile Red Snapper Bycatch. The Law Enforcement Committee will receive a summary from the Law Enforcement Technical Committee meeting. Mid-morning, the Full Council will convene with a Call to Order, Announcements, and Introductions; followed by an Adoption of Agenda and Approval of Minutes. The Council will review Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications, along with any public comments noted on the applications; and, receive a presentation on Mississippi’s Law Enforcement efforts. After lunch, the Council will receive public testimony from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on the following items: Final Action: Amendment 50: State Management Program for Recreational Red Snapper and Individual State Amendments; Final Action: Generic Amendment: Carryover Provisions and Framework Modifications; Final Action: Red Grouper Framework Action to Modify Annual Catch Limits and Annual Catch Targets; Final Action: Shrimp Amendment 18: Evaluation of Shrimp Effort Threshold Reduction in the Area Monitored for Juvenile Red Snapper Bycatch; and, Final Action: Replacement of Historical Captain Permits with Standard Federal For-Hire Permits; and, open testimony on any other fishery issues or concerns. Anyone wishing to speak during public comment should sign in at the registration station located at the entrance to the meeting room. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Thursday, April 4, 2019; 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. 17:22 Feb 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 The meeting will be broadcast via webinar. You may register for the webinar by visiting www.gulfcouncil.org and clicking on the Council meeting on the calendar. The timing and order in which agenda items are addressed may change as required to effectively address the issue, and the latest version along with other meeting materials will be posted on www.gulfcouncil.org as they become available. Although other non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subjects of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided that the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kathy Pereira (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: February 8, 2019. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–02168 Filed 2–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Council will receive management committee reports from the Shrimp, Administrative/Budget, Data Collection, Sustainable Fisheries, Habitat Protection and Restoration, Law Enforcement and, Reef Fish Management Committees; and, Announce the 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. After lunch, the Council will vote on Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications, if any; and receive updates from the following supporting agencies: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE), Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and, the Department of State. Lastly, the Council will discuss Other Business items: VerDate Sep<11>2014 Meeting Adjourns RIN 0648–XG801 Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings, hearings, and a partially closed meeting. AGENCY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 131st Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting, Joint Advisory Panel (AP) meeting, 176th Council meeting and its associated meetings to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. A portion of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Council’s Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee meeting will be closed to the public. DATES: The meetings will be held between March 12 and March 21, 2019. For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The 131st SSC, Joint AP, the Council’s Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee and Pelagic and International Standing Committee meetings will be held at the Council office, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 522–8220. The 176th Council meeting will be held at the Laniakea YWCA, Fuller Hall, 1040 Richards Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 538– 7061. The Fishers Forum will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu, HI 96814, phone: (808) 955– 4811. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; phone: (808) 522–8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 131st SSC meeting will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 12–14, 2019. The Joint AP Meeting will be held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 15– 16, 2019. The Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee meeting will be held on March 18, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The portion of the Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. will be closed to the public in accordance with Section 302(i)(3)(ii) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) for a briefing on litigation by counsel. The Pelagic and International Standing Committee will be held on March 18, 2019, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The 176th Council meeting will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 19–21, 2019. On March 19, 2019, the Council will host a Fishers Forum between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Agenda items noted as ‘‘Final Action Items’’ refer to actions that result in Council transmittal of a proposed fishery management plan, proposed plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, under Sections 304 or 305 of the MSA. In addition to the agenda items listed here, the Council and its advisory bodies will hear recommendations from Council advisors. An opportunity to submit public comment will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change and will be announced in advance at the Council meeting. The meetings will run as late as necessary to E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2019 / Notices complete scheduled business. Background documents will be available from, and written comments should be sent to, Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 522–8220 or fax: (808) 522–8226. Agenda for 131st SSC Meeting Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 1. Introductions 2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs 3. Status of the 130th SSC Meeting Recommendations 4. Remarks from the NOAA Fisheries Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor 5. Report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director A. Status of Council Research Priority for the FY 2020 Annual Guidance Memo 6. Program Planning and Research A. SSC Responsibilities in the Modern Fish Act B. Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Five Year Research Priority 2020–24 C. NOAA Climate Science Workshop and Regional Action Plan Report D. Public Comment E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 7. Island Fisheries A. Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Kona Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR) Report B. Benchmark Stock Assessment for the MHI Kona Crab with Catch Projections for 2020–24 C. Public Comment D. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 8. Protected Species A. Discussion Paper on Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures B. Status of the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team (FKWTRT) Recommendations C. Updates on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Actions D. Public Comment E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 1. Financial Reports 2. Administrative Reports 3. CLOSED SESSION (MSA § 302(i)(3)(A)(ii)—Status of Litigation 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 4. 2020–24 Program Plan and Budget 5. Council Family Changes 6. SSC role under new Modernization Act 7. NOAA website/Pacific Islands Section 8. Recusal Policy 9. Meetings and Workshops 10. Other Issues 11. Public Comment 12. Discussion and Recommendations Thursday, March 14, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Agenda for the Pelagic and International Standing Committee 11. Other Business A. 132nd SSC Meetings Dates B. Council’s Five Year Program Plan C. SSC Three-Year Plan (2020–22) D. National Scientific Coordinating Subcommittee Meeting 2020 12. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council Monday, March 18, 2019, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Agenda for the Joint Advisory Panel Meeting Friday, March 15, 2019, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of Agenda 3. FISH 101 Training Plenary Presentation by Ray Hilborn— Blue Ocean Marine Protected Area Saturday, March 16, 2019, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9. SSC Concurrent Work Session A. Developing a Road Map for Effective Fishery Spatial 4. Spatial Management A. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) 17:22 Feb 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 B. Palmyra Project 5. Workshop Discussion on Fishery Management Measures A. What Works B. What Doesn’t 6. Report on Progress of Advisory Panel Plans A. American Samoa i. Plan Progress ii. Additional Issues B. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) i. Plan Progress ii. Additional Issues C. Guam i. Plan Progress ii. Additional Issues D. Hawaii i. Plan Progress ii. Additional Issues 7. Public Comment 8. Discussion and Recommendations 9. Other Business Management B. Developing a Process to Comply with the Modern Fish Act C. Review of Draft Biological Opinion 10. Pelagic Fisheries A. Updates to the Pelagic Fisheries Research Program B. American Samoa Longline Annual Fishery Report C. Hawaii Longline Annual Fishery Report D. Hawaii Shallow-set Longline Fishery 1. Status of the Hawaii Shallow-set Longline ESA Consultation 2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in the Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Action Item) E. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Specifications (Action Item) F. Maturity, Age, and Growth of Central North Pacific Striped Marlin G. International Fisheries Meetings 1. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Tuna Growth Workshop 2. IATTC Abundance Indices and Tagging Workshops 3. 15th Regular Session of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) 4. 2018 Workshop on Identifying the Spatial Stock Structure of Tropical Pacific Tuna Stocks 5. North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) 6. South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) H. Public Comment I. SSC Discussion and Recommendations Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. VerDate Sep<11>2014 3761 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agenda for the Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee Monday, March 18, 2019, 9 a.m. to 12 Noon 1. Introduction and Opening of Committee Meeting 2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in the Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Action Item) 3. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Limits (Action Item) 4. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations A. Scientific & Statistical Committee 5. Other Issues 6. Public Comment 7. Committee Discussion and Action Agenda for 176th Council Meeting Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1 3762 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2019 / Notices 2. Approval of the 176th Agenda 3. Approval of the 174th and 175th Meeting Minutes 4. Executive Director’s Report 5. Agency Reports A. National Marine Fisheries Service 1. Pacific Islands Regional Office 2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center a. Status of Council Research Priority for the FY 2020 Annual Guidance Memo B. NOAA Office of General Counsel, Pacific Islands Section C. U.S. State Department D. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service E. Enforcement 1. U.S. Coast Guard 2. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement 3. NOAA Office of General Counsel, Enforcement Section F. Public Comment G. Council Discussion and Action 6. Hawaii Archipelago & Pacific Remote Island Areas A. Moku Pepa B. Legislative Report C. Enforcement Issues D. Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas Removal Report E. MHI Kona Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment WPSAR Report F. Benchmark Stock Assessment for the MHI Kona Crab with Catch Projections for 2020–24 G. Hawaii Charter Fishery Cost Earning Survey (2012) Report H. Registry Permit License Study Group Meeting Report I. Education and Outreach Initiatives J. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee K. Public Comment L. Council Discussion and Action 7. Protected Species A. Discussion Paper on Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures B. Status of the FKWTRT Recommendations C. Updates on ESA and MMPA Actions D. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee E. Public Comment F. Council Discussion and Action A. Guam 1. Isla Informe 2. Legislative Report 3. Enforcement Issues 4. Mandatory Permit and Licensing Regulation 5. Community Activities and Issues 6. Education and Outreach Initiatives B. CNMI 1. Arongol Falu´ 2. Legislative Report 3. Enforcement Issues 4. Community Activities and Issues a. Bottomfish Fishery Development Project b. Mandatory License and Reporting Regulation 5. Education and Outreach Initiatives C. Marianas Shark Research Project D. Update on Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Management Plan and Sanctuary Request E. Advisory Group Reports and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee F. Public Comment G. Council Discussion and Action 13. Administrative Matters A. Financial Reports B. Administrative Reports C. 2020–24 Program Plan and Budget D. Council Family Changes a. Advisory Panel b. Plan Team c. Education Committee d. Marine Planning and Climate Change Committee e. Fishery Data Collection and Research Committee f. Protected Species Advisory Committee E. Conflict of Interest and Recusal Policy F. Meetings and Workshops G. Standing Committee Recommendations H. Public Comment I. Council Discussion and Action 14. Other Business Non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 176th meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take action to address the emergency. Fishers Forum A. Legislative Report B. SSC Working Group Report 1. Blue Ocean Marine Protected Area Subgroup Report 2. Modern Fish Act Subgroup Report C. MSRA Five Year Research Priority 2020–24 D. NOAA Climate Science Workshop and Regional Action Plan Reports E. Regional, National and International Outreach & Education F. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee G. Public Comment H. Council Discussion and Action 10. Pelagic & International Fisheries A. American Samoa Longline Annual Fisheries Report B. Hawaii Longline Annual Fishery Report C. Hawaii Shallow-Set Longline Fishery 1. Status of the Hawaii Shallow-set Longline ESA Consultation 2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in the Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Final Action Item) D. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Limits (Final Action Item) E. International Fisheries 1. IATTC a. Tuna Growth Workshop b. Tuna Stock Assessment Workshop 2. WCPFC15 3. 2018 Workshop on Identifying the Spatial Stock Structure of Tropical Pacific Tuna Stocks 4. NPFC 5. 7th Meeting- SPRFMO 6. United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on BBNJ F. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee G. Standing Committee Recommendations H. Public Hearing I. Council Discussion and Action 11. American Samoa Archipelago A. Motu Lipoti B. Fono Report C. Enforcement Issues D. Community Activities and Issues E. Education and Outreach Initiatives F. Marine Conservation Plan Projects G. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee H. Public Comment I. Council Discussion and Action Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9. Program Planning and Research 12. Mariana Archipelago These meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4 p.m. Public Comment on Non-agenda Items Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Feb 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Special Accommodations E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 13, 2019 / Notices auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522–8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 8, 2019. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–02169 Filed 2–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG757 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting; Addendum National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of an addendum to a public meeting. AGENCY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a meeting. DATES: The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda details. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place over webinar with a telephone-only connection option. Details on how to connect to the webinar by computer and by telephone will be available at: https:// www.mafmc.org/ssc. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674–2331; website: www.mafmc.org. SUMMARY: khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, telephone: (302) 526–5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The original notice published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2019 (84 FR 2175). This notice adds agenda items to the meeting agenda. The purpose of this meeting is to make multi-year acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations for summer flounder based on the results of the recently completed benchmark stock assessment. The SSC will recommend revised 2019 and new 2020–21 ABC specifications. The SSC will also review VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Feb 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 and discuss recent activities by the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP). In addition, the following agenda items have been added and will be addressed by the SSC: Recommend interim 2020 ABC specifications for scup, black sea bass and bluefish. The SSC may take up any other business as necessary. A detailed agenda and background documents will be made available on the Council’s website (www.mafmc.org) prior to the meeting. Dated: February 8, 2019. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–02170 Filed 2–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG805 Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings. DATES: The Pacific Council and its advisory entities will meet March 6–12, 2019. The Pacific Council meeting will begin on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), reconvening at 8 a.m. each day through Tuesday, March 12, 2019. All meetings are open to the public, except a closed session will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Thursday, March 7 to address litigation and personnel matters. The Pacific Council will meet as late as necessary each day to complete its scheduled business. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meetings of the Pacific Council and its advisory entities will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington Hotel, 301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA; telephone: (360) 993– 4500. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3763 Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220. Instructions for attending the meeting via live stream broadcast are given under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Chuck Tracy, Executive Director; telephone: (503) 820–2280 or (866) 806– 7204 toll-free; or access the Pacific Council website, https:// www.pcouncil.org for the current meeting location, proposed agenda, and meeting briefing materials. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The March 6–12, 2019 meeting of the Pacific Council will be streamed live on the internet. The broadcasts begin initially at 9 a.m. PST Thursday, March 7, 2019 and continue at 8 a.m. daily through Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Broadcasts end daily at 5 p.m. PST or when business for the day is complete. Only the audio portion and presentations displayed on the screen at the Pacific Council meeting will be broadcast. The audio portion is listen-only; you will be unable to speak to the Pacific Council via the broadcast. To access the meeting online, please use the following link: https://www.gotomeeting.com/online/ webinar/join-webinar and enter the March Webinar ID, 634–645–459, and your email address. You can attend the webinar online using a computer, tablet, or smart phone, using the GoToMeeting application. It is recommended that you use a computer headset to listen to the meeting, but you may use your telephone for the audio-only portion of the meeting. The audio portion may be attended using a telephone by dialing the toll number 1–562–247–8422 (not a toll-free number), audio access code 532–691–006, and entering the audio pin shown after joining the webinar. The following items are on the Pacific Council agenda, but not necessarily in this order. Agenda items noted as ‘‘Final Action’’ refer to actions requiring the Council to transmit a proposed fishery management plan, proposed plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, under Sections 304 or 305 of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Additional detail on agenda items, Council action, advisory entity meeting times, and meeting rooms are described in Agenda Item A.4, Proposed Council Meeting Agenda, and will be in the advance March 2019 briefing materials and posted on the Pacific Council website at www.pcouncil.org no later than Friday, February 15, 2019. A. Call to Order E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3760-3763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02169]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG801


Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

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

ACTION: Notice of public meetings, hearings, and a partially closed 
meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold its 131st Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting, 
Joint Advisory Panel (AP) meeting, 176th Council meeting and its 
associated meetings to take actions on fishery management issues in the 
Western Pacific Region. A portion of the Council's Executive, Budget 
and Legislative Standing Committee meeting will be closed to the 
public.

DATES: The meetings will be held between March 12 and March 21, 2019. 
For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

ADDRESSES: The 131st SSC, Joint AP, the Council's Executive, Budget and 
Legislative Standing Committee and Pelagic and International Standing 
Committee meetings will be held at the Council office, 1164 Bishop 
Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 522-8220. The 
176th Council meeting will be held at the Laniakea YWCA, Fuller Hall, 
1040 Richards Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 538-7061. The 
Fishers Forum will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Dr., 
Honolulu, HI 96814, phone: (808) 955-4811.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, 
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; phone: (808) 522-8220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 131st SSC meeting will be held between 
8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 12-14, 2019. The Joint AP Meeting will be 
held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 15-16, 2019. The Executive, 
Budget and Legislative Standing Committee meeting will be held on March 
18, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The portion of the Executive, Budget 
and Legislative Standing Committee meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
will be closed to the public in accordance with Section 302(i)(3)(ii) 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) 
for a briefing on litigation by counsel. The Pelagic and International 
Standing Committee will be held on March 18, 2019, between 2 p.m. and 5 
p.m. The 176th Council meeting will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 5 
p.m. on March 19-21, 2019. On March 19, 2019, the Council will host a 
Fishers Forum between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
    Agenda items noted as ``Final Action Items'' refer to actions that 
result in Council transmittal of a proposed fishery management plan, 
proposed plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary 
of Commerce, under Sections 304 or 305 of the MSA. In addition to the 
agenda items listed here, the Council and its advisory bodies will hear 
recommendations from Council advisors. An opportunity to submit public 
comment will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which 
agenda items are addressed may change and will be announced in advance 
at the Council meeting. The meetings will run as late as necessary to

[[Page 3761]]

complete scheduled business. Background documents will be available 
from, and written comments should be sent to, Kitty M. Simonds, 
Executive Director; Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1164 
Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 522-8220 or 
fax: (808) 522-8226.

Agenda for 131st SSC Meeting

Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Introductions
2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs
3. Status of the 130th SSC Meeting Recommendations
4. Remarks from the NOAA Fisheries Director of Scientific Programs and 
Chief Science Advisor
5. Report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director
    A. Status of Council Research Priority for the FY 2020 Annual 
Guidance Memo
6. Program Planning and Research
    A. SSC Responsibilities in the Modern Fish Act
    B. Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Five Year Research 
Priority 2020-24
    C. NOAA Climate Science Workshop and Regional Action Plan Report
    D. Public Comment
    E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
7. Island Fisheries
    A. Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Kona Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment 
Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR) Report
    B. Benchmark Stock Assessment for the MHI Kona Crab with Catch 
Projections for 2020-24
    C. Public Comment
    D. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
8. Protected Species
    A. Discussion Paper on Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures
    B. Status of the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team (FKWTRT) 
Recommendations
    C. Updates on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA) Actions
    D. Public Comment
    E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations

Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plenary Presentation by Ray Hilborn--Blue Ocean Marine Protected Area
9. SSC Concurrent Work Session
    A. Developing a Road Map for Effective Fishery Spatial Management
    B. Developing a Process to Comply with the Modern Fish Act
    C. Review of Draft Biological Opinion
10. Pelagic Fisheries
    A. Updates to the Pelagic Fisheries Research Program
    B. American Samoa Longline Annual Fishery Report
    C. Hawaii Longline Annual Fishery Report
    D. Hawaii Shallow-set Longline Fishery
    1. Status of the Hawaii Shallow-set Longline ESA Consultation
    2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in 
the Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Action Item)
    E. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Specifications 
(Action Item)
    F. Maturity, Age, and Growth of Central North Pacific Striped 
Marlin
    G. International Fisheries Meetings
    1. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Tuna Growth 
Workshop
    2. IATTC Abundance Indices and Tagging Workshops
    3. 15th Regular Session of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries 
Commission (WCPFC)
    4. 2018 Workshop on Identifying the Spatial Stock Structure of 
Tropical Pacific Tuna Stocks
    5. North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC)
    6. South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization 
(SPRFMO)
    H. Public Comment
    I. SSC Discussion and Recommendations

Thursday, March 14, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11. Other Business
    A. 132nd SSC Meetings Dates
    B. Council's Five Year Program Plan
    C. SSC Three-Year Plan (2020-22)
    D. National Scientific Coordinating Subcommittee Meeting 2020
12. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council

Agenda for the Joint Advisory Panel Meeting

Friday, March 15, 2019, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Review of Agenda
3. FISH 101 Training

Saturday, March 16, 2019, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Spatial Management
    A. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
    B. Palmyra Project
5. Workshop Discussion on Fishery Management Measures
    A. What Works
    B. What Doesn't
6. Report on Progress of Advisory Panel Plans
    A. American Samoa
    i. Plan Progress
    ii. Additional Issues
    B. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
    i. Plan Progress
    ii. Additional Issues
    C. Guam
    i. Plan Progress
    ii. Additional Issues
    D. Hawaii
    i. Plan Progress
    ii. Additional Issues
7. Public Comment
8. Discussion and Recommendations
9. Other Business

Agenda for the Executive, Budget and Legislative Standing Committee

Monday, March 18, 2019, 9 a.m. to 12 Noon

1. Financial Reports
2. Administrative Reports
3. CLOSED SESSION (MSA Sec.  302(i)(3)(A)(ii)--Status of Litigation 
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
4. 2020-24 Program Plan and Budget
5. Council Family Changes
6. SSC role under new Modernization Act
7. NOAA website/Pacific Islands Section
8. Recusal Policy
9. Meetings and Workshops
10. Other Issues
11. Public Comment
12. Discussion and Recommendations

Agenda for the Pelagic and International Standing Committee

Monday, March 18, 2019, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Introduction and Opening of Committee Meeting
2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in the 
Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Action Item)
3. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Limits (Action Item)
4. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    A. Scientific & Statistical Committee
5. Other Issues
6. Public Comment
7. Committee Discussion and Action

Agenda for 176th Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Welcome and Introductions

[[Page 3762]]

2. Approval of the 176th Agenda
3. Approval of the 174th and 175th Meeting Minutes
4. Executive Director's Report
5. Agency Reports
    A. National Marine Fisheries Service
    1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
    2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
    a. Status of Council Research Priority for the FY 2020 Annual 
Guidance Memo
    B. NOAA Office of General Counsel, Pacific Islands Section
    C. U.S. State Department
    D. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    E. Enforcement
    1. U.S. Coast Guard
    2. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
    3. NOAA Office of General Counsel, Enforcement Section
    F. Public Comment
    G. Council Discussion and Action
6. Hawaii Archipelago & Pacific Remote Island Areas
    A. Moku Pepa
    B. Legislative Report
    C. Enforcement Issues
    D. Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas Removal Report
    E. MHI Kona Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment WPSAR Report
    F. Benchmark Stock Assessment for the MHI Kona Crab with Catch 
Projections for 2020-24
    G. Hawaii Charter Fishery Cost Earning Survey (2012) Report
    H. Registry Permit License Study Group Meeting Report
    I. Education and Outreach Initiatives
    J. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    K. Public Comment
    L. Council Discussion and Action
7. Protected Species
    A. Discussion Paper on Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures
    B. Status of the FKWTRT Recommendations
    C. Updates on ESA and MMPA Actions
    D. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    E. Public Comment
    F. Council Discussion and Action

Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4 p.m.

Public Comment on Non-agenda Items

Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Fishers Forum

Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

9. Program Planning and Research
    A. Legislative Report
    B. SSC Working Group Report
    1. Blue Ocean Marine Protected Area Subgroup Report
    2. Modern Fish Act Subgroup Report
    C. MSRA Five Year Research Priority 2020-24
    D. NOAA Climate Science Workshop and Regional Action Plan Reports
    E. Regional, National and International Outreach & Education
    F. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    G. Public Comment
    H. Council Discussion and Action
10. Pelagic & International Fisheries
    A. American Samoa Longline Annual Fisheries Report
    B. Hawaii Longline Annual Fishery Report
    C. Hawaii Shallow-Set Longline Fishery
    1. Status of the Hawaii Shallow-set Longline ESA Consultation
    2. Managing Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtle Interactions in 
the Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery (Final Action Item)
    D. US Participating Territory Longline Bigeye Limits (Final Action 
Item)
    E. International Fisheries
    1. IATTC
    a. Tuna Growth Workshop
    b. Tuna Stock Assessment Workshop
    2. WCPFC15
    3. 2018 Workshop on Identifying the Spatial Stock Structure of 
Tropical Pacific Tuna Stocks
    4. NPFC
    5. 7th Meeting- SPRFMO
    6. United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on BBNJ
    F. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    G. Standing Committee Recommendations
    H. Public Hearing
    I. Council Discussion and Action
11. American Samoa Archipelago
    A. Motu Lipoti
    B. Fono Report
    C. Enforcement Issues
    D. Community Activities and Issues
    E. Education and Outreach Initiatives
    F. Marine Conservation Plan Projects
    G. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    H. Public Comment
    I. Council Discussion and Action

Thursday, March 21, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

12. Mariana Archipelago
    A. Guam
    1. Isla Informe
    2. Legislative Report
    3. Enforcement Issues
    4. Mandatory Permit and Licensing Regulation
    5. Community Activities and Issues
    6. Education and Outreach Initiatives
    B. CNMI
    1. Arongol Fal[uacute]
    2. Legislative Report
    3. Enforcement Issues
    4. Community Activities and Issues
    a. Bottomfish Fishery Development Project
    b. Mandatory License and Reporting Regulation
    5. Education and Outreach Initiatives
    C. Marianas Shark Research Project
    D. Update on Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Management 
Plan and Sanctuary Request
    E. Advisory Group Reports and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee
    F. Public Comment
    G. Council Discussion and Action
13. Administrative Matters
    A. Financial Reports
    B. Administrative Reports
    C. 2020-24 Program Plan and Budget
    D. Council Family Changes
    a. Advisory Panel
    b. Plan Team
    c. Education Committee
    d. Marine Planning and Climate Change Committee
    e. Fishery Data Collection and Research Committee
    f. Protected Species Advisory Committee
    E. Conflict of Interest and Recusal Policy
    F. Meetings and Workshops
    G. Standing Committee Recommendations
    H. Public Comment
    I. Council Discussion and Action
14. Other Business
    Non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before 
the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 176th 
meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be 
restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any 
regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that 
requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to 
take action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Requests 
for sign language interpretation or other

[[Page 3763]]

auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522-8220 
(voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting 
date.

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

    Dated: February 8, 2019.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02169 Filed 2-12-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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