Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Abbreviated Framework Amendment 2, 4758-4762 [2019-02597]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 33 / Tuesday, February 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 300
[Docket No. 180716667–8667–01]
RIN 0648–BI36
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna
Fisheries; 2019 and 2020 Commercial
Fishing Restrictions for Pacific Bluefin
Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean;
Reopen Public Comment Period
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopen public
comment period.
AGENCY:
On December 27, 2018, NMFS
published a proposed rule in the
Federal Register to implement annual
limits on commercial catch of Pacific
bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the
eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) for 2019
and 2020. Comments were due by
January 16, 2019. However, due to a
lapse in appropriations, the link to the
public comment portal provided in the
proposed rule was not active.
Consequently, NMFS is reopening the
public comment period for an
additional 15 calendar days.
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule
and supporting documents must be
submitted in writing by March 6, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by NOAA–
NMFS–2018–0126, by any of the
following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20180126, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: Submit written comments to
Celia Barroso, NMFS West Coast Region
Long Beach Office, 501 W Ocean Blvd.,
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Include the identifier ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–
2018–0126’’ in the comments.
Instructions: Comments must be
submitted by one of the above methods
to ensure they are received,
documented, and considered by NMFS.
Comments sent by any other method, 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 for public viewing on
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SUMMARY:
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www.regulations.gov without change.
All personal identifying information
(e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted
voluntarily by the sender will be
publicly accessible. Do not submit
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive or protected
information. NMFS will accept
anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in
the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
Please submit written comments
regarding the burden-hour estimates or
other aspects of the collection-ofinformation requirements contained in
this proposed rule and subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act to Celia
Barroso, NMFS West Coast Region Long
Beach Office (see address above) and by
email to OIRA_Submission@
omb.eop.gov, or by fax to (202) 395–
7285.
Copies of the draft Regulatory Impact
Review (RIR) and other supporting
documents are available via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations
.gov, docket NOAA–NMFS–2018–0126,
or contact the Highly Migratory Species
Branch Chief, Heidi Taylor, 501 W
Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach,
CA 90208, or WCR.HMS@noaa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Celia Barroso, NMFS, 562–432–1850,
Celia.Barroso@noaa.gov.
On
December 27, 2018, NMFS published a
proposed rule under the Tuna
Conventions Act of 1950 to implement
Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission Resolution C–18–01
(Measures for the Conservation and
Management of Bluefin Tuna in the
Eastern Pacific Ocean, 2019–2020) and
Resolution C–18–02 (Amendment to
Resolution C–16–08 on a Long-term
Management Framework for the
Conservation and Management of
Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern
Pacific Ocean) (83 FR 66665). This
proposed rule would implement annual
limits on commercial catch of Pacific
bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the
EPO for 2019 and 2020. This action is
necessary to conserve Pacific bluefin
tuna and for the United States to satisfy
its obligations as a member of the
IATTC.
As a result of the U.S. government
partial lapse in appropriations, the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov that was cited in
the proposed rule as a method to
provide public comments was not active
during the entire comment period.
Therefore, NMFS has decided to reopen
the period for public comment for an
additional 15 days.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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The notice of the proposed rule (83
FR 66665, December 27, 2018) contains
more background information, which is
not repeated here.
Authority: 16. U.S.C. 951 et seq.
Dated: February 12, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–02576 Filed 2–15–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 181210999–9067–01]
RIN 0648–BI56
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of
Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic
Region; Abbreviated Framework
Amendment 2
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS proposes to implement
management measures described in
Abbreviated Framework Amendment 2
(Abbreviated Framework 2) to the
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South
Atlantic Region, as prepared and
submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council (Council). If
implemented, this proposed rule would
revise the commercial and recreational
annual catch limits (ACLs) for vermilion
snapper and black sea bass in the
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the
South Atlantic. The purpose of this
proposed rule is to respond to the
results of the latest stock assessments
for the species and to help achieve
optimum yield (OY) for vermilion
snapper and black sea bass.
DATES: Written comments must be
received by March 6, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on the proposed rule, identified by
‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2018–0133’’ by any of
the following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic comments via the Federal
Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018SUMMARY:
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0133, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: Submit all written comments
to Frank Helies, NMFS Southeast
Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue
South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
• Instructions: Comments sent by any
other method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the end of
the comment period, may not be
considered by NMFS. All comments
received are a part of the public record
and will generally 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 required fields if you wish to
remain anonymous).
Electronic copies of Abbreviated
Framework 2, which includes a
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
analysis and a regulatory impact review,
may be obtained from
www.regulations.gov or the Southeast
Regional Office website at https://
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/
abbreviated-framework-amendment-2vermilion-snapper-and-black-sea-bass.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Frank Helies, NMFS SERO, telephone:
727–824–5305, email: Frank.Helies@
noaa.gov.
The
snapper-grouper fishery in the South
Atlantic region is managed under the
FMP and includes vermilion snapper
and black sea bass, along with other
snapper-grouper species. The FMP was
prepared by the Council and is
implemented by NMFS through
regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). All
weights described in this proposed rule
are in round weight, unless otherwise
specified.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires
NMFS and regional fishery management
councils to prevent overfishing and
achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY
from federally managed fish stocks to
ensure that fishery resources are
managed for the greatest overall benefit
to the nation.
In April 2018, Southeast Data,
Assessment, and Review (SEDAR)
standard assessments were completed
for both South Atlantic vermilion
snapper (SEDAR 55) and black sea bass
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(SEDAR 56). The Council’s Scientific
and Statistical Committee (SSC)
reviewed both assessments at their May
2018 meeting, stated that they
represented the best scientific
information available, and provided the
Council with acceptable biological catch
(ABC) recommendations for the two
species. Based on the results of the
SEDAR 55 and SEDAR 56, NMFS
determined that neither species was
overfished or undergoing overfishing.
Recreational landings of snappergrouper, including for vermilion
snapper and black seas bass are
monitored through the Marine
Recreational Information Program
(MRIP). NMFS notes that as of January
1, 2018, there was a change to the
program whereby fishing effort is
calculated based on a mail survey
instead of through a phone survey. As
a result of the changes to MRIP, the
NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science
Center (SEFSC) revised the vermilion
snapper and black sea bass stock
assessments (SEDAR 55 and 56) using
the newly calibrated MRIP data. The
Council’s SSC reviewed the revised
stock assessments at their October 2018
meeting. However, the SSC did not
provide new ABC recommendations to
the Council based on the updated
assessments. The SSC determined that
the new MRIP estimates may warrant
data decisions that differ from previous
SEDAR assessments, as the new
estimates did not go through a data
workshop. The Council’s SSC requested
more information from the SEFSC in the
form of full output and diagnostics on
the updated assessments. After the SSC
receives the additional information from
the SEFSC, they may consider changes
to the existing ABC recommendations
for vermilion snapper and black sea
bass.
NMFS notes that the public comment
period for this proposed rule is 15 days.
As a result of delays in this rulemaking
related to the recent partial Federal
government shutdown and the
regulatory requirement to announce the
South Atlantic black sea bass
recreational fishing season dates by
April 1, 2019, NMFS has determined
that a 15 day comment period best
balances the interest in allowing the
public adequate time to comment on the
proposed measures while reducing
public uncertainty and confusion by
working to implement management
measures by April 1, 2019.
Management Measures Contained in
This Proposed Rule
This proposed rule would revise the
commercial and recreational ACLs for
South Atlantic vermilion snapper and
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black sea bass based on updated
information from stock assessments.
Vermilion Snapper
For vermilion snapper, the ACL is
allocated between the sectors into a
current commercial ACL of 862,920 lb
(391,414 kg) and a current recreational
ACL of 406,080 lb (184,195 kg). These
ACLs were set in Regulatory
Amendment 18 to the FMP (78 FR
47574; September 5, 2013) and the
current sector allocation were
established in Amendment 16 to the
FMP (74 FR 30964; July 29, 2009). The
current sector allocation for vermilion
snapper is 68 percent commercial and
32 percent recreational.
Consistent with the results of SEDAR
55 and the ABC recommendation from
the SSC and subsequently accepted by
the Council, this proposed rule would
increase the commercial and
recreational ACLs for vermilion
snapper. For the commercial sector, the
ACL is further divided into two 6-month
seasons and the ACL (commercial
quota) is equally divided between the
seasons. Any unused quota from the
first season in carried over into the
second season. Any unused quota from
the second season is not carried over
into the next fishing year. The two
commercial seasons are January through
June and July through December each
year.
The commercial seasonal quotas
would be set at 483,658 lb (219,384 kg),
gutted weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg)
for the 2019 fishing year; 452,721 lb
(205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520 lb
(227,939 kg) for the 2020 fishing year;
431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight;
478,720 lb (217,144 kg) for the 2021
fishing year; 417,189 lb (189,234 kg),
gutted weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg)
for the 2022 fishing year; and 409,225 lb
(185,621 kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb
(206,040 kg) for the 2023 and
subsequent fishing years.
The recreational ACL would be set at
455,207 lb (206,478 kg), gutted weight,
505,280 lb (229,191 kg) for the 2019
fishing year; 426,090 lb (193,271 kg),
gutted weight, 472,960 lb (214,531 kg)
for the 2020 fishing year; 405,910 lb
(184,118 kg), gutted weight, 450,560 lb
(204,552 kg) for the 2021 fishing year;
392,649 lb (178,103 kg), gutted weight,
435,840 lb (197,694 kg) for the 2022
fishing year; and 385,520 lb (174,869
kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920
kg) for the 2023 and subsequent fishing
years.
The proposed ACLs are consistent
with the Council SSC’s ABC
recommendation, and this proposed
rule would not change the sector
allocations.
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The vermilion snapper commercial
sector has experienced in-season fishing
closures every year since 2009
regardless of the amount of the
commercial quota. If the catch rates of
vermilion snapper in the commercial
sector continue as expected, the
proposed seasonal quotas would still be
expected to result in in-season closures
during each of the two commercial
seasons as a result of the seasonal
quotas being reached. However, the
proposed increase to the commercial
ACL is expected to extend the
commercial fishing season up to 48 days
over the entire 2019 fishing year. The
projected increase in the number of days
for the commercial season is expected to
then progressively decrease after 2019
corresponding with the proposed
declining ACL values after 2019. For
example, the proposed commercial ACL
is expected to result in up to 5
additional fishing days in the 2023
fishing year. The recreational sector has
not experienced a fishing season closure
as a result of reaching its ACL, and if the
proposed recreational ACLs are
implemented, it is expected that the
recreational sector will continue to
remain open for the entire fishing year
and not close as a result of the
recreational ACLs being reached.
Black Sea Bass
The current black sea bass
commercial and recreational ACLs were
implemented in 2013 through
Regulatory Amendment 19 to the FMP
(78 FR 58249; September 23, 2013). The
current commercial ACL is 755,274 lb
(342,587 kg) and the recreational ACL is
1,001,176 lb (454,126 kg).
The ACLs are based on the sector
allocation ratio developed by the
Council for black sea bass (43 percent
commercial and 57 percent recreational)
as established in Amendment 13C to the
FMP (71 FR 55096; October 23, 2006).
Consistent with the results of SEDAR
56 and the ABC recommendation from
the SSC accepted by the Council, this
proposed rule would reduce the
commercial and recreational ACLs for
black sea bass. The proposed
commercial ACL would be 276,949 lb
(125,622 kg), gutted weight; 326,800 lb
(148,234 kg) for the 2019 fishing year;
243,788 lb (110,580 kg), gutted weight;
287,670 lb (130,485 kg) for the 2020
fishing year; and 234,314 lb (106,283
kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb (125,414
kg) for the 2021 and subsequent fishing
years.
The fishing year for the black sea bass
recreational sector is from April 1
through March 31, and the recreational
ACLs are therefore described as yearly
combinations. If implemented, the
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proposed black sea bass recreational
ACL would not take effect until during
the 2019–2020 fishing year, which
begins on April 1, 2019. The current
recreational ACLs are 848,455 lb
(384,853 kg), gutted weight, 1,001,177 lb
(454,126 kg), which will remain in place
for the 2018–2019 fishing year. The
proposed recreational ACLs are 367,119
lb (166,522 kg), gutted weight, 433,200
lb (196,496 kg) for the 2019–2020
fishing year; 323,161 lb (146,583 kg),
gutted weight, 381,330 lb (172,968 kg)
for the 2020–2021 fishing year; and
310,602 lb (140,887 kg), gutted weight,
366,510 lb (166,246 kg) for the 2021–
2022 and subsequent fishing years.
The proposed sector ACLs are
consistent with the Council SSC’s ABC
recommendation, and this proposed
rule would not change the current sector
allocations.
Since 2015, black sea bass total
landings have not exceeded 40 percent
of the current combined commercial
and recreational ACLs. The last fishing
season closures for the commercial and
recreational sectors occurred in 2012
and 2011, respectively. Based on the
projected future commercial landings of
black sea bass, for the 2019 fishing year,
the proposed commercial ACL is not
expected to be exceeded and would
therefore not result in an in-season
closure as a result of the commercial
ACL being reached. However, in the
2020 and 2021 fishing years,
commercial in-season closures are
projected to occur on November 26 and
November 5, respectively. Since 2015,
the trend in recreational landings of
black sea bass has been downward. The
proposed recreational ACLs are not
expected to be exceeded and are not
expected to result in in-season closures
as a result of the sector ACL being
reached. Additionally, if the black sea
bass stock experiences a year of high
recruitment, then these proposed
reductions in ACLs would be expected
to constrain future harvest and
minimize the risk of overfishing.
Classification
Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Assistant
Administrator has determined that this
proposed rule is consistent with
Abbreviated Framework 2, the FMP, the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other
applicable law, subject to further
consideration after public comment.
This proposed rule has been
determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
This rule is not an Executive Order
13771 regulatory action because this
rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.
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The Chief Counsel for Regulation of
the Department of Commerce certified
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration (SBA)
that this proposed rule, if adopted,
would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for this
determination is as follows:
A description of the proposed rule,
why it is being considered, and the
objectives of, and legal basis for this
proposed rule are contained at the
beginning of this section in the
preamble and in the SUMMARY section of
the preamble. The Magnuson-Stevens
Act provides the statutory basis for this
rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or
conflicting Federal rules have been
identified. In addition, no new
reporting, record-keeping, or other
compliance requirements are introduced
by this proposed rule. Accordingly, this
proposed rule does not implicate the
Paperwork Reduction Act.
This proposed rule would increase
the commercial and recreational ACLs
for vermilion snapper. This proposed
rule would reduce the commercial and
recreational ACLs for black sea bass.
Because the Regulatory Flexibility Act
(RFA) does not apply to recreational
anglers, only the effects on commercial
vessels were analyzed. Any impact to
the profitability or competitiveness of
for-hire fishing businesses would be the
result of changes in for-hire angler
demand and would, therefore, be
indirect in nature; the RFA does not
consider indirect impacts.
The proposed action would directly
affect federally permitted commercial
fishermen fishing for South Atlantic
vermilion snapper and black sea bass.
For RFA purposes only, NMFS has
established a small business size
standard for businesses, including their
affiliates, whose primary industry is
commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2).
A business primarily engaged in
commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411)
is classified as a small business if it is
independently owned and operated, is
not dominant in its field of operation
(including affiliates), and has combined
annual receipts not in excess of $11
million for all its affiliated operations
worldwide.
As of July 25, 2018, there were 538
valid or renewable Federal South
Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited
permits, 109 valid or renewable 225-lb
trip limited permits, and 32 black sea
bass pot endorsements. From 2013
through 2017, an average of 208 vessels
(all gear) per year landed vermilion
snapper in the South Atlantic. These
vessels, combined, averaged 1,766 trips
per year in the South Atlantic on which
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vermilion snapper were landed and
4,578 trips in the South Atlantic that
did not land any vermilion snapper or
trips that were taken outside the South
Atlantic regardless of the species
caught. The average annual total
dockside revenues were approximately
$3.03 million from vermilion snapper,
$2.79 million from other species coharvested with vermilion snapper (on
the same trips), and $7.30 million from
trips in the South Atlantic on which no
vermilion snapper were harvested or
trips that occurred outside the South
Atlantic regardless of the species
caught. The average annual total
revenue from all species landed by
vessels harvesting vermilion snapper in
the South Atlantic was approximately
$13.12 million, or $63,000 per vessel.
These vessels generated approximately
23.1 percent of their total fishing
revenues from vermilion snapper. Of the
208 vessels that landed vermilion
snapper, 123 vessels used bandit gear,
and they accounted for about 84 percent
of all vermilion snapper landings. These
123 vessels generated dockside revenues
of approximately $2.56 million from
vermilion snapper, $2.14 million from
other species co-harvested with
vermilion snapper (on the same trips),
and $8.88 million from trips in the
South Atlantic on which no vermilion
snapper were harvested or trips that
occurred outside the South Atlantic
regardless of the species caught. The
average annual total revenue from all
species landed by these vessels was
approximately $13.58 million, or
$110,000 per vessel. These vessels
generated approximately 18.9 percent of
their total fishing revenues from
vermilion snapper.
From 2013 through 2017, an average
of 214 vessels (all gear) per year landed
black sea bass in the South Atlantic.
These vessels, combined, averaged
2,089 trips per year in the South
Atlantic on which black sea bass were
landed and 3,985 trips in the South
Atlantic that did not land any black sea
bass or trips that were taken outside the
South Atlantic regardless of the species
caught. The average annual total
dockside revenues were approximately
$0.96 million from black sea bass, $3.82
million from other species co-harvested
with black sea bass (on the same trips),
and $7.58 million from trips in the
South Atlantic on which no black sea
bass were harvested or trips that
occurred outside the South Atlantic
regardless of the species caught. The
average annual total revenue from all
species landed by vessels harvesting
black sea bass in the South Atlantic was
approximately $12.36 million, or
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$58,000 per vessel. These vessels
generated approximately 7.8 percent of
their total fishing revenues from black
sea bass. Black sea bass pots are a
historically important gear type for
harvesting black sea bass. This
particular component of the black sea
bass commercial sector is currently
managed under an endorsement system.
At the start of the program in 2012, 32
endorsements were issued to
commercial vessels with snappergrouper permits, but not all vessels
harvest black sea bass in any single year.
Of the 214 vessels that landed black sea
bass, 23 used pots and accounted for
about half of all black sea bass landings.
These vessels generated revenues of
approximately $469,000 from black sea
bass, $38,000 from other species coharvested with black sea bass (on the
same trips), and $5,000 from trips in the
South Atlantic on which no black sea
bass were harvested or trips that
occurred outside the South Atlantic
regardless of the species caught. The
average annual total revenue from all
species landed by these vessels was
approximately $513,000, or $22,000 per
vessel. These vessels generated
approximately 91.6 percent of their total
fishing revenues from black sea bass,
indicating their strong reliance on the
species.
Based on the foregoing revenue
information, all commercial vessels
directly affected by the proposed rule
may be considered small entities.
The proposed action for vermilion
snapper would increase the commercial
ACL, resulting in revenue increases of
approximately $724,000 in 2019,
$488,000 in 2020, $324,000 in 2021,
$217,000 in 2022, and $156,000 in 2023
and thereafter. Over a 5-year period
(2019–2023), the net present value
(using 7 percent discount rate) of
revenue increases would be
approximately $1.8 million. Vessels that
landed vermilion snapper using bandit
gear may be expected to benefit more
from the commercial ACL increase than
those using hook-and-line gear, because
they generally accounted for most of the
vermilion snapper commercial landings.
The proposed action for black sea bass
would reduce the commercial ACL,
resulting in revenue decreases of
approximately $0 in 2019, $47,000 in
2020, and $79,000 in 2021, and
subsequent years. The net present value
of revenue reductions would be
approximately $113,000 over 3 years
(2019–2021), or $239,000 over 5 years
(2019–2023). Vessels using pots for
harvesting black sea bass may be more
adversely affected than those using
other gear types, because black sea bass
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generally accounted for most of their
total fishing revenues.
The negative revenue impacts on
vessels harvesting black sea bass are
considered minor. Relative to total
revenues by vessels harvesting black sea
bass, revenue reductions due to the
reduced ACLs would be approximately
zero in 2019, 0.38 percent in 2020, and
0.64 percent in 2021. One key feature of
the black sea bass component of the
snapper-grouper fishery is that landings
have trended downward, falling to less
than 50 percent of the current
commercial ACL since 2015, so that the
estimated negative revenue effects of the
reduced ACL would less likely
materialize. In the event landings
significantly increase in the future and
the estimated revenue reductions would
materialize, the proposed ACL would
help prevent overfishing the black sea
bass stock.
When combining both actions for both
vermilion snapper and black sea bass,
the net effect of the proposed rule
would be an increase in revenue of
approximately $1.6 million over 5 years.
The information provided above
supports a determination that this
proposed rule would not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Because this proposed rule, if
implemented, is not expected to have a
significant economic impact on any
small entities, an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis is not required and
none has been prepared.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622
Annual catch limits, Black sea bass,
Fisheries, Fishing, South Atlantic,
Quotas, Vermilion snapper.
Dated: February 12, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed
to be amended as follows:
PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE
CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND
SOUTH ATLANTIC
1. The authority citation for part 622
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
2. In § 622.190, revise paragraphs
(a)(4)(i), (a)(4)(ii), and (a)(5) to read as
follows:
■
§ 622.190
*
Quotas.
*
*
(a) * * *
(4) * * *
E:\FR\FM\19FEP1.SGM
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*
*
4762
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 33 / Tuesday, February 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(i) For the period January through
June each year.
(A) For the 2019 fishing year—
483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted weight;
536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
(B) For the 2020 fishing year—452,721
lb (205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520
lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
(C) For the 2021 fishing year—431,279
lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight; 478,720
lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
(D) For the 2022 fishing year—
417,189 lb (189,234 kg), gutted weight;
463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
(E) For the 2023 and subsequent
fishing years—409,225 lb (185,621 kg),
gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg),
round weight.
(ii) For the period July through
December each year.
(A) For the 2019 fishing year—
483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted weight;
536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
(B) For the 2020 fishing year—452,721
lb (205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520
lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
(C) For the 2021 fishing year—431,279
lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight; 478,720
lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
(D) For the 2022 fishing year—
417,189 lb (417,189 kg), gutted weight;
463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Feb 15, 2019
Jkt 247001
(E) For the 2023 and subsequent
fishing years—409,225 lb (185,621 kg),
gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg),
round weight.
*
*
*
*
*
(5) Black sea bass. (i) For the 2019
fishing year—276,949 lb (125,622 kg),
gutted weight; 326,800 lb (148,234 kg),
round weight.
(ii) For the 2020 fishing year—243,788
lb (110,580 kg), gutted weight; 287,670
lb (130,485 kg), round weight.
(iii) For the 2021 fishing year and
subsequent fishing years—234,314 lb
(106,283 kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb
(125,414 kg), round weight.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 3. In § 622.193, revise the first
sentence of paragraph (e)(2) and revise
paragraph (f)(2)(iv) to read as follows:
§ 622.193 Annual catch limits (ACLs),
annual catch targets (ACTs), and
accountability measures (AMs).
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(2) Recreational sector. The
recreational ACL for black sea bass is
848,455 lb (384,853 kg), gutted weight,
1,001,177 lb (454,126 kg), round weight
for the 2018–2019 fishing year; 367,119
lb (166,522 kg), gutted weight, 433,200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
lb (196,496 kg), round weight for the
2019–2020 fishing year; 323,161 lb
(146,583 kg), gutted weight, 381,330 lb
(172,968 kg), round weight, for the
2020–2021 fishing year; and 310,602 lb
(140,887 kg), gutted weight, 366,510 lb
(166,246 kg), round weight, for the
2021–2022 and subsequent fishing
years. * * *
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(2) * * *
(iv) The recreational ACL for
vermilion snapper is 455,207 lb
(206,478 kg), gutted weight, 505,280 lb
(229,191 kg), round weight, for the 2019
fishing year; 426,090 lb (193,271 kg),
gutted weight, 472,960 lb (214,531 kg),
round weight, for the 2020 fishing year;
405,910 lb (184,118 kg), gutted weight,
450,560 lb (204,552 kg), round weight,
for the 2021 fishing year; 392,649 lb
(178,103 kg), gutted weight, 435,840 lb
(197,694 kg), round weight, for the 2022
fishing year; and 385,520 lb (174,869
kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920
kg), round weight, for the 2023 and
subsequent fishing years.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2019–02597 Filed 2–15–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\19FEP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4758-4762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02597]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 181210999-9067-01]
RIN 0648-BI56
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic;
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Abbreviated
Framework Amendment 2
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in
Abbreviated Framework Amendment 2 (Abbreviated Framework 2) to the
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the
South Atlantic Region, as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic
Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this proposed
rule would revise the commercial and recreational annual catch limits
(ACLs) for vermilion snapper and black sea bass in the exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. The purpose of this proposed
rule is to respond to the results of the latest stock assessments for
the species and to help achieve optimum yield (OY) for vermilion
snapper and black sea bass.
DATES: Written comments must be received by March 6, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by
``NOAA-NMFS-2018-0133'' by any of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic comments via
the Federal Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-
[[Page 4759]]
0133, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields,
and enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit all written comments to Frank Helies, NMFS
Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL
33701.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any
other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment
period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part
of the public record and will generally 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 required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
Electronic copies of Abbreviated Framework 2, which includes a
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis and a regulatory impact
review, may be obtained from www.regulations.gov or the Southeast
Regional Office website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/abbreviated-framework-amendment-2-vermilion-snapper-and-black-sea-bass.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Helies, NMFS SERO, telephone:
727-824-5305, email: Frank.Helies@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery in the South
Atlantic region is managed under the FMP and includes vermilion snapper
and black sea bass, along with other snapper-grouper species. The FMP
was prepared by the Council and is implemented by NMFS through
regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
All weights described in this proposed rule are in round weight, unless
otherwise specified.
Background
The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery
management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing
basis, the OY from federally managed fish stocks to ensure that fishery
resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation.
In April 2018, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR)
standard assessments were completed for both South Atlantic vermilion
snapper (SEDAR 55) and black sea bass (SEDAR 56). The Council's
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed both assessments at
their May 2018 meeting, stated that they represented the best
scientific information available, and provided the Council with
acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations for the two species.
Based on the results of the SEDAR 55 and SEDAR 56, NMFS determined that
neither species was overfished or undergoing overfishing.
Recreational landings of snapper-grouper, including for vermilion
snapper and black seas bass are monitored through the Marine
Recreational Information Program (MRIP). NMFS notes that as of January
1, 2018, there was a change to the program whereby fishing effort is
calculated based on a mail survey instead of through a phone survey. As
a result of the changes to MRIP, the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science
Center (SEFSC) revised the vermilion snapper and black sea bass stock
assessments (SEDAR 55 and 56) using the newly calibrated MRIP data. The
Council's SSC reviewed the revised stock assessments at their October
2018 meeting. However, the SSC did not provide new ABC recommendations
to the Council based on the updated assessments. The SSC determined
that the new MRIP estimates may warrant data decisions that differ from
previous SEDAR assessments, as the new estimates did not go through a
data workshop. The Council's SSC requested more information from the
SEFSC in the form of full output and diagnostics on the updated
assessments. After the SSC receives the additional information from the
SEFSC, they may consider changes to the existing ABC recommendations
for vermilion snapper and black sea bass.
NMFS notes that the public comment period for this proposed rule is
15 days. As a result of delays in this rulemaking related to the recent
partial Federal government shutdown and the regulatory requirement to
announce the South Atlantic black sea bass recreational fishing season
dates by April 1, 2019, NMFS has determined that a 15 day comment
period best balances the interest in allowing the public adequate time
to comment on the proposed measures while reducing public uncertainty
and confusion by working to implement management measures by April 1,
2019.
Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule
This proposed rule would revise the commercial and recreational
ACLs for South Atlantic vermilion snapper and black sea bass based on
updated information from stock assessments.
Vermilion Snapper
For vermilion snapper, the ACL is allocated between the sectors
into a current commercial ACL of 862,920 lb (391,414 kg) and a current
recreational ACL of 406,080 lb (184,195 kg). These ACLs were set in
Regulatory Amendment 18 to the FMP (78 FR 47574; September 5, 2013) and
the current sector allocation were established in Amendment 16 to the
FMP (74 FR 30964; July 29, 2009). The current sector allocation for
vermilion snapper is 68 percent commercial and 32 percent recreational.
Consistent with the results of SEDAR 55 and the ABC recommendation
from the SSC and subsequently accepted by the Council, this proposed
rule would increase the commercial and recreational ACLs for vermilion
snapper. For the commercial sector, the ACL is further divided into two
6-month seasons and the ACL (commercial quota) is equally divided
between the seasons. Any unused quota from the first season in carried
over into the second season. Any unused quota from the second season is
not carried over into the next fishing year. The two commercial seasons
are January through June and July through December each year.
The commercial seasonal quotas would be set at 483,658 lb (219,384
kg), gutted weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg) for the 2019 fishing year;
452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg) for the
2020 fishing year; 431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted weight; 478,720 lb
(217,144 kg) for the 2021 fishing year; 417,189 lb (189,234 kg), gutted
weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg) for the 2022 fishing year; and 409,225
lb (185,621 kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg) for the 2023
and subsequent fishing years.
The recreational ACL would be set at 455,207 lb (206,478 kg),
gutted weight, 505,280 lb (229,191 kg) for the 2019 fishing year;
426,090 lb (193,271 kg), gutted weight, 472,960 lb (214,531 kg) for the
2020 fishing year; 405,910 lb (184,118 kg), gutted weight, 450,560 lb
(204,552 kg) for the 2021 fishing year; 392,649 lb (178,103 kg), gutted
weight, 435,840 lb (197,694 kg) for the 2022 fishing year; and 385,520
lb (174,869 kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920 kg) for the 2023
and subsequent fishing years.
The proposed ACLs are consistent with the Council SSC's ABC
recommendation, and this proposed rule would not change the sector
allocations.
[[Page 4760]]
The vermilion snapper commercial sector has experienced in-season
fishing closures every year since 2009 regardless of the amount of the
commercial quota. If the catch rates of vermilion snapper in the
commercial sector continue as expected, the proposed seasonal quotas
would still be expected to result in in-season closures during each of
the two commercial seasons as a result of the seasonal quotas being
reached. However, the proposed increase to the commercial ACL is
expected to extend the commercial fishing season up to 48 days over the
entire 2019 fishing year. The projected increase in the number of days
for the commercial season is expected to then progressively decrease
after 2019 corresponding with the proposed declining ACL values after
2019. For example, the proposed commercial ACL is expected to result in
up to 5 additional fishing days in the 2023 fishing year. The
recreational sector has not experienced a fishing season closure as a
result of reaching its ACL, and if the proposed recreational ACLs are
implemented, it is expected that the recreational sector will continue
to remain open for the entire fishing year and not close as a result of
the recreational ACLs being reached.
Black Sea Bass
The current black sea bass commercial and recreational ACLs were
implemented in 2013 through Regulatory Amendment 19 to the FMP (78 FR
58249; September 23, 2013). The current commercial ACL is 755,274 lb
(342,587 kg) and the recreational ACL is 1,001,176 lb (454,126 kg).
The ACLs are based on the sector allocation ratio developed by the
Council for black sea bass (43 percent commercial and 57 percent
recreational) as established in Amendment 13C to the FMP (71 FR 55096;
October 23, 2006).
Consistent with the results of SEDAR 56 and the ABC recommendation
from the SSC accepted by the Council, this proposed rule would reduce
the commercial and recreational ACLs for black sea bass. The proposed
commercial ACL would be 276,949 lb (125,622 kg), gutted weight; 326,800
lb (148,234 kg) for the 2019 fishing year; 243,788 lb (110,580 kg),
gutted weight; 287,670 lb (130,485 kg) for the 2020 fishing year; and
234,314 lb (106,283 kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb (125,414 kg) for the
2021 and subsequent fishing years.
The fishing year for the black sea bass recreational sector is from
April 1 through March 31, and the recreational ACLs are therefore
described as yearly combinations. If implemented, the proposed black
sea bass recreational ACL would not take effect until during the 2019-
2020 fishing year, which begins on April 1, 2019. The current
recreational ACLs are 848,455 lb (384,853 kg), gutted weight, 1,001,177
lb (454,126 kg), which will remain in place for the 2018-2019 fishing
year. The proposed recreational ACLs are 367,119 lb (166,522 kg),
gutted weight, 433,200 lb (196,496 kg) for the 2019-2020 fishing year;
323,161 lb (146,583 kg), gutted weight, 381,330 lb (172,968 kg) for the
2020-2021 fishing year; and 310,602 lb (140,887 kg), gutted weight,
366,510 lb (166,246 kg) for the 2021-2022 and subsequent fishing years.
The proposed sector ACLs are consistent with the Council SSC's ABC
recommendation, and this proposed rule would not change the current
sector allocations.
Since 2015, black sea bass total landings have not exceeded 40
percent of the current combined commercial and recreational ACLs. The
last fishing season closures for the commercial and recreational
sectors occurred in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Based on the projected
future commercial landings of black sea bass, for the 2019 fishing
year, the proposed commercial ACL is not expected to be exceeded and
would therefore not result in an in-season closure as a result of the
commercial ACL being reached. However, in the 2020 and 2021 fishing
years, commercial in-season closures are projected to occur on November
26 and November 5, respectively. Since 2015, the trend in recreational
landings of black sea bass has been downward. The proposed recreational
ACLs are not expected to be exceeded and are not expected to result in
in-season closures as a result of the sector ACL being reached.
Additionally, if the black sea bass stock experiences a year of high
recruitment, then these proposed reductions in ACLs would be expected
to constrain future harvest and minimize the risk of overfishing.
Classification
Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the
Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is
consistent with Abbreviated Framework 2, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens
Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after
public comment.
This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866. This rule is not an Executive Order
13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under E.O.
12866.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration (SBA) that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for this determination is as follows:
A description of the proposed rule, why it is being considered, and
the objectives of, and legal basis for this proposed rule are contained
at the beginning of this section in the preamble and in the SUMMARY
section of the preamble. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the
statutory basis for this rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or
conflicting Federal rules have been identified. In addition, no new
reporting, record-keeping, or other compliance requirements are
introduced by this proposed rule. Accordingly, this proposed rule does
not implicate the Paperwork Reduction Act.
This proposed rule would increase the commercial and recreational
ACLs for vermilion snapper. This proposed rule would reduce the
commercial and recreational ACLs for black sea bass. Because the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) does not apply to recreational
anglers, only the effects on commercial vessels were analyzed. Any
impact to the profitability or competitiveness of for-hire fishing
businesses would be the result of changes in for-hire angler demand and
would, therefore, be indirect in nature; the RFA does not consider
indirect impacts.
The proposed action would directly affect federally permitted
commercial fishermen fishing for South Atlantic vermilion snapper and
black sea bass. For RFA purposes only, NMFS has established a small
business size standard for businesses, including their affiliates,
whose primary industry is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2). A
business primarily engaged in commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411) is
classified as a small business if it is independently owned and
operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including
affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $11
million for all its affiliated operations worldwide.
As of July 25, 2018, there were 538 valid or renewable Federal
South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permits, 109 valid or
renewable 225-lb trip limited permits, and 32 black sea bass pot
endorsements. From 2013 through 2017, an average of 208 vessels (all
gear) per year landed vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic. These
vessels, combined, averaged 1,766 trips per year in the South Atlantic
on which
[[Page 4761]]
vermilion snapper were landed and 4,578 trips in the South Atlantic
that did not land any vermilion snapper or trips that were taken
outside the South Atlantic regardless of the species caught. The
average annual total dockside revenues were approximately $3.03 million
from vermilion snapper, $2.79 million from other species co-harvested
with vermilion snapper (on the same trips), and $7.30 million from
trips in the South Atlantic on which no vermilion snapper were
harvested or trips that occurred outside the South Atlantic regardless
of the species caught. The average annual total revenue from all
species landed by vessels harvesting vermilion snapper in the South
Atlantic was approximately $13.12 million, or $63,000 per vessel. These
vessels generated approximately 23.1 percent of their total fishing
revenues from vermilion snapper. Of the 208 vessels that landed
vermilion snapper, 123 vessels used bandit gear, and they accounted for
about 84 percent of all vermilion snapper landings. These 123 vessels
generated dockside revenues of approximately $2.56 million from
vermilion snapper, $2.14 million from other species co-harvested with
vermilion snapper (on the same trips), and $8.88 million from trips in
the South Atlantic on which no vermilion snapper were harvested or
trips that occurred outside the South Atlantic regardless of the
species caught. The average annual total revenue from all species
landed by these vessels was approximately $13.58 million, or $110,000
per vessel. These vessels generated approximately 18.9 percent of their
total fishing revenues from vermilion snapper.
From 2013 through 2017, an average of 214 vessels (all gear) per
year landed black sea bass in the South Atlantic. These vessels,
combined, averaged 2,089 trips per year in the South Atlantic on which
black sea bass were landed and 3,985 trips in the South Atlantic that
did not land any black sea bass or trips that were taken outside the
South Atlantic regardless of the species caught. The average annual
total dockside revenues were approximately $0.96 million from black sea
bass, $3.82 million from other species co-harvested with black sea bass
(on the same trips), and $7.58 million from trips in the South Atlantic
on which no black sea bass were harvested or trips that occurred
outside the South Atlantic regardless of the species caught. The
average annual total revenue from all species landed by vessels
harvesting black sea bass in the South Atlantic was approximately
$12.36 million, or $58,000 per vessel. These vessels generated
approximately 7.8 percent of their total fishing revenues from black
sea bass. Black sea bass pots are a historically important gear type
for harvesting black sea bass. This particular component of the black
sea bass commercial sector is currently managed under an endorsement
system. At the start of the program in 2012, 32 endorsements were
issued to commercial vessels with snapper-grouper permits, but not all
vessels harvest black sea bass in any single year. Of the 214 vessels
that landed black sea bass, 23 used pots and accounted for about half
of all black sea bass landings. These vessels generated revenues of
approximately $469,000 from black sea bass, $38,000 from other species
co-harvested with black sea bass (on the same trips), and $5,000 from
trips in the South Atlantic on which no black sea bass were harvested
or trips that occurred outside the South Atlantic regardless of the
species caught. The average annual total revenue from all species
landed by these vessels was approximately $513,000, or $22,000 per
vessel. These vessels generated approximately 91.6 percent of their
total fishing revenues from black sea bass, indicating their strong
reliance on the species.
Based on the foregoing revenue information, all commercial vessels
directly affected by the proposed rule may be considered small
entities.
The proposed action for vermilion snapper would increase the
commercial ACL, resulting in revenue increases of approximately
$724,000 in 2019, $488,000 in 2020, $324,000 in 2021, $217,000 in 2022,
and $156,000 in 2023 and thereafter. Over a 5-year period (2019-2023),
the net present value (using 7 percent discount rate) of revenue
increases would be approximately $1.8 million. Vessels that landed
vermilion snapper using bandit gear may be expected to benefit more
from the commercial ACL increase than those using hook-and-line gear,
because they generally accounted for most of the vermilion snapper
commercial landings.
The proposed action for black sea bass would reduce the commercial
ACL, resulting in revenue decreases of approximately $0 in 2019,
$47,000 in 2020, and $79,000 in 2021, and subsequent years. The net
present value of revenue reductions would be approximately $113,000
over 3 years (2019-2021), or $239,000 over 5 years (2019-2023). Vessels
using pots for harvesting black sea bass may be more adversely affected
than those using other gear types, because black sea bass generally
accounted for most of their total fishing revenues.
The negative revenue impacts on vessels harvesting black sea bass
are considered minor. Relative to total revenues by vessels harvesting
black sea bass, revenue reductions due to the reduced ACLs would be
approximately zero in 2019, 0.38 percent in 2020, and 0.64 percent in
2021. One key feature of the black sea bass component of the snapper-
grouper fishery is that landings have trended downward, falling to less
than 50 percent of the current commercial ACL since 2015, so that the
estimated negative revenue effects of the reduced ACL would less likely
materialize. In the event landings significantly increase in the future
and the estimated revenue reductions would materialize, the proposed
ACL would help prevent overfishing the black sea bass stock.
When combining both actions for both vermilion snapper and black
sea bass, the net effect of the proposed rule would be an increase in
revenue of approximately $1.6 million over 5 years.
The information provided above supports a determination that this
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Because this proposed rule, if
implemented, is not expected to have a significant economic impact on
any small entities, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not
required and none has been prepared.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622
Annual catch limits, Black sea bass, Fisheries, Fishing, South
Atlantic, Quotas, Vermilion snapper.
Dated: February 12, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH
ATLANTIC
0
1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
0
2. In Sec. 622.190, revise paragraphs (a)(4)(i), (a)(4)(ii), and
(a)(5) to read as follows:
Sec. 622.190 Quotas.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(4) * * *
[[Page 4762]]
(i) For the period January through June each year.
(A) For the 2019 fishing year--483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted
weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
(B) For the 2020 fishing year--452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted
weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
(C) For the 2021 fishing year--431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted
weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
(D) For the 2022 fishing year--417,189 lb (189,234 kg), gutted
weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
(E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years--409,225 lb (185,621
kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight.
(ii) For the period July through December each year.
(A) For the 2019 fishing year--483,658 lb (219,384 kg), gutted
weight; 536,860 lb (243,516 kg), round weight.
(B) For the 2020 fishing year--452,721 lb (205,351 kg), gutted
weight; 502,520 lb (227,939 kg), round weight.
(C) For the 2021 fishing year--431,279 lb (195,625 kg), gutted
weight; 478,720 lb (217,144 kg), round weight.
(D) For the 2022 fishing year--417,189 lb (417,189 kg), gutted
weight; 463,080 lb (210,050 kg), round weight.
(E) For the 2023 and subsequent fishing years--409,225 lb (185,621
kg), gutted weight; 454,240 lb (206,040 kg), round weight.
* * * * *
(5) Black sea bass. (i) For the 2019 fishing year--276,949 lb
(125,622 kg), gutted weight; 326,800 lb (148,234 kg), round weight.
(ii) For the 2020 fishing year--243,788 lb (110,580 kg), gutted
weight; 287,670 lb (130,485 kg), round weight.
(iii) For the 2021 fishing year and subsequent fishing years--
234,314 lb (106,283 kg), gutted weight; 276,490 lb (125,414 kg), round
weight.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 622.193, revise the first sentence of paragraph (e)(2) and
revise paragraph (f)(2)(iv) to read as follows:
Sec. 622.193 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs),
and accountability measures (AMs).
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(2) Recreational sector. The recreational ACL for black sea bass is
848,455 lb (384,853 kg), gutted weight, 1,001,177 lb (454,126 kg),
round weight for the 2018-2019 fishing year; 367,119 lb (166,522 kg),
gutted weight, 433,200 lb (196,496 kg), round weight for the 2019-2020
fishing year; 323,161 lb (146,583 kg), gutted weight, 381,330 lb
(172,968 kg), round weight, for the 2020-2021 fishing year; and 310,602
lb (140,887 kg), gutted weight, 366,510 lb (166,246 kg), round weight,
for the 2021-2022 and subsequent fishing years. * * *
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) * * *
(iv) The recreational ACL for vermilion snapper is 455,207 lb
(206,478 kg), gutted weight, 505,280 lb (229,191 kg), round weight, for
the 2019 fishing year; 426,090 lb (193,271 kg), gutted weight, 472,960
lb (214,531 kg), round weight, for the 2020 fishing year; 405,910 lb
(184,118 kg), gutted weight, 450,560 lb (204,552 kg), round weight, for
the 2021 fishing year; 392,649 lb (178,103 kg), gutted weight, 435,840
lb (197,694 kg), round weight, for the 2022 fishing year; and 385,520
lb (174,869 kg), gutted weight, 427,520 lb (193,920 kg), round weight,
for the 2023 and subsequent fishing years.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-02597 Filed 2-15-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P