Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2019 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for American Samoa, 57652-57653 [2019-23470]

Download as PDF 57652 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 208 / Monday, October 28, 2019 / Rules and Regulations revised interstate switched access charge rules under § 61.26(g) (for Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) or § 61.38 and § 69.3(e)(12) of this chapter (for rate-of-return local exchange carriers). (ccc) Intermediate Access Provider. The term means, for purposes of this part and §§ 69.3(e)(12)(iv) and 69.5(b) of this chapter, any entity that carries or processes traffic at any point between the final Interexchange Carrier in a call path and a local exchange carrier engaged in Access Stimulation, as defined in paragraph (bbb) of this section. (ddd) Interexchange Carrier. The term means, for purposes of this part and §§ 69.3(e)(12)(iv) and 69.5(b) of this chapter, a retail or wholesale telecommunications carrier that uses the exchange access or information access services of another telecommunications carrier for the provision of telecommunications. ■ 7. Amend § 61.26 by adding paragraph (g)(3) to read as follows: § 61.26 Tariffing of competitive interstate switched exchange access services. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES * * * * * (g) * * * (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, if a CLEC is engaged in Access Stimulation, as defined in § 61.3(bbb), it shall: (i) Within 45 days of commencing Access Stimulation, or within 45 days of November 27, 2019, whichever is later, file tariff revisions removing from its tariff terminating switched access tandem switching and terminating switched access tandem transport access charges assessable to an Interexchange Carrier for any traffic between the tandem and the local exchange carrier’s terminating end office or equivalent; and (ii) Within 45 days of commencing Access Stimulation, or within 45 days of November 27, 2019, whichever is later, the CLEC shall not file a tariffed rate that is assessable to an Interexchange Carrier for terminating switched access tandem switching or terminating switched access tandem transport access charges for any traffic between the tandem and the local exchange carrier’s terminating end office or equivalent. ■ 8. Amend § 61.39 by revising paragraph (g) to read as follows: § 61.39 Optional supporting information to be submitted with letters of transmittal for Access Tariff filings by incumbent local exchange carriers serving 50,000 or fewer access lines in a given study area that are described as subset 3 carriers in § 69.602. * * * VerDate Sep<11>2014 * * 16:06 Oct 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 (g) Engagement in Access Stimulation. A local exchange carrier otherwise eligible to file a tariff pursuant to this section may not do so if it is engaging in Access Stimulation, as that term is defined in § 61.3(bbb). A carrier so engaged must file interstate access tariffs in accordance with § 61.38 and § 69.3(e)(12) of this chapter. PART 69—ACCESS CHARGES 9. The authority citation for part 69 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 201, 202, 203, 205, 218, 220, 254, 403. 10. Amend § 69.3 by adding paragraph (e)(12)(iv) and removing the authority citation at the end of the section to read as follows: ■ § 69.3 Filing of access service tariffs. * * * * * (e) * * * (12) * * * (iv) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, if a rate-of-return local exchange carrier is engaged in Access Stimulation, or a group of affiliated carriers in which at least one carrier is engaging in Access Stimulation, as defined in § 61.3(bbb) of this chapter, it shall: (A) Within 45 days of commencing Access Stimulation, or within 45 days of November 27, 2019, whichever is later, file tariff revisions removing from its tariff terminating switched access tandem switching and terminating switched access tandem transport access charges assessable to an Interexchange Carrier for any traffic between the tandem and the local exchange carrier’s terminating end office or equivalent; and (B) Within 45 days of commencing Access Stimulation, or within 45 days of November 27, 2019, whichever is later, the local exchange carrier shall not file a tariffed rate for terminating switched access tandem switching or terminating switched access tandem transport access charges that is assessable to an Interexchange Carrier for any traffic between the tandem and the local exchange carrier’s terminating end office or equivalent. * * * * * ■ 11. Amend § 69.4 by adding paragraph (l) to read as follows: § 69.4 Charges to be filed. * * * * * (l) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(5) of this section, a local exchange carrier engaged in Access Stimulation as defined in § 61.3(bbb) of this chapter or the Intermediate Access Provider it PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 subtends may not bill an Interexchange Carrier as defined in § 61.3(bbb) of this chapter for terminating switched access tandem switching or terminating switched access tandem transport charges for any traffic between such local exchange carrier’s terminating end office or equivalent and the associated access tandem switch. ■ 12. Amend § 69.5 by revising paragraph (b) and removing the authority citation at the end of the section to read as follows: § 69.5 Persons to be assessed. * * * * * (b) Carrier’s carrier charges shall be computed and assessed upon all Interexchange Carriers that use local exchange switching facilities for the provision of interstate or foreign telecommunications services, except that: (1) Local exchange carriers may not assess a terminating switched access tandem switching or terminating switched access tandem transport charge described in § 69.4(b)(5) on Interexchange Carriers when the terminating traffic is destined for a local exchange carrier engaged in Access Stimulation, as that term is defined in § 61.3(bbb) of this chapter consistent with the provisions of § 61.26(g)(3) of this chapter and § 69.3(e)(12)(iv). (2) Intermediate Access Providers may assess a terminating switched access tandem switching or terminating switched access tandem transport charge described in § 69.4(b)(5) on local exchange carriers when the terminating traffic is destined for a local exchange carrier engaged in Access Stimulation, as that term is defined in § 61.3(bbb) of this chapter consistent with the provisions of § 61.26(g)(3) of this chapter and § 69.3(e)(12)(iv). * * * * * [FR Doc. 2019–22447 Filed 10–25–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 665 RIN 0648–XG925 Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2019 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for American Samoa National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\28OCR1.SGM 28OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 208 / Monday, October 28, 2019 / Rules and Regulations Announcement of a valid specified fishing agreement. ACTION: NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that allocates up to 1,000 metric tons (t) of the 2019 bigeye tuna limit for the Territory of American Samoa to U.S. longline fishing vessels. The agreement supports the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and fisheries development in American Samoa. DATES: The specified fishing agreement was valid as of September 15, 2019. The start date for attributing 2019 bigeye tuna catch to American Samoa is October 28, 2019. ADDRESSES: The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific (Pelagic FEP) describes specified fishing agreements and is available from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, tel 808–522–8220, fax 808–522– 8226, or https://www.wpcouncil.org. NMFS prepared environmental analyses that describe the potential impacts on the human environment that would result from the action. The analyses, identified by NOAA–NMFS– 2019–0028, are available from https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAANMFS-2019-0028, or from Michael D. Tosatto, Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jarad Makaiau, NMFS PIRO Sustainable Fisheries, 808–725–5176. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a final rule published on July 18, 2019, NMFS specified a 2019 limit of 2,000 t of longline-caught bigeye tuna for the U.S. Pacific Island territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (84 FR 34321). NMFS allows each territory to allocate up to 1,000 t of the 2,000 t limit to U.S. longline fishing vessels identified in a valid specified fishing agreement. On August 15, 2019, NMFS received from the Council a specified fishing agreement between the Territory of American Samoa and the Hawaii Longline Association (HLA). The Council’s Executive Director advised that the specified fishing agreement was consistent with the criteria set forth in 50 CFR 665.819(c)(1). On September 15, 2019, NMFS reviewed the agreement and determined that it is consistent with the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Oct 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 implementing regulations, and other applicable laws. However, because at that time, vessels identified in a previous agreement between the CNMI and HLA only attained about a third of the 1,000 t CNMI allocation limit, NMFS decided to await a more accurate projection to determine the date for attributing catch to the 2019 American Samoa limit. Based on logbook data submitted by U.S. longline vessels operating under the CNMI/HLA agreement, NMFS now forecasts the CNMI allocation limit of 1,000 t will be reached by November 4, 2019. In accordance with 50 CFR 300.224(d) and 50 CFR 665.819(c)(9), vessels in the agreement may retain and land bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean under the American Samoa attribution limit. NMFS will begin attributing bigeye tuna caught by vessels in the agreement to American Samoa starting October 28, 2019. If NMFS determines that the fishery will reach the 1,000 t allocation limit, we will restrict the retention of bigeye tuna caught by vessels in the agreement, unless the vessels are included in a subsequent specified fishing agreement with another U.S. territory. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: October 23, 2019. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–23470 Filed 10–25–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 180713633–9174–02] RIN 0648–XY049 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; apportionment of reserves; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve, to the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) of Bering Sea (BS) Pacific ocean perch, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Alaska plaice, and BSAI Kamchatka flounder; and to the to the total allowable catch SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 57653 (TAC) of BSAI arrowtooth flounder, BSAI northern rockfish, BSAI sharks, and Bering Sea and Eastern Aleutian Islands (BS/EAI) blackspotted/rougheye rockfish. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area. DATES: Effective October 23, 2019, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2019. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, November 7, 2019. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket number NOAA– NMFS–2018–0089, by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0089, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments if they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the comment period ends. All comments received are a part of the public record and NMFS will post the comments for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the (BSAI) exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. E:\FR\FM\28OCR1.SGM 28OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 208 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57652-57653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-23470]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 665

RIN 0648-XG925


Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2019 U.S. Territorial Longline 
Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for American Samoa

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

[[Page 57653]]


ACTION: Announcement of a valid specified fishing agreement.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that 
allocates up to 1,000 metric tons (t) of the 2019 bigeye tuna limit for 
the Territory of American Samoa to U.S. longline fishing vessels. The 
agreement supports the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of 
the U.S. Pacific Islands, and fisheries development in American Samoa.

DATES: The specified fishing agreement was valid as of September 15, 
2019. The start date for attributing 2019 bigeye tuna catch to American 
Samoa is October 28, 2019.

ADDRESSES: The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the 
Western Pacific (Pelagic FEP) describes specified fishing agreements 
and is available from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council), 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, tel 808-
522-8220, fax 808-522-8226, or https://www.wpcouncil.org.
    NMFS prepared environmental analyses that describe the potential 
impacts on the human environment that would result from the action. The 
analyses, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2019-0028, are available from https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0028, or from Michael D. 
Tosatto, Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 
1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jarad Makaiau, NMFS PIRO Sustainable 
Fisheries, 808-725-5176.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a final rule published on July 18, 2019, 
NMFS specified a 2019 limit of 2,000 t of longline-caught bigeye tuna 
for the U.S. Pacific Island territories of American Samoa, Guam, and 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (84 FR 34321). 
NMFS allows each territory to allocate up to 1,000 t of the 2,000 t 
limit to U.S. longline fishing vessels identified in a valid specified 
fishing agreement.
    On August 15, 2019, NMFS received from the Council a specified 
fishing agreement between the Territory of American Samoa and the 
Hawaii Longline Association (HLA). The Council's Executive Director 
advised that the specified fishing agreement was consistent with the 
criteria set forth in 50 CFR 665.819(c)(1). On September 15, 2019, NMFS 
reviewed the agreement and determined that it is consistent with the 
Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific, 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 
implementing regulations, and other applicable laws. However, because 
at that time, vessels identified in a previous agreement between the 
CNMI and HLA only attained about a third of the 1,000 t CNMI allocation 
limit, NMFS decided to await a more accurate projection to determine 
the date for attributing catch to the 2019 American Samoa limit. Based 
on logbook data submitted by U.S. longline vessels operating under the 
CNMI/HLA agreement, NMFS now forecasts the CNMI allocation limit of 
1,000 t will be reached by November 4, 2019.
    In accordance with 50 CFR 300.224(d) and 50 CFR 665.819(c)(9), 
vessels in the agreement may retain and land bigeye tuna in the western 
and central Pacific Ocean under the American Samoa attribution limit. 
NMFS will begin attributing bigeye tuna caught by vessels in the 
agreement to American Samoa starting October 28, 2019. If NMFS 
determines that the fishery will reach the 1,000 t allocation limit, we 
will restrict the retention of bigeye tuna caught by vessels in the 
agreement, unless the vessels are included in a subsequent specified 
fishing agreement with another U.S. territory.

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

    Dated: October 23, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-23470 Filed 10-25-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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