Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures, 69715-69719 [2019-27356]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS–R5–ES–2019–0088 under the Supporting Documents section. Evaluation of a Petition To List the Gulf Coast Solitary Bee Species and Range Gulf Coast solitary bee (Hesperapis oraria); Jackson County, Mississippi; Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama; Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa, and Bay Counties, Florida. Petition History On April 2, 2019, we received a petition dated March 27, 2019, from the Center for Biological Diversity, requesting that the Gulf Coast solitary bee be listed as endangered or threatened and critical habitat be designated for this species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(c). This finding addresses whether the petition presents substantial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted for the Gulf Coast solitary bee due to potential threats associated with the following: Effects from climate change, pesticide spraying, and urbanization (Factor A); and loss of pollination mutualism (Factor E). The petition also presented substantial information indicating that the existing regulatory mechanisms may be inadequate to address impacts of these threats (Factor D). The basis for our finding on this petition, and other information regarding our review of the petition, can be found as an appendix at https:// www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2019–0089 under the Supporting Documents section. Conclusion On the basis of our evaluation of the information presented in the petitions under sections 4(b)(3)(A) and 4(b)(3)(D)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the petitions summarized above for the Bethany Beach firefly and Gulf Coast solitary bee present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. We are, therefore, initiating status reviews of these species to determine whether the actions are VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 250001 warranted under the Act. At the conclusion of the status reviews, we will issue findings, in accordance with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act, as to whether the petitioned actions are not warranted, warranted, or warranted but precluded by pending proposals to determine whether any species is an endangered species or a threatened species. Authors The primary authors of this document are staff members of the Ecological Services Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Authority The authority for these actions is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: December 5, 2019. Margaret E. Everson, Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising the Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2019–27338 Filed 12–18–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 191213–0113] RIN 0648–BJ08 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures 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 a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this proposed rule would revise the commercial trip limit in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for greater amberjack. In addition, this proposed rule would revise the boundaries of several Gulf reef fish management areas to reflect a change in the seaward boundary of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for purposes of management SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 69715 under the FMP to 9 nautical miles (nm). The purpose of this proposed rule and the framework action is to extend the commercial fishing season for greater amberjack by constraining the harvest rate while continuing to prevent overfishing and rebuild the stock in the Gulf, and to update the boundaries of reef fish management areas to reflect the current state boundaries. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 21, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2019–0088’’ by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA–NMFS–2019– 0088, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Kelli O’Donnell, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 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 the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Electronic copies of the framework action, which includes an environmental assessment, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office website at 6https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ framework-action-greater-amberjackcommercial-trip-limits. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelli O’Donnell, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, telephone: 727–824– 5305, email: Kelli.ODonnell@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery, which includes greater amberjack, is managed under the FMP. 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). E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 69716 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS Background The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery management councils to prevent overfishing and to achieve, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation. The greater amberjack stock in the Gulf has been overfished since 2001. To help rebuild the stock NMFS has implemented several modifications to the rebuilding plan, including changes to the commercial and recreational catch levels, and changes to management measures intended to constrain harvest and extend the commercial and recreational seasons. Most recently, NMFS implemented a framework action that modified the greater amberjack rebuilding time period, and modified the sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs) (82 FR 61485; December 28, 2017). NMFS also implemented another framework action that was expected to extend the greater amberjack recreational fishing season by modifying the recreational fishing year and the fixed closed season (83 FR 13426; March 29, 2018). This proposed rule would implement a framework action that is expected to extend the fishing season for the commercial sector by reducing the commercial trip limit. Greater amberjack is not a common target species for the reef fish commercial sector, with the majority of trips landing less than 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight, 520 lb (236 kg), round weight, of the species. However, some directed trips with higher harvest levels do occur. When commercial landings for greater amberjack are projected to meet the commercial annual catch target, which is codified as the commercial quota, NMFS prohibits harvest for the remainder of the fishing year and any overage of the annual catch limit is paid back the following year (50 CFR 622.41). Harvest for Gulf commercial greater amberjack has closed before the end of the fishing year every year since 2009. In 2012, NMFS implemented Amendment 35 to the FMP, which established a greater amberjack commercial trip limit of 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight (77 FR 67574; November 13, 2012). In 2015, the greater amberjack commercial trip limit was reduced to 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight, (80 FR 75432; December 2, 2015). The Council decided to reduce the trip limit further to a level that is expected to lengthen the fishing season VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 250001 while continuing to allow enough harvest per trip to support the current small number of vessels that engage in directed trips. Management Measure Contained in This Proposed Rule Commercial Trip Limit This proposed rule would reduce the Gulf greater amberjack commercial trip limit from 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight, to 1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight, 1,040 lb (472 kg), round weight. Additionally, there would be a reduction in the trip limit to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, 260 lb (118 kg), round weight, when 75 percent of the commercial ACT has been landed. As described in the framework action, the proposed trip limit reduction is expected to extend the length of the commercial fishing season beyond June, the month when recent closures have occurred. However, an in-season closure is still expected to occur sometime in September. The Council considered three other trip limit alternatives which ranged from 750 lb (340 kg), gutted weight (780 lb (354 kg), round weight), to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight (260 lb (118 kg), round weight). However, the Council determined that these trip limits were too small to allow for directed commercial greater amberjack trips. Additionally, the 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, alternative was not expected to allow fishers to harvest all of the commercial ACT. Changes in This Proposed Rule Not in the Framework Action State/Federal Waters Boundary This proposed rule would revise the boundaries of three Gulf reef fish management areas to reflect a change in the seaward boundary of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for purposes of management under the FMP. Generally, the state/Federal waters boundary for fisheries management is 3 nm off the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and 9 nm off the coasts of Texas and Florida. However, language included in the 2016 and 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Acts (P.L. 114–113, December 18, 2015, and P.L. 115–31, May 5, 2017), changed the state/Federal waters boundary for purposes of management under the FMP to 9 nm off the coasts of all of the Gulf states. Therefore, some existing Federal reef fish management areas that were exclusively in Federal waters now extend into state waters. This proposed rule would update the regulations to revise the coordinates of PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 the inshore boundaries for the reef fish stressed area (Table 2 of Appendix B to 50 CFR part 622), the reef fish longline and buoy gear restricted area (Table 1 of Appendix B to 50 CFR part 622), and the recreational shallow-water grouper closure (50 CFR 622.34(d)). This rule would also update the terminology in the coordinate tables to reflect that this is boundary specific to Gulf reef fish management. This rule would not change the management measures associated with each area. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the Framework Action to the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable laws, subject to further consideration after public comment. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because this proposed rule is not significant under Executive Order 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 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 in the preamble of this proposed rule at the beginning of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section and in the SUMMARY section. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this proposed 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, the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act do not apply to this proposed rule. The proposed action would reduce the commercial trip limit for Gulf greater amberjack from 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight, to 1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight, 1,040 lb (472 kg), round weight, with an added measure that the trip limit would reduce to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, 260 lb (118 kg), round weight, when 75 percent of the commercial ACT had been reached. As a result, this action would directly affect E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules federally permitted commercial fishers fishing for greater amberjack in the Gulf. 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. To determine whether the proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, NMFS first describes the characteristics of the federal commercial reef fish vessels that harvest greater amberjack in the Gulf. NMFS then estimates the number of commercial vessels to which the reduction in the trip limit reduction would apply, as well the average revenue of these vessels. Last, NMFS estimates to what extent the proposed rule would reduce the revenue or profits of these vessels. Commercial vessels in the Gulf used a variety of gear types in harvesting reef fish, including greater amberjack. Most vessels used hook-and-line gear in harvesting greater amberjack, with a few using longline or some other fishing gear types, such as spear or powerhead while diving. All vessels, regardless of gear type used, depended more on species other than greater amberjack for their revenues. Relative to total revenues, greater amberjack accounted for approximately 2.24 percent, 0.25 percent, and 9.75 percent for vessels using hook-and-line, longline, and other gear types, respectively. Although greater amberjack is a minor revenue generator for an average vessel, it appears that vessels using other gear types, such as diving gear, depend on greater amberjack more than other vessels. Florida is the dominant state in the harvest of Gulf greater amberjack, both in terms of landings and revenues. The number of Florida vessels that harvested greater amberjack is the key factor that places Florida above the level of other states. Although Louisiana registered a much lower number of vessels than Florida, greater amberjack landings and revenues from the species appear to be relatively substantial. The other three Gulf states have relatively minor commercial landings of greater amberjack. Although Florida ranks first in terms of total revenues from all sources, Texas ranks first in terms of revenues per vessel, with Alabama/ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 250001 Mississippi (combined for confidentiality purposes) ranking last. From 2013 through 2017, on average, 204 vessels per year landed greater amberjack from the entire Gulf. These vessels, combined, averaged 628 trips per year in the Gulf on which greater amberjack was landed and 3,167 other trips, which were taken either in the Gulf and no greater amberjack were harvested, or in the South Atlantic regardless of species caught. The average annual total dockside revenue (2017 dollars) was approximately $0.66 million from greater amberjack, $5.68 million from other species co-harvested with greater amberjack (on the same trips), and $32.53 million from other trips by these vessels in the Gulf on which no greater amberjack were harvested or occurred in the South Atlantic. Total average annual revenue from all species harvested by vessels harvesting greater amberjack in the Gulf was approximately $38.87 million or approximately $190,000 per vessel. Revenues from greater amberjack accounted for approximately 1.7 percent of total revenues from all species, indicating that greater amberjack is a minor revenue generator for an average vessel. Based on the foregoing revenue information, all commercial vessels affected by the proposed action may be considered to be small entities. Because all entities that are expected to be affected by this proposed rule are considered small entities, the issue of disproportional effects on small versus large entities does not arise. Based on 2016–2018 data, the proposed action would extend the commercial fishing season from 85 days (closure date of June 27) under the no action alternative to, potentially, 170 days (closure date of September 20), but the entire commercial greater amberjack ACT would still be reached in a fishing year, resulting in about the same total revenues from greater amberjack as the no action alternative. Compared to the current trip limit, the 1,000-lb (454-kg), gutted weight, 1,040-lb (472-kg), round weight, trip limit would reduce harvest of greater amberjack per trip by about 18 percent and the 250-lb (113-kg), gutted weight, 260-lb (118-kg), round weight, trip limit would further reduce harvest per trip to about 71 percent. The reduced trip limit would therefore be expected to reduce revenue per trip and possibly lower profits per trip given the same fishing cost. As noted above, greater amberjack accounts for only 1.7 percent of total reef fish vessel revenues indicating that the resulting reduction in revenues per trip would be relatively small. In addition, an extended PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 69717 commercial fishing season would likely provide a better pricing condition for greater amberjack, further mitigating the reduced harvest per trip. Moreover, commercial vessels can make some adjustments as to species composition of catch to make up for whatever is lost as a result of a reduced trip limit for greater amberjack. Although the proposed action would possibly reduce revenues per trip, total annual revenues would remain the same. Therefore, NMFS does not expect the economic impacts of the reduced trip limit on revenues to be significant. Additionally, the updated 9 nm state/Federal boundary coordinates would not affect the analysis done for this proposed rule. 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 Boundary, Commercial, Coordinates, Fisheries, Fishing, Greater amberjack, Gulf, Trip limits. Dated: December 13, 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, 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 § 622.34, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows: ■ § 622.34 Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish. * * * * * (d) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for shallow-water grouper (SWG). The recreational sector for SWG, in or from the Gulf EEZ, is closed each year from February 1 through March 31, in the portion of the Gulf EEZ seaward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points in the following table. During the closure, the bag and possession limit for SWG in or from the Gulf EEZ seaward of the following rhumb lines is zero. E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 69718 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (D) North latitude Point 1 ....... 2 ....... 3 ....... 4 ....... 5 ....... 6 ....... 7 ....... 8 ....... 9 ....... 10 ..... 11 ..... 12 ..... 13 ..... 14 ..... 15 ..... 16 ..... 17 ..... 18 ..... 19 ..... 24°48.0′ 25°07.5′ 26°26.0′ 27°30.0′ 28°10.0′ 28°11.0′ 28°11.0′ 28°26.6′ 28°42.5′ 29°05.0′ 29°02.5′ 29°21.0′ 29°27.9′ 29°45.8′ 30°05.6′ 30°07.5′ 29°43.9′ 29°43.0′ 29°18.9′ TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (D)— Continued West longitude North latitude Point 82°48.0′ 82°34.0′ 82°59.0′ 83°21.5′ 83°45.0′ 84°00.0′ 84°07.0′ 84°24.8′ 84°24.8′ 84°47.0′ 85°09.0′ 85°30.0′ 85°51.7′ 85°51.0′ 86°18.5′ 86°56.5′ 87°33.8′ 88°18.5′ 88°50.7′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary, follow Reef Fish Management Boundary to point 20 20 ..... 28°58.98′ 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 29°02.0′ 28°32.7′ 28°24.8′ 28°42.3′ 28°34.2′ 28°27.6′ 28°20.0′ 28°02.2′ 27°46.5′ 27°15.0′ 26°45.5′ At EEZ ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... West longitude 89°35.1′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary 89°45.5′ 90°21.5′ 90°52.7′ 92°14.4′ 92°30.4′ 95°00.0′ 95°06.9′ 96°11.1′ 96°38.1′ 97°00.0′ 97°01.4′ 96°51.0′ * * * * * 3. In § 622.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ § 622.43 * * (a) Gulf greater amberjack. (i) Until 75 percent of the quota specified in § 622.39(a)(1)(v) is reached, 1000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight; 1040 lb (472 kg), round weight. (ii) After 75 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be reached, 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight; 260 lb (118 kg), round weight. See § 622.39(b) for the limitations regarding greater amberjack after the quota is reached. When the conditions in this paragraph (a)(ii) have been reached, the Assistant Administrator will implement this trip limit change by filing a notification with the Office of the Federal Register. * * * * * ■ 4. Revise Appendix B to Part 622, to read as follows: Appendix B to Part 622—Gulf Areas Commercial trip limits. * * * TABLE 1 OF APPENDIX B TO PART 622—SEAWARD COORDINATES OF THE LONGLINE AND BUOY GEAR RESTRICTED AREA Point number and reference location 1 North lat. Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary north of Dry Tortugas. 2 North of Rebecca Shoal .................................................................... 3 Off Sanibel Island—Offshore ............................................................. 4 West of Egmont Key .......................................................................... 5 Off Anclote Keys—Offshore .............................................................. 6 Southeast corner of Florida Middle Ground ...................................... 7 Southwest corner of Florida Middle Ground ..................................... 8 West corner of Florida Middle Ground .............................................. 9 Northwest corner of Florida Middle Ground ...................................... 10 South of Carrabelle .......................................................................... 11 South of Cape St. George ............................................................... 12 South of Cape San Blas lighted bell buoy—20 fathoms ................. 13 South of Cape San Blas lighted bell buoy—50 fathoms ................. 14 De Soto Canyon .............................................................................. 15 South of Pensacola ......................................................................... 16 South of Perdido Bay ...................................................................... 17 East of North Pass of the Mississippi River .................................... 18 East of South Pass of the Mississippi River ................................... 24°48.0′ ......................................... 82°48.0′ 25°07.5′ 26°26.0′ 27°30.0′ 28°10.0’′ 28°11.0′ 28°11.0′ 28°26.6′ 28°42.5′ 29°05.0′ 29°02.5′ 29°21.0′ 28°58.7′ 30°06.0′ 29°46.0′ 29°29.0′ 29°14.5′ 29°04.0′ ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... 82°34.0′. 82°59.0′. 83°21.5′. 83°45.0′. 84°00.0′. 84°07.0′. 84°24.8′. 84°24.8′. 84°47.0′. 85°09.0′. 85°30.0′. 85°30.0′. 86°55.0′. 87°19.0′. 87°27.5′. 88°28.0′. 88°49.7′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 28°46.5′ 28°38.5′ 28°34.5′ 28°22.5′ 28°10.5′ 27°58.0′ 27°43.0′ 27°30.0′ 27°00.0′ 26°44.0′ 26°22.0′ 26°00.5′ ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... 89°26.0′. 90°08.5′. 89°59.5′. 90°02.5′. 90°31.5′. 95°00.0′. 96°02.0′. 96°23.5′. 96°39.0′. 96°37.5′. 96°21.0′. 96°24.5′. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS 1 Thence westerly along the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 19 South of Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River .......................... 20 Northwest tip of Mississippi Canyon ............................................... 21 West side of Mississippi Canyon ..................................................... 22 South of Timbalier Bay .................................................................... 23 South of Terrebonne Bay ................................................................ 24 South of Freeport ............................................................................. 25 Off Matagorda Island ....................................................................... 26 Off Aransas Pass ............................................................................. 27 Northeast of Port Mansfield ............................................................. 28 East of Port Mansfield ..................................................................... 29 Northeast of Port Isabel ................................................................... 30 U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary ............................................................. Thence westerly along U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary to the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 1 Nearest West long. identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or submarine area. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules 69719 TABLE 2 OF APPENDIX B TO PART 622—SEAWARD COORDINATES OF THE STRESSED AREA Point Number and reference location 1 North lat. Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary northeast of Dry Tortugas. 2 North of Marquesas Keys .................................................................. 3 Off Cape Sable .................................................................................. 4 Off Sanibel Island—Inshore ............................................................... 5 Off Sanibel Island—Offshore ............................................................. 6 West of Egmont Key .......................................................................... 7 Off Anclote Keys—Offshore .............................................................. 8 Off Anclote Keys—Inshore ................................................................ 9 Off Deadman Bay .............................................................................. 10 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary east of Cape St. George. Thence westerly along the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 11 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary south of Cape San Blas. 12 Southwest of Cape San Blas .......................................................... 13 Off St. Andrew Bay .......................................................................... 14 De Soto Canyon .............................................................................. 15 South of Florida/Alabama border .................................................... 16 Off Mobile Bay ................................................................................. 17 South of Alabama/Mississippi border .............................................. 18 Horn/Chandeleur Islands ................................................................. 24°45.5′ ......................................... 82°41.5′. 24°48.0′ 25°15.0′ 26°26.0′ 26°26.0′ 27°30.0′ 28°10.0′ 28°10.0′ 29°38.0′ 29°35.5′ ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... 82°06.5′. 82°02.0′. 82°29.0′. 82°59.0′. 83°21.5′. 83°45.0′. 83°14.0′. 84°00.0′. 84°38.6′. 29°32.2′ ......................................... 85°27.1′. 29°30.5′ 29°53.0′ 30°06.0′ 29°34.5′ 29°41.0′ 30°01.5′ 30°01.5′ ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... 85°52.0′. 86°10.0′. 86°55.0′. 87°38.0′. 88°00.0′. 88°23.7′. 88°39.8’ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 29°50.8’ ......................................... 88°39.07’ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 88°37.0′. 88°54.43′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 1 Thence southerly along the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 19 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off Chandeleur Islands. 20 Chandeleur Islands .......................................................................... 21 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off North Pass of the Mississippi River. Thence southerly and westerly along the seaward limit of the State/ Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to: 22 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary off Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River. 23 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary west of the Mississippi. Thence westerly along the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary to:. 24 Seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary south of Grand Isle. 25 Quick flashing horn buoy south of Isles Dernieres ......................... 26 Southeast of Calcasieu Pass .......................................................... 27 South of Sabine Pass—10 fathoms ................................................ 28 South of Sabine Pass—30 fathoms ................................................ 29 East of Aransas Pass ...................................................................... 30 East of Baffin Bay ............................................................................ 31 Northeast of Port Mansfield ............................................................. 32 Northeast of Port Isabel ................................................................... 33 U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary ............................................................. Thence westerly along U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary to the seaward limit of the State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 1 Nearest West long. 29°35.5′ ......................................... 29°21.0′ ......................................... 29°01.3′ ......................................... 29°5.24′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 29°3.03′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 28°32.5′ ......................................... 29°10.0′ ......................................... 29°09.0′ ......................................... 28°21.5′ ......................................... 27°49.0′ ......................................... 27°12.0′ ......................................... 26°46.5′ ......................................... 26°21.5′ ......................................... 26°00.5′ ......................................... 89°34.67′ at State/Federal Reef Fish Management Boundary. 89°41.0′. 89°56.0′. 90°42.0′. 92°37.0′. 93°41.0′. 93°28.0′. 96°19.5′. 96°51.0′. 96°52.0′. 96°35.0′. 96°36.0′. identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or submarine area. [FR Doc. 2019–27356 Filed 12–18–19; 8:45 am] lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Dec 18, 2019 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69715-69719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27356]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 191213-0113]
RIN 0648-BJ08


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management 
Measures

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 a 
framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of 
Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this 
proposed rule would revise the commercial trip limit in the Gulf of 
Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for greater amberjack. In 
addition, this proposed rule would revise the boundaries of several 
Gulf reef fish management areas to reflect a change in the seaward 
boundary of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for purposes of 
management under the FMP to 9 nautical miles (nm). The purpose of this 
proposed rule and the framework action is to extend the commercial 
fishing season for greater amberjack by constraining the harvest rate 
while continuing to prevent overfishing and rebuild the stock in the 
Gulf, and to update the boundaries of reef fish management areas to 
reflect the current state boundaries.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 21, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2019-0088'' by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0088, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Kelli O'Donnell, 
Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 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 the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
    Electronic copies of the framework action, which includes an 
environmental assessment, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis may be obtained from the Southeast 
Regional Office website at 6https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/framework-action-greater-amberjack-commercial-trip-limits.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelli O'Donnell, Southeast Regional 
Office, NMFS, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery, which includes 
greater amberjack, is managed under the FMP. 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).

[[Page 69716]]

Background

    The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery 
management councils to prevent overfishing and to achieve, on a 
continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks 
to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall 
benefit to the nation.
    The greater amberjack stock in the Gulf has been overfished since 
2001. To help rebuild the stock NMFS has implemented several 
modifications to the rebuilding plan, including changes to the 
commercial and recreational catch levels, and changes to management 
measures intended to constrain harvest and extend the commercial and 
recreational seasons. Most recently, NMFS implemented a framework 
action that modified the greater amberjack rebuilding time period, and 
modified the sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual 
catch targets (ACTs) (82 FR 61485; December 28, 2017). NMFS also 
implemented another framework action that was expected to extend the 
greater amberjack recreational fishing season by modifying the 
recreational fishing year and the fixed closed season (83 FR 13426; 
March 29, 2018).
    This proposed rule would implement a framework action that is 
expected to extend the fishing season for the commercial sector by 
reducing the commercial trip limit. Greater amberjack is not a common 
target species for the reef fish commercial sector, with the majority 
of trips landing less than 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight, 520 lb (236 
kg), round weight, of the species. However, some directed trips with 
higher harvest levels do occur. When commercial landings for greater 
amberjack are projected to meet the commercial annual catch target, 
which is codified as the commercial quota, NMFS prohibits harvest for 
the remainder of the fishing year and any overage of the annual catch 
limit is paid back the following year (50 CFR 622.41). Harvest for Gulf 
commercial greater amberjack has closed before the end of the fishing 
year every year since 2009.
    In 2012, NMFS implemented Amendment 35 to the FMP, which 
established a greater amberjack commercial trip limit of 2,000 lb (907 
kg), round weight (77 FR 67574; November 13, 2012). In 2015, the 
greater amberjack commercial trip limit was reduced to 1,500 lb (680 
kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight, (80 FR 75432; 
December 2, 2015).
    The Council decided to reduce the trip limit further to a level 
that is expected to lengthen the fishing season while continuing to 
allow enough harvest per trip to support the current small number of 
vessels that engage in directed trips.

Management Measure Contained in This Proposed Rule

Commercial Trip Limit

    This proposed rule would reduce the Gulf greater amberjack 
commercial trip limit from 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, 1,560 lb 
(708 kg), round weight, to 1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight, 1,040 lb 
(472 kg), round weight. Additionally, there would be a reduction in the 
trip limit to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, 260 lb (118 kg), round 
weight, when 75 percent of the commercial ACT has been landed.
    As described in the framework action, the proposed trip limit 
reduction is expected to extend the length of the commercial fishing 
season beyond June, the month when recent closures have occurred. 
However, an in-season closure is still expected to occur sometime in 
September.
    The Council considered three other trip limit alternatives which 
ranged from 750 lb (340 kg), gutted weight (780 lb (354 kg), round 
weight), to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight (260 lb (118 kg), round 
weight). However, the Council determined that these trip limits were 
too small to allow for directed commercial greater amberjack trips. 
Additionally, the 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, alternative was not 
expected to allow fishers to harvest all of the commercial ACT.

Changes in This Proposed Rule Not in the Framework Action

State/Federal Waters Boundary

    This proposed rule would revise the boundaries of three Gulf reef 
fish management areas to reflect a change in the seaward boundary of 
Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for purposes of management under 
the FMP. Generally, the state/Federal waters boundary for fisheries 
management is 3 nm off the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and 
Alabama and 9 nm off the coasts of Texas and Florida. However, language 
included in the 2016 and 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Acts (P.L. 
114-113, December 18, 2015, and P.L. 115-31, May 5, 2017), changed the 
state/Federal waters boundary for purposes of management under the FMP 
to 9 nm off the coasts of all of the Gulf states. Therefore, some 
existing Federal reef fish management areas that were exclusively in 
Federal waters now extend into state waters.
    This proposed rule would update the regulations to revise the 
coordinates of the inshore boundaries for the reef fish stressed area 
(Table 2 of Appendix B to 50 CFR part 622), the reef fish longline and 
buoy gear restricted area (Table 1 of Appendix B to 50 CFR part 622), 
and the recreational shallow-water grouper closure (50 CFR 622.34(d)). 
This rule would also update the terminology in the coordinate tables to 
reflect that this is boundary specific to Gulf reef fish management. 
This rule would not change the management measures associated with each 
area.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is 
consistent with the Framework Action to the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, and other applicable laws, subject to further consideration after 
public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule is not an 
Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because this proposed rule is 
not significant under Executive Order 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 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 
in the preamble of this proposed rule at the beginning of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section and in the SUMMARY section. The 
Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this proposed 
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, the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act do not 
apply to this proposed rule.
    The proposed action would reduce the commercial trip limit for Gulf 
greater amberjack from 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, 1,560 lb (708 
kg), round weight, to 1,000 lb (454 kg), gutted weight, 1,040 lb (472 
kg), round weight, with an added measure that the trip limit would 
reduce to 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight, 260 lb (118 kg), round 
weight, when 75 percent of the commercial ACT had been reached. As a 
result, this action would directly affect

[[Page 69717]]

federally permitted commercial fishers fishing for greater amberjack in 
the Gulf. 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.
    To determine whether the proposed rule would have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, NMFS first 
describes the characteristics of the federal commercial reef fish 
vessels that harvest greater amberjack in the Gulf. NMFS then estimates 
the number of commercial vessels to which the reduction in the trip 
limit reduction would apply, as well the average revenue of these 
vessels. Last, NMFS estimates to what extent the proposed rule would 
reduce the revenue or profits of these vessels.
    Commercial vessels in the Gulf used a variety of gear types in 
harvesting reef fish, including greater amberjack. Most vessels used 
hook-and-line gear in harvesting greater amberjack, with a few using 
longline or some other fishing gear types, such as spear or powerhead 
while diving. All vessels, regardless of gear type used, depended more 
on species other than greater amberjack for their revenues. Relative to 
total revenues, greater amberjack accounted for approximately 2.24 
percent, 0.25 percent, and 9.75 percent for vessels using hook-and-
line, longline, and other gear types, respectively. Although greater 
amberjack is a minor revenue generator for an average vessel, it 
appears that vessels using other gear types, such as diving gear, 
depend on greater amberjack more than other vessels.
    Florida is the dominant state in the harvest of Gulf greater 
amberjack, both in terms of landings and revenues. The number of 
Florida vessels that harvested greater amberjack is the key factor that 
places Florida above the level of other states. Although Louisiana 
registered a much lower number of vessels than Florida, greater 
amberjack landings and revenues from the species appear to be 
relatively substantial. The other three Gulf states have relatively 
minor commercial landings of greater amberjack. Although Florida ranks 
first in terms of total revenues from all sources, Texas ranks first in 
terms of revenues per vessel, with Alabama/Mississippi (combined for 
confidentiality purposes) ranking last.
    From 2013 through 2017, on average, 204 vessels per year landed 
greater amberjack from the entire Gulf. These vessels, combined, 
averaged 628 trips per year in the Gulf on which greater amberjack was 
landed and 3,167 other trips, which were taken either in the Gulf and 
no greater amberjack were harvested, or in the South Atlantic 
regardless of species caught. The average annual total dockside revenue 
(2017 dollars) was approximately $0.66 million from greater amberjack, 
$5.68 million from other species co-harvested with greater amberjack 
(on the same trips), and $32.53 million from other trips by these 
vessels in the Gulf on which no greater amberjack were harvested or 
occurred in the South Atlantic. Total average annual revenue from all 
species harvested by vessels harvesting greater amberjack in the Gulf 
was approximately $38.87 million or approximately $190,000 per vessel. 
Revenues from greater amberjack accounted for approximately 1.7 percent 
of total revenues from all species, indicating that greater amberjack 
is a minor revenue generator for an average vessel.
    Based on the foregoing revenue information, all commercial vessels 
affected by the proposed action may be considered to be small entities. 
Because all entities that are expected to be affected by this proposed 
rule are considered small entities, the issue of disproportional 
effects on small versus large entities does not arise.
    Based on 2016-2018 data, the proposed action would extend the 
commercial fishing season from 85 days (closure date of June 27) under 
the no action alternative to, potentially, 170 days (closure date of 
September 20), but the entire commercial greater amberjack ACT would 
still be reached in a fishing year, resulting in about the same total 
revenues from greater amberjack as the no action alternative. Compared 
to the current trip limit, the 1,000-lb (454-kg), gutted weight, 1,040-
lb (472-kg), round weight, trip limit would reduce harvest of greater 
amberjack per trip by about 18 percent and the 250-lb (113-kg), gutted 
weight, 260-lb (118-kg), round weight, trip limit would further reduce 
harvest per trip to about 71 percent. The reduced trip limit would 
therefore be expected to reduce revenue per trip and possibly lower 
profits per trip given the same fishing cost. As noted above, greater 
amberjack accounts for only 1.7 percent of total reef fish vessel 
revenues indicating that the resulting reduction in revenues per trip 
would be relatively small. In addition, an extended commercial fishing 
season would likely provide a better pricing condition for greater 
amberjack, further mitigating the reduced harvest per trip. Moreover, 
commercial vessels can make some adjustments as to species composition 
of catch to make up for whatever is lost as a result of a reduced trip 
limit for greater amberjack. Although the proposed action would 
possibly reduce revenues per trip, total annual revenues would remain 
the same. Therefore, NMFS does not expect the economic impacts of the 
reduced trip limit on revenues to be significant. Additionally, the 
updated 9 nm state/Federal boundary coordinates would not affect the 
analysis done for this proposed rule.
    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

    Boundary, Commercial, Coordinates, Fisheries, Fishing, Greater 
amberjack, Gulf, Trip limits.

    Dated: December 13, 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, 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.  622.34, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.34  Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef 
fish.

* * * * *
    (d) Seasonal closure of the recreational sector for shallow-water 
grouper (SWG). The recreational sector for SWG, in or from the Gulf 
EEZ, is closed each year from February 1 through March 31, in the 
portion of the Gulf EEZ seaward of rhumb lines connecting, in order, 
the points in the following table. During the closure, the bag and 
possession limit for SWG in or from the Gulf EEZ seaward of the 
following rhumb lines is zero.

[[Page 69718]]



                        Table 1 to paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Point              North  latitude            West longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................  24[deg]48.0'              82[deg]48.0'
2..................  25[deg]07.5'              82[deg]34.0'
3..................  26[deg]26.0'              82[deg]59.0'
4..................  27[deg]30.0'              83[deg]21.5'
5..................  28[deg]10.0'              83[deg]45.0'
6..................  28[deg]11.0'              84[deg]00.0'
7..................  28[deg]11.0'              84[deg]07.0'
8..................  28[deg]26.6'              84[deg]24.8'
9..................  28[deg]42.5'              84[deg]24.8'
10.................  29[deg]05.0'              84[deg]47.0'
11.................  29[deg]02.5'              85[deg]09.0'
12.................  29[deg]21.0'              85[deg]30.0'
13.................  29[deg]27.9'              85[deg]51.7'
14.................  29[deg]45.8'              85[deg]51.0'
15.................  30[deg]05.6'              86[deg]18.5'
16.................  30[deg]07.5'              86[deg]56.5'
17.................  29[deg]43.9'              87[deg]33.8'
18.................  29[deg]43.0'              88[deg]18.5'
19.................  29[deg]18.9'              88[deg]50.7' at State/
                                                Federal Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary,
                                                follow Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary to
                                                point 20
20.................  28[deg]58.98'             89[deg]35.1' at State/
                                                Federal Reef Fish
                                                Management Boundary
21.................  29[deg]02.0'              89[deg]45.5'
22.................  28[deg]32.7'              90[deg]21.5'
23.................  28[deg]24.8'              90[deg]52.7'
24.................  28[deg]42.3'              92[deg]14.4'
25.................  28[deg]34.2'              92[deg]30.4'
26.................  28[deg]27.6'              95[deg]00.0'
27.................  28[deg]20.0'              95[deg]06.9'
28.................  28[deg]02.2'              96[deg]11.1'
29.................  27[deg]46.5'              96[deg]38.1'
30.................  27[deg]15.0'              97[deg]00.0'
31.................  26[deg]45.5'              97[deg]01.4'
32.................  At EEZ                    96[deg]51.0'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  622.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.43  Commercial trip limits.

* * * * *
    (a) Gulf greater amberjack. (i) Until 75 percent of the quota 
specified in Sec.  622.39(a)(1)(v) is reached, 1000 lb (454 kg), gutted 
weight; 1040 lb (472 kg), round weight.
    (ii) After 75 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be 
reached, 250 lb (113 kg), gutted weight; 260 lb (118 kg), round weight. 
See Sec.  622.39(b) for the limitations regarding greater amberjack 
after the quota is reached. When the conditions in this paragraph 
(a)(ii) have been reached, the Assistant Administrator will implement 
this trip limit change by filing a notification with the Office of the 
Federal Register.
* * * * *
0
4. Revise Appendix B to Part 622, to read as follows:

Appendix B to Part 622--Gulf Areas

 Table 1 of Appendix B to Part 622--Seaward Coordinates of the Longline
                      and Buoy Gear Restricted Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point number and reference
          location \1\                North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Seaward limit of the State/     24[deg]48.0'......  82[deg]48.0'
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary north of Dry Tortugas.
2 North of Rebecca Shoal........  25[deg]07.5'......  82[deg]34.0'.
3 Off Sanibel Island--Offshore..  26[deg]26.0'......  82[deg]59.0'.
4 West of Egmont Key............  27[deg]30.0'......  83[deg]21.5'.
5 Off Anclote Keys--Offshore....  28[deg]10.0''.....  83[deg]45.0'.
6 Southeast corner of Florida     28[deg]11.0'......  84[deg]00.0'.
 Middle Ground.
7 Southwest corner of Florida     28[deg]11.0'......  84[deg]07.0'.
 Middle Ground.
8 West corner of Florida Middle   28[deg]26.6'......  84[deg]24.8'.
 Ground.
9 Northwest corner of Florida     28[deg]42.5'......  84[deg]24.8'.
 Middle Ground.
10 South of Carrabelle..........  29[deg]05.0'......  84[deg]47.0'.
11 South of Cape St. George.....  29[deg]02.5'......  85[deg]09.0'.
12 South of Cape San Blas         29[deg]21.0'......  85[deg]30.0'.
 lighted bell buoy--20 fathoms.
13 South of Cape San Blas         28[deg]58.7'......  85[deg]30.0'.
 lighted bell buoy--50 fathoms.
14 De Soto Canyon...............  30[deg]06.0'......  86[deg]55.0'.
15 South of Pensacola...........  29[deg]46.0'......  87[deg]19.0'.
16 South of Perdido Bay.........  29[deg]29.0'......  87[deg]27.5'.
17 East of North Pass of the      29[deg]14.5'......  88[deg]28.0'.
 Mississippi River.
18 East of South Pass of the      29[deg]04.0'......  88[deg]49.7' at
 Mississippi River.                                    State/Federal
                                                       Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary.
Thence westerly along the                             ..................
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary to:
19 South of Southwest Pass of     28[deg]46.5'......  89[deg]26.0'.
 the Mississippi River.
20 Northwest tip of Mississippi   28[deg]38.5'......  90[deg]08.5'.
 Canyon.
21 West side of Mississippi       28[deg]34.5'......  89[deg]59.5'.
 Canyon.
22 South of Timbalier Bay.......  28[deg]22.5'......  90[deg]02.5'.
23 South of Terrebonne Bay......  28[deg]10.5'......  90[deg]31.5'.
24 South of Freeport............  27[deg]58.0'......  95[deg]00.0'.
25 Off Matagorda Island.........  27[deg]43.0'......  96[deg]02.0'.
26 Off Aransas Pass.............  27[deg]30.0'......  96[deg]23.5'.
27 Northeast of Port Mansfield..  27[deg]00.0'......  96[deg]39.0'.
28 East of Port Mansfield.......  26[deg]44.0'......  96[deg]37.5'.
29 Northeast of Port Isabel.....  26[deg]22.0'......  96[deg]21.0'.
30 U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary.....  26[deg]00.5'......  96[deg]24.5'.
Thence westerly along U.S./                           ..................
 Mexico EEZ boundary to the
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Nearest identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or
  submarine area.


[[Page 69719]]


 Table 2 of Appendix B to Part 622--Seaward Coordinates of the Stressed
                                  Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Point Number and reference
          location \1\                North lat.          West long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Seaward limit of the State/     24[deg]45.5'......  82[deg]41.5'.
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary northeast of Dry
 Tortugas.
2 North of Marquesas Keys.......  24[deg]48.0'......  82[deg]06.5'.
3 Off Cape Sable................  25[deg]15.0'......  82[deg]02.0'.
4 Off Sanibel Island--Inshore...  26[deg]26.0'......  82[deg]29.0'.
5 Off Sanibel Island--Offshore..  26[deg]26.0'......  82[deg]59.0'.
6 West of Egmont Key............  27[deg]30.0'......  83[deg]21.5'.
7 Off Anclote Keys--Offshore....  28[deg]10.0'......  83[deg]45.0'.
8 Off Anclote Keys--Inshore.....  28[deg]10.0'......  83[deg]14.0'.
9 Off Deadman Bay...............  29[deg]38.0'......  84[deg]00.0'.
10 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]35.5'......  84[deg]38.6'.
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary east of Cape St.
 George.
Thence westerly along the                             ..................
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary to:
11 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]32.2'......  85[deg]27.1'.
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary south of Cape San Blas.
12 Southwest of Cape San Blas...  29[deg]30.5'......  85[deg]52.0'.
13 Off St. Andrew Bay...........  29[deg]53.0'......  86[deg]10.0'.
14 De Soto Canyon...............  30[deg]06.0'......  86[deg]55.0'.
15 South of Florida/Alabama       29[deg]34.5'......  87[deg]38.0'.
 border.
16 Off Mobile Bay...............  29[deg]41.0'......  88[deg]00.0'.
17 South of Alabama/Mississippi   30[deg]01.5'......  88[deg]23.7'.
 border.
18 Horn/Chandeleur Islands......  30[deg]01.5'......  88[deg]39.8' at
                                                       State/Federal
                                                       Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary.
Thence southerly along the                            ..................
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary to:
19 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]50.8'......  88[deg]39.07' at
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          State/Federal
 Boundary off Chandeleur Islands.                      Reef Fish
                                                       Management
                                                       Boundary.
20 Chandeleur Islands...........  29[deg]35.5'......  88[deg]37.0'.
21 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]21.0'......  88[deg]54.43' at
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          State/Federal
 Boundary off North Pass of the                        Reef Fish
 Mississippi River.                                    Management
                                                       Boundary.
Thence southerly and westerly                         ..................
 along the seaward limit of the
 State/Federal Reef Fish
 Management Boundary to:
22 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]01.3'......  89[deg]34.67' at
 Federal Reef Fish Management                          State/Federal
 Boundary off Southwest Pass of                        Reef Fish
 the Mississippi River.                                Management
                                                       Boundary.
23 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]5.24' at     89[deg]41.0'.
 Federal Reef Fish Management      State/Federal
 Boundary west of the              Reef Fish
 Mississippi.                      Management
                                   Boundary.
Thence westerly along the                             ..................
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary to:.
24 Seaward limit of the State/    29[deg]3.03' at     89[deg]56.0'.
 Federal Reef Fish Management      State/Federal
 Boundary south of Grand Isle.     Reef Fish
                                   Management
                                   Boundary.
25 Quick flashing horn buoy       28[deg]32.5'......  90[deg]42.0'.
 south of Isles Dernieres.
26 Southeast of Calcasieu Pass..  29[deg]10.0'......  92[deg]37.0'.
27 South of Sabine Pass--10       29[deg]09.0'......  93[deg]41.0'.
 fathoms.
28 South of Sabine Pass--30       28[deg]21.5'......  93[deg]28.0'.
 fathoms.
29 East of Aransas Pass.........  27[deg]49.0'......  96[deg]19.5'.
30 East of Baffin Bay...........  27[deg]12.0'......  96[deg]51.0'.
31 Northeast of Port Mansfield..  26[deg]46.5'......  96[deg]52.0'.
32 Northeast of Port Isabel.....  26[deg]21.5'......  96[deg]35.0'.
33 U.S./Mexico EEZ boundary.....  26[deg]00.5'......  96[deg]36.0'.
Thence westerly along U.S./                           ..................
 Mexico EEZ boundary to the
 seaward limit of the State/
 Federal Reef Fish Management
 Boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Nearest identifiable landfall, boundary, navigational aid, or
  submarine area.


 [FR Doc. 2019-27356 Filed 12-18-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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