Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings, 52091-52094 [2020-18486]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 164 / Monday, August 24, 2020 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES I. Abstract This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) established regional fishery management councils, including the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), to develop fishery management plans for fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implements these plans by Federal regulations, which are enforced by NMFS and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), in cooperation with State agencies to the extent possible. The Council and NMFS use the fishery management plans to manage fishing to ensure sustained productivity and achievement of optimum yield from the resources for the benefit of the United States. The Council uses fishery ecosystem plans as fishery management plans for federal fisheries management. Regulations established under the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Hawaii Archipelago (FEP) at 50 CFR 665, Subpart C, require that all participants (including vessel owners, operators, and crew) in the boat-based non-commercial bottomfish fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone around the main Hawaiian Islands obtain a federal bottomfish permit. They are exempt if they hold a current State of Hawaii Commercial Marine License. The information collected in the permit process is needed to identify participants in the fishery, determine qualifications for permitting, support effective enforcement of fishery regulations, and provide a communication link between NMFS and fishermen. Regulations also require that all vessel owners or operators in this fishery submit a report (logbook) upon completion of each fishing trip to document the species and amount of fish caught during the trip. The information in these logbooks is crucial to monitoring the fishery, developing annual catch limits, evaluating the effectiveness of management measures, determining whether changes in fishery management measures are necessary, and estimating the impacts and implications of alternative management measures. II. Method of Collection Respondents may submit permit applications electronically via secure VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:31 Aug 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 email, or online process when implemented. Logbooks are paper forms that must be submitted to NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0577. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission, extension of a current information collection. Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 100. Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes per email permit application; 5 minutes per online permit application; 2 hours per appeal of denied permit; 20 minutes per logbook form. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 29 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $4,250. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: 50 CFR part 665. IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52091 cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2020–18493 Filed 8–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA412] Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. AGENCY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 137th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Pelagic and International Standing Committee, Executive and Budget Standing Committee, and 183rd Council meetings to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. DATES: The meetings will be held between September 9 and 17, 2020. For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held by web conference via WebEx. Instructions for connecting to the web conference and providing oral public comments will be posted on the Council website at www.wpcouncil.org. For assistance with the web conference connection, contact the Council office at (808) 522–8220. The following venues will be the host sites for the Standing Committee and Council meetings: Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam; Hyatt Regency Saipan, Royal Palm Ave., Micro Beach Rd., Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); and Department of Port Administration, Airport Conference Room, Pago Pago Int’l Airport, Tafuna Village, American Samoa. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; phone: (808) 522–8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All times shown are in Hawaii Standard Time. The 137th SSC meeting will be held between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 9–10, 2020. The Pelagic and International Standing Committee will SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 52092 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 164 / Monday, August 24, 2020 / Notices be held between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on September 14, 2020. The Executive and Budget Standing Committee meeting will be held between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on September 14, 2020. The 183rd Council meeting will be held between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on September 15 to 17, 2020. Please note that the evolving public health situation regarding COVID–19 may affect the conduct of the September Council and its associated meetings. At the time this notice was submitted for publication, the Council anticipated convening the Standing Committee and Council meetings by web conference with host site locations in Guam, CNMI and American Samoa. Council staff will monitor COVID–19 developments and will determine the extent to which inperson public participation at host sites will be allowable consistent with applicable local and federal safety and health guidelines. If public participation will be limited to web conference only or on a first-come-first-serve basis consistent with applicable guidelines, the Council will post notice on its website at www.wpcouncil.org. Agenda items noted as ‘‘Final Action’’ refer to actions that result in Council transmittal of a proposed fishery management plan, proposed plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, under Sections 304 or 305 of the MSA. In addition to the agenda items listed here, the Council and its advisory bodies will hear recommendations from Council advisors. An opportunity to submit public comment will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change and will be announced in advance at the Council meeting. The meetings will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. Background documents for the 183rd Council meeting will be available at www.wpcouncil.org. Written public comments on final action items at the 183rd Council meeting should be received at the Council office by 5 p.m. HST, September 11, 2020, and should be sent to Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: (808) 522–8220 or fax: (808) 522–8226; or email: info.wpcouncil@ noaa.gov. Written public comments on all other agenda items may be submitted for the record by email throughout the duration of the meeting. Instructions for providing oral public comments during the meeting will be posted on the Council website. This meeting will be recorded for the purposes of generating the minutes of the meeting. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:31 Aug 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 Agenda for the 137th Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Introductions 2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs 3. Status of the 136th SSC Meeting Recommendations 4. Report from Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director 5. Program Planning and Research A. Interagency U.S. Seafood Trade Task Force B. Report on the Council Response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13921 and 13924 C. Development of a Council Policy on Offshore Energy D. Public Comment E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 6. Island Fisheries A. Main Hawaiian Island (MHI) Aprion virescens (uku) Fishery 1. Report on the Risk of Overfishing (P*) and Social, Ecological, Ecosystem, Management Uncertainty (SEEM) Analysis 2. Setting Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) for fishing year 2022–25 (Action Item) B. Options for Hawaii Small-Boat Fishery Permitting and Reporting (Action Item) C. Public Comment D. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 7. Protected Species A. Tori Line Demonstrations and Field Trials in the Hawaii Longline Fishery B. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Updates 1. Status of ESA Consultations 2. Other updates C. Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs) and/or Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) for the Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries (Action Item) D. Public Comment E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations Thursday, September 10, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8. Pelagic Fisheries A. American Samoa Longline Fishery Report B. Hawaii Longline Report Fishery Report C. Oceanic Whitetip (OWT) Shark Population Projections D. OWT Working Group Report and Research Activities E. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Management of Blue Water Fisheries F. Report on the Hawaii Longline Eddy Project G. Bigeye Tuna Recruitment Project H. International Fisheries 1. North Pacific (NP) Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures 2. Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) a. 19th International Scientific Committee (ISC) Plenary Outcomes b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee 3. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper I. Workshop on the Use of C–14 for Tropical Tunas Age Validation J. Public Comment K. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 9. Other Business A. December 2020 SSC Meetings Dates 10. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council Agenda for the Pelagic and International Standing Committee Monday, September 14, 2020, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 1. Mandatory Electronic Reporting in Longline Fisheries (Action Item) 2. OWT Population Projections 3. OWT Working Group and Research Activities 4. RPMs and/or RPAs for the Deep-set and American Samoa Longline Fisheries (Action Item) 5. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based Management of Blue Water Fisheries 6. International Fisheries A. NP Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures B. WCPFC a. 19th ISC Plenary Outcomes b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee c. WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee d. WCPFC Permanent Advisory Committee e. WCPFC Northern Committee C. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper 7. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations A. Advisory Panel Report B. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report 8. Other Issues 9. Public Comment 10. Discussion and Recommendations Agenda for the Executive and Budget Standing Committee Monday, September 14, 2020, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Financial Reports E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 164 / Monday, August 24, 2020 / Notices A. Current Grants 2. Administrative Reports 3. Council Coordination Committee Meetings 4. Council Family Changes A. Non-Commercial Fishery Advisory Committee (NCFAC) Terms of Reference and Membership B. Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) Terms of Reference and Membership 5. Meetings and Workshops 6. Letters to the Administration 7. Other Issues 8. Public Comment 9. Discussion and Recommendations Agenda for the 183rd Council Meeting jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Oath of Office 3. Approval of the 183rd Agenda 4. Approval of the 182nd Meeting Minutes 5. Executive Director’s Report 6. Agency Reports A. NMFS 1. Pacific Islands Regional Office 2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center B. NOAA Office of General Counsel Pacific Islands Section C. Enforcement 1. U.S. Coast Guard 2. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement 3. NOAA Office of General Counsel Enforcement Section D. U.S. State Department E. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service F. Public Comment G. Council Discussion and Action 7. Mariana Archipelago A. Guam 1. Isla Informe 2. Department of Agriculture/Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources Report 3. CARES Act distribution of funds 4. Guam Community Activities B. CNMI 1. Arongol Falu´ 2. Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR)/Division of Fish and Wildlife Report 3. CARES Act distribution of funds 4. CNMI Community Activities C. Advisory Group Reports and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report D. Public Comment E. Council Discussion and Action 8. Program Planning and Research A. National Legislative Report B. Draft Offshore Energy Policy C. Standardized Bycatch Reporting VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:31 Aug 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 Methodology D. Update on Draft Aquaculture Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement E. Electronic Technologies Implementation Plan F. Report on the Council Response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13921 and 13924 G. Interagency US Seafood Trade Taskforce H. Modifications to the PRIA Objectives and Projects in the Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIA) Marine Conservation Plan I. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report J. Public Comment K. Council Discussion and Action Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9. American Samoa Archipelago A. Motu Lipoti B. Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Report C. CARES Act distribution of funds D. American Samoa Community Activities E. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report F. Public Comment G. Council Discussion and Action 10. Hawai‘i Archipelago & PRIA A. Moku Pepa B. DLNR/Division of Aquatic Resources Report C. Options for Mandatory Permitting and Reporting for Hawaii’s Smallboat Fishery (Initial Action) D. MHI Uku Fishery 1. P* and SEEM Working Group Report 2. Specifying Annual Catch Limits for MHI Uku (Final Action) E. CARES Act funding distribution F. Hawaii Community Activities G. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report H. Public Comment I. Council Discussion and Action 11. Protected Species A. ESA and MMPA Updates 1. Status of ESA Consultations 2. Other ESA and MMPA Updates PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52093 B. Tori Line Demonstrations and Field Trials in the Hawaii Longline Fishery C. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report D. Public Comment E. Council Discussion and Action Thursday, September 17, 2020, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. 12. Pelagic & International Fisheries A. Hawaii Longline Fishery Report B. American Samoa Longline Fishery Report C. Mandatory Electronic Reporting in Longline Fisheries (Final Action) D. OWT Population Projections E. OWT Working Group and Research Activities F. RPMs and/or RPAs for the Deep-set and American Samoa Longline Fisheries (Initial Action) G. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based Management of Blue Water Fisheries H. International Fisheries 1. Update on NP Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures 2. WCPFC a. 19th ISC Plenary Outcomes b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee c. WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee d. WCPFC Permanent Advisory Committee e. WCPFC Northern Committee 3. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper 4. International Fisheries Meeting MMPA Equivalencies and Other Relevant International Issues I. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations 1. Advisory Panel Report 2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report J. Standing Committee Report and Recommendations K. Public Comment L. Council Discussion and Action 13. Administrative Matters A. Financial Reports 1. Current Grants B. Administrative Reports C. Council Coordination Committee Meetings D. Council Family Changes 1. NCFAC Terms of Reference and Membership 2. FIAC Terms of Reference and Membership E. Meetings and Workshops F. Letters to the Administration G. Standing Committee Report and Recommendations H. Public Comment E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 52094 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 164 / Monday, August 24, 2020 / Notices I. Council Discussion and Action 14. Other Business Non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 183rd meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522–8226 (fax), at least five days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 18, 2020. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–18486 Filed 8–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA345] Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public workshops. AGENCY: Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in October, November, and December of 2020. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:31 Aug 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2020 and will be announced in a future notice. DATES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held on October 8, November 12, and December 10, 2020. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held on October 8, October 22, November 5, November 20, December 8, and December 17, 2020. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details. ADDRESSES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in Mount Pleasant, SC; Largo, FL; and Harvey, LA. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in Vero Beach, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Kitty Hawk, NC; Key Largo, FL; Kenner, LA; and Revere, MA. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details on workshop locations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Pearson by email at rick.a.pearson@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The workshop schedules, registration information, and a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Atlantic Shark Identification and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification workshops are posted on the internet at: https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highlymigratory-species/atlantic-sharkidentification-workshops and https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highlymigratory-species/safe-handling-releaseand-identification-workshops. one certificate will be issued to each proxy. A proxy must be a person who is currently employed by a place of business covered by the dealer’s permit; is a primary participant in the identification, weighing, and/or first receipt of fish as they are offloaded from a vessel; and who fills out dealer reports. Atlantic shark dealers are prohibited from renewing a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate for each business location that first receives Atlantic sharks has been submitted with the permit renewal application. Additionally, trucks or other conveyances that are extensions of a dealer’s place of business must possess a copy of a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate. Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops Since January 1, 2008, Atlantic shark dealers have been prohibited from receiving, purchasing, trading, or bartering for Atlantic sharks unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on the premises of each business listed under the shark dealer permit that first receives Atlantic sharks (71 FR 58057; October 2, 2006). Dealers who attend and successfully complete a workshop are issued a certificate for each place of business that is permitted to receive sharks. These certificate(s) are valid for three years. Thus, certificates that were initially issued in 2017 will be expiring in 2020. Approximately 174 free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops have been conducted since October 2008. Currently, permitted dealers may send a proxy to an Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop. However, if a dealer opts to send a proxy, the dealer must designate a proxy for each place of business covered by the dealer’s permit that first receives Atlantic sharks. Only Registration Materials PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations 1. October 8, 2020, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., Hampton Inn, 1104 Isle of Palms Connector, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. 2. November 12, 2020, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., Hampton Inn, 100 East Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770. 3. December 10, 2020, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., Hampton Inn, 1651 Fifth Street, Harvey, LA 70058. Registration To register for a scheduled Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop, please contact Eric Sander at ericssharkguide@ yahoo.com or at (386) 852–8588. Preregistration is highly recommended, but not required. To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items to the workshop: • Atlantic shark dealer permit holders must bring proof that the attendee is an owner or agent of the business (such as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable permit, and proof of identification. • Atlantic shark dealer proxies must bring documentation from the permitted dealer acknowledging that the proxy is attending the workshop on behalf of the permitted Atlantic shark dealer for a specific business location, a copy of the appropriate valid permit, and proof of identification. Workshop Objectives The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are designed to reduce the number of unknown and improperly identified sharks reported in the dealer reporting form and increase the accuracy of species-specific dealer- E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 164 (Monday, August 24, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52091-52094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-18486]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA412]


Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

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

ACTION: Notice of public meetings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold its 137th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Pelagic and 
International Standing Committee, Executive and Budget Standing 
Committee, and 183rd Council meetings to take actions on fishery 
management issues in the Western Pacific Region.

DATES: The meetings will be held between September 9 and 17, 2020. For 
specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held by web conference via WebEx. 
Instructions for connecting to the web conference and providing oral 
public comments will be posted on the Council website at 
www.wpcouncil.org. For assistance with the web conference connection, 
contact the Council office at (808) 522-8220.
    The following venues will be the host sites for the Standing 
Committee and Council meetings: Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O'Brien Drive, 
Hagatna, Guam; Hyatt Regency Saipan, Royal Palm Ave., Micro Beach Rd., 
Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); and 
Department of Port Administration, Airport Conference Room, Pago Pago 
Int'l Airport, Tafuna Village, American Samoa.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All times shown are in Hawaii Standard Time. 
The 137th SSC meeting will be held between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 
September 9-10, 2020. The Pelagic and International Standing Committee 
will

[[Page 52092]]

be held between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on September 14, 2020. The Executive 
and Budget Standing Committee meeting will be held between 3 p.m. and 5 
p.m. on September 14, 2020. The 183rd Council meeting will be held 
between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on September 15 to 17, 2020.
    Please note that the evolving public health situation regarding 
COVID-19 may affect the conduct of the September Council and its 
associated meetings. At the time this notice was submitted for 
publication, the Council anticipated convening the Standing Committee 
and Council meetings by web conference with host site locations in 
Guam, CNMI and American Samoa. Council staff will monitor COVID-19 
developments and will determine the extent to which in-person public 
participation at host sites will be allowable consistent with 
applicable local and federal safety and health guidelines. If public 
participation will be limited to web conference only or on a first-
come-first-serve basis consistent with applicable guidelines, the 
Council will post notice on its website at www.wpcouncil.org.
    Agenda items noted as ``Final Action'' refer to actions that result 
in Council transmittal of a proposed fishery management plan, proposed 
plan amendment, or proposed regulations to the U.S. Secretary of 
Commerce, under Sections 304 or 305 of the MSA. In addition to the 
agenda items listed here, the Council and its advisory bodies will hear 
recommendations from Council advisors. An opportunity to submit public 
comment will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which 
agenda items are addressed may change and will be announced in advance 
at the Council meeting. The meetings will run as late as necessary to 
complete scheduled business.
    Background documents for the 183rd Council meeting will be 
available at www.wpcouncil.org. Written public comments on final action 
items at the 183rd Council meeting should be received at the Council 
office by 5 p.m. HST, September 11, 2020, and should be sent to Kitty 
M. Simonds, Executive Director; Western Pacific Fishery Management 
Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, phone: 
(808) 522-8220 or fax: (808) 522-8226; or email: 
[email protected]. Written public comments on all other agenda 
items may be submitted for the record by email throughout the duration 
of the meeting. Instructions for providing oral public comments during 
the meeting will be posted on the Council website. This meeting will be 
recorded for the purposes of generating the minutes of the meeting.

Agenda for the 137th Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Introductions
2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs
3. Status of the 136th SSC Meeting Recommendations
4. Report from Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director
5. Program Planning and Research
    A. Interagency U.S. Seafood Trade Task Force
    B. Report on the Council Response to President Trump's Executive 
Order 13921 and 13924
    C. Development of a Council Policy on Offshore Energy
    D. Public Comment
    E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
6. Island Fisheries
    A. Main Hawaiian Island (MHI) Aprion virescens (uku) Fishery
    1. Report on the Risk of Overfishing (P*) and Social, Ecological, 
Ecosystem, Management Uncertainty (SEEM) Analysis
    2. Setting Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) for fishing year 2022-
25 (Action Item)
    B. Options for Hawaii Small-Boat Fishery Permitting and Reporting 
(Action Item)
    C. Public Comment
    D. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
7. Protected Species
    A. Tori Line Demonstrations and Field Trials in the Hawaii Longline 
Fishery
    B. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA) Updates
    1. Status of ESA Consultations
    2. Other updates
    C. Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs) and/or Reasonable and 
Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) for the Hawaii and American Samoa Longline 
Fisheries (Action Item)
    D. Public Comment
    E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations

Thursday, September 10, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8. Pelagic Fisheries
    A. American Samoa Longline Fishery Report
    B. Hawaii Longline Report Fishery Report
    C. Oceanic Whitetip (OWT) Shark Population Projections
    D. OWT Working Group Report and Research Activities
    E. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based Management of Blue Water 
Fisheries
    F. Report on the Hawaii Longline Eddy Project
    G. Bigeye Tuna Recruitment Project
    H. International Fisheries
    1. North Pacific (NP) Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures
    2. Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)
    a. 19th International Scientific Committee (ISC) Plenary Outcomes
    b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee
    3. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper
    I. Workshop on the Use of C-14 for Tropical Tunas Age Validation
    J. Public Comment
    K. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
9. Other Business
    A. December 2020 SSC Meetings Dates
10. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council

Agenda for the Pelagic and International Standing Committee

Monday, September 14, 2020, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

1. Mandatory Electronic Reporting in Longline Fisheries (Action Item)
2. OWT Population Projections
3. OWT Working Group and Research Activities
4. RPMs and/or RPAs for the Deep-set and American Samoa Longline 
Fisheries (Action Item)
5. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based Management of Blue Water Fisheries
6. International Fisheries
    A. NP Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures
    B. WCPFC
    a. 19th ISC Plenary Outcomes
    b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee
    c. WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee
    d. WCPFC Permanent Advisory Committee
    e. WCPFC Northern Committee
    C. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper
7. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    A. Advisory Panel Report
    B. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
8. Other Issues
9. Public Comment
10. Discussion and Recommendations

Agenda for the Executive and Budget Standing Committee

Monday, September 14, 2020, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Financial Reports

[[Page 52093]]

    A. Current Grants
2. Administrative Reports
3. Council Coordination Committee Meetings
4. Council Family Changes
    A. Non-Commercial Fishery Advisory Committee (NCFAC) Terms of 
Reference and Membership
    B. Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) Terms of Reference 
and Membership
5. Meetings and Workshops
6. Letters to the Administration
7. Other Issues
8. Public Comment
9. Discussion and Recommendations

Agenda for the 183rd Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Oath of Office
3. Approval of the 183rd Agenda
4. Approval of the 182nd Meeting Minutes
5. Executive Director's Report
6. Agency Reports
    A. NMFS
    1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
    2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
    B. NOAA Office of General Counsel Pacific Islands Section
    C. Enforcement
    1. U.S. Coast Guard
    2. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
    3. NOAA Office of General Counsel Enforcement Section
    D. U.S. State Department
    E. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    F. Public Comment
    G. Council Discussion and Action
7. Mariana Archipelago
    A. Guam
    1. Isla Informe
    2. Department of Agriculture/Division of Aquatic and Wildlife 
Resources Report
    3. CARES Act distribution of funds
    4. Guam Community Activities
    B. CNMI
    1. Arongol Fal[uacute]
    2. Department of Land and Natural Resource (DLNR)/Division of Fish 
and Wildlife Report
    3. CARES Act distribution of funds
    4. CNMI Community Activities
    C. Advisory Group Reports and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    D. Public Comment
    E. Council Discussion and Action
8. Program Planning and Research
    A. National Legislative Report
    B. Draft Offshore Energy Policy
    C. Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology
    D. Update on Draft Aquaculture Programmatic Environmental Impact 
Statement
    E. Electronic Technologies Implementation Plan
    F. Report on the Council Response to President Trump's Executive 
Order 13921 and 13924
    G. Interagency US Seafood Trade Taskforce
    H. Modifications to the PRIA Objectives and Projects in the Pacific 
Remote Island Areas (PRIA) Marine Conservation Plan
    I. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    J. Public Comment
    K. Council Discussion and Action

Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9. American Samoa Archipelago
    A. Motu Lipoti
    B. Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Report
    C. CARES Act distribution of funds
    D. American Samoa Community Activities
    E. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    F. Public Comment
    G. Council Discussion and Action
10. Hawai`i Archipelago & PRIA
    A. Moku Pepa
    B. DLNR/Division of Aquatic Resources Report
    C. Options for Mandatory Permitting and Reporting for Hawaii's 
Small-boat Fishery (Initial Action)
    D. MHI Uku Fishery
    1. P* and SEEM Working Group Report
    2. Specifying Annual Catch Limits for MHI Uku (Final Action)
    E. CARES Act funding distribution
    F. Hawaii Community Activities
    G. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    H. Public Comment
    I. Council Discussion and Action
11. Protected Species
    A. ESA and MMPA Updates
    1. Status of ESA Consultations
    2. Other ESA and MMPA Updates
    B. Tori Line Demonstrations and Field Trials in the Hawaii Longline 
Fishery
    C. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    D. Public Comment
    E. Council Discussion and Action

Thursday, September 17, 2020, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

12. Pelagic & International Fisheries
    A. Hawaii Longline Fishery Report
    B. American Samoa Longline Fishery Report
    C. Mandatory Electronic Reporting in Longline Fisheries (Final 
Action)
    D. OWT Population Projections
    E. OWT Working Group and Research Activities
    F. RPMs and/or RPAs for the Deep-set and American Samoa Longline 
Fisheries (Initial Action)
    G. Roadmap to Effective Area-Based Management of Blue Water 
Fisheries
    H. International Fisheries
    1. Update on NP Striped Marlin Rebuilding Measures
    2. WCPFC
    a. 19th ISC Plenary Outcomes
    b. 16th WCPFC Science Committee
    c. WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee
    d. WCPFC Permanent Advisory Committee
    e. WCPFC Northern Committee
    3. Tropical Tuna Allocation Concept Paper
    4. International Fisheries Meeting MMPA Equivalencies and Other 
Relevant International Issues
    I. Advisory Group Report and Recommendations
    1. Advisory Panel Report
    2. Scientific & Statistical Committee Report
    J. Standing Committee Report and Recommendations
    K. Public Comment
    L. Council Discussion and Action
13. Administrative Matters
    A. Financial Reports
    1. Current Grants
    B. Administrative Reports
    C. Council Coordination Committee Meetings
    D. Council Family Changes
    1. NCFAC Terms of Reference and Membership
    2. FIAC Terms of Reference and Membership
    E. Meetings and Workshops
    F. Letters to the Administration
    G. Standing Committee Report and Recommendations
    H. Public Comment

[[Page 52094]]

    I. Council Discussion and Action
14. Other Business

    Non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before 
the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 183rd 
meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be 
restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any 
regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that 
requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to 
take action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Requests 
for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be 
directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522-8220 (voice) or (808) 522-8226 
(fax), at least five days prior to the meeting date.

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

    Dated: August 18, 2020.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-18486 Filed 8-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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