South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings, 16334-16335 [2021-06446]

Download as PDF 16334 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 58 / Monday, March 29, 2021 / Notices Criteria Used in Identifying Successful Applicants Applicants demonstrating the greatest benefits to the United States through their intended operations will be most successful. Such benefits may include: • The use of U.S vessels and crew to harvest fish in the NAFO Regulatory Area; • Detailed, positive impacts on U.S. employment as a result of the fishing, transport, or processing operations; • Use of U.S. processing facilities; • Transport, marketing, and sales of product within the United States; • Other ancillary, demonstrable benefits to U.S. businesses as a result of the fishing operation; and • Documentation of the physical characteristics and economics of the fishery for future use by the U.S. fishing industry. Other factors we may consider include but are not limited to: A documented history of successful fishing operations in NAFO or other similar fisheries; the history of compliance by the vessel with the NAFO CEM or other domestic and international regulatory requirements, including potential disqualification of an applicant with repeated compliance issues; and, for those applicants without NAFO or other international fishery history, a description of demonstrated harvest, processing, marketing, and regulatory compliance within domestic fisheries. To ensure equitable access by U.S. fishing interests, we may provide additional guidance or procedures, or we may issue regulations designed to allocate fishing interests to one or more U.S. applicants from among qualified applicants. These regulatory changes may result in NOAA altering or amending quota the NOAA grants an applicant through this process. NOAA will, however, notify any approved applicant of NOAA’s proposed regulatory changes in advance of making the changes. After reviewing all requests for allocations submitted, we may also decide not to grant any allocations if it is determined that no requests adequately meet the criteria described in this notice. Notification of Selected Vessels for NAFO Fisheries We will provide written responses to all applicants notifying them of their application status and, as needed for successful applicants, allocation awards will be made as quickly as possible so that we may notify NAFO and take other necessary actions to facilitate operations in the regulatory area by U.S. fishing VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Mar 26, 2021 Jkt 253001 interests. Successful applicants will receive additional information from us on permit conditions and applicable regulations before starting fishing operations. Mid-Term Allocation Adjustments In the event that an approved U.S. entity does not, is not able to, or is not expected to fish an allocation, or part thereof, awarded to them, NMFS may reallocate to other approved U.S. entities. If requested, approved U.S. entities must provide updated fishing plans and/or schedules. A U.S. entity may not consolidate or transfer allocations without prior approval from NMFS. In the event that other approved U.S. entities are unable to fish additional allocation, NMFS may solicit further interest by notice in the Federal Register. Chartering a Vessel To Fish Available U.S. Allocations For 3M shrimp, the United States may enter into a chartering arrangement with a vessel from any other NAFO Contracting Party. Additionally, any U.S. vessel or fishing operation may enter into a chartering arrangement with any other vessel or business from a NAFO Contracting Party. The United States and the other Contracting Party involved in a chartering arrangement must agree to the charter, and the NAFO Executive Secretary must be advised of the chartering arrangement before the commencement of any charter fishing operations. Any U.S. vessel or fishing operation interested in making use of the chartering provisions of NAFO must provide at least the following information: The name and registration number of the U.S. vessel; a copy of the charter agreement; a detailed fishing plan; a written letter of consent from the applicable NAFO Contracting Party; the date from which the vessel is authorized to commence fishing; and the duration of the charter (not to exceed six months). Expressions of interest using another NAFO Contracting Party vessel under charter should be accompanied by a detailed description of anticipated benefits to the United States, as described above. Additional detail on chartering arrangements can be found in Article 26 of the CEM (https:// www.nafo.int/Fisheries/Conservation). Any vessel from another Contracting Party wishing to enter into a chartering arrangement with the United States must be in full current compliance with the requirements outlined in the NAFO Convention and CEM. These requirements include, but are not limited to, submission of the following PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reports to the NAFO Executive Secretary: • Notification that the vessel is authorized by its flag state to fish within the NAFO Regulatory Area during the applicable fishing year; • Provisional monthly catch reports for all vessels of that NAFO Contracting Party operating in the NAFO Regulatory Area; • Daily catch reports for each day fished by the subject vessel within the Regulatory Area; • Observer reports within 30 days following the completion of a fishing trip; and • An annual statement of actions taken by its flag state to comply with the NAFO Convention. The United States may also consider the vessel’s previous compliance with NAFO bycatch, reporting, and other provisions, as outlined in the NAFO CEM, before authorizing the chartering arrangement. Fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area U.S. applicant vessels must be in possession of, or obtain, a valid HSFCA permit, which is available from the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. All permitted vessels must comply with any conditions of this permit and all applicable provisions of the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries and the CEM. We reserve the right to impose additional permit conditions that ensure compliance with the NAFO Convention and the CEM, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and any other applicable law. Further details regarding U.S. and NAFO requirements are available from the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, and can be found in the NAFO CEM on the internet (https:// www.nafo.int/Fisheries/Conservation). Dated: March 24, 2021. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–06410 Filed 3–26–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA955] South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 58 / Monday, March 29, 2021 / Notices Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of scoping meetings. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold scoping meetings via webinar pertaining to Amendment 49 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP). The amendment addresses catch levels and sector allocations for greater amberjack and recreational annual catch targets for the snapper grouper fishery. DATES: The scoping meetings will be held via webinar on April 14 and 15, 2021. ADDRESSES: Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N Charleston, SC 29405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 571–4366 or toll free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769– 4520; email: kim.iverson@safmc.net. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The scoping meetings will be conducted via webinar and accessible via the internet from the Council’s website at https:// safmc.net/safmc-meetings/publichearings-scoping-meetings/. The scoping meetings will begin at 6 p.m. Registration for the webinars is required. Registration information, a copy of the scoping materials, an online public comment form and any additional information as needed will be posted on the Council’s website at https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/ public-hearings-scoping-meetings/ as it becomes available. SUMMARY: Amendment 49 to the Snapper Grouper FMP The Council is considering adjusting catch levels for greater amberjack in response to the most recent stock assessment for the species in the region. The stock assessment results indicated the stock is not overfished and is not undergoing overfishing. The South Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has recommended new acceptable biological catch (ABC) levels based on the latest stock assessment, which incorporated updated recreational data based on NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program Fishing Effort Survey. Thus, the Council is considering changes to the South Atlantic greater amberjack total annual catch limit and sector allocations. The Council is also considering removal of all recreational annual catch targets for species managed under the FMP that are VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Mar 26, 2021 Jkt 253001 currently not being used in management. During the webinar scoping meetings, Council staff will present an overview of the amendment and will be available to answer questions. Members of the public will have an opportunity to go on record to provide their comments for consideration by the Council. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 24, 2021. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–06446 Filed 3–26–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA952] National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Scientific and Statistical Committee’s (SSC) SocioEconomic Panel. DATES: The meeting will be held via webinar on April 13, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held via webinar. The webinar is open to members of the public. Registration is required. Webinar registration, an online public comment form, and briefing book materials will be available two weeks prior to the meeting at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/ current-advisory-panel-meetings/. Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N Charleston, SC 29405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 571–4366 or toll SUMMARY: Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769– 4520; email: kim.iverson@safmc.net. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SocioEconomic Panel (SEP) will meet via webinar. The SEP will discuss the Council’s draft Allocation Decision Tree Blueprint, which looks at incorporating biological, economic, and social information into allocation decision making, and using fishery performance reports to evaluate the efficacy of current fishery management techniques. The SEP will also review the research approach and results of the recently held Dolphin Wahoo Participatory Workshops. SEP members also will receive updates on recent Council amendments, the Council’s Citizen Science Program, and a social census of Georgia’s working waterfronts. The SEP will provide recommendations for SSC and Council consideration as appropriate. Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings PO 00000 16335 Sfmt 4703 Dated: March 24, 2021. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–06443 Filed 3–26–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA950] South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel (Habitat AP). DATES: The Habitat AP will meet via webinar on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, April 16, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 58 (Monday, March 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16334-16335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06446]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA955]


South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 16335]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of scoping meetings.

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SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold scoping meetings via webinar pertaining to Amendment 49 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South 
Atlantic Region (FMP). The amendment addresses catch levels and sector 
allocations for greater amberjack and recreational annual catch targets 
for the snapper grouper fishery.

DATES: The scoping meetings will be held via webinar on April 14 and 
15, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N Charleston, SC 29405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information 
Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 571-4366 or toll free: (866) SAFMC-10; 
fax: (843) 769-4520; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The scoping meetings will be conducted via 
webinar and accessible via the internet from the Council's website at 
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. The 
scoping meetings will begin at 6 p.m. Registration for the webinars is 
required. Registration information, a copy of the scoping materials, an 
online public comment form and any additional information as needed 
will be posted on the Council's website at https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/ as it becomes available.

Amendment 49 to the Snapper Grouper FMP

    The Council is considering adjusting catch levels for greater 
amberjack in response to the most recent stock assessment for the 
species in the region. The stock assessment results indicated the stock 
is not overfished and is not undergoing overfishing. The South Atlantic 
Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has recommended 
new acceptable biological catch (ABC) levels based on the latest stock 
assessment, which incorporated updated recreational data based on NOAA 
Fisheries' Marine Recreational Information Program Fishing Effort 
Survey. Thus, the Council is considering changes to the South Atlantic 
greater amberjack total annual catch limit and sector allocations. The 
Council is also considering removal of all recreational annual catch 
targets for species managed under the FMP that are currently not being 
used in management.
    During the webinar scoping meetings, Council staff will present an 
overview of the amendment and will be available to answer questions. 
Members of the public will have an opportunity to go on record to 
provide their comments for consideration by the Council.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the 
Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting.

    Note:  The times and sequence specified in this agenda are 
subject to change.


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

    Dated: March 24, 2021.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-06446 Filed 3-26-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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