Pacific Island Fisheries; 2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 67984-67985 [2023-21838]

Download as PDF 67984 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 3, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, and 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. 7502, 7505, 7701, 8906, and 70105; E.O. 10173; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. Section 11.107 is also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507. 2. Amend § 11.201 by: a. Revising the first sentence of paragraph (h)(1) introductory text; ■ b. Revising paragraphs (h)(2)(i), (h)(3)(i) and (ii); ■ c. Adding paragraphs (h)(3)(iii) and (iv); and ■ d. In paragraph (l), after the word ‘‘service’’ and before the words ‘‘and examination’’ adding the text ‘‘, training’’. The revisions and additions read as follows: ■ ■ Dated: September 21, 2023. W.R. Arguin, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy. [FR Doc. 2023–21560 Filed 10–2–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE § 11.201 General requirements for national and STCW officer endorsements. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 * * * * * (h) * * * (1) Applicants for an original officer endorsement in the following categories must present a certificate of completion from a firefighting course of instruction relevant to the endorsement being sought that has been approved by the Coast Guard. * * * (2) * * * (i) All national officer endorsements as master or mate on seagoing vessels of 200 GRT or more. * * * * * (3) * * * (i) All officer endorsements as master on vessels of less than 500 GT in ocean service. (ii) All officer endorsements for master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels for service on near-coastal waters, except apprentice mate (steersman) of towing vessels. (iii) All officer endorsements for master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels for service on Great Lakes, except apprentice mate (steersman) of towing vessels. (iv) All officer endorsements as master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels for service on inland waters or Western Rivers, except apprentice mate (steersman) of towing vessels. (A) The Coast Guard will accept a Coast Guard-approved modified basic firefighting course, which is the basic firefighting training described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section modified to only cover the equipment, fire prevention procedures, and firefighting operations required on towing vessels on inland waters or Western Rivers routes required in 46 CFR parts 140 and 142. A mariner who completes this modified basic firefighting course will be issued an endorsement that is VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 02, 2023 Jkt 262001 restricted to inland waters or Western Rivers. (B) To increase in scope to Great Lakes, near-coastal or oceans, the applicant will be required to complete the firefighting course appropriate to the route sought. * * * * * National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 665 [RTID 0648–XD391] Pacific Island Fisheries; 2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Announcement of a valid specified fishing agreement. AGENCY: NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that allocates up to 1,500 metric tons (t) of the 2023 bigeye tuna limit for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to U.S. longline fishing vessels. The agreement supports the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and fisheries development in the CNMI. DATES: The specified fishing agreement was valid as of February 2, 2023. The start date for attributing 2023 bigeye tuna catch to the CNMI is October 8, 2023. SUMMARY: The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific (FEP) describes specified fishing agreements and is available from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, telephone 808–522–8220, fax 808–522– 8226, or https://www.wpcouncil.org. NMFS prepared environmental analyses that describe the potential impacts on the human environment that would result from the action. The analyses, identified by NOAA–NMFS– 2022–0117, are available from https:// www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA- ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 NMFS-2022-0117, or from Sarah Malloy, Acting Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Kamikawa, NMFS PIR Sustainable Fisheries, 808–725–5177. In a final rule published on June 15, 2023, NMFS specified a 2023 limit of 2,000 t of longline-caught bigeye tuna for each of the U.S. Pacific Island territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI (88 FR 39201). NMFS allows each territory to allocate up to 1,500 t of the 2,000 t limit to U.S. longline fishing vessels identified in a valid specified fishing agreement, but the overall allocation limit among all territories may not exceed 3,000 t. On September 18, 2023, NMFS received from the Council, through its Executive Director, a specified fishing agreement between the CNMI and the Hawaii Longline Association (HLA) allocating 1,500 t of CNMI’s 2,000 t bigeye tuna limit to U.S. fishing vessels identified in the agreement for 2023. The Council’s Executive Director advised that the agreement is consistent with the FEP and its implementing regulations. On September 26, 2023, NMFS reviewed the agreement and determined that it is consistent with the FEP, implementing regulations, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws. In accordance with 50 CFR 300.224(d) and 50 CFR 665.819(c)(9), vessels in the agreement may retain and land bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean under the CNMI attribution specified in the fishing agreement. Based on logbook data submitted by U.S. longline vessels in the WCPFC Convention Area, NMFS forecasts that the U.S. longline fishery will reach the U.S. bigeye tuna limit of 3,554 t by October 15, 2023. Regulations at 665.819(c)(9)(i) directs NMFS to begin attributing catch to the applicable U.S. territory starting seven days before the date NMFS forecasts the U.S. limit to be reached, or upon the effective date of the agreement, whichever is later. Therefore, on October 8, 2023, NMFS will begin attributing bigeye tuna caught by vessels in the agreement to the CNMI. If NMFS determines that the fishery will reach the overall 2,000 t territorial catch limit or the 1,500 t allocation limit, we will restrict the catch and retention of longline-caught bigeye tuna by vessels in order to not exceed these limits, unless the vessels are included in a subsequent specified SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM 03OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 3, 2023 / Rules and Regulations fishing agreement with another U.S. territory. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 28, 2023. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–21838 Filed 10–2–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 Classification [Docket No. 230306–0065; RTID 0648– XD208] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 28, 2023, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the BSAI prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the BSAI FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The 2023 TAC of Pacific ocean perch, in the CAI, allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery was established as a directed fishing allowance of 498 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 02, 2023 Jkt 262001 metric tons by the final 2023 and 2024 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (88 FR 14926, March 10, 2023) and correction (88 FR 18258, March 28, 2023). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the CAI by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. While this closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was issued pursuant to section 304(b), and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion, and would delay the closure of Pacific ocean perch directed fishery in the CAI for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of September 27, 2023. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 28, 2023. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–21846 Filed 9–28–23; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 67985 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 230306–0065] RTID 0648–XD231 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 28, 2023, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the BSAI prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The 2023 TAC of Atka mackerel, in the CAI, allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery was established as a directed fishing allowance of 1,542 metric tons by the final 2023 and 2024 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (88 FR 14926, March 10, 2023) and correction (88 FR 18258, March 28, 2023). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the CAI by vessels SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM 03OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67984-67985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21838]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 665

[RTID 0648-XD391]


Pacific Island Fisheries; 2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye 
Tuna Catch Limits for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

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

ACTION: Announcement of a valid specified fishing agreement.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that 
allocates up to 1,500 metric tons (t) of the 2023 bigeye tuna limit for 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to U.S. 
longline fishing vessels. The agreement supports the long-term 
sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and 
fisheries development in the CNMI.

DATES: The specified fishing agreement was valid as of February 2, 
2023. The start date for attributing 2023 bigeye tuna catch to the CNMI 
is October 8, 2023.

ADDRESSES: The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the 
Western Pacific (FEP) describes specified fishing agreements and is 
available from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council), 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, telephone 
808-522-8220, fax 808-522-8226, or https://www.wpcouncil.org.
    NMFS prepared environmental analyses that describe the potential 
impacts on the human environment that would result from the action. The 
analyses, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2022-0117, are available from https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2022-0117, or from Sarah Malloy, 
Acting Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 1845 
Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Kamikawa, NMFS PIR Sustainable 
Fisheries, 808-725-5177.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a final rule published on June 15, 2023, 
NMFS specified a 2023 limit of 2,000 t of longline-caught bigeye tuna 
for each of the U.S. Pacific Island territories of American Samoa, 
Guam, and the CNMI (88 FR 39201). NMFS allows each territory to 
allocate up to 1,500 t of the 2,000 t limit to U.S. longline fishing 
vessels identified in a valid specified fishing agreement, but the 
overall allocation limit among all territories may not exceed 3,000 t.
    On September 18, 2023, NMFS received from the Council, through its 
Executive Director, a specified fishing agreement between the CNMI and 
the Hawaii Longline Association (HLA) allocating 1,500 t of CNMI's 
2,000 t bigeye tuna limit to U.S. fishing vessels identified in the 
agreement for 2023. The Council's Executive Director advised that the 
agreement is consistent with the FEP and its implementing regulations. 
On September 26, 2023, NMFS reviewed the agreement and determined that 
it is consistent with the FEP, implementing regulations, the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable 
laws.
    In accordance with 50 CFR 300.224(d) and 50 CFR 665.819(c)(9), 
vessels in the agreement may retain and land bigeye tuna in the western 
and central Pacific Ocean under the CNMI attribution specified in the 
fishing agreement. Based on logbook data submitted by U.S. longline 
vessels in the WCPFC Convention Area, NMFS forecasts that the U.S. 
longline fishery will reach the U.S. bigeye tuna limit of 3,554 t by 
October 15, 2023. Regulations at 665.819(c)(9)(i) directs NMFS to begin 
attributing catch to the applicable U.S. territory starting seven days 
before the date NMFS forecasts the U.S. limit to be reached, or upon 
the effective date of the agreement, whichever is later. Therefore, on 
October 8, 2023, NMFS will begin attributing bigeye tuna caught by 
vessels in the agreement to the CNMI. If NMFS determines that the 
fishery will reach the overall 2,000 t territorial catch limit or the 
1,500 t allocation limit, we will restrict the catch and retention of 
longline-caught bigeye tuna by vessels in order to not exceed these 
limits, unless the vessels are included in a subsequent specified

[[Page 67985]]

fishing agreement with another U.S. territory.

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

    Dated: September 28, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-21838 Filed 10-2-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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