Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 18376-18377 [2024-05271]

Download as PDF 18376 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 50 / Wednesday, March 13, 2024 / Notices fisheries, including the bluefin tuna (BFT) fisheries, are managed under the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan and its amendments pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). HMS implementing regulations are at 50 CFR part 635. In response to petitions for rulemaking submitted in 2021 and 2023, NMFS has engaged in deliberations regarding the management of the Harpoon category fishery for BFT. The petitioners advocated for regulatory measures to limit harpoon fishing near vessels using mobile gear that is used to fish for groundfish, scallops, or clams and to restrict the deployment of floating bait for the purpose of attracting BFT to the surface for harpooning. The petitioners felt the practices were contrary to the traditional method of fishing with harpoon gear, would cause the Harpoon category quota to be filled too quickly, and would cause safety issues. The petitioners also advocated for fishing with harpoon gear only during the day and prohibiting nighttime fishing due to safety concerns. During the September 2023 HMS Advisory Panel meeting, stakeholders were invited to provide public comment on the aforementioned petitions. NMFS recognized the significance of ongoing dialogue and indicated the possibility of further discussions on the matter in the future. The upcoming listening session allows NMFS to hear from stakeholders and the public regarding any insights, concerns, and recommendations pertaining to the Harpoon category in general and the aforementioned petitions. For this meeting, we anticipate hearing from the public about the following topics: • Recent harpooning practices and techniques in the BFT fishery; • Recent harpooning activities in the BFT fishery in proximity to mobile-gear vessels; • The impact of nighttime harpooning; and, • Thoughts about the potential regulatory changes regarding the Harpoon category fishery. The public is reminded that NMFS expects participants of the meeting to conduct themselves appropriately. At the beginning of the meeting, the moderator will explain how the meeting will be conducted and how and when participants can provide comments. NMFS will structure the meeting so that all members of the public will be able to comment. Participants are expected to respect the ground rules, and those that do not may be asked to leave. Dated: March 7, 2024. Everett Wayne Baxter, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05299 Filed 3–12–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD656] Foundation. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 12, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by email at nmfs.gar.efp@ noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘CFF Great South Channel HMA Clam EFP.’’ All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing in https:// www.noaa.gov/organization/ information-technology/foia-readingroom 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 ‘‘anonymous’’ as the signature if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by Coonamessett Farm SUMMARY: Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst, douglas.potts@noaa.gov, 978–281–9341. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant submitted a complete application for an EFP to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. This EFP would exempt the participating vessels from the following Federal regulations: TABLE 1—REQUESTED EXEMPTIONS CFR citation Regulation Need for exemption 50 CFR Habitat ManTo conduct 648.370(h). agement compensaAreas—protion fishing hibition on with hyusing botdraulic clam tom-tending dredges. mobile gear. TABLE 2—PROJECT SUMMARY Compensation fishing in support of a Great South Channel Habitat Management Area study phase II: an acoustic mapping survey of Davis Bank East lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Project title Division action number ................... Principal Investigator ....................... Institution ......................................... Continuing project (yes/no) ............. Initial application date ..................... Complete application date .............. Funding source ............................... Project Start .................................... Project End ..................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 Mar 12, 2024 DA23–073. Natalie Jennings. Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF). Yes. September 26, 2023. December 5, 2023. Compensation fishing. Upon issue. 1 year from issue. Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 50 / Wednesday, March 13, 2024 / Notices 18377 TABLE 2—PROJECT SUMMARY—Continued Project title Compensation fishing in support of a Great South Channel Habitat Management Area study phase II: an acoustic mapping survey of Davis Bank East Project objectives ............................ Compensation surfclam fishing to fund a habitat mapping project using multibeam sonar and drop cameras. Great South Channel Habitat Management Area, Davis Bank East. 3 (2 active with 1 in reserve). 260. 1. 260. Hydraulic clam dredge. 30 per trip. 0.16 hrs. Project location ............................... Number of vessels .......................... Number of trips ............................... Trip duration (days) ......................... Total number of days ...................... Gear type(s) .................................... Number of tows or sets .................. Duration of tows or sets .................. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Project Narrative Acoustic Survey Trips An initial survey of the full Davis Bank East area (approximately 60 square kilometers) would be conducted using multibeam sonar and a drop camera array, lasting approximately 8 and 6 days, respectively. This would establish a baseline to monitor changes in fished and unfished portions of the area. Following the initial survey, research trips would consist of one 4-day trip per season (16 total days) in the northern half of the area. The survey would be conducted with a 25-percent overlap between adjacent multibeam lines. Sonar imagery would be processed for bathymetry and backscatter. In addition, a 2-day research trip would occur seasonally (8 total days) using a drop camera array to ground-truth the sonar imagery and provide benthic community biological information. Drop camera survey trips would be conducted concurrent with the sonar survey trips. Four drops per hour would be accomplished for 12 hours for 2 days, with a goal of approximately 96 stations sampled per trip. Time of day, sea state and weather conditions, GPS coordinates, depth, and time on bottom will be recorded at each drop camera station. The drop camera is a 4-foot-tall, four-sided pyramid outfitted with lights and a high-resolution Sony camera with a 1-meter-squared field of view. A final multibeam sonar and drop camera survey of the full Davis Bank East area would be conducted again lasting approximately 8 and 6 days, respectively. All survey trips would be directed by two CFF scientists onboard the vessel. No fishing gear will be deployed during survey trips. CFF will submit a separate application for a letter of acknowledgment of scientific research for these survey cruises. Compensation Fishing Trips The EFP would authorize the harvest of surfclams from an area closed to hydraulic clam dredges for the purpose VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 Mar 12, 2024 Jkt 262001 of generating funds for the acoustic survey. After the initial acoustic survey is completed, two commercial surfclam vessels would take up to 130 trips (260 total trips) into the southern portion of the Davis Bank East area defined by these coordinates: Latitude 41.268° 41.268° 41.223° 41.223° N N N N Longitude .................. .................. .................. .................. 69.58° W. 69.508° W. 69.566° W. 69.508° W. Both vessels would use a 48-inchwide hydraulic surfclam dredge, towed between 2 and 3 knots for 10 minutes per tow, with a trip limit of 14 cages. Approximately 30 tows would be conducted per trip. A CFF scientist would be onboard 25 percent of compensation fishing trips to collect surfclam catch per unit effort and catch composition data. The vessel owners have committed 15 percent of the value of each trip to cover the full cost of the research trips and data analysis. At an estimated $30 per bushel ex-vessel value, this would just cover the total research budget of roughly $505,000. The participating vessel owners have agreed to make up the difference if the price falls below $30 per bushel. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. PO 00000 Dated: March 7, 2024. Everett Wayne Baxter, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05271 Filed 3–12–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD753] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council’s is convening its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) sub-panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. ADDRESSES: Webinar registration information: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/6027689206954658393. Call in information: +1 (415) 930–5321, Access Code: 210–165–122. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Agenda A Scientific and Statistical Committee sub-panel will meet to review the Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 13, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18376-18377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05271]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD656]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic 
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

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

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary 
determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application 
contains all of the required information and warrants further 
consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels 
to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing 
activities proposed by Coonamessett Farm Foundation. Regulations under 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require 
publication of this notification to provide interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 12, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by email at 
[email protected]. Include in the subject line ``CFF Great South 
Channel HMA Clam EFP.''
    All comments received are a part of the public record and will 
generally be posted for public viewing in https://www.noaa.gov/organization/information-technology/foia-reading-room 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 ``anonymous'' as the signature if 
you wish to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst, 
[email protected], 978-281-9341.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant submitted a complete 
application for an EFP to conduct commercial fishing activities that 
the regulations would otherwise restrict. This EFP would exempt the 
participating vessels from the following Federal regulations:

                      Table 1--Requested Exemptions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          CFR citation                Regulation      Need for exemption
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 CFR 648.370(h)...............  Habitat Management  To conduct
                                   Areas--prohibitio   compensation
                                   n on using bottom-  fishing with
                                   tending mobile      hydraulic clam
                                   gear.               dredges.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        Table 2--Project Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Compensation fishing in support of a
                                         Great South Channel Habitat
           Project title             Management Area study phase II: an
                                      acoustic mapping survey of Davis
                                                  Bank East
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Division action number............  DA23-073.
Principal Investigator............  Natalie Jennings.
Institution.......................  Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF).
Continuing project (yes/no).......  Yes.
Initial application date..........  September 26, 2023.
Complete application date.........  December 5, 2023.
Funding source....................  Compensation fishing.
Project Start.....................  Upon issue.
Project End.......................  1 year from issue.

[[Page 18377]]

 
Project objectives................  Compensation surfclam fishing to
                                     fund a habitat mapping project
                                     using multibeam sonar and drop
                                     cameras.
Project location..................  Great South Channel Habitat
                                     Management Area, Davis Bank East.
Number of vessels.................  3 (2 active with 1 in reserve).
Number of trips...................  260.
Trip duration (days)..............  1.
Total number of days..............  260.
Gear type(s)......................  Hydraulic clam dredge.
Number of tows or sets............  30 per trip.
Duration of tows or sets..........  0.16 hrs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project Narrative

Acoustic Survey Trips

    An initial survey of the full Davis Bank East area (approximately 
60 square kilometers) would be conducted using multibeam sonar and a 
drop camera array, lasting approximately 8 and 6 days, respectively. 
This would establish a baseline to monitor changes in fished and 
unfished portions of the area. Following the initial survey, research 
trips would consist of one 4-day trip per season (16 total days) in the 
northern half of the area. The survey would be conducted with a 25-
percent overlap between adjacent multibeam lines. Sonar imagery would 
be processed for bathymetry and backscatter. In addition, a 2-day 
research trip would occur seasonally (8 total days) using a drop camera 
array to ground-truth the sonar imagery and provide benthic community 
biological information. Drop camera survey trips would be conducted 
concurrent with the sonar survey trips. Four drops per hour would be 
accomplished for 12 hours for 2 days, with a goal of approximately 96 
stations sampled per trip. Time of day, sea state and weather 
conditions, GPS coordinates, depth, and time on bottom will be recorded 
at each drop camera station. The drop camera is a 4-foot-tall, four-
sided pyramid outfitted with lights and a high-resolution Sony camera 
with a 1-meter-squared field of view. A final multibeam sonar and drop 
camera survey of the full Davis Bank East area would be conducted again 
lasting approximately 8 and 6 days, respectively. All survey trips 
would be directed by two CFF scientists onboard the vessel. No fishing 
gear will be deployed during survey trips. CFF will submit a separate 
application for a letter of acknowledgment of scientific research for 
these survey cruises.

Compensation Fishing Trips

    The EFP would authorize the harvest of surfclams from an area 
closed to hydraulic clam dredges for the purpose of generating funds 
for the acoustic survey. After the initial acoustic survey is 
completed, two commercial surfclam vessels would take up to 130 trips 
(260 total trips) into the southern portion of the Davis Bank East area 
defined by these coordinates:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Latitude                             Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.268[deg] N.............................  69.58[deg] W.
41.268[deg] N.............................  69.508[deg] W.
41.223[deg] N.............................  69.566[deg] W.
41.223[deg] N.............................  69.508[deg] W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Both vessels would use a 48-inch-wide hydraulic surfclam dredge, 
towed between 2 and 3 knots for 10 minutes per tow, with a trip limit 
of 14 cages. Approximately 30 tows would be conducted per trip. A CFF 
scientist would be onboard 25 percent of compensation fishing trips to 
collect surfclam catch per unit effort and catch composition data. The 
vessel owners have committed 15 percent of the value of each trip to 
cover the full cost of the research trips and data analysis. At an 
estimated $30 per bushel ex-vessel value, this would just cover the 
total research budget of roughly $505,000. The participating vessel 
owners have agreed to make up the difference if the price falls below 
$30 per bushel.
    If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and 
extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and 
extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed 
essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have 
minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially 
approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope 
of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: March 7, 2024.
Everett Wayne Baxter,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-05271 Filed 3-12-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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