Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops, 48597-48599 [2024-12571]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 111 / Friday, June 7, 2024 / Notices Proposed Authorization As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to Weyerhaeuser for conducting Log Export Dock Project, on the Columbia River near Longview, Washington, from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. A draft of the proposed IHA can be found at: https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ marine-mammal-protection/incidentaltake-authorizations-constructionactivities. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Request for Public Comments We request comment on our analyses, the proposed authorization, and any other aspect of this notice of proposed IHA for the proposed Log Export Dock Project. We also request comment on the potential renewal of this proposed IHA as described in the paragraph below. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform decisions on the request for this IHA or a subsequent renewal IHA. On a case-by-case basis, NMFS may issue a one-time, 1-year renewal IHA following notice to the public providing an additional 15 days for public comments when (1) up to another year of identical or nearly identical activities as described in the Description of Proposed Activity section is planned, or (2) the activities as described in the Description of Proposed Activity section would not be completed by the time the IHA expires and a renewal would allow for completion of the activities beyond that described in the Dates and Duration section, provided all of the following conditions are met: • A request for renewal is received no later than 60 days prior to the needed renewal IHA effective date (recognizing that the renewal IHA expiration date cannot extend beyond 1 year from expiration of the initial IHA). • The request for renewal must include the following: (1) An explanation that the activities to be conducted under the requested renewal IHA are identical to the activities analyzed under the initial IHA, are a subset of the activities, or include changes so minor (e.g., reduction in pile size) that the changes do not affect the previous analyses, mitigation and monitoring requirements, or take estimates (with the exception of reducing the type or amount of take). (2) A preliminary monitoring report showing the results of the required monitoring to date and an explanation VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Jun 06, 2024 Jkt 262001 showing that the monitoring results do not indicate impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized. • Upon review of the request for renewal, the status of the affected species or stocks, and any other pertinent information, NMFS determines that there are no more than minor changes in the activities, the mitigation and monitoring measures will remain the same and appropriate, and the findings in the initial IHA remain valid. Dated: June 3, 2024. Catherine Marzin, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–12473 Filed 6–6–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XE019] Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species 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 July, August, and September of 2024. 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 shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted in 2024 and will be announced in a future notice. In addition, NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for persons who have already taken an inperson training. DATES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held on August 22, 2024, and September 12, 2024. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held on July 10, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48597 2024, August 2, 2024, and September 9, 2024. ADDRESSES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in Wilmington, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in Ocean City, MD, Port St. Lucie, FL, and Kenner, LA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elsa Gutierrez by email at elsa.gutierrez@ noaa.gov or by phone at 301–427–8503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries are managed under the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 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. Section 635.8 describes the requirements for the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops. 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 available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantichighly-migratory-species/atlantic-sharkidentification-workshops and https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highlymigratory-species/safe-handling-releaseand-identification-workshops. 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 3 years. Thus, certificates that were initially issued in 2021 will expire in 2024. 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 one certificate will be issued to each proxy. A proxy must be a person who is currently employed by a place of E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM 07JNN1 48598 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 111 / Friday, June 7, 2024 / Notices 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, a copy of a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate must be in any trucks or other conveyances that are extensions of a dealer’s place of business. Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations • August 22, 2024, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. (local time), Wingate by Wyndham, 5126 Market Street/Bus 17, Wilmington, NC 28405. • September 12, 2024, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. (local time), Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Norfolk, 5700 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. 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. Registration Materials 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 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 dealerreported information. Reducing the number of unknown and improperly identified sharks will improve quota monitoring and the data used in stock VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Jun 06, 2024 Jkt 262001 assessments. These workshops will train shark dealer permit holders or their proxies to properly identify Atlantic shark carcasses. Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops Since January 1, 2007, shark limited access and swordfish limited access permit holders who fish with longline or gillnet gear have been required to submit a copy of their Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop certificate in order to renew either permit (71 FR 58057, October 2, 2006). These certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. Certificates issued in 2021 will expire in 2024. As such, vessel owners who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel owners whose certificate(s) will expire prior to the next permit renewal, must attend a workshop to fish with, or renew, their swordfish and shark limited access permits. Additionally, new shark and swordfish limited access permit applicants who intend to fish with longline or gillnet gear must attend a Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and submit a copy of their workshop certificate before either of the permits will be issued. In addition to vessel owners, at least one operator on board vessels issued a limited access swordfish or shark permit that uses longline or gillnet gear is required to attend a Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and receive a certificate. Vessels that have been issued a limited access swordfish or shark permit and that use longline or gillnet gear may not fish unless both the vessel owner and operator have valid workshop certificates on board at all times. Vessel operators who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel operators whose certificate(s) will expire prior to their next fishing trip, must attend a workshop to operate a vessel with swordfish and shark limited access permits on which longline or gillnet gear is used. Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations • July 10, 2024, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (local time), Residence Inn by Marriott, Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842. • August 2, 2024, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (local time), Ocean Breeze Inn, Vero Beach, 3384 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. • September 9, 2024, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (local time), Hilton New Orleans Airport, 901 Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062. PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Registration To register for a scheduled Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop, please contact Angler Conservation Education at 386–682– 0158. Pre-registration is highly recommended, but not required. Registration Materials To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items with them to the workshop: • Individual vessel owners must bring a copy of the appropriate swordfish and/or shark permit(s), a copy of the vessel registration or documentation, and proof of identification; • Representatives of a businessowned or co-owned vessel must bring proof that the individual is an agent of the business (such as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable swordfish and/or shark permit(s), and proof of identification; and • Vessel operators must bring proof of identification. Workshop Objectives The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are designed to teach the owner and operator of a vessel that fishes with longline or gillnet gear the required techniques for the safe handling and release of entangled and/ or hooked protected species, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, smalltooth sawfish, Atlantic sturgeon, and prohibited sharks. In an effort to improve reporting, the proper identification of protected species and prohibited sharks will also be taught at these workshops. Additionally, individuals attending these workshops will gain a better understanding of the requirements for participating in these fisheries. The overall goal of these workshops is to provide participants with the skills needed to reduce the mortality of protected species and prohibited sharks, which may prevent additional regulations on these fisheries in the future. Online Recertification Workshops NMFS implemented an online option for shark dealers and owners and operators of vessels that fish with longline and gillnet gear to renew their certificates in December 2021. To be eligible for online recertification workshops, dealers and vessel owners and operators need to have previously attended an in-person workshop. Information about the courses is available online at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly- E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM 07JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 111 / Friday, June 7, 2024 / Notices migratory-species/atlantic-sharkidentification-workshops and https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highlymigratory-species/safe-handling-releaseand-identification-workshops. To access the course please visit: https:// hmsworkshop.fisheries.noaa.gov/start. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 4, 2024. Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–12571 Filed 6–6–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Proposed additions to and deletions from the Procurement List. AGENCY: The Committee is proposing to add service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and delete service(s) previously furnished by such agencies. DATES: Comments must be received on or before: July 7, 2024. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 785–6404, or email CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51–2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: Additions In accordance with 41 CFR 51–5.3(b), the Committee intends to add the service(s) requirement listed below to the Procurement List as a mandatory purchase only for the contracting activity and location with the proposed qualified nonprofit agency as the authorized source of supply. Prior to adding the service to the Procurement List, the Committee will consider other pertinent information, including information from Government personnel and relevant comments from interested VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Jun 06, 2024 Jkt 262001 parties regarding the Committee’s intent to geographically limit this services requirement. The following service(s) are proposed for addition to the Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed: Service(s) Service Type: Custodial and Food Service Mandatory for: Federal Aviation Administration, Atlanta ARTCC, Hampton, GA and Atlanta TRACON, Peachtree City, GA Authorized Source of Supply: Bobby Dodd Institute, Inc., Atlanta, GA Contracting Activity: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, 697DCK REGIONAL ACQUISITIONS SVCS Deletions The following service(s) are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Service(s) Service Type: Custodial service Mandatory for: NOAA, National Weather Service, Johnson City, NY; 32 Dawes Drive; Johnson City, NY Mandatory Source of Supply: Human Technologies Corporation, Utica, NY Contracting Activity: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA Service Type: Mailroom Operation Mandatory for: U.S. Geological Survey: Denver Federal Center; Denver, CO Mandatory Source of Supply: Bayaud Enterprises, Inc., Denver, CO Contracting Activity: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND GRANTS—DENVER Michael R. Jurkowski, Director, Business Operations. [FR Doc. 2024–12479 Filed 6–6–24; 8:45 am] 48599 Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 785–6404, or email CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Additions On 4/26/2024 (89 FR 32404) and 4/1/ 2024 (89 FR 28752), the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission) published an initial notice of proposed additions to the Procurement List. The Committee determined that the service(s) listed below are suitable for procurement by the Federal Government and has added services to the Procurement List as a mandatory purchase for contracting activities listed. In accordance with 41 CFR 51–5.3(b), the mandatory purchase requirement is limited to the contracting activity at the locations, and in accordance with 41 CFR 51–5.2, the Committee has authorized NPAs listed as the mandatory source(s) of supply. After consideration of the material presented to it concerning capability of qualified nonprofit agencies to provide the service(s) and impact of the additions on the current or most recent contractors, the Committee has determined that the service(s) listed below are suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 8501–8506 and 41 CFR 51–2.4. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification BILLING CODE 6353–01–P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Additions and Deletions Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Additions to and deletions from the Procurement List. AGENCY: This action adds service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and deletes product(s) from the Procurement List previously furnished by such agencies. DATES: Date added to and deleted from the Procurement List: July 7, 2024. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. The action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the service(s) to the Government. 2. The action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the service(s) to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501–8506) in connection with the service(s) proposed for addition to the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following service(s) are added to the Procurement List: E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM 07JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 111 (Friday, June 7, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48597-48599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-12571]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XE019]


Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and 
Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

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

ACTION: Notice of public workshops.

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

SUMMARY: Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe 
Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in July, 
August, and September of 2024. 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 shark 
or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be 
conducted in 2024 and will be announced in a future notice. In 
addition, NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for 
persons who have already taken an in-person training.

DATES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held on 
August 22, 2024, and September 12, 2024. The Safe Handling, Release, 
and Identification Workshops will be held on July 10, 2024, August 2, 
2024, and September 9, 2024.

ADDRESSES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in 
Wilmington, NC, and Virginia Beach, VA. The Safe Handling, Release, and 
Identification Workshops will be held in Ocean City, MD, Port St. 
Lucie, FL, and Kenner, LA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elsa Gutierrez by email at 
[email protected] or by phone at 301-427-8503.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) 
fisheries are managed under the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) 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. 
Section 635.8 describes the requirements for the Atlantic Shark 
Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification 
Workshops. 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 available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/atlantic-shark-identification-workshops and 
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/safe-handling-release-and-identification-workshops.

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 3 years. Thus, certificates 
that were initially issued in 2021 will expire in 2024.
    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 one 
certificate will be issued to each proxy. A proxy must be a person who 
is currently employed by a place of

[[Page 48598]]

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, a copy of a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark 
Identification Workshop certificate must be in any trucks or other 
conveyances that are extensions of a dealer's place of business.

Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations

     August 22, 2024, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (local time), Wingate by 
Wyndham, 5126 Market Street/Bus 17, Wilmington, NC 28405.
     September 12, 2024, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (local time), Courtyard 
by Marriott Virginia Beach Norfolk, 5700 Greenwich Road, Virginia 
Beach, VA 23462.

Registration

    To register for a scheduled Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop, 
please contact Eric Sander at [email protected] or at 386-852-
8588. Pre-registration is highly recommended, but not required.

Registration Materials

    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-reported information. Reducing the number of unknown and 
improperly identified sharks will improve quota monitoring and the data 
used in stock assessments. These workshops will train shark dealer 
permit holders or their proxies to properly identify Atlantic shark 
carcasses.

Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

    Since January 1, 2007, shark limited access and swordfish limited 
access permit holders who fish with longline or gillnet gear have been 
required to submit a copy of their Safe Handling, Release, and 
Identification Workshop certificate in order to renew either permit (71 
FR 58057, October 2, 2006). These certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. 
Certificates issued in 2021 will expire in 2024. As such, vessel owners 
who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS 
certificate, or vessel owners whose certificate(s) will expire prior to 
the next permit renewal, must attend a workshop to fish with, or renew, 
their swordfish and shark limited access permits. Additionally, new 
shark and swordfish limited access permit applicants who intend to fish 
with longline or gillnet gear must attend a Safe Handling, Release, and 
Identification Workshop and submit a copy of their workshop certificate 
before either of the permits will be issued.
    In addition to vessel owners, at least one operator on board 
vessels issued a limited access swordfish or shark permit that uses 
longline or gillnet gear is required to attend a Safe Handling, 
Release, and Identification Workshop and receive a certificate. Vessels 
that have been issued a limited access swordfish or shark permit and 
that use longline or gillnet gear may not fish unless both the vessel 
owner and operator have valid workshop certificates on board at all 
times. Vessel operators who have not already attended a workshop and 
received a NMFS certificate, or vessel operators whose certificate(s) 
will expire prior to their next fishing trip, must attend a workshop to 
operate a vessel with swordfish and shark limited access permits on 
which longline or gillnet gear is used.

Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations

     July 10, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (local time), Residence Inn 
by Marriott, Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842.
     August 2, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (local time), Ocean Breeze 
Inn, Vero Beach, 3384 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
     September 9, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (local time), Hilton New 
Orleans Airport, 901 Airline Drive, Kenner, LA 70062.

Registration

    To register for a scheduled Safe Handling, Release, and 
Identification Workshop, please contact Angler Conservation Education 
at 386-682-0158. Pre-registration is highly recommended, but not 
required.

Registration Materials

    To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct 
permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items 
with them to the workshop:
     Individual vessel owners must bring a copy of the 
appropriate swordfish and/or shark permit(s), a copy of the vessel 
registration or documentation, and proof of identification;
     Representatives of a business-owned or co-owned vessel 
must bring proof that the individual is an agent of the business (such 
as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable swordfish and/
or shark permit(s), and proof of identification; and
     Vessel operators must bring proof of identification.

Workshop Objectives

    The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are 
designed to teach the owner and operator of a vessel that fishes with 
longline or gillnet gear the required techniques for the safe handling 
and release of entangled and/or hooked protected species, such as sea 
turtles, marine mammals, smalltooth sawfish, Atlantic sturgeon, and 
prohibited sharks. In an effort to improve reporting, the proper 
identification of protected species and prohibited sharks will also be 
taught at these workshops. Additionally, individuals attending these 
workshops will gain a better understanding of the requirements for 
participating in these fisheries. The overall goal of these workshops 
is to provide participants with the skills needed to reduce the 
mortality of protected species and prohibited sharks, which may prevent 
additional regulations on these fisheries in the future.

Online Recertification Workshops

    NMFS implemented an online option for shark dealers and owners and 
operators of vessels that fish with longline and gillnet gear to renew 
their certificates in December 2021. To be eligible for online 
recertification workshops, dealers and vessel owners and operators need 
to have previously attended an in-person workshop. Information about 
the courses is available online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
atlantic-highly-

[[Page 48599]]

migratory-species/atlantic-shark-identification-workshops and https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/safe-handling-release-and-identification-workshops. To access the course please 
visit: https://hmsworkshop.fisheries.noaa.gov/start.
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: June 4, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-12571 Filed 6-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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