Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery; 2025 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications, 100919-100920 [2024-29451]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
for Gulf reef fish) regardless of which
state they are from or where they intend
to land. Once the EEZ off Texas opens
on June 1, 2025, TPWD will continue to
monitor private recreational landings,
and if necessary, will request that NMFS
again close the EEZ in 2025 to ensure
the Texas regional management area
ACL is not exceeded.
On and after the effective dates of this
closure in the EEZ off Texas, the harvest
and possession of red snapper in the
EEZ off Texas by the private angling
component is prohibited and the bag
and possession limits for the red
snapper private angling component in
the closed area is zero.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act. This action is required by 50 CFR
622.23(c), which was issued pursuant to
304(b), and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866, and other
applicable laws.
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 are
unnecessary and contrary to the public
interest. Such procedures are
unnecessary because the rule
implementing the area closure authority
and the state-specific private angling
ACLs has already been subject to notice
and comment, and all that remains is to
notify the public of the closure. Such
procedures are contrary to the public
interest because a failure to implement
the closure by January 1, 2025, would be
inconsistent with Texas’s state
management plan and may result in less
access to red snapper in state waters.
For the aforementioned reasons, there
is also good cause to waive the 30-day
delay in the effectiveness of this action
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: December 9, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–29391 Filed 12–12–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
100919
NMFS is finalizing
specifications for the 2025 Atlantic
deep-sea red crab fishery, including an
annual catch limit and total allowable
landings limit. This action is necessary
to fully implement previously projected
allowable red crab harvest levels that
will prevent overfishing and allow
harvesting of optimum yield. This
action is intended to establish the
allowable 2025 harvest levels,
consistent with the Atlantic Deep-Sea
Red Crab Fishery Management Plan
(FMP).
SUMMARY:
The final specifications for the
2025 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery
are effective from March 1, 2025,
through February 28, 2026.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caroline Potter, Fishery Resource
Management Specialist, (978) 281–9325.
The
Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery is
managed by the New England Fishery
Management Council (Council). The
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab FMP
includes a specification process that
requires the Council to recommend an
acceptable biological catch (ABC), an
annual catch limit (ACL), and total
allowable landings (TAL) every 4 years.
Collectively, these are the red crab
specifications. Prior to the start of
fishing year 2024, the Council
recommended specifications for the
2024–2027 fishing years (table 1).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 241210–0319; RTID 0648–
XE309]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
Fishery; 2025 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red
Crab Specifications
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
TABLE 1—COUNCIL-APPROVED 2024–2027 RED CRAB SPECIFICATIONS
Metric tons
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES
Acceptable Biological Catch ..................................................................................................................
Annual Catch Limit ................................................................................................................................
Total Allowable Landings .......................................................................................................................
On February 8, 2024, NMFS
published a final rule implementing the
Council-recommended specifications for
the 2024 fishing year, effective through
February 28, 2025, and projecting the
fishery’s specifications for 2025 through
2027 (89 FR 8557). At the end of each
fishing year, we evaluate catch
information and determine if the quota
has been exceeded. If a quota is
exceeded, the regulations at 50 CFR
648.262(b) require a pound-for-pound
reduction in a subsequent fishing year.
We have reviewed available 2023 and
2024 fishery information against the
projected 2025 specifications. There
have been no quota overages, nor is
there any new biological information
that would require altering the projected
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:42 Dec 12, 2024
Jkt 265001
2025 specifications published in 2024.
Based on this information, we are
finalizing specifications for fishing year
2025, as projected in the 2024
specifications rule, and outlined above
in table 1. These specifications are not
expected to result in overfishing and
adequately account for scientific
uncertainty. NMFS will provide notice
of the final 2026–2027 specifications,
and any necessary reductions, prior to
the start of each respective fishing year.
Classification
NMFS is issuing this rule pursuant to
305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act
(MSA), which authorizes the Secretary
to implement management measures
necessary to carry out an approved
PO 00000
Frm 00199
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2,000
2,000
2,000
Millions of pounds
(lb)
4.41
4.41
4.41
fishery management plan. Red crab
specifications are implemented
pursuant to the regulations at 50 CFR
648.260 that were approved and
implemented by NMFS in Amendment
3 to the FMP (76 FR 60379; September
29, 2011). The NMFS Assistant
Administrator has determined that this
final rule is consistent with the Atlantic
Deep-Sea Red Crab FMP, the 2024–2027
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
specifications, and other applicable law.
This final rule is exempt from review
under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866.
NMFS has determined that this action
would not have a substantial direct
effect on one or more Indian Tribes, on
the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian Tribes, or on
E:\FR\FM\13DER1.SGM
13DER1
100920
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 240 / Friday, December 13, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES
the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian Tribes;
therefore, consultation with Tribal
officials under E.O. 13175 is not
required, and the requirements of
sections (5)(b) and (5)(c) of E.O. 13175
also do not apply. A Tribal summary
impact statement under section
(5)(b)(2)(B) and section (5)(c)(2)(B) of
E.O. 13175 is not required and has not
been prepared.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), we
find good cause to waive prior public
notice and opportunity for public
comment on the catch limit and
allocation adjustments, because
allowing time for notice and comment
would be contrary to the public interest.
The proposed rule for the 2024–2027
specifications, pursuant to the process
described in the red crab regulations
(§ 648.260), provided the public with
the opportunity to comment on the
specifications, including the projected
2025 through 2027 specifications (88 FR
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:42 Dec 12, 2024
Jkt 265001
83893, December 1, 2023). We received
no comments on the proposed rule
announcing the projected 2025–2027
specifications and this final rule
contains no changes from the projected
2025 specifications that were included
in both the December 1, 2023, proposed
rule and the February 8, 2024, final rule
(89 FR 8557). Through both the
proposed rule for the 2024–2027
specifications and the final rule for the
2024 specifications, we alerted the
public that we would conduct a review
of the latest available catch information
in each of the interim years of the multiyear specifications and announce the
final quota prior to the March 1 start of
the fishing year. Thus, the proposed and
final rules that contained the projected
2025–2027 specifications provided a
full opportunity for the public to
comment on the substance and process
of this action.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation,
Department of Commerce, previously
certified to the Chief Counsel for
PO 00000
Frm 00200
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration (SBA) that the 2024–
2027 red crab specifications would not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Implementing the 2025 specifications
will not change the conclusions drawn
in that previous certification to the SBA.
No comments were received regarding
this prior certification. As a result, no
new regulatory flexibility analysis is
required and none has been prepared.
This action does not contain a
collection of information requirement
for purposes of the Paperwork
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: December 10, 2024.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–29451 Filed 12–12–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\13DER1.SGM
13DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 240 (Friday, December 13, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 100919-100920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-29451]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 241210-0319; RTID 0648-XE309]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea
Red Crab Fishery; 2025 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is finalizing specifications for the 2025 Atlantic deep-
sea red crab fishery, including an annual catch limit and total
allowable landings limit. This action is necessary to fully implement
previously projected allowable red crab harvest levels that will
prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield. This action
is intended to establish the allowable 2025 harvest levels, consistent
with the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
DATES: The final specifications for the 2025 Atlantic deep-sea red crab
fishery are effective from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caroline Potter, Fishery Resource
Management Specialist, (978) 281-9325.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery is
managed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). The
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab FMP includes a specification process that
requires the Council to recommend an acceptable biological catch (ABC),
an annual catch limit (ACL), and total allowable landings (TAL) every 4
years. Collectively, these are the red crab specifications. Prior to
the start of fishing year 2024, the Council recommended specifications
for the 2024-2027 fishing years (table 1).
Table 1--Council-Approved 2024-2027 Red Crab Specifications
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions of pounds
Metric tons (lb)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable Biological Catch.... 2,000 4.41
Annual Catch Limit............. 2,000 4.41
Total Allowable Landings....... 2,000 4.41
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On February 8, 2024, NMFS published a final rule implementing the
Council-recommended specifications for the 2024 fishing year, effective
through February 28, 2025, and projecting the fishery's specifications
for 2025 through 2027 (89 FR 8557). At the end of each fishing year, we
evaluate catch information and determine if the quota has been
exceeded. If a quota is exceeded, the regulations at 50 CFR 648.262(b)
require a pound-for-pound reduction in a subsequent fishing year. We
have reviewed available 2023 and 2024 fishery information against the
projected 2025 specifications. There have been no quota overages, nor
is there any new biological information that would require altering the
projected 2025 specifications published in 2024. Based on this
information, we are finalizing specifications for fishing year 2025, as
projected in the 2024 specifications rule, and outlined above in table
1. These specifications are not expected to result in overfishing and
adequately account for scientific uncertainty. NMFS will provide notice
of the final 2026-2027 specifications, and any necessary reductions,
prior to the start of each respective fishing year.
Classification
NMFS is issuing this rule pursuant to 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act (MSA), which authorizes the Secretary to implement
management measures necessary to carry out an approved fishery
management plan. Red crab specifications are implemented pursuant to
the regulations at 50 CFR 648.260 that were approved and implemented by
NMFS in Amendment 3 to the FMP (76 FR 60379; September 29, 2011). The
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this final rule is
consistent with the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab FMP, the 2024-2027
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab specifications, and other applicable law.
This final rule is exempt from review under Executive Order (E.O.)
12866.
NMFS has determined that this action would not have a substantial
direct effect on one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on
[[Page 100920]]
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian Tribes; therefore, consultation with Tribal
officials under E.O. 13175 is not required, and the requirements of
sections (5)(b) and (5)(c) of E.O. 13175 also do not apply. A Tribal
summary impact statement under section (5)(b)(2)(B) and section
(5)(c)(2)(B) of E.O. 13175 is not required and has not been prepared.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), we find good cause to waive prior
public notice and opportunity for public comment on the catch limit and
allocation adjustments, because allowing time for notice and comment
would be contrary to the public interest. The proposed rule for the
2024-2027 specifications, pursuant to the process described in the red
crab regulations (Sec. 648.260), provided the public with the
opportunity to comment on the specifications, including the projected
2025 through 2027 specifications (88 FR 83893, December 1, 2023). We
received no comments on the proposed rule announcing the projected
2025-2027 specifications and this final rule contains no changes from
the projected 2025 specifications that were included in both the
December 1, 2023, proposed rule and the February 8, 2024, final rule
(89 FR 8557). Through both the proposed rule for the 2024-2027
specifications and the final rule for the 2024 specifications, we
alerted the public that we would conduct a review of the latest
available catch information in each of the interim years of the multi-
year specifications and announce the final quota prior to the March 1
start of the fishing year. Thus, the proposed and final rules that
contained the projected 2025-2027 specifications provided a full
opportunity for the public to comment on the substance and process of
this action.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation, Department of Commerce,
previously certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration (SBA) that the 2024-2027 red crab
specifications would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Implementing the 2025
specifications will not change the conclusions drawn in that previous
certification to the SBA. No comments were received regarding this
prior certification. As a result, no new regulatory flexibility
analysis is required and none has been prepared.
This action does not contain a collection of information
requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: December 10, 2024.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-29451 Filed 12-12-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
