National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 6, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This rule proposes regulations to approve and implement measures in Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016-2017 Specifications (Framework 3) to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Framework 3 would implement skate fishery specifications and a new seasonal quota allocation for the skate wing fishery. The action is necessary to update the Skate FMP to be consistent with the most recent scientific information, and improve management of the skate fisheries. The proposed action is expected to help conserve skate stocks, while maintaining economic opportunities for the skate fisheries.

This final rule amends regulations to allow U.S. vessels authorized to fish under an alternative international fisheries management regime (e.g., the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPF Convention), to fish in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) under the single-trip exception to the general rule that a vessel must be on the vessel register of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) to fish for tuna in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (EPO). This rule is intended to conform U.S. implementing regulations to the IATTC resolution that they implement and remove an unnecessary restriction on the ability of U.S. vessels to use this exception.