[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63308-63309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31190]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Parts 285, 630, 644, and 678
[I.D. 100897B]
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Scoping Document; Extension of
Comment Period
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments; extension of
comment period.
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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the extension of the public comment period on
the scoping document for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fishery
management. The public comment period is hereby extended from December
1, 1997, to January 9, 1998, to give members of the public additional
time to review and comment on the issues and options that are discussed
in the scoping document. Any written comments received by that date
will be considered by NMFS in developing a set of alternatives for
management measures.
DATES: Acceptance of written comments is extended from December 1,
1997, to January 9, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and requests for copies of the scoping
document should be directed to the Highly Migratory Species Management
Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD. 20910.
PHONE:(301)713-2347. FAX: (301)713-1917. The scoping document is also
available on the Internet at http://kingfish.ssp.nmfs.gov/sfa/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz Lauck or Jill Stevenson, (301)
713-2347.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS is considering management measures for
the fisheries for Atlantic tunas, Atlantic swordfish, Atlantic shark,
and Atlantic billfish to be included in a comprehensive Fishery
Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks, and an
amendment to the Billfish FMP. Options for management may include long-
term rebuilding programs, reallocation of quotas, recreational bag
limits, commercial trip limits, minimum size restrictions, time/area
closures, regional quotas, consistency between state and Federal
regulations, gear restrictions, limited access, identification and
protection of essential fish habitat, and permitting and reporting
requirements.
Consistent with the new requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NMFS established an HMS
Advisory Panel (AP) and a Billfish AP to assist in developing and
amending FMPs for HMS species. In the case of any species identified as
overfished, the APs will also assist in developing rebuilding programs.
The scoping document, developed with input from the APs, outlines major
issues and options under consideration.
NMFS has held a series of scoping meetings to gather public input
on a broad range of issues and options that may be considered in
addressing HMS issues (62 FR 54035, October 17, 1997). Public input is
also sought through written comments that may be mailed or faxed to the
Highly Migratory Species Management Division (see ADDRESSES). Based
upon several requests from the
[[Page 63309]]
public as well as the fact that extension of the comment period is not
anticipated to delay development of the FMP, NMFS is extending the
comment period on this scoping document from December 1, 1997 to
January 9. 1998.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: November 20, 1997.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31190 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
