[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 68332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31671]
[[Page 68332]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 071599E]
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Atlantic Tuna Fisheries;
Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Applications for EFPs; extension of comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On November 4, 1999, NMFS requested comments on applications
for EFPs. If issued, these EFPs would authorize the retention of
Atlantic tunas (other than bluefin tuna) by vessels participating in
the coastal driftnet fishery for Atlantic bonito. Comments were
requested by December 6, 1999. NMFS is extending the comment period
until January 21, 2000, in response to a request from the public and to
allow for maximum opportunity to provide comments before the fishery
starts in the spring of 2000.
DATES: Written comments on NMFS' consideration to issue such EFPs must
be received on or before January 21, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Rebecca Lent, Chief, Highly Migratory
Species Management Division (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910. Copies of the EFP applications and the
regulations governing issuance of EFPs are available from this address
upon request.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin, 978-281-9260; fax:
978-281-9340.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 4, 1999, NMFS announced the
receipt of applications for EFPs (64 FR 60173). If issued, these EFPs
would authorize the retention of Atlantic tunas (other than bluefin
tuna) by vessels participating in the coastal driftnet fishery for
Atlantic bonito. NMFS anticipates the receipt of several more EFP
applications for this same purpose. If EFPs are issued for the coastal
driftnet fishery, NMFS would collect information on target catch and
bycatch and assess the potential impacts of authorizing driftnet gear
for certain Atlantic Highly Migratory Species fisheries. While this
information is being collected, issuance of EFPs will reduce regulatory
discards of Atlantic tunas. NMFS is seeking public comment on the
potential impacts of issuing EFPs for the purpose of landing Atlantic
tunas (other than bluefin tuna) incidentally caught in the coastal
driftnet fishery. Background and rationale were provided with the
document published on November 4, 1999 (64 FR 60173), and are not
repeated here.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 et seq.
Dated: December 1, 1999.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31671 Filed 12-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
