[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 35447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-17086]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 285
[I.D. 062497A]
Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Closure Postponement
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Inseason adjustment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS postpones the closure of the Angling category fishery for
large school and small medium Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) in the
southern area (Delaware and states south). NMFS previously announced a
closure date of June 27, 1997, for this category. However, based on
dockside intercept data, NMFS has determined that catch rates have not
been as high as projected. This closure postponement is necessary to
provide fishery participants a reasonable opportunity the catch the
allocated quota. This action is being taken to extend scientific data
collection on ABT and to further domestic management objectives for the
Atlantic tuna fisheries.
DATES: Effective June 27, 1997, 11:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. local time,
July 20, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin, 301-713-2347, or
Mark Murray-Brown, 508-281-9260.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) governing
the harvest of ABT by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are found at 50 CFR part 285. Section 285.22 subdivides the U.S. quota
recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tunas among the various domestic fishing categories.
NMFS is required, under Sec. 285.20(b)(1), to monitor the catch and
landing statistics and, on the basis of these statistics, to project a
date when the catch of ABT will equal the quota and publish a Federal
Register announcement to close the applicable fishery.
On February 21, 1997, NMFS amended the regulations governing the
Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) fisheries to provide authority for NMFS to
close and/or reopen all or part of the Angling category in order to
provide for further distribution of fishing opportunities throughout
the species range (62 FR 8634, February 26, 1997). The regulatory
amendments were necessary to increase the geographic and temporal scope
of data collection from the scientific monitoring quota established for
the United States. Additionally, the authority for interim closures
facilitates a more equitable geographic and temporal distribution of
fishing opportunities for all fishermen in the Angling category, thus
furthering domestic management objectives for the Atlantic tuna
fisheries.
On March 2, 1997, based on catch estimates obtained through angler
interviews, NMFS closed the Angling category for school, large school,
and small medium ABT in all areas (62 FR 9376, March 3, 1997).
Effective June 13, 1997, NMFS reopened the Angling category for all
areas but limited to 2 weeks the opening period for large school and
small medium ABT in the southern area (waters off Delaware and states
south (south of 38 deg.47' N. lat.)). The 2 week opening was based on
preliminary estimates of catch in that size category in North Carolina,
the available quota, and expected catch rates of large school and small
medium ABT. NMFS has since determined that catch rates in the southern
area are lower than originally projected and that the closure date
should be postponed until July 20, 1997. This action does not apply to
the northern Angling category fishery for large school and small medium
ABT, and the Angling category fishery for school ABT in all areas,
which remain open until further notice.
Catch Limit
NMFS previously adjusted the daily catch limit for the Angling
category fishery for ABT to one fish per vessel (61 FR 66618, December
18, 1996), which may be from the school, large school, or small medium
size class (measuring 27-73''). Due to increased participation in the
fishery and anticipated catch rates, this daily catch limit remains in
effect. Additionally, the catch limit for trophy size class ABT (large
medium and giant ABT, measuring 73'' and greater) remains at one per
vessel per year. Any changes to these catch limits will be published in
the Federal Register and posted on the 24-hour Highly Migratory Species
Information Lines (301-713-1279; 508-281-9305; 1-888-USA-TUNA). Anglers
should consult the information lines prior to each fishing trip for
updates on closures and catch limits.
This action is being taken to facilitate a wide distribution of
fishing opportunities for all fishermen in the Angling category, thus
furthering domestic management objectives for the Atlantic tuna
fisheries. This action also facilitates data collection from the
scientific monitoring quota established for the United States over the
greatest geographic and temporal range.
Classification
This action is taken under 50 CFR 285.20(b)(1) and is exempt from
review under E.O. 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Dated: June 25, 1997.
Bruce Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 97-17086 Filed 6-25-97; 4:42 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
