[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38036]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18587]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 285
[I.D. 070997E]
Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Adjustments
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Fishery reopening.
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SUMMARY: NMFS has determined that the Atlantic bluefin tuna Harpoon
category quota has not been reached. Therefore, NMFS reopens the
Harpoon category for 3 days effective July 11, 1997. Closure of this 3-
day fishery will be strictly enforced. This action is being taken to
allow full harvest of the Harpoon category quota.
DATES: Effective Friday, July 11, at 1 a.m. local time until Sunday,
July 13, at 11:30 p.m. local time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Kelly, 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.
Implementing regulations for the Atlantic tuna fisheries at
Sec. 285.22 provide for a quota of 53 mt of large medium and giant ABT
to be harvested from the regulatory area by vessels permitted in the
Harpoon category.
Based on reported catch and effort, NMFS filed an action with the
Office of the Federal Register on July 3, 1997, to close the Harpoon
category fishery on July 7, 1997. NMFS has determined that, due to
lower than expected fishing effort and landings, the full 53 mt has not
been taken. Average catch rates for the month of June indicate that the
remaining quota could be taken in 3 fishing days. Therefore, NMFS is
reopening the Harpoon category effective 1 a.m., July 11, and closing
11:30 p.m., July 13 to ensure full attainment of the Harpoon category
quota.
Classification
This action is taken under Secs. 285.20(b) and 285.22 and is exempt
from review under E.O. 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
Dated: July 10, 1997.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-18587 Filed 7-10-97; 3:46 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
