[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 144 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18324]


[Federal Register: July 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 681

[I.D. 072094A]
RIN 0648-AF82


Crustacean Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a fishery management plan amendment 
and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this notice that the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 8 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Crustacean Fisheries of the Western Pacific 
Region (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), and 
is requesting comments from the public. Amendment 8 would implement 
administrative changes to the FMP to address problems encountered 
during the first year of a limited entry and quota management program.

DATES: Written comments on the amendment must be received on or before 
September 19, 1994.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be sent to, Rodney R. McInnis, Acting 
Regional Director (RD), Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213. Copies of the amendment are available upon request from the 
Council, 1164 Bishop Street, suite 1405, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808-522-
8220).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Svein Fougner, NMFS, (310) 980-4034, 
or Alvin Katekaru, NMFS (808) 973-2939.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Magnuson Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. (Magnuson Act) requires that a 
Regional Fishery Management Council submit any amendment to a fishery 
management plan it has prepared to the Secretary for review, 
disapproval, or partial disapproval. The Magnuson Act also requires 
that the Secretary, upon receiving an amendment, immediately publish a 
notice that the amendment is available for public review and comment. 
The Secretary will consider all public comments received during the 
public comment period in determining whether to approve the amendment 
for implementation.
    Amendment 8 would implement largely administrative changes to the 
FMP to address problems encountered during the first year of a limited 
entry and quota management program established by Amendment 7. These 
changes include:
    1. Eliminating the landing requirement necessary for obtaining a 
limited-entry permit for each new fishing season.
    2. Implementing a framework procedure to adjust the target catch-
per-unit-of-effort so that it reflects the current productivity of the 
stocks.
    3. Implementing a framework procedure to allow some fishing, if 
necessary, when the quota is zero in an effort to obtain important 
fisheries data.
    4. Reducing the period of time fishermen will have to notify NMFS 
of their return to port.
    5. Implementing a requirement that fishermen notify NMFS of the 
time of unloading their vessels.
    6. Revising the information on the report of sales of lobsters.
    7. Providing first level buyers with worksheets to facilitate 
information reporting.
    8. Implementing a framework procedure authorizing the RD to modify 
reporting requirements and call-in destinations.
    An environmental assessment and regulatory impact review are 
incorporated in Amendment 8. All are available for public review (see 
ADDRESSES).
    The receipt date for Amendment 8 was July 19, 1994. Proposed 
regulations to implement Amendment 8 are scheduled to be published 
within 15 days of the receipt date.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: July 22, 1994.
David S. Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-18324 Filed 7-22-94; 4:48 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F