[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 11, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24952]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 11, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 678

[Docket No. 920409-3047; I.D. 082294C]

 

Atlantic Shark Fisheries; Large Coastal Sharks

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

ACTION: Rescission of closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS rescinds the closure of the fishery for large coastal 
sharks conducted in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean 
Sea. This action is necessary because new information indicates that 
the second semiannual quota for large coastal sharks has not been 
taken.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The closure is rescinded effective October 4, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: C. Michael Bailey, 301-713-2347; 
Michael Justen, 813-570-5305; or Kevin B. Foster, 508-281-9260.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Atlantic shark fishery is managed by the 
Secretary of Commerce according to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
for Atlantic Sharks under authority of the Magnuson Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). Fishing by 
U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at 50 CFR 
part 678.
    Section 678.23(b) of the regulations provides for two semiannual 
quotas of large coastal sharks to be harvested in or from the Western 
North Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, 
by commercial fishermen. The second semiannual quota is available for 
harvest from July 1 through December 31, 1994.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, (AA) had 
determined, based on the best available data on reported catch and 
projections of future landings, that the semiannual quota for large 
coastal sharks in or from the Western North Atlantic Ocean, including 
the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, for the period July 1 through 
December 31, 1994, would be attained by October 10, 1994. Therefore, a 
closure document was published in the Federal Register on August 30, 
1994 (59 FR 44644), to take effect October 10, 1994.
    Upon further analysis of the landings data, including new 
information that became available since announcement of the closure 
date, the AA has determined that a portion of the quota for the large 
coastal shark fishery remains unharvested. Therefore, the closure date 
of October 11, 1994, is rescinded effective October 4, 1994, in order 
to allow an opportunity for shark fishermen to take their full 
allocation. If the AA determines that the catch will equal the quota, a 
new closure date will be announced.

Classification

    This action is taken under 50 CFR part 678 and is exempt from 
review under E.O. 12866.

    Dated: October 4, 1994.
Richard H. Schaefer,
Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-24952 Filed 10-4-94; 4:10 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F