[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 209 (Monday, October 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26866]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 31, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 285

[I.D. 102594B]

 

Atlantic Tuna Fisheries; Bluefin Tuna

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

ACTION: Closure of the General category fishery.

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SUMMARY: NMFS has determined that the 8 metric tons (mt) set-aside for 
the late-season General category fishery in the New York Bight 
beginning September 20, 1994, will have been taken by October 26, 1994. 
Therefore, the General category fishery will be closed effective at 
2330 hours (11:30 pm) on Wednesday, October 26, 1994. This action is 
being taken to prevent overharvest of the quota established for this 
fishery.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2330 hours on October 26, 1994, through December 31, 
1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Kelly, 301-713-2347, or Raymond 
E. Baglin, 508-281-9140.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority 
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) governing 
the harvest of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) by persons and vessels 
subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part 285. Section 
285.22 subdivides the International Commission for the Conservation of 
Atlantic Tunas recommended U.S. quota among the various domestic 
fishing categories.
    Implementing regulations for the Atlantic Tuna Fisheries at 50 CFR 
285.22(a) provide for an annual quota of 531 mt of large medium and 
giant ABT to be harvested from the Regulatory Area by vessels permitted 
in the General category. Of this amount, 65 mt are to be set aside for 
a late-season fishery beginning September 15. Based on landings 
statistics, the fishery was closed on August 15, 1994, with only 23 mt 
remaining for the late-season set-aside. A reallocation of 18 mt from 
the reserve increased the set-aside to 41 mt, of which 33 mt were 
allocated to General category fishermen from all areas to be fished 
from September 15 through September 17, and 8 mt were allocated to the 
New York Bight fishery to be fished from September 20 until the 8 mt 
are taken.
    Based on landing reports, NMFS has determined that the late-season 
quota of ABT allocated for General category vessels fishing in the New 
York Bight must be closed. Fishing for, retention of, possession of, or 
landing large medium or giant ABT by vessels in the General category 
must cease by 2330 hours October 26, 1994. This action is being taken 
to prevent overharvest of the quota.
    This closure of the late-season General category fishery will not 
affect other categories fishing for ABT. As of this date, the 
Incidental and Angling categories remain open.

Classification

    This action is taken under 50 CFR 285.20(b) and is exempt from 
review under E.O. 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.

    Dated: October 25, 1994.
Richard H. Schaefer,
Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-26866 Filed 10-26-94; 11:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F