[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37034-37035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18115]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 062597C]
Red Drum Fishery and Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of receipt of an application for an exempted fishing
permit; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted
fishing permit (EFP) from Mr. Joe Hendrix on behalf of SeaFish
Mariculture, L.L.C., San Antonio, Texas (applicant). If granted, the
EFP would authorize a feasibility study of net cage culture of finfish
associated with offshore oil and gas platforms in the northern Gulf of
Mexico.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before August 11, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the application must be mailed to the Southeast
Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg,
FL 33702.
The application and related documents are available for review upon
written request to the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgia Cranmore, 813-570-5305.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C.
1801 et seq.) and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745, concerning
``Scientific research activity, exempted fishing permits, and exempted
educational activity.''
According to the applicant, the purpose of the proposed study is to
determine whether it is feasible to grow commercial quantities of
native fish species in the offshore environment of the Gulf of Mexico
using aquaculture techniques. The applicant proposes to place hatchery-
raised juvenile fish in net cages attached to offshore platforms, feed
them, allow them to grow for approximately 12 months, harvest them from
the cages, land them in Texas, and sell them. No wild-caught fish will
be involved in this study.
The proposed study involves activities otherwise prohibited by
regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plans for the Red Drum
Fishery and the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMPs). The
applicant requires authorization to harvest, possess, and sell red drum
(Sciaenops ocellata), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), and red
snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) taken from Federal waters of the Gulf of
Mexico. In addition, authorization is required to possess or sell
greater amberjack or red snapper below the minimum size limit, and to
harvest or possess red snapper in excess of established trip limits
and/or during a closed season.
The applicant also intends to use dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus),
Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), and southern flounder
(Paralichthys lethostigma) in offshore aquaculture operations. Florida
pompano and southern flounder are not subject to Federal fishery
management in the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphin are included under a Federal
fishery management plan for coastal migratory pelagic resources, but no
plan management measures restrict possession, harvest, or sale of
dolphin in Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The applicant is also applying to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department for authorization to land and sell these species in Texas.
The applicant proposes to place hatchery-raised juvenile fish
(fingerlings) in 3 cages attached to oil and gas platforms operated by
Shell Offshore Services, Inc., and located approximately 48 nautical
miles (nm) south-southwest of Freeport, TX. The cages measure 76-129
feet (23-39 m) in diameter and will contain a maximum fish biomass of
852,000 lb (386,461 kg).
[[Page 37035]]
The site is about 40 nm offshore and the depth of the water at the site
is 132 ft (40 m).
The fish will be monitored and fed commercially available fish
pellets by a crew of technicians living on the platforms. Observations
will be made of resident fish and invertebrate populations in the
vicinity of the cages to assess the impact of the project.
Additionally, the applicant intends to monitor disease occurrences,
water and substrate quality, and possible endangered species
interactions. Details of the applicant's monitoring plans are available
in the application and associated correspondence (See ADDRESSES).
Based on a preliminary review, NMFS finds that this application
warrants further consideration and intends to issue an EFP. A final
decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on a NMFS review of public
comments received on the application, conclusions of environmental
analyses conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act,
and consultations with Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida,
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), and the U.S.
Coast Guard.
Public comments are specifically requested on: The scope of
potential environmental impacts of the proposal on cultured species,
such as genetic dilution, habitat alteration, or disease introductions;
protected species interactions; sediment quality; and water quality,
including possible accumulations of chemotherapeutants such as
antibiotics. Enforcement of existing prohibitions on taking of red
drum, greater amberjack, and red snapper may also be affected by the
proposal. The EFP may contain conditions needed to mitigate potential
impacts on the cultured species and the habitats of the northern Gulf
of Mexico and measures to facilitate enforcement.
The applicant requests a 26-month effective period for the EFP to
accommodate two complete growout cycles (i.e., growouts from
fingerlings to marketable products). Once preliminary results of the
study are available, the applicant intends to ask the Council to amend
the FMPs to accommodate longterm or permanent uses of red drum and reef
fish in commercial offshore aquaculture operations.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: July 2, 1997.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-18115 Filed 7-9-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F