[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