[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 167 (Thursday, August 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45629-45630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22880]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 072597B]


Advisory Panel on Highly Migratory Species Fisheries

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

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for nominations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS solicits nominations for the Highly Migratory Species 
(HMS) advisory panel (AP). The purpose of the AP will be to assist NMFS 
in the collection and evaluation of information relevant to the 
development of a comprehensive HMS management plan for Atlantic tunas, 
swordfish, and sharks. The AP will include representatives from all 
interests in HMS fisheries.

DATES: Nominations must be submitted on or before September 29, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Nominations should be submitted to Rebecca Lent, Highly 
Migratory Species Management Division, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD, 20910. Nominations may be submitted by fax; 301-713-
1917.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Stevenson or Liz Lauck (301) 713-
2347.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as 
amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act, Public Law 104-297, an 
Advisory Panel (AP) will be established to consult with NMFS in the 
collection and evaluation of information relevant to the development of 
a comprehensive HMS fishery management plan (FMP) for Atlantic tunas, 
swordfish and sharks.
    The purpose of the AP is to assist NMFS in the development of an 
FMP for the Atlantic shark, swordfish, and tuna fisheries. Among the 
first issues to consider will be the development of rebuilding programs 
for those species that are overfished. The AP will assist NMFS in 
meeting requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act throughout the FMP 
development process.
    In response to a Federal Register notice of April 4, 1997 (62 FR 
16132) NMFS received comments that supported the establishment of 
separate APs for sharks, swordfish, and tunas. Other comments suggested 
various combinations of APs. NMFS has concluded that one AP with an 
extended meeting period, species working groups (composed of AP members 
with particular species interests), and a detailed agenda by species 
will allow members to address their species-of-concern at relevant 
portions of the meeting and will be more effective in addressing the 
overlapping issues in these related fisheries. One of the long-term 
goals of HMS management has been to better coordinate the management of 
Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks. There is considerable species 
overlap in several recreational (e.g., rod and reel fisheries for 
sharks, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and billfish) and commercial HMS 
fisheries (e.g., longlining for yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna and sharks; 
purse seining for bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and albacore tuna). 
Preparation of one HMS FMP is consistent with the Presidential 
Regulatory Reform Initiative and will lead to a more holistic approach 
to fishery management, consistent with the National Environmental 
Policy Act. Furthermore, a single HMS AP reflects the structure of the 
U.S. Advisory Committee to the International Commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) which also has one panel for all 
HMS species with supporting species working groups. Finally, 
combination of tunas, swordfish and sharks under one management plan 
and one AP will minimize the financial and time burden on the affected 
constituency. The overlap in fisheries could result in considerable 
repetition in representation on separate panels. NMFS wishes to 
minimize the time and financial burdens to panel members while 
simultaneously promoting better integration of Atlantic tuna, swordfish 
and shark management.

Procedures and Guidelines

    A. Procedures for Establishing the Advisory Panel.
    Individuals with definable interests in the recreational and 
commercial fishing and related industries, environmental community, 
academia, governmental and quasi-governmental entities will be 
considered as members of the AP. Selection of AP members will not be 
limited to those that are nominated. Individuals previously nominated 
to the Atlantic Tunas Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee will be 
considered for membership on the HMS AP.
    Nominations are invited from all individuals and constituent 
groups. The nomination should include:
    1. The name of the applicant or nominee and a description of their 
interest in or connection with highly migratory species (HMS) or one 
species in particular from among sharks, swordfish, and tunas;
    2. A statement of background and/or qualifications;
    3. A written commitment that the applicant or nominee shall 
actively participate in good faith in the tasks of the AP.
    B. Participants.
    The AP shall consist of not less than seven (7) members who are 
knowledgeable about the pelagic fisheries for Atlantic HMS, 
particularly fisheries. Nominations will be accepted to allow 
representation from recreational and commercial fishing interests, the 
conservation community, and the scientific community. NMFS does not 
believe that each potentially affected organization or individual must 
necessarily have its own representative, but each interest must be 
adequately represented. The intent is to have a group that, as a whole, 
reflects an appropriate balance and mix of interests given the 
responsibilities of the AP. Criteria for membership include one or more 
of the following: (a) Experience in the recreational fishing industry 
involved in catching swordfish, tunas, or sharks; (b) experience in the 
commercial fishing industry for HMS; (c) experience in connected 
industries (marinas, bait and tackle shops); (d) experience in the 
scientific community working with HMS; (e) former or current 
representative of a private, regional, state, national, or 
international organization representing marine fisheries interests 
dealing with HMS.
    NMFS will provide the necessary administrative support, including 
technical assistance, for the AP.

[[Page 45630]]

However, NMFS will be unable to compensate participants with monetary 
support of any kind, because no funds were appropriated to support this 
activity in fiscal year 1997. Members will be expected to pay for 
travel costs related to the AP.
    C. Tentative Schedule.
    Meetings of the AP will be held twice yearly or more frequently as 
necessary. The first meeting of the HMS AP is tentatively scheduled for 
October 14-16, 1997 in Silver Spring, Maryland. The initial activities 
include consideration of definitions of overfishing, etc., to be 
developed for a comprehensive HMS fishery management plan. Under the 
MSFCMA FMP amendments and regulations must be submitted for Secretarial 
review by October 11, 1998.

    Dated: August 22, 1997.
George H. Darcy,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 97-22880 Filed 8-25-97; 9:51 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F