[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39813-39814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19877]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 070698C]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Atlantic Shark Fisheries; 
Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)

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

ACTION: Applications for EFPs; deadline for receipt of EFP 
applications; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of two applications for EFPs. If 
granted, these EFPs would authorize, over a period of 1 year, 
collections for public display of a limited number of sharks from the 
large coastal and prohibited species groups from Federal waters in the 
Atlantic Ocean. NMFS also announces a new deadline for receipt of 
exempted fishing permit applications for the 1998 fishing year.

DATES: Written comments on the applications must be received on or 
before August 10, 1998. Applications for EFPs must be received on or 
before September 22, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Rebecca Lent, Chief, Highly Migratory 
Species Management Division (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. The applications and related documents and 
copies of the regulations under which exempted fishing permits are 
subject may also be requested from this address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margo Schulze, 301-713-2347; fax: 301-
713-1917.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These EFPs are 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, and exempted 
educational activity. On January 29, 1998 (63 FR 4431), NMFS announced 
a 90-day deadline for receipt of EFP applications, which expired April 
29, 1998. Because NMFS has been informed by members of industry that 
the announcement of this deadline was not widely distributed and 
because additional EFP applications have been received since that 
deadline, NMFS is announcing a second and final deadline for the 
receipt of EFP applications.
    The North Carolina Aquarium Division, on behalf of three North 
Carolina Aquariums located in Roanoke

[[Page 39814]]

Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher, NC, intends to collect 18 
dusky sharks (6 sharks per facility), 18 lemon sharks (6 sharks per 
facility), 18 sandbar sharks (6 sharks per facility), and 6 sand tiger 
sharks (2 sharks per facility) for public display and education by hook 
and line and trawl, fyke, or pound nets. Fishing will occur in the 
Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina and Florida. Issuance of an EFP is 
necessary because possession of sand tiger sharks is prohibited and 
because the commercial fishery for large coastal sharks is closed for 
extended periods. The applicant also requested that the EFP authorize 
collection of bonnethead sharks, managed under the small coastal shark 
management unit; however, as the commercial season for small coastal 
sharks has not closed to date, this species may be possessed legally by 
obtaining a Federal commercial shark permit, and an EFP is not 
required.
    The Atlantis Holding Corporation, in Holtsville, NY, intends to 
collect a maximum of 20 sand tiger sharks for public display and 
education by rod and reel. Fishing will occur in the Atlantic Ocean 
along the south shore of Long Island. Issuance of an EFP is necessary 
because the possession of sand tiger sharks is prohibited.
    The proposed collections for public display involve activities 
otherwise prohibited by regulations implementing the Fishery Management 
Plan for Sharks of the Atlantic Ocean. The applicants require 
authorization to fish for and to possess large coastal sharks outside 
the Federal commercial seasons and to fish for and to possess 
prohibited species.
    Based on a preliminary review, NMFS finds that these applications 
warrant further consideration. A final decision on issuance of EFPs 
will depend on the submission of all required information, NMFS' review 
of public comments received on the applications, conclusions of any 
environmental analyses conducted pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act, and on any consultations with any appropriate Regional 
Fishery Management Councils, states, or Federal agencies.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: July 17, 1998.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19877 Filed 7-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F