[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 232 (Friday, December 3, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 67882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31385]



[[Page 67882]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 112699D]


Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
convene public meetings of the Ad Hoc Charter Vessel/Headboat Advisory 
Panel (AP) and Standing Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

DATES: The AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on January 4, 
2000 and will conclude by 3:00 p.m. The SSC meeting is scheduled to 
begin at 8:30 a.m. on January 12, 2000 and will conclude by 12:00 noon.

ADDRESSES: The AP meeting will be held at the at the New Orleans 
Airport Hilton Hotel, 901 Airline Highway, Kenner, LA; telephone: 504-
469-5000. The SSC meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 300 
Canal Street, New Orleans, LA; telephone: 504-581-1300.
    Council address: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 3018 
U.S. Highway 301 North, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33619.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wayne Swingle, Executive Director; 
telephone: 813-228-2815.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council is considering implementation of 
a temporary moratorium on the issuance of charter vessel/headboat 
permits to fish the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for reef fish and 
coastal migratory pelagics (mackerel) fish. A moratorium, if adopted, 
would provide a basis for the development of a more comprehensive 
effort limitation program for this segment of the recreational fishery 
that could provide better long-term control of fishing effort.
    The moratorium proposed in this amendment considers 8 features: 1) 
the duration of the moratorium; 2) initial eligibility requirements for 
permit; 3) a new Gulf permit for coastal migratory pelagics fisheries; 
4) permit transfers during the moratorium; 5) vessel size for permit 
transfer; 6) the reissuance of permits not renewed; 7) an appeal 
process; and, 8) vessel reporting. At present, the Council has 
suggested as preferred alternatives:
    Establish a 3-year moratorium;
    That initial eligibility requirements be all persons holding 
permits on September 16, 1999 are eligible;
    Permit transfers during the moratorium be allowed between (1) 
vessels owned by the permit holder and (2) individuals without transfer 
of the vessel; and,
    Reissuance of permits not renewed (or permanently revoked) will not 
be reissued by NMFS during the moratorium.
    The Council did not select preferred alternatives for: (1) a new 
Gulf permit for coastal migratory pelagics fisheries; (2) vessel size 
restriction on permit transfers; (3) the appeals process under 
moratorium; or (4) vessel reporting requirements.
    The Draft Charter Vessel/Headboat Permit Moratorium Amendment will 
be reviewed by the Ad Hoc Charter Vessel/Headboat AP and by the SSC at 
their respective meetings, times, and dates.
    Although other non-emergency issues not on the agendas may come 
before the AP/SSC for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not 
be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the 
AP/SSC will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in 
the agendas and any issues arising after publication of this notice 
that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's 
intent to take action to address the emergency.
    Written comments will be accepted on the draft amendment if 
received by January 3, 2000. A copy of the draft amendment can be 
obtained by calling 813-228-2815. Copies of the agenda can be obtained 
by calling 813-228-2815.

Special Accommodations

    This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. 
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids 
should be directed to Anne Alford at the Council (see ADDRESSES) by 
December 28, 1999.

    Dated: November 29, 1999.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31385 Filed 12-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F