[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5420-5421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1850]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 020107B]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic 
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)

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

ACTION: Notification of a proposal for an EFP to conduct experimental 
fishing; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject 
EFP application from the University of New England (UNE) that would 
allow Northeast multispecies vessels to possess spiny dogfish for a 
spiny dogfish life history study contains all the required information 
and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also 
made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under 
the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Spiny 
Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and 
consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.

DATES: Comments on this document must be received on or before February 
21, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for 
providing e-mail comments is [email protected]. Include in the subject 
line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: 
``Comments on UNE dogfish possession EFP proposal.'' Written comments 
should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, 
Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn

[[Page 5421]]

Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope, 
``Comments on UNE dogfish possession EFP proposal'' Comments may also 
be sent via facsimile (fax) to (978) 281-9135.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Silva, Fishery Management 
Specialist, phone: 978-281-9326, fax: 978-281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP implemented a semi-annual quota. 
When a semi-annual quota is projected to be harvested, NMFS closes the 
fishery until the next semi-annual quota opens. During a dogfish 
closure, no vessel may fish for or possess dogfish. The dogfish fishery 
was closed on December 19, 2006 (71 FR 76222), and will not re-open 
until May 1, 2007. As part of a continuing research project, UNE, in 
collaboration with the University of New Hampshire (UNH), is 
investigating Gulf of Maine dogfish age and growth, and size at sexual 
maturity characteristics. The applicant states that current dogfish 
life history data need updating, particularly in light of recent stock 
declines and potential regional variability in life history traits. The 
project investigators are attempting to develop a more accurate aging 
tool, which will improve age and size at sexual maturity 
determinations. The applicant notes that these data will provide 
critical life history information needed for effective dogfish 
management decisions, particularly for the Gulf of Maine.
    The applicant would start collecting dogfish samples upon approval 
of the EFP and continue through June, 2007. The applicant would collect 
15 dogfish per gender per 5-cm size class (<35 cm - >100 cm), for a 
total of 450 dogfish. Samples would be collected during commercial NE 
multispecies fishing trips in areas open to commercial NE multispecies 
regulations in statistical areas 125 and 132. Vessels would be fishing 
with otter trawl and gill net gear that is fully compliant with NE 
multispecies regulations. The applicant has indicated that up to 50 
dead dogfish would be kept each trip, and that dogfish will not be 
targeted during the fishing trips. All live dogfish bycatch would be 
returned to the ocean as quickly as possible; only dead dogfish would 
be retained.
    If approved, participating vessels would not be allowed to possess 
or retain more than 50 dogfish on any trip, and no dogfish may be sold.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for 
proposed EFPs. The applicant may place requests for minor modifications 
and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and 
extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed 
essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and minimal 
so as not to change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP 
request.

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

    Dated: February 1, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1850 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
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