[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14441-14442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5348]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF70


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

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

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) 
has made a preliminary determination that the subject Exempted Fishing 
Permit (EFP) application from the University of New England (UNE) and 
the University of New Hampshire (UNH) 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 Assistant 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 April 2, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by e-mail to [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 
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, Cooperative Research 
Program 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. A dogfish closure 
is currently in effect through April 30, 2008.
    As part of a continuing research project, UNE, in collaboration 
with the 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 would

[[Page 14442]]

improve age and size at sexual maturity determinations. The applicant 
notes that these data would provide critical life history information 
needed for effective dogfish management decisions, particularly for the 
Gulf of Maine.
    The applicant would collect at least 10 dogfish samples per month 
per sex, but not to exceed 50 dogfish per month. The applicant would 
require only partial samples from May, June, November, and December 
(maximum of 25 per month) to complete their monthly sample objectives. 
Therefore, the maximum number of dogfish landed under this EFP would 
not exceed 600 individuals.
    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 fish with otter trawl 
and gillnet gear that is fully compliant with NE multispecies 
regulations and adhere to the following conditions: Possess 50 or fewer 
dogfish per trip; all live dogfish bycatch would be returned to the 
ocean as quickly as possible; no dogfish may be landed for sale; 
dogfish would not be targeted during the fishing trips.
    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: March 12, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-5348 Filed 3-17-08; 8:45 am]
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