[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 135 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41454-41463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17674]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RIN 0648-XA565]


Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings

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

ACTION: Notice of public hearings.

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

SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold public 
hearings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the 
local agencies representatives on the Draft Comprehensive Amendment to 
the FMPs establishing annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability 
measures (AMs) for species not overfished or undergoing overfishing.

DATES AND ADDRESSES: The scoping meetings will be held on the following 
dates and locations:

For Puerto Rico
    August 2, 2011, DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan, De Diego Avenue, San 
Juan, Puerto Rico.
    August 3, 2011, Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino, 3315 Ponce By 
Pass, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
    August 4, 2011, Mayag[uuml]ez Holiday Inn, 2701 Hostos Avenue, 
Mayag[uuml]ez, Puerto Rico.
For the U.S. Virgin Islands
    August 3, 2011, The Buccaneer Hotel, Estate Shoys, Christiansted, 
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
    August 4, 2011, Holiday Inn (Windward Passage Hotel) Charlotte 
Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
    All meetings will be held from 7 to 10 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
268 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico 
00918-1920, telephone (787) 766-5926.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council 
will hold public hearings to receive public input on the following 
management options. The complete document is available at: http://www.caribbeanfmc.com or you may contact Ms. Livia Montalvo at [email protected], or the Council office at (787) 766-5926 to 
obtain copies.

4.0 Actions and Alternatives

4.1 Action 1: Management Reference Points for Species not Undergoing 
Overfishing within the Reef Fish FMP

    4.1.1 Action 1(a). Establish a year sequence for determining 
average annual landings for each species or species group within the 
Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
    Alternative 1. No action. Retain the year sequence as defined in 
the 2005 Comprehensive Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendment (Caribbean 
SFA Amendment).
    Alternative 2. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of reliable 
landings data.

     Table 4.1.1--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial...............................          1988-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational.............................          2000-2009
St. Croix............................................          1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternative 3. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of pre-Caribbean 
SFA Amendment landings data that is considered consistently reliable 
across all islands.

     Table 4.1.2--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial...............................          1999-2005
Puerto Rico Recreational.............................          2000-2005
St. Croix............................................          1999-2005
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41455]]

    Alternative 4. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of recent reliable 
landings data.

     Table 4.1.3--Year sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial...............................          1999-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational.............................          2000-2009
St. Croix............................................          1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternative 5. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Reef Fish FMP based on the most recent five years of available 
landings data.

     Table 4.1.4--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial...............................          2005-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational.............................          2005-2009
St. Croix............................................          2004-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2004-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4.1.2 Action 1(b). Establish management reference points for the 
reef fish species not undergoing overfishing.
    Sub-Action 1. Establish management reference points for the reef 
fish species not undergoing overfishing in Puerto Rico.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for species/species groups.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.
    Sub-Action 2. Establish management reference points for the reef 
fish species not undergoing overfishing in St Croix.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for species/species groups.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.
    Sub-Action 3. Establish management reference points for the reef 
fish species not undergoing overfishing in St. Thomas/St. John.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for species/species groups.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.

Table 4.1.4--Current MSY Proxy, OY and Overfishing Threshold Definitions
                       for Species/Species Groups
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Reference point           Alternative 1--Status quo definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield.........  MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) x (BCURR/
                                     BMSY)]; where C is calculated based
                                     on commercial landings for the
                                     years 1997-2001 for Puerto Rico and
                                     1994-2002 for the USVI, and on
                                     recreational landings for the years
                                     2000-2001.
Overfishing Threshold.............  MFMT = FMSY.
Optimum Yield.....................  OY = average yield associated with
                                     fishing on a
                                    continuing basis at FOY; where FOY =
                                     0.75FMSY.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Table 4.1.5--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for the
    Reef Fish Species not Undergoing Overfishing Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Reference point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
    Alternative 2(a)..............  MSY proxy = Median annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
    Alternative 2(b)..............  MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
    Alternative 2(c)..............  MSY proxy = Maximum of a single year
                                     of recreational landings x 3.
Overfishing Threshold:
    Alternative 2(d)..............  OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
                                     to the ORCS scalar; overfishing
                                     occurs when annual landings exceed
                                     the OFL.
Alternative 2(e)..................  OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
                                     to the ORCS scalar; overfishing
                                     occurs when annual landings exceed
                                     the OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
                                     Southeast Fisheries Science Center
                                     (in consultation with the Caribbean
                                     Fishery Management Council and its
                                     SSC) determines the overage
                                     occurred because data collection/
                                     monitoring improved, rather than
                                     because landings actually
                                     increased.
    Alternative 2(f)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL.

[[Page 41456]]

 
    Alternative 2(g)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
                                     Southeast Fisheries Science Center
                                     (in consultation with the Caribbean
                                     Fishery Management Council and its
                                     SSC) determines the overage
                                     occurred because data collection/
                                     monitoring improved, rather than
                                     because landings actually
                                     increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
 Control Rule:
    Alternative 2(h)..............  ABC= OFL.
    Alternative 2(i)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.85].
    Alternative 2(j)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.75].
    Alternative 2(k)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
    Alternative 2(l)..............  OY = ACL = ABC.
    Alternative 2(m)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
    Alternative 2(n)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
    Alternative 2(o)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.2 Action 2: Management Reference Points for the Caribbean Spiny 
Lobster

    4.2.1 Action 2(a). Establish a year sequence for determining 
average annual landings for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
    Alternative 1. No action. Retain the year sequence for Caribbean 
Spiny Lobster FMP landings as defined in the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
    Alternative 2. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of 
reliable landings data.

     Table 4.2.1--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..........................................          1988-2009
St. Croix............................................          1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternative 3. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of 
pre-Caribbean SFA Amendment landings data that is considered 
consistently reliable across all islands.

     Table 4.2.2--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..........................................          1999-2005
St. Croix............................................          1999-2005
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternative 4. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of 
recent reliable landings data.

     Table 4.2.3--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..........................................          1999-2009
St. Croix............................................          1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternative 5. Redefine management reference points or proxies for 
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the most recent five years of 
available landings data.

[[Page 41457]]



     Table 4.2.4--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Reference point                       Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico..........................................          2005-2009
St. Croix............................................          2004-2008
St. Thomas/St. John..................................          2004-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4.2.2 Action 2(b). Establish management reference points for the 
Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
    Sub-Action 1. Establish management reference points for the 
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in Puerto Rico.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for spiny losbter.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.
    Sub-Action 2. Establish management reference points for the 
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in St. Croix.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for spiny lobster.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.
    Sub-Action 3. Establish management reference points for the 
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in St. Thomas/St. John.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference 
points or proxies for spiny lobster groups.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points 
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in 
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.

Table 4.2.4--Current MSY Proxy, OY and Overfishing Threshold Definitions
                            for Spiny Lobster
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Reference point           Alternative 1--Status quo definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield.........  MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) x (BCURR/
                                     BMSY)]; where C is calculated based
                                     on commercial landings for the
                                     years 1997-2001 for Puerto Rico and
                                     1994-2002 for the USVI, and on
                                     recreational landings for the years
                                     2000-2001.
Overfishing Threshold.............  MFMT = FMSY.
Optimum Yield.....................  OY = average yield associated with
                                     fishing on a
                                    continuing basis at FOY; where FOY =
                                     0.75FMSY.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Table 4.2.5--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for Spiny
                       Lobster Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Reference point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
    Alternative 2(a)..............  MSY proxy = Median annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
    Alternative 2(b)..............  MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Overfishing Threshold:
    Alternative 2(c)..............  OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
                                     the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL.
    Alternative 2(d)..............  OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
                                     the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
                                     Southeast Fisheries Science Center
                                     (in consultation with the Caribbean
                                     Fishery Management Council and its
                                     SSC) determines the overage
                                     occurred because data collection/
                                     monitoring improved, rather than
                                     because landings actually
                                     increased.
    Alternative 2(e)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL.
    Alternative 2(f)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
                                     Southeast Fisheries Science Center
                                     (in consultation with the Caribbean
                                     Fishery Management Council and its
                                     SSC) determines the overage
                                     occurred because data collection/
                                     monitoring improved, rather than
                                     because landings actually
                                     increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
 Control Rule:
    Alternative 2(g)..............  ABC= OFL.
    Alternative 2(h)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.85].
    Alternative 2(i)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.75].
    Alternative 2(j)..............  ABC= [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
    Alternative 2(k)..............  OY = ACL = ABC.
    Alternative 2(l)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
    Alternative 2(m)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
    Alternative 2(n)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41458]]

4.3 Action 3: Redefine Management of the Aquarium Trade Species Fishery 
Management Units (FMUs) Within the Reef Fish FMP and the Coral and Reef 
Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP (Coral FMP)

    4.3.1 Action 3(a): Redefine the management of aquarium trade 
species FMU.
    Alternative 1: No action. Retain aquarium trade species in both the 
Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP (Coral FMP) and 
the Reef Fish FMP as defined in the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
    Alternative 2: Consolidate all aquarium trade species listed in the 
FMP for Coral FMP and the Reef Fish FMP into a single FMP.
    Alternative 2A: Move all aquarium trade species listed in the Coral 
FMP into the Reef Fish FMP.
    Alternative 2B: Move all of the aquarium trade species listed in 
the Reef Fish FMP into the Coral FMP.
    Alternative 2C: Move all of the aquarium trade species listed in 
both the Coral FMP and the Reef Fish FMPs into a new FMP specific to 
aquarium trade species.
    Alternative 3: Remove all aquarium trade species from both the 
Coral FMP and from the Reef Fish FMPs.
    Alternative 4: Manage only those aquarium trade species listed in 
either the Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP, for which landings data are 
available during the year sequence chosen in Action 1(a). Remove 
remaining aquarium trade species from the Coral FMP and the Reef Fish 
FMP.
    Alternative 4A: Aquarium trade species that continue to be 
Federally-managed under this alternative will be retained in either the 
Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP as listed after the Caribbean SFA 
Amendment (Table 4.3.1).
    Alternative 4B: Aquarium trade species that continue to be 
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved 
into the Coral FMP.
    Alternative 4C: Aquarium trade species that continue to be 
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved 
into the Reef fish FMP.
    Alternative 4D: Aquarium trade species that continue to be 
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved 
into a new FMP specific to aquarium trade species.
    Alternative 5: Delegate management authority for all aquarium trade 
species listed in either the Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP to the 
jurisdiction of the appropriate commonwealth or territory as defined by 
Action 5 of this document.
    Table 4.3.1. List of all species included in the Aquarium Trade 
category in both the Reef Fish and Coral FMPs. Table contents are 
extracted from Table 8 of the Comprehensive Amendment to the FMPs of 
the U.S. Caribbean to Address Required Provisions of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Caribbean SFA 
Amendment).

Reef Fish FMP

Clepticus parrae, Creole wrasse.
Halichoeres garnoti, Yellowhead wrasse.
Halichoeres cyanocephalus, Yellowcheek wrasse.
Halichoeres maculipinna, Clown wrasse.
Thalassoma bifasciatum, Bluehead wrasse.
Liopropoma rubre, Swissguard basslet.
Gramma loreto, Royal gramma.
Microspathodon chrysurus, Yellowtail damselfish.
Stegastes adustus, Dusky damselfish.
Stegastes partitus, Bicolor damselfish.
Stegastes planifrons, Threespot damselfish.
Stegastes leucostictus, Beaugregory.
Chaetodon capistratus, Foureye butterflyfish.
Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout butterflyfish.
Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin butterflyfish.
Chaetodon striatus, Banded butterflyfish.
Serranus baldwini, Lantern bass.
Serranus annularis, Orangeback bass.
Serranus tabacarius, Tobaccofish.
Serranus tigrinus, Harlequin bass.
Serranus tortugarum, Chalk bass.
Opistognathus aurifrons, Yellowhead jawfish.
Opistognathus whitehursti, Dusky jawfish.
Xyrichtys novacula, Pearly razorfish.
Xyrichtys splendens, Green razorfish.
Echidna catenata, Chain moray.
Gymnothorax funebris, Green moray.
Gymnothorax miliaris, Goldentail moray.
Elacatinus oceanops, Neon goby.
Priolepis hipoliti, Rusty goby.
Equetus lanceolatus, Jackknife-fish.
Equetus punctatus, Spotted drum.
Chromis cyanea, Blue chromis.
Chromis insolata, Sunshinefish.
Abudefduf saxatilis, Sergeant major.
Astrapogon stellatus, Conchfish.
Apogon maculatua, Flamefish.
Amblycirrhitus pinos, Redspotted hawkfish.
Antennarius spp., Frogfish.
Bothus lunatus, Peacock flounder.
Chaetodipterus faber, Atlantic spadefish.
Canthigaster rostrata, Sharpnose puffer.
Centropyge argi, Cherubfish.
Diodon hystrix, Porcupinefish.
Dactylopterus volitans, Flying gurnard.
Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, Glasseye snapper.
Hypoplectrus unicolor, Butter hamlet.
Holocanthus tricolor, Rock beauty.
Myrichthys ocellatus, Goldspotted eel.
Ophioblennius macclurei, Redlip blenny.
Pareques acuminatus, High-hat.
Rypticus saponaceus, Greater sopafish.
Synodus intermedius, Sand diver.
Symphurus diomedianus, Caribbean tonguefish.
Family Syngnathidae, Pipefishes and Seahorses.
Family Ogcocephalidae, Batfish.
Family Scorpaenidae, Scorpionfish.

    Table 4.3.1. (continued). List of all species included in the 
Aquarium Trade category in both the Reef Fish and Coral FMPs. Table 
contents are extracted from Table 8 of the Comprehensive Amendment to 
the FMPs of the U.S. Caribbean to Address Required Provisions of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Caribbean SFA 
Amendment).

Coral FMP

Aphimedon compressa, Erect rope sponge
Astrophyton muricatum, Giant basket star
Alpheaus armatus, Snapping shrimp
Aiptasia tagetes, Pale anemone
Astropecten spp., Sand stars
Analcidometra armata, Swimming crinoid
Bartholomea annulata, Corkscrew anemone
Cynachirella alloclada, sponge (no common name)
Condylactis gigantea, Giant pink-tipped anemone
Cyphoma gibbosum, Flamingo tongue
Chondrilla nucula, Chicken liver sponge
Diadema antillarum, Long-spined urchin
Davidaster spp., Crinoids
Discosoma spp., False coral
Echinometra spp., Purple urchin
Eucidaris tribuloides, Pencil urchin
Gonodactylus (Neogonodactylus) spp., Smashing mantis shrimp
Geodia neptuni, Potato sponge
Haliclona sp., Finger sponge
Holothuria spp., Sea cucumbers
Hereractis lucida, Knobby anemone
Lima spp., Fileclams
Lima scabra, Rough fileclam
Lytechinus spp., Pin cushion urchin
Lysmata spp., Peppermint shrimp
Linckia guildingii, Common comet star
Lysiosquilla spp., Spearing mantis shrimp
Lebrunia spp., Staghorn anemone
Mithrax spp., Clinging crabs

[[Page 41459]]

Mithrax cinctimanus, Banded clinging crab
Mithrax sculptus, Green clinging crab
Myriastra sp., sponge (no common name)
Niphates digitalis, Pink vase sponge
Niphates erecta, Lavender rope sponge
Nemaster spp., Crinoids
Ophiocoma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma rubicundum, Ruby brittlestar
Oreaster reticulatus, Cushion sea star
Ophidiaster guildingii, Comet star
Oliva reticularis, Netted olive
Octopus spp. (except the Common octopus, O. vulgaris)
Paguristes spp., Hermit crabs
Paguristes cadenati, Red reef hermit crab
Percnon gibbesi, Nimble spray crab
Periclimenes spp., Cleaner shrimp
Ricordia florida, Florida false coral
Stichodactyla helianthus, Sun anemone
Spirobranchus giganteus, Christmas tree worm
Sabellastarte magnifica, Magnificent duster
Sabellastarte spp., Tube worms
Stenopus scutellatus, Golden shrimp
Stenopus hispidus, Banded shrimp
Stenorhynchus seticornis, Yellowline arrow crab
Spondylus americanus, Atlantic thorny oyster
Spinosella plicifera, Iridescent tube sponge
Spinosella vaginalis, Lavendar tube sponge
Tripneustes ventricosus, Sea egg urchin
Thor amboinensis, Anemone shrimp
Tectitethya (Tethya) crypta, sponge (no common name)
Subphylum Urochordata, Tunicates
Tridachia crispata, Lettuce sea slug
Zoanthus spp., Sea mat

    4.3.2 Action 3(b). Establish management reference points for the 
aquarium trade species FMU. Alternative 1: No action. Keep the aquarium 
trade species in the ``data collection only'' category as defined in 
the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
    Alternative 2(a) through 2(k): Establish management reference 
points or proxies for the aquarium trade species based on alternative 
selected in Action 3(a) and time series of landings data as defined in 
Action 1(a) in Alternatives 1-5.

  Table 4.3.2--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for the
               Aquarium Trade Species Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Reference Point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
    Alternative 2(a)..............  MSY proxy = Median annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
    Alternative 2(b)..............  MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
                                     selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Overfishing Threshold:
    Alternative 2(c)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL.
    Alternative 2(d)..............  OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
                                     when annual landings exceed the
                                     OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
                                     Southeast Fisheries Science Center
                                     (in consultation with the Caribbean
                                     Fishery Management Council and its
                                     SSC) determines the overage
                                     occurred because data collection/
                                     monitoring improved, rather than
                                     because landings actually
                                     increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
 Control Rule:
    Alternative 2(e)..............  ABC = OFL.
    Alternative 2(f)..............  ABC = [OFL x 0.85].
    Alternative 2(g)..............  ABC = [OFL x 0.75].
    Alternative 2(h)..............  ABC = [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
    Alternative 2(i)..............  OY = ACL = ABC.
    Alternative 2(j)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
    Alternative 2(k)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
    Alternative 2(l)..............  OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.4 Action 4: Redefine the Management of Conch Species FMU Within the 
Queen Conch FMP

    Alternative 1: No action. Do not re-evaluate and revise the conch 
species FMU.
    Alternative 2: Remove all conch species, except for the queen conch 
(Strombus gigas), from the Queen Conch FMP.
    Alternative 3: Delegate management authority, for all conch species 
except queen conch (Strombus gigas), listed in the Queen Conch FMP, to 
the jurisdiction of the appropriate commonwealth or territory as 
defined by Action 5.
    Alternative 4: Retain all conch species under the Queen Conch FMP 
and define management reference points or proxies based on the ACL 
established for queen conch in the 2010 Caribbean ACL Amendment public 
hearing draft.

    Table 4.4.1--List of Conch Species Within the Queen Conch FMP Not
  Undergoing Overfishing as Established in the Caribbean SFA Amendment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Scientific names                       Common names
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strombus gigas............................  Queen conch.
Strombus costatus.........................  Milk conch.
Strombus pugilis..........................  West Indian Fighting Conch.
Strombus gallus...........................  Roostertail Conch.
Strombus raninus..........................  Hawkwing Conch.
Fasciolaria tulipa........................  True Tulip.
Charonia variegata........................  Atlantic Triton's Trumpet.
Cassis madagascarensis....................  Cameo Helmet.
Astrea tuber..............................  Green Start Shell.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.5 Action 5. Geographic Allocation/Management

    Alternative 1. No Action. Maintain U.S. Caribbean-wide reference 
points.
    Alternative 2. Divide and manage ACLs by island group (i.e., Puerto 
Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix) based on the preferred management 
reference point time series selected by the Council in Actions 1(a) and 
2(a).
    Alternative 2A. Use a mid-point or equidistant method for dividing 
the EEZ among islands.
    Alternative 2B. Use a straight-line approach for dividing the EEZ 
among islands.
    Alternative 2C. Use the St. Thomas Fishermen's Association 
recommendation for dividing the EEZ among islands.

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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4.6 Action 6: Annual Catch Limit Allocation and Management

    4.6.1 Action 6(a) Separation of recreational and commercial sectors 
(Puerto Rico only).
    Alternative 1. No action. Do not specify sector-specific ACLs.
    Alternative 2. Specify separate commercial and recreational ACLs 
based on the preferred management reference point time series.
    4.6.2 Action 6(b) Establish bag limit restrictions on recreational 
reef fish harvest.
    Alternative 1. No action. Do not establish bag limit restrictions 
on recreational reef fish harvest.
    Alternative 2. Establish a 5-fish aggregate bag limit per person 
per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial 
fishing license)
    Alternative 3. Establish a 2-fish aggregate bag limit per person 
per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial 
fishing license)
    Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of species in the surgeonfish 
FMU (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial fishing 
license).
    Alternative 5. Establish an aggregate bag limit of 10 fish per 
fisher including not more than two surgeonfish per fisher or six 
surgeonfish per boat, and 30 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing day 
(would not apply to a fishers who has a valid commercial fishing 
license).
    Alternative 6. Establish an aggregate bag limit of 5 fish per 
fisher including not more than two surgeonfish per fisher or six 
surgeonfish per boat, and 15 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing day 
(would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial fishing 
license).
    4.6.3 Action 6(c) Establish bag limit restrictions on recreational 
spiny lobster harvest.
    Alternative 1. No action. Do not establish bag limit restrictions 
on recreational lobster harvest.
    Alternative 2. Establish a 5-spiny lobster aggregate bag limit per 
person per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid 
commercial fishing license).
    Alternative 3. Establish a 2-spiny lobster bag limit per person per 
fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial 
fishing license).
    Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of spiny lobster (would not 
apply to a fishers who has a valid commercial fishing license).
    Alternative 5. Establish a bag limit of: 5 spiny lobster per fisher 
and 15 spiny lobster per boat on a fishing day (would not apply to a 
fisher who has a valid commercial fishing license).
    Alternative 6. Establish a bag limit of: 2 spiny lobster per fisher 
and 12 spiny lobster per boat on a fishing day (would not apply to a 
fisher who has a valid commercial fishing license).

4.7 Action 7: Accountability Measures for Species Considered in This 
Amendment

    Accountability measures (AMs) are defined as management controls to 
prevent ACLs, including sector-specific ACLs, from being exceeded, and 
to correct or mitigate overages of the ACL if they occur (50 CFR 
310(g)(1)).
    4.7.1 Action 7(a) Triggering accountability measures. Actions 1, 2, 
3, and 4 include alternatives to establish and allocate ACLs. If an ACL 
is exceeded, AM alternatives are provided to address overages. Action 7 
alternatives are presented in two parts, the first addresses the 
triggering of AMs and the second addresses the actual actions needed to 
redress overages.
    Alternative 1. No Action. Do not establish criteria for triggering 
AMs.
    Alternative 2. Trigger AMs if the ACL is exceeded based upon:
    Alternative 2A: A single year of landings beginning with landings 
from 2011.
    Alternative 2B: A single year of landings beginning with landings 
from 2011, then a 2-year running average of landings in 2012 (average 
of 2011+2012) and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, etc.).
    Alternative 2C: A single year of landings beginning with landings 
from 2011, a 2-year average of landings in 2012 (average of 2011+2012), 
then a 3-year running average of landings in 2013 (average of 
2011+2012+2013) and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2011-2013, 2012-
2014, etc.).
    Alternative 3. Trigger AMs if the ACL is exceeded as defined below 
unless NOAA Fisheries' SEFSC (in consultation with the Council and its 
SSC) determines the overage occurred because data collection/monitoring 
improved rather than because catches actually increased:
    Alternative 3A: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011.
    Alternative 3B: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011, 
then a 2-year running average of landings effective 2012 and thereafter 
(i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, etc.).
    Alternative 3C: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011, 
a 2-year running average of landings effective 2012, then a 3-year 
running average of landings effective 2013 and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 
2011-2012, 2011-2013, 2012-2014, etc.).
    4.7.2 Action 7(b) Applying accountability measures.
    Alternative 1. No Action. Do not apply AMs.
    Alternative 2. If AMs are triggered, based upon the preferred 
criteria chosen in Action 7(a), reduce the length of the fishing season 
for that species or species group the year following the trigger 
determination by the amount needed to prevent such an overage from 
occurring again. The needed changes will remain in effect until 
modified.
    Alternative 3. If AMs are triggered based upon the preferred 
criteria chosen in action 7(a), reduce the length of the fishing season 
for that species or species group the year following the trigger 
determination by the amount needed to prevent such an overage from 
occurring again and to pay back the overage. The needed changes will 
remain in effect until modified.

4.8 Action 8: Framework Measures

    4.8.1 Action 8(a): Establish Framework Measures for Spiny Lobster 
FMP.
    Alternative 1: No Action. Do not establish framework measures for 
the Spiny Lobster FMP.
    Alternative 2: Amend the framework procedures for the Spiny Lobster 
FMP to provide a mechanism to expeditiously adjust the following 
reference points and management measures through framework action:

a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold (MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) Control Rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction of Fishing Gear With Endangered 
Species or Marine Mammals.

    Alternative 3: Amend the framework procedures for the Spiny Lobster 
FMP to provide the Council with a mechanism to expeditiously adjust a 
subset of management measures outlined in Alternative 2.
    4.8.2 Action 8 (b): Establish Framework Measures for Corals and

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Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP.
    Alternative 1: No Action. Do not amend the current framework 
measures for the Corals FMP.
    Alternative 2: Amend the framework procedures for the Coral FMP to 
provide a mechanism to expeditiously adjust the following reference 
points and management measures through framework action:

a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold (MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction of Fishing Gear With Endangered 
Species or Marine Mammals.

    Alternative 3: Amend the framework procedures for the Coral FMP to 
provide the Council with a mechanism to expeditiously adjust a subset 
of management measures outlined in Alternative 2.
    Written comments can be sent to the Council not later than August 
15, 2011, or submitted at the Council meeting that will take place at 
La Concha hotel, in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 30-31, 2011.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. For more information or request for sign language 
interpretation and other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. Miguel A. 
Rol[oacute]n, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
268 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico 
00918-1920, telephone (787) 766-5926, at least five days prior to the 
meeting date.

    Dated: July 8, 2011.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-17674 Filed 7-13-11; 8:45 am]
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