[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39367-39368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16168]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD362


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management-Based Research Needs 
and Priorities Document

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

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces the availability of the Atlantic Highly 
Migratory Species (HMS) Management-Based Research Needs and Priorities 
document. The purpose of this document is to communicate key research 
needs that directly support Atlantic HMS management. Atlantic HMS are 
defined as bluefin, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas, 
swordfish, billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, roundscale spearfish, 
longbill spearfish, and sailfish), and sharks.

DATES: Written comments must be received by August 11, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the Atlantic HMS Management-Based 
Research Needs and Priorities document may also be obtained on the 
Internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/documents/hms_research_priorities_2014.pdf.
    You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-
2014-0080, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0080, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Margo Schulze-Haugen, 
NMFS/SF1, 1315 East-West Highway, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information

[[Page 39368]]

submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS 
will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if 
you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will 
be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Durkee by phone at (202) 670-
6637.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Atlantic HMS Management-Based Research 
Needs and Priorities document was developed by the Highly Migratory 
Species (HMS) Management Division of NMFS to communicate key research 
needs that directly support Atlantic HMS management. Atlantic HMS are 
defined as bluefin, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas, 
swordfish, billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, roundscale spearfish, 
longbill spearfish, and sailfish), and sharks. The document contains a 
list of near and long-term research needs and priorities that can be 
used by individuals and groups interested in Atlantic HMS to identify 
key research needs, improve management, reduce duplication, prioritize 
limited funding, and form a potential basis for future funding. The 
priorities range from biological/ecological needs to socio-economic 
needs.
    The document is one of several efforts to highlight key research 
needs for HMS. One early effort, the HMS Research Plan, was developed 
by NMFS scientists across HMS disciplines in response to discussions at 
HMS Advisory Panel (AP) meetings. The HMS AP was interested in 
identifying specific research needs based upon known data gaps, 
however, the HMS AP felt that early versions of the HMS Research Plan 
needed more specificity with clear prioritization. Further revisions to 
that document are underway. This document complements the HMS Research 
Plan currently in draft and, although of different purpose, some 
aspects of the HMS Research Plan were included in this document. Other 
efforts are also underway in the Agency to identify key research needs 
relevant to Atlantic HMS management, such as the National Recreational 
Action Agenda and Regional Plans and the National Bycatch Reduction 
Engineering Program.
    While some of the priorities were derived from stock assessment 
reviews, other priorities were identified while developing and 
proposing management measures. Many of the research priorities address 
key data gaps and/or ways to reduce fishing mortality and/or bycatch to 
more effectively manage HMS fisheries, either directly or by improving 
stock assessments. Because these needs were identified by fishery 
managers, these research priorities may not correspond directly with 
the research priorities and needs identified by the scientists 
throughout NMFS.
    Ongoing survey and monitoring programs are not discussed unless 
there is a specific suggestion for expansion of an existing program. 
These survey and monitoring programs, which include but are not limited 
to shark nursery and essential fish habitat studies, fishery-
independent surveys, and observer programs, are vital to stock 
assessments and effective HMS management. These ongoing survey and 
monitoring programs should be considered high priority.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq., and 1801 et seq.

    Dated: July 7, 2014.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-16168 Filed 7-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P