[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 12621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05445]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD592


Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks 
are subject to overfishing or are in an overfished condition: Gulf of 
Mexico Greater Amberjack is subject to overfishing and continues to be 
in an overfished condition; Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish is subject 
to overfishing but is not in an overfished condition; Puerto Rico Scups 
and Porgies is subject to overfishing; Puerto Rico Wrasses is subject 
to overfishing; and Gulf of Maine cod continues to be subject to 
overfishing and in an overfished condition. In addition, Pacific 
Bluefin Tuna, which is jointly managed by the Western Pacific Fisheries 
Management Council and the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, 
continues to be subject to overfishing and continues to be in an 
overfished condition.
    NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate fishery 
management council (Council) whenever it determines that overfishing is 
occurring, a stock is in an overfished condition, a stock is 
approaching an overfished condition, or when a rebuilding plan has not 
resulted in adequate progress toward ending overfishing and rebuilding 
affected fish stocks.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to sections 304(e)(2) and (e)(7) of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2) and (e)(7), and implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 600.310(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, 
must notify Councils whenever it determines that a stock or stock 
complex is overfished or approaching an overfished condition; or if an 
existing rebuilding plan has not ended overfishing or resulted in 
adequate rebuilding progress. NMFS also notifies Councils when it 
determines a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing. Section 
304(e)(2) further requires NMFS to publish these notices in the Federal 
Register.
    NMFS has determined that the Gulf of Mexico stocks of Greater 
Amberjack and Grey Triggerfish are subject to overfishing and that 
Greater Amberjack continues to be in an overfished condition. The Gulf 
of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) has been informed that 
they must end overfishing on these two stocks and that they must 
continue to rebuild the stock of Greater Amberjack.
    NMFS has also determined that Puerto Rico Scups and Porgies, as 
well as Puerto Rico Wrasses, are subject to overfishing. The Caribbean 
Fishery Management Council (CFMC) has been informed that they must end 
overfishing on these two stock complexes.
    NMFS has also determined that Gulf of Maine Cod continues to be 
subject to overfishing and is in an overfished condition. The New 
England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) has been informed that they 
must end overfishing and rebuild this stock.
    In addition, NMFS has determined that the Pacific stock of Bluefin 
Tuna continues to be subject to overfishing and is in an overfished 
condition. This determination was based on an assessment conducted by 
the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species 
in the North Pacific Ocean (ISC), in conjunction with NOAA scientists. 
NMFS has confirmed that section 304(i) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) applies because 
(1) the overfishing and overfished condition of Bluefin Tuna is due 
largely to excessive international fishing pressure, and (2) there are 
no management measures (or efficiency measures) to end overfishing 
under an international agreement to which the U.S. is a party. NMFS has 
informed the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council of their obligations for international and 
domestic management under Magnuson-Stevens Act sections 304(i) and 
304(i)(2) to address international and domestic impacts, respectively. 
The Councils must develop domestic regulations to address the relative 
impact of the domestic fishing fleet on the stock, and develop 
recommendations to the Secretary of State and Congress for 
international actions to end overfishing and rebuild Pacific Bluefin 
Tuna.

    Dated: March 4, 2015.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-05445 Filed 3-9-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P