[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29631-29634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12492]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD932


South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC); Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meetings.

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SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold meetings of the: Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management 
Committee; Protected Resources Committee; Shrimp Committee; Southeast 
Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee; Golden Crab Committee; 
Personnel Committee (Closed Session); Scientific and Statistical 
Committee (SSC) Selection Committee; Law Enforcement Committee 
(partially closed); Data Collection Committee; King and Spanish 
Mackerel Committee; Executive Finance Committee; Snapper Grouper 
Committee; and a meeting of the Full Council. The Council will also 
hold a Council Member Visioning Workshop for the Snapper Grouper 
Fishery and conduct a joint Council Session with the Gulf of Mexico 
Fishery Management Council. The Council will take action as necessary. 
The Council will also hold a formal public comment session.

DATES: The Council meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. on Monday, June 
8, 2015 until 3 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2015.

ADDRESSES: 
    Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Grand 
Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040; phone: (800) 
222-8733 or (305) 293-1818; fax: (305) 296-6962.
    Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055

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Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information 
Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 571-4366 or toll free (866) SAFMC-10; fax: 
(843) 769-4520; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The items of discussion in the individual 
meeting agendas are as follows:

Council Member Visioning Workshop: Monday, June 8, 2015, 8:30 a.m. 
Until 12 Noon

    1. Council members will receive a recap of the March 2015 Visioning 
Workshop, an overview of the draft Snapper Grouper Vision Blueprint, 
review public input, promotional materials and strategies, and discuss 
planning for public input schedules on the Draft Vision Blueprint.
    2. Council members will discuss next steps and provide guidance to 
staff.

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee: Monday, 
June 8, 2015, 1:30 p.m. Until 3 p.m.

    1. The committee will receive a report from the Habitat Advisory 
Panel, a status report on the Fishery Ecosystem Plan II Development, a 
report on the South Atlantic Ecosystem Modeling Workshop, and review 
analyses associated with the northern extension of the Oculina Bank 
Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern as it pertains to the rock 
shrimp fishery.
    2. The committees will develop recommendations and provide guidance 
to staff.

Protected Resources Committee: Monday, June 8, 2015, 3 p.m. Until 4 
p.m.

    1. The committee will receive an update from NOAA Fisheries on 
protected resource-related issues, a briefing on the Acropora (coral) 
recovery plan, an overview of the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery 
Biological Opinion, and an overview of the NOAA Fisheries guidance on 
the Endangered Species Act/Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act 
Integration Agreement.
    2. The committee will develop recommendations for the Council.

Shrimp Committee: Monday, June 8, 2015, 4:00 p.m. Until 4:30 p.m.

    1. The committee will review the Shrimp and Deepwater Shrimp 
Advisory Panel report, discuss, and provide guidance to staff.

SEDAR Committee: Monday, June 8, 2015, 4:30 p.m. Until 5 p.m.

    1. The committee will approve Terms of Reference for red grouper, 
approve the Council's Annual Research and Monitoring Plan, and receive 
an update on the Marine Recreational Information Transition Plan.

Golden Crab Committee: Monday, June 8, 2015, 5 p.m. Until 5:30 p.m.

    1. The committee will receive an update on the status of commercial 
catch versus annual catch limit (ACL) for golden crab, the status of 
Amendment 9 to the Golden Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and a 
report on available data for golden crab. The committee will discuss 
and take action as necessary.

Personnel Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 8 a.m. Until 9 a.m. (Closed 
Session)

    1. The committee will review a staff retirement health insurance 
proposal and provide recommendations.

SSC Selection Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 9 a.m. Until 9:30 a.m. 
(Closed Session)

    1. The committee will review applications for the SSC and provide 
recommendations for appointments.

Law Enforcement Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 9:30 a.m. Until 10:30 
a.m. (Partially Closed Session)

    1. The committee will review nominations for Law Enforcement 
Officer of the Year (closed session) and receive a report from the Law 
Enforcement Advisory Panel.
    2. The committee will provide recommendations as appropriate.

Data Collection Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 10:30 a.m. Until 11 
a.m.

    1. The committee will receive a presentation on the status of work 
on bycatch reporting in the Southeast, an overview of the status of the 
implementation plan for commercial electronic logbook reporting, a 
presentation on the status of the commercial electronic logbook pilot 
project, an overview of the Joint South Atlantic and Gulf Council 
Generic Charterboat Reporting Amendment including the status of the 
Gulf Council recommendations and next steps, and review the Decision 
Document for the amendment.
    2. The committee will discuss, approve next steps, and provide 
guidance to staff.

King and Spanish Mackerel Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 11 a.m. 
Until 12 Noon

    1. The committee will receive a report on the status of commercial 
catch versus ACLs for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia, the 
status of amendments currently under Secretarial Review, discuss 
Framework Amendment 2 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP, and receive 
a report from the Mackerel Advisory Panel.
    2. The committee will review Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP 
Amendment 26 addressing modifications to management/stock boundaries, 
management parameters for king mackerel including changes to ACLs, 
revisions to commercial quotas and allocations in the Gulf of Mexico, 
and allowing the sale of king mackerel caught within the shark gillnet 
fishery. The committee will modify the amendment as necessary, and 
select preferred management alternatives.
    3. The committee will review the Discussion Document for Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic FMP Amendment 28 addressing options for separating 
the joint FMP between the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Councils.
    4. The committee will provide recommendations and direction to 
staff as appropriate.

Executive Finance Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 1:30 p.m. Until 3 
p.m.

    1. The committee will receive an update on the status of the 
Calendar Year 2015 budget expenditures and review the Council Follow-up 
and priorities.
    2. The committee will review and approve the Calendar Year 2015 
budget.
    3. The committee will also receive an update on the Joint South 
Florida Committee Issues and an overview of the Citizen Science Program 
and review the Statement of Work.
    4. The committee will provide recommendations and address other 
issues as appropriate.

Snapper Grouper Committee: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 3 p.m. Until 5:30 
p.m. and Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 8:30 a.m. Until 5 p.m.

    1. The committee will receive updates on the status of catches 
versus quotas under annual catch limits (ACLs), actions under formal 
review, Southeast Reef Fish Survey, and presentations on the 2015 red 
snapper season and Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) 
``Rare Event'' sampling.
    2. The committee will receive reports from the Snapper Grouper 
Advisory Panel (AP) and the SSC.

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    3. The committee will review the following amendments to the 
Snapper Grouper FMP and provide recommendations as appropriate: (1) 
Regulatory Amendment 16 addressing modifications to the current 
seasonal closure for the commercial black sea bass pot fishery. The 
committee will modify the amendment, choose preferred alternatives as 
appropriate and approve the amendment for public hearings; (2) 
Amendment 36 addressing Spawning Special Management Zones (SMZs.). The 
committee will consider public hearing comments and the draft System 
Management Plan, modify the document as appropriate, and approve the 
amendment for a second round of public hearings; (3) Amendment 35 to 
remove species from the management unit and address measures for the 
commercial golden tilefish endorsement. The committee will modify the 
document and codified text as needed and approve for formal review;
    4. The committee will review the following amendments, provide 
guidance to staff and develop recommendations for approving for public 
scoping: (1) Amendment 38 pertaining to blueline tilefish management 
measures; (2) Amendment 37 addressing measures for hogfish; (3) 
Regulatory Amendment 23 addressing measures for golden tilefish; and 
(4) Regulatory Amendment 24 addressing measures for multiple species in 
the snapper grouper management complex.

    Note: A formal public comment session will be held on Wednesday, 
June 10, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Public comment will be accepted 
on any items on the Council agenda including items on the joint 
Council session. The Chairman, based on the number of individuals 
wishing to comment, will determine the amount of time provided to 
each commenter.

Joint Council Session: South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Councils, Thursday, June 11, 2015, 8:30 a.m. Until 5:30 p.m.

    8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Call the meeting to order, adopt the agenda, 
welcome and introductions
    8:45-10 a.m.: The Councils will receive an overview of the Decision 
Document for the Joint South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Generic 
Charterboat Reporting Amendment addressing reporting requirements for 
federally permitted charterboats in the South Atlantic and Gulf of 
Mexico. The Councils will discuss measures and vote on actions as 
appropriate.
    10 a.m.-12 noon: The Councils will review the Joint Draft Options 
Paper and Decision Document for Amendment 26 to the Coastal Migratory 
Pelagics FMP addressing king mackerel management measures including 
modifications to stock boundaries, allocations, and sale provisions. 
The Councils will discuss measures and vote on actions as appropriate.
    1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: The Councils will review the Decision Document 
for Amendment 28 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP addressing 
options for separating management of coastal migratory species (king 
mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia) between the Gulf of Mexico and 
South Atlantic Council's area of jurisdiction. The species are 
currently managed jointly through the FMP. The Councils will discuss 
measures and vote on actions as appropriate.
    2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.: The Councils will review the Joint South Florida 
Amendment including issues, goals and objectives. The amendment 
includes measures to modify management of yellowtail snapper, mutton 
snapper and black grouper, seasonal closures, circle hook requirements 
and other measures designed to minimize conflicting regulations for 
South Florida. The Councils will review the Decision Document for the 
amendment and vote on actions as appropriate.
    5 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: The Councils will review a Decision Document for 
management measures addressing hogfish following a recent stock 
assessment. The Councils will discuss measures and vote on actions as 
appropriate. The Councils will also address Other Business as 
appropriate.

Council Session: Friday, June 12, 2015, 8:30 a.m. Until 3 p.m.

    8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Call the meeting to order, adopt the agenda, 
and approve the March 2014 minutes.
    8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Snapper Grouper Committee and is scheduled to approve Snapper Grouper 
Amendment 35 for formal Secretarial review. The Council will approve/
disapprove Regulatory Amendment 16 for public hearings and Amendment 36 
for a second round of public hearings. The Council is scheduled to 
approve or disapprove the following amendments for public scoping: 
Snapper Grouper Amendment 37, Amendment 38, Regulatory Amendment 23 and 
Regulatory Amendment 24. The Council will consider other committee 
recommendations and take action as appropriate.
    9:45 a.m.-10 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the King 
and Spanish Mackerel Committee, consider committee recommendations and 
take action as appropriate.
    10 a.m.-10:15 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the SSC 
Selection Committee, appoint members to the SSC and the SSC's Socio-
Economic Panel, consider other committee recommendations and take 
action as appropriate.
    10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Council Member Visioning Workshop, consider recommendations and take 
action as appropriate.
    10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, consider 
committee recommendations and take action as appropriate.
    10:45 a.m.-11 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Protected Resources Committee, consider committee recommendations and 
take action as appropriate.
    11 a.m.-11:15 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
SEDAR Committee, approve or disapprove the red grouper terms of 
reference, the Council's annual Research and Monitoring Plan, consider 
committee recommendations and take action as appropriate.
    11:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Executive Finance Committee, approve the Council Follow Up and 
Priorities, approve the Calendar Year 2015 budget, take action on the 
South Florida Management issues as appropriate, consider other 
committee recommendations and take action as appropriate.
    11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Golden Crab Committee, consider committee recommendations, and take 
action as appropriate.
    11:45 a.m.-12 noon: The Council will receive a report from the Data 
Collection Committee, consider recommendations and take action as 
appropriate.
    1 p.m.-1:15 p.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Shrimp 
Committee, consider committee recommendations and take action as 
appropriate.
    1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: The Council will receive a report from the Law 
Enforcement Committee, select the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, 
consider other committee recommendations, and take action as 
appropriate.
    1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.: The Council will receive a report from the 
Personnel Committee, approve/disapprove the staff retirement health 
insurance plan, consider other committee

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recommendations, and take action as appropriate.
    1:45 p.m.-3 p.m.: The Council will receive status reports from NOAA 
Fisheries Southeast Regional Office and the Southeast Fisheries Science 
Center. The Council will review and develop recommendations on 
Experimental Fishing Permits as necessary; review agency and liaison 
reports; and discuss other business and upcoming meetings.
    Documents regarding these issues are available from the Council 
office (see ADDRESSES).
    Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come 
before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject 
of formal action during these meetings. Action will be restricted to 
those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues 
arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action 
under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's 
intent to take final action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the 
council office (see ADDRESSES) 3 days prior to the meeting.

    Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are 
subject to change.


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

    Dated: May 19, 2015.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-12492 Filed 5-21-15; 8:45 am]
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