[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9413-9418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04030]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 600

[Docket No. 151201999-6115-01]
RIN 0648-BF51


Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes a rule to 
implement the requirement under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act that all fishery management plans 
(FMPs) establish a standardized reporting methodology to assess the 
amount and type of bycatch occurring in a fishery. The proposed rule 
provides guidance to regional fishery management councils and the 
Secretary of Commerce regarding the development, documentation, and 
review of such methodologies, commonly referred to as Standardized 
Bycatch Reporting Methodologies (SBRMs).

DATES: Comments must be received by April 25, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2016-0002, by either 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-2016-0002 click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Send written comments to Karen Abrams, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East West Highway, SSMC3-OSF-SF3, 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 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), and will accept attachments to electronic comments in 
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Abrams 301-427-8508.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 303(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSA) (16 U.S.C. 1853(a)) describes 15 required 
provisions of any fishery management plan (FMP) prepared by a regional 
fishery management council or the Secretary of Commerce with respect to 
any fishery (hereafter ``Council'' includes the regional fishery 
management councils and the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate (see 
16 U.S.C. 1854(c) and (g)). This proposed rule focuses on section 
303(a)(11), which requires that all FMPs establish a standardized 
reporting methodology to assess the amount and type of bycatch 
occurring in the fishery, and include conservation and management 
measures that, to the extent practicable, minimize bycatch and bycatch 
mortality. The section 303(a)(11) standardized reporting methodology is 
commonly referred to as a ``Standardized Bycatch Reporting 
Methodology'' (SBRM), and this proposed rule defines, interprets, and 
provides guidance on the basic requirements for the SBRM.
    Section 303(a)(11) was added to the MSA by the Sustainable 
Fisheries Act of 1996 (SFA). All FMPs have been amended to reflect the 
SBRM requirement. The SFA also added a definition for ``bycatch'' 
(section 3(2), 16 U.S.C. 1802(2)) and National Standard 9 (section 
301(a)(9), 16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(9)). The MSA defines ``bycatch'' as fish 
which are harvested in a fishery, but which are not sold or kept for 
personal use, and as including economic discards and regulatory 
discards. The definition of bycatch does not include fish released 
alive under a recreational catch and release fishery management 
program. The MSA does not define ``standardized reporting methodology'' 
or any of the words contained within the phrase. Similar to section 
303(a)(11), National Standard 9 (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(9)) requires that 
conservation and management measures ``shall, to the extent 
practicable, (A) minimize bycatch and (B) to the extent bycatch cannot 
be avoided, minimize the mortality of such bycatch.'' However, National 
Standard 9 does not address SBRM. NMFS has never issued regulations 
that set forth the agency's interpretation of the SBRM provision.
    To implement the 1996 SFA Amendments, NMFS developed advisory 
guidelines for National Standard 9 (guidelines) in 1998, and further 
amended the guidelines in 2008. The guidelines provide several 
clarifications about bycatch requirements under the MSA, but do not 
directly address SBRM. For example, the guidelines explain that 
``bycatch'' includes the discard of whole fish at sea but does not 
include legally-retained fish kept for personal, tribal or cultural use 
(50 CFR 600.350(c)). In addition, to facilitate the evaluation of 
conservation and management measures consistent with National Standard 
9, the guidelines call for the development of a database on bycatch and 
bycatch mortality in the fishery to the extent practicable. The 
guidelines note that, to comply with National Standard 9 and MSA 
sections 303(a)(11) (SBRM) and (12) (catch and release), a review and, 
where necessary, improvement of data collection methods, data sources 
and applications must be initiated for each fishery to assess bycatch 
and bycatch mortality. See 50 CFR 600.350(d)(1).
    In 2004, NMFS published Evaluating Bycatch: A National Approach to 
Standardized Bycatch Monitoring Programs (NOAA Technical Memorandum 
NMFS-F/SPO-66, October 2004, hereafter referred to as Evaluating 
Bycatch), a report that was prepared by the agency's National Working 
Group on Bycatch (available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/by_catch/SPO_final_rev_12204.pdf). The report discusses regional bycatch and 
fisheries issues, the advantages and disadvantages of different 
reporting/monitoring measures, and precision goals for bycatch 
estimates. See Evaluating Bycatch at Chapters 3, 4, and 5. However, 
Evaluating Bycatch addresses more than bycatch as defined under the 
MSA; it also addresses interactions with species protected under the 
Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. The report 
also acknowledges that its goals ``may in some instances exceed minimum 
statutory requirements.'' See Evaluating Bycatch at Appendix 5. In 
summary, the report does not provide the agency's interpretation of the 
basic requirements of complying with MSA section 303(a)(11).

Purpose and Scope

    This proposed rule, which is promulgated pursuant to MSA section 
305(d) (16 U.S.C. 1855(d)), is intended to establish national 
requirements and

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guidance for establishing and reviewing SBRMs under section 303(a)(11) 
of the MSA. This rule solely addresses reporting methodology 
requirements pertaining to ``bycatch'' as defined under the MSA. (See 
the Background subheading for a definition.) The Endangered Species Act 
and the Marine Mammal Protection Act create additional, important 
bycatch-related responsibilities for NOAA Fisheries, but discussion of 
such responsibilities is beyond the scope of this proposed rule. As 
explained below, there are several reasons why NMFS is undertaking this 
rulemaking.
    NMFS has never issued regulations that set forth the basic 
requirements of the SBRM provision of section 303(a)(11). Although the 
National Standard 9 guidelines and Evaluating Bycatch discuss the SBRM 
provision, neither provides an interpretation of, or purports to set 
forth the basic requirements for complying with, the provision. In the 
absence of a national SBRM regulation, some Councils appear to have 
adopted the recommendations in Evaluating Bycatch as though they set 
forth mandatory requirements for a bycatch reporting methodology. 
Others have not followed the recommendations in Evaluating Bycatch, or 
have adopted only some of them. NMFS believes that the apparent 
confusion regarding the applicability of the recommendations in 
Evaluating Bycatch necessitates clear guidance regarding what the SBRM 
provision requires, what is needed for fishery conservation and 
management, and what is feasible to implement.
    In addition, since the 1996 SFA amendments, there have been legal 
challenges to the SBRMs established in some FMPs. Court decisions have 
focused largely on the specific allegations and records before the 
courts, and have addressed only certain aspects of the SBRM provision 
and the agency's implementation of that provision. Therefore, NMFS 
believes that a comprehensive analysis of the MSA requirements in 
section 303(a)(11) through a rulemaking action is necessary in order to 
prevent inconsistent implementation of the provision, on a region-by-
region basis in response to fact-specific litigation.
    Finally, public concern about bycatch and public expectations for 
accessing bycatch information and estimates continues to grow, while 
concerns from the regulated community about the costs for fishery 
monitoring and reporting requirements also continues to increase. NMFS 
intends to address some of these concerns in this action.

Overview of the Proposed Rule

    As described in detail below, this proposed rule explains the 
purpose of a standardized bycatch reporting methodology (SBRM), and 
clarifies the activities associated with the phrase ``standardized 
reporting methodology'' and the meaning of the term ``standardized.'' 
This action would require that a standardized reporting methodology be 
appropriate for a particular fishery, and would provide required and 
discretionary factors for the Councils to consider when establishing or 
reviewing a methodology. Recognizing that there may be a future need to 
adjust how an SBRM is implemented, NMFS also proposes requirements for 
an adjustment process, if a Council is interested in exploring such a 
process. Finally, this proposed rule would provide for periodic review 
of existing SBRMs.

Purpose of an SBRM

    Proposed section 600.1600 states that the purpose of a standardized 
reporting methodology is to inform the assessment of the amount and 
type of bycatch occurring in the fishery for use in developing 
conservation and management measures that, to the extent practicable, 
minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality. See 16 U.S.C. 1853(a)(11). The 
text refers to ``inform[ing]'' assessment of bycatch, as the data 
resulting from an SBRM are used along with other information for 
bycatch assessment and estimation purposes. (See Activities Associated 
with an SBRM, below, for further explanation.) Proposed section 
600.1610(a)(2)(i) requires that the data resulting from the methodology 
be useful, in conjunction with other relevant sources of data, in 
meeting the purpose of the methodology as described in section 600.1600 
and fishery-specific bycatch objectives. (See Considerations for 
Establishing or Reviewing an SBRM, below, for an explanation of other 
required and discretionary factors.)

Activities Associated With an SBRM

    An SBRM could include one or a combination of data collection and 
reporting programs, such as observer programs, electronic monitoring 
and reporting technologies, and self-reported mechanisms (e.g., 
recreational sampling, and industry-reported catch and discards). 
Proposed section 600.1605(a) defines ``standardized reporting 
methodology'' with reference to the collection, recording, and 
reporting of bycatch data in a fishery, which is connected to, but 
distinct from the methods used to assess bycatch and the development of 
measures to minimize bycatch or bycatch mortality. NMFS believes that 
it is important to distinguish between methods to collect and report 
bycatch data in a fishery with actions to assess and minimize bycatch. 
This distinction will help clarify the key policy choices and 
objectives associated with establishing a reporting methodology, so as 
not to confuse those choices with statistical and technical approaches 
for estimating bycatch that are inherently scientific and data 
dependent or the policy choices associated with developing measures to 
minimize bycatch.
    The distinction between data collecting, reporting, etc., and 
developing management measures is reflected in part in the fact that 
section 303(a)(11) requires the establishment of SBRMs, and separately, 
section 303(a)(11) and National Standard 9 requires that FMPs include 
conservation and management measures that, to the extent practicable, 
minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality. As a practical matter, there 
are multiple steps leading to the development of conservation and 
management measures that address bycatch. First, bycatch data are 
collected, recorded, and reported pursuant to an SBRM. The 2011 U.S. 
National Bycatch Report (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-117E) 
describes how data from SBRMs are used in combination with other 
information, such as fishing effort, fishery independent data, and 
other data (pages 90, 155, 219, 319, 350, and 373), to develop total 
estimates of bycatch by fishery. Second, bycatch data from an SBRM, as 
well as other information about the fishery, are used to assess (e.g. 
evaluate or estimate) the amount and type of bycatch in a fishery. A 
variety of different models can be used to estimate bycatch. The models 
and combination of data used to estimate bycatch vary from region to 
region and across fisheries, depending on a variety of factors, 
including the characteristics of the fishery and the data available to 
manage the fishery. The resulting estimates are often provided in Stock 
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports. Finally, bycatch data 
and estimates are used to inform a Council in the development of 
conservation and management measures to minimize bycatch and bycatch 
mortality to the extent practicable. (This information may also be used 
by Councils for other purposes, such as for in-season or post-season 
management of a fishery, and for stock assessments.)

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    One source of confusion in Evaluating Bycatch is that the report 
conflates the collection and reporting of bycatch data with the 
assessment of such data when the report states that ``the combination 
of data collection and analyses that is used to estimate bycatch in a 
fishery constitutes the SBRM for the fishery'' (Appendix 5). NMFS does 
not believe that the estimation methods must be included in an FMP as 
part of the standardized reporting methodology. However, neither this 
rule nor the statute precludes discussion of those estimation methods 
in an FMP.
    While defining ``standardized reporting methodology'' as something 
different than bycatch assessment and management measures, NMFS 
recognizes the interconnectedness of these steps. This proposed rule 
addresses the interrelation between these steps by explaining the 
purpose of SBRM (proposed section 600.1600) and requiring that data 
resulting from the methodology be useful, in conjunction with other 
relevant sources of data, in meeting the purpose of the SBRM and 
fishery-specific bycatch objectives (proposed section 
600.1610((a)(2)(i)). (See Purpose of an SBRM, above.)

Meaning of ``Standardized''

    The proposed rule also clarifies that ``standardized'' does not 
mean that reporting methodologies must be standardized at a regional or 
national level. Proposed section 600.1605(a) explains that a 
standardized reporting methodology may vary from one fishery to another 
(including among fisheries managed in the same FMP). However, the 
methodology must provide a consistent approach for collecting, 
recording, and reporting bycatch data within a fishery. For example, a 
reporting methodology that relies on self-reported logbook data may be 
appropriate for one fishery, while at-sea observer coverage may be more 
appropriate for other fisheries. As long as the reporting methodology 
for a fishery provides for a consistent approach for collecting, 
recording, and reporting bycatch data for all the participants in that 
fishery, then the methodology would be considered ``standardized'' 
under the proposed rule's definition.

Considerations for Establishing or Reviewing an SBRM

    This proposed rule acknowledges that whether a methodology is 
appropriate for a fishery will depend on the specific circumstances of 
the fishery. This proposed rule frames policy choices associated with 
establishing an SBRM by providing ``required factors'' for establishing 
or reviewing an SBRM (proposed section 600.1610(a)(2)(i)), and by 
recommending additional factors that may be considered by the Councils 
(proposed section 600.1610(a)(2)(ii)).
    Proposed section 600.1610(a)(2)(i) states that data resulting from 
the methodology must be useful, in conjunction with other relevant 
sources of data, in meeting the purpose of the methodology as described 
in section 600.1600 and fishery-specific bycatch objectives. This 
requies a Council, when establishing or reviewing a methodology, to 
consider the conservation and management objectives of the fishery with 
respect to bycatch, the data quality associated with the methodology, 
and information about the characteristics of bycatch in the fishery, 
when available (such as the amount of bycatch occurring in the fishery, 
the importance or bycatch in estimating the total mortality of fish 
stocks, and the importance of bycatch to related ecosystems). Because 
data resulting from an SBRM will be used, along with other relevant 
information, to inform the assessment of the amount and type of bycatch 
occurring in a fishery, a Council should consult with its scientific 
and statistical committee, advisory panels, and the NOAA science 
centers, as appropriate, on data elements, reporting frequency, and 
other design and methodology factors (proposed section 600.1610(b)). 
Another required consideration when establishing or reviewing a 
methodology is its feasibility, from cost, technical, and operational 
perspectives. In addition, the proposed rule requires that each SBRM be 
designed to be implemented within available funding.
    The proposed rule also recognizes that other factors may be 
relevant to establishing an SBRM. Therefore, proposed section 
600.1610(a)(2)(ii) provides that Councils may also consider the overall 
magnitude and/or economic impact of the fishery, and the scientific 
methods and techniques available to collect and report bycatch data 
that could improve the quality of the bycatch estimates.
    NMFS recognizes that a court decision held that operational 
constraints (such as funding) are not an excuse for failing to 
``establish'' an SBRM. (See Oceana v. Locke, 670 F.3d 1238 (D.C. Cir. 
2011).) However, NMFS does not believe that this court decision stands 
for the proposition that costs cannot be taken into consideration at 
all when developing or revising an SBRM. The case did not discuss 
National Standard 7, which explicitly requires that conservation and 
management measures (which would include data collection, recording, 
and reporting requirements employed under an SBRM) ``where practicable, 
minimize costs and unnecessary duplication'' (section 301(a)(7), 16 
U.S.C. 1851(a)(7)). If the Council proposes an FMP or FMP amendment 
with an SBRM that is not designed to be implemented within available 
funding or that is not feasible, NMFS may need to disapprove or 
partially disapprove that FMP amendment. Therefore, this proposed rule 
provides that Councils must consider feasibility when establishing or 
reviewing an SBRM.
    Proposed section 600.1610(a)(2)(i) requires that data resulting 
from the methodology be useful, in conjunction with other relevant 
sources of data, in meeting the purpose of the methodology as described 
in section 600.1600 and fishery-specific bycatch objectives. However, 
proposed section 600.1610(a)(2)(i) does not include specific standards 
regarding the precision or accuracy of bycatch estimates, as NMFS does 
not believe that section 303(a)(11) requires that an SBRM produce data 
that will generate estimates to a particular standard of statistical 
accuracy or precision. (See also 50 CFR 600.350(d)(2), recognizing 
under National Standard 9 Guidelines that ``[d]ue to limitations on the 
information available, fishery managers may not be able to generate 
precise estimates of bycatch and bycatch mortality or other effects'' 
for measures under consideration.) As explained above, other sources of 
data--beyond data from an SBRM--are used in bycatch assessments. In 
addition, different fisheries have different bycatch issues and 
concerns. This proposed rule recognizes the diversity of fisheries 
across the country and provides for a fishery-specific evaluation of 
the factors outlined in proposed section 600.1610(a)(2), while still 
ensuring that SBRMs will produce data that will be useful in meeting 
the statutory purpose of SBRMs. Based on its evaluation of the factors, 
a Council may determine that different levels of uncertainty are 
acceptable for different fisheries. For example, although an increase 
in observer coverage levels in a fishery would reduce uncertainty of 
bycatch estimates, such an increase may not be feasible from a cost or 
safety standpoint, may not be necessary to assess bycatch in the 
fishery, or may not be useful in developing conservation and management 
measures for bycatch in that fishery. The proposed rule would allow a 
Council to evaluate whether an incremental improvement in data quality 
is justified in light of the

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purpose of SBRM and other factors outlined in sections 
600.1610(a)(2)(i) and (ii).
    Some courts have addressed bycatch estimates or the quality of data 
in the context of particular FMPs or amendments. (See, e.g., NRDC v. 
Evans, 168 F.Supp.2d 1149, 1154 (N.D. Cal. 2001), asserting that NMFS 
failed to address the SBRM requirement and its ``duty to obtain 
accurate bycatch data''; and Oceana v. Evans, 384 F.Supp.2d 203, 234-
235 (D.D.C. 2005), finding that NMFS failed to analyze what type of 
program would ``succeed in producing the statistically reliable 
estimates of bycatch needed to better manage the fishery'' and to 
address an accuracy concern in a scientific study.) However, these 
opinions were based on the specific records before the courts, and did 
not engage in comprehensive statutory construction of the SBRM 
provision. NMFS believes that the approach of this proposed rule is 
consistent with MSA section 303(a)(11) and will ensure that SBRMs are 
developed consistent with the statutory purpose for SBRMs (proposed 
section 600.1600), while allowing Councils to address the unique 
circumstances of particular fisheries.
    NMFS clarifies that the Evaluating Bycatch report should not be 
treated as the agency's interpretation of the SRBM provision; that is 
the purpose of this proposed rule. A Council may continue to use the 
Evaluating Bycatch report, as explained below. NMFS notes that the 
Evaluating Bycatch report discusses accuracy and precision in the 
context of bycatch estimates from observer data. (See Evaluating 
Bycatch at 35-39.) The report describes the accuracy of an estimate as 
``the difference between the mean of the sample and the true population 
value,'' and the precision of an estimate as ``essentially how 
repeatable an observation would be if a number of independent trials 
were to be conducted.'' (Id. at 38.) To address these issues, the 
Evaluating Bycatch report provided ``precision goals'' expressed as 
``coefficient of variation'' (CV), which is the ratio of the square 
root of the variance of the bycatch estimate (i.e. the standard error) 
to the estimate itself. The lower the CV, the more precise (and less 
uncertain) is the bycatch estimate. (Id. at 35.) The report makes clear 
that there are a variety of situations in which precision goals for 
bycatch estimates may not be useful to consider when designing bycatch 
data collection and reporting methods, and in which achieving such 
goals may not be feasible. The report lists numerous caveats for using 
precision goals in the context of bycatch reporting/monitoring 
programs. (Id. at Executive Summary, 58.)
    While observer programs may be included as part of an SBRM, the MSA 
does not require their inclusion in every SBRM. (See 16 U.S.C. 
1853(a)(11), (b)(8).) Moreover, under this proposed rule, bycatch 
estimation is not included in the definition of standardized reporting 
methodology. If a Council finds that it would be helpful to consider CV 
goals for bycatch estimates when it designs an SBRM, this proposed rule 
would not preclude that. A Council may continue to use the Evaluating 
Bycatch report for information on CV goals, considerations for observer 
programs, etc., as appropriate, although NMFS advises Councils to take 
into consideration that Evaluating Bycatch is over a decade old, and 
that technologies and science have evolved considerably since its 
publication in 2004.

Documenting the Establishment of an SBRM

    To document that an SBRM is ``established,'' proposed section 
1600.1610(a)(1) requires that every FMP contain a description of the 
required bycatch data collection, recording, and reporting procedures 
that constitute the SBRM for each fishery managed under it. The 
description must also provide a statement explaining why the 
methodology is appropriate for the fishery as guided by mandatory and 
discretionary factors described in proposed section 1600.1610(a)(2). 
The explanation required by proposed section 1600.1610(a)(1) must be 
based on a thorough analysis of all the factors evaluated in 
establishing a standardized reporting methodology. The explanation must 
be contained in the FMP, but it may incorporate by reference analyses 
in FMPs, FMP amendments, Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) 
reports or other documents. The description and explanation of the SBRM 
will clarify for the public and interested stakeholders the policy 
choices that the Council considered in establishing the SBRM.

Adaptable Implementation of an SBRM

    With this proposed rule, NMFS also seeks to ensure that the 
Councils have sufficient flexibility to adjust implementation of an 
established SBRM in a way that is clear to the public, but that does 
not necessarily require an FMP amendment. This proposed rule provides 
that, if a Council anticipates that adjustments will be necessary to 
implement the methodology, the Council may, consistent with the 
requirements of the MSA and other applicable law, consider adopting a 
process in an FMP to adjust implementation of the methodology. A 
Council may consider adopting such a process based on factors, which 
include, but are not limited to, available funding, management 
contingencies, or scientific priorities. If such a process is adopted, 
the FMP must describe the process by which the Councils or NMFS plan to 
implement the desired adjustments to an SBRM. (See proposed section 
600.1610(c)). Such adjustments may include fine tuning the intensity, 
focus, or frequency of the required data collection procedures 
specified in the FMP. Such a process could reflect existing annual or 
multi-year processes already in use by a Council, such as framework 
adjustments or annual specifications. The process must clearly describe 
considerations that will drive those adjustments. The need for such a 
process may be particularly relevant to SBRMs that are heavily 
dependent on the use of observers to collect bycatch data. NMFS also 
believes that there may be instances in which changes to the underlying 
conservation and management objectives for the fishery, funding, 
available technology, or other factors may trigger a complete review 
and possible revision of the SBRM. It is important that the public 
understands, upfront, the limits of applying such adjustments under an 
established SBRM and how the Council will determine that a reevaluation 
of the established methodology is warranted. With this proposed rule, 
NMFS seeks to clarify how an SBRM can be ``established'' and 
``standardized'' while still providing necessary flexibility to 
implement the SBRM.

Review of SBRMs

    Proposed section 600.1610(d) provides that all FMPs must be 
consistent with this rule within 5 years of finalizing the rule. To 
verify consistency with this rule, Councils should conduct a review of 
their existing SBRMs. The review should provide information to 
determine whether or not an FMP needs to be amended. The analysis and 
conclusions from the review should be documented but do not need to be 
contained in an FMP.
    There are several potential outcomes of the review. A review could 
find that there are FMPs with existing SBRMs that are consistent with 
this rule, in which case no FMP amendments are necessary. Other FMPs 
may define SBRMs more expansively than the definition in this proposed 
rule. For example, they may contain components that are consistent with 
this proposed rule, along with additional components

[[Page 9417]]

that are not precluded by this rule, but are not minimally required. 
Those FMPs may not require further amendments. Still other FMPs may 
describe procedures or activities that comprise an SBRM but do not 
explain them in a manner consistent with this rule. In such cases, an 
FMP amendment may be warranted.
    After the initial review, Councils should periodically review 
standardized reporting methodologies to verify continued compliance 
with the MSA and this rule. Such a review should be conducted at least 
once every 5 years. Proposed section 600.1610(d) is consistent with the 
review and improvement of data collection methods, data sources, and 
applications described under the National Standard 9 guidelines at 50 
CFR 600.350(d)(1).

National Environmental Policy Act

    NMFS has made a preliminary determination to apply a Categorical 
Exclusion to this action under the National Environmental Policy Act 
due to the procedural nature of this action. If and when the provisions 
of this proposed rule are applied to specific FMPs, the Councils and/or 
the Secretary would prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or 
Environmental Assessment (EA), as appropriate. NMFS solicits comments 
on this preliminary determination to use a categorical exclusion.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 
1855(d)), the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this 
proposed rule is consistent with the other provisions of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and other applicable laws, subject to further consideration 
after public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The factual basis for this determination is as follows.
    The purpose of the action is to articulate an interpretation of the 
basic requirements of the SBRM provision of section 303(a)(11) of the 
MSA through a rulemaking to promote transparency and consistency. Key 
components of the proposed rule include:
    (1) A definition of ``standardized reporting methodology'' as 
applicable only to the definition of ``bycatch'' in the MSA and 
pertaining only to data collection, reporting and recording activities 
(not bycatch assessment and estimation);
    (2) clarified procedures for establishing, documenting, and 
reviewing SBRMs under the MSA; and
    (3) an option for adaptable implementation to allow for operational 
flexibility.
    The proposed rule defines a standardized reporting methodology as 
an established procedure or procedures used to collect, record, and 
report bycatch data in a fishery or subset of a fishery. It would 
clarify that the purpose of the methodology is to provide data that 
will inform the assessment of the amount and type of bycatch occurring 
in a fishery for use in developing conservation and management measures 
that, to the extent practicable, minimize bycatch and bycatch 
mortality. However, the phrase ``standardized reporting methodology'' 
in section 303(a)(11) refers only to bycatch data collection, 
recording, and reporting procedures.
    The action proposes a set of factors to help frame policy choices 
in establishing or reviewing an SBRM. Data resulting from the 
methodology must be useful, in conjunction with other relevant sources 
of data, in meeting the purpose of the SBRM and fishery-specific 
bycatch objectives. This would require Councils to consider 
conservation and management objectives related to bycatch for a 
fishery, the quality of the data associated with the methodology, and 
information about the characteristics of bycatch in the fishery, when 
available (such as the amount of bycatch occurring in the fishery, the 
importance of bycatch in estimating the total mortality of fish stocks, 
and the importance of bycatch to related ecosystems). The proposed rule 
also would require that an SBRM be feasible and designed to be 
implemented with available funding, and addresses the need for an SBRM 
to be adaptable in response to changes in funding levels or other 
circumstances. Finally, the proposed rule provides that existing SBRMs 
should be reviewed at least once every five years. The proposed rule 
does not require that an SBRM be designed to achieve a particular 
performance standard or precision goal.
    Small entities include ``small businesses,'' ``small 
organizations,'' and ``small governmental jurisdictions.'' The Small 
Business Administration (SBA) has established size standards for all 
major industry sectors in the United States, including commercial 
finfish harvesters (NAICS code 114111), commercial shellfish harvesters 
(NAICS code 114112), other commercial marine harvesters (NAICS code 
114119), for-hire businesses (NAICS code 487210), marinas (NAICS code 
713930), seafood dealers/wholesalers (NAICS code 424460), and seafood 
processors (NAICS code 311710). A business primarily involved in 
finfish harvesting is classified as a small business if it is 
independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of 
operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual receipts 
not in excess of $20.5 million for all its affiliated operations 
worldwide. For commercial shellfish harvesters, the other qualifiers 
apply, and the receipts threshold is $5.5 million. For other commercial 
marine harvesters, for-hire businesses, and marinas, the other 
qualifiers apply, and the receipts threshold is $7.5 million. A 
business primarily involved in seafood processing is classified as a 
small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not 
dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has 
combined annual employment not in excess of 500 employees for all its 
affiliated operations worldwide. For seafood dealers/wholesalers, the 
other qualifiers apply, and the employment threshold is 100 employees. 
A small organization is any not-for-profit enterprise that is 
independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. 
Small governmental jurisdictions are governments of cities, counties, 
towns, townships, villages, school districts, or special districts, 
with populations of less than 50,000.
    All FMPs have established SBRMs according to the requirements in 
303(a)(11). This proposed rule would provide national guidance and 
improved clarity about implementing the existing requirements. The 
proposed rule would provide the Councils and the Secretary a five-year 
period within which to review FMPs to make any necessary amendments.
    Because the proposed rule would clarify existing requirements for 
FMPs and is procedural in nature, it would not directly regulate a 
particular fishery and will not directly alter the behavior of any 
entities operating in federally managed fisheries. Thus, no direct 
economic effects on commercial harvesting businesses, for-hire 
businesses, marinas, seafood dealers/wholesalers, or seafood processors 
are expected to result from this action. Therefore, no small entities 
would be directly affected by this rule.
    As a result of the information above, a reduction in profits for a 
substantial

[[Page 9418]]

number of small entities is not expected. Because this action, if 
implemented, is not expected to have a significant adverse economic 
effect on the profits of a substantial number of small entities, an 
initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has 
been prepared.
    No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been 
identified. This rule would not establish any new reporting or record-
keeping requirements.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 600

    Administrative practice and procedure, Bycatch, Fisheries, 
Standardized Reporting Methodology.

    Dated: February 19, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS proposes to amend 50 
CFR part 600 as follows:

PART 600--MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS

0
1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 600 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 561 and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

0
2. Add a subpart R to read as follows:

SUBPART R--STANDARDIZED BYCATCH REPORTING METHODOLOGY

Sec.
600.1600 Purpose and scope.
600.1605 Definitions and word usage.
600.1610 Establishing and reviewing standardized bycatch reporting 
methodologies in fishery management plans.


Sec.  600.1600  Purpose and scope.

    Section 303(a)(11) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires any fishery 
management plan to establish a standardized bycatch reporting 
methodology. 16 U.S.C. 1853(a)(11). The purpose of a standardized 
reporting methodology is to inform the assessment of the amount and 
type of bycatch occurring in the fishery for use in developing 
conservation and management measures that, to the extent practicable, 
minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality. This subpart sets forth 
requirements for and guidance on establishing and reviewing a 
standardized reporting methodology.


Sec.  600.1605  Definitions and word usage.

    (a) Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and Sec.  600.10, standardized reporting methodology means 
an established procedure or procedures used to collect, record, and 
report bycatch data in a fishery or subset of a fishery (hereafter 
referred to as ``fishery''). ``Standardized'' procedures may vary from 
one fishery to another, but must provide a consistent approach for 
collecting, recording, and reporting bycatch data within a fishery.
    (b) Word usage. The terms ``must'', ``should'', ``may'', ``will'', 
``could'', and ``can'' are used in the same manner as in Sec.  
600.305(c). The term ``Council'' is used in the same manner as in Sec.  
600.305(c), and includes the regional fishery management Councils and 
the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate (16 U.S.C. 1854(c)and (g)).


Sec.  600.1610  Establishing and reviewing standardized bycatch 
reporting methodologies in fishery management plans.

    (a) Establishing a standardized reporting methodology--(1) Fishery 
management plan contents. All fishery management plans (FMPs) must 
clearly describe a standardized reporting methodology for each fishery 
managed under it. The description must state the required bycatch data 
collection, recording, and reporting procedures for each fishery, which 
may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: 
Observer programs, electronic monitoring and reporting technologies, 
and self-reported mechanisms (e.g., recreational sampling, industry-
reported catch and discard data). In addition, the description must 
provide an explanation of why the methodology is appropriate for the 
fishery. The explanation must be based on a thorough analysis of the 
factors specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section. The 
explanation may incorporate by reference analyses in FMPs, FMP 
amendments, Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports, or 
other documents.
    (2) Factors in establishing or reviewing a standardized reporting 
methodology. Whether a methodology is appropriate will depend on the 
specific circumstances of the fishery, as guided by the following 
factors:
    (i) Required factors. Data resulting from the methodology must be 
useful, in conjunction with other relevant sources of data, in meeting 
the purpose described in Sec.  600.1600 and fishery-specific bycatch 
objectives. This requires Councils, when establishing or reviewing a 
methodology, to consider the conservation and management objectives 
regarding bycatch in the fishery and the quality of the data associated 
with the methodology. Councils must also consider information about the 
characteristics of bycatch in the fishery, when available, such as the 
amount of bycatch occurring in the fishery, the importance of bycatch 
in estimating the total mortality of fish stocks, and the importance of 
bycatch to related ecosystems. In addition, the methodology must be 
feasible from cost, technical, and operational perspectives, and must 
be designed to be implemented with available funding.
    (ii) Additional factors. When establishing or reviewing a 
standardized reporting methodology, a Council may also consider the 
overall magnitude and/or economic impact of the fishery, and the 
scientific methods and techniques available to collect and report 
bycatch data that could improve the quality of the bycatch estimates.
    (b) Consultation. A Council should consult with its scientific and 
statistical committee, advisory panels, and the NOAA science centers as 
appropriate on data elements, reporting frequency, and other design and 
methodology factors.
    (c) Adaptable implementation. If a Council anticipates that 
adjustments will be necessary to implement the methodology, the Council 
may, consistent with the requirements of the MSA and other applicable 
law, consider adopting a process in an FMP to adjust implementation of 
the methodology. The Council may consider adopting such a process based 
on factors, which include, but are not limited to, available funding, 
management contingencies, or scientific priorities. If such a process 
is adopted, the FMP must:
    (1) Describe the process under which the implementation of a 
methodology will be adjusted;
    (2) Specify what adjustments (e.g., changes in the intensity, 
focus, or frequency of required bycatch data collection, recording, and 
reporting procedures) are authorized under the process;
    (3) Explain why the adjustments may be needed;
    (4) Describe how and when the adjustments will be made;
    (5) Describe the limits to the adjustments; and
    (6) Describe how the Council will determine that a reevaluation of 
the established methodology is warranted.
    (d) Review of FMPs. All FMPs must be consistent with this rule 
within 5 years of the effective date of this rule. Thereafter, Councils 
should conduct a review of standardized reporting methodologies at 
least once every five years in order to verify continued compliance 
with the MSA and this rule.

[FR Doc. 2016-04030 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P