[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 157 (Monday, August 15, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54019-54040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19346]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 229

[Docket No. 160219129-6129-01]
RIN 0648-BF78


List of Fisheries for 2017

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 54020]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its 
proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2017, as required by the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2017 reflects new 
information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine 
mammals. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one 
of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of mortality 
and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each 
fishery. The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether 
participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the 
MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan 
(TRP) requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 14, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2016-0045, by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
    1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0045,
    2. Click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields,
    3. Enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Chief, Marine Mammal and 
Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 
1315 East-West Highway, 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).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa White, Office of Protected 
Resources, 301-427-8494; Allison Rosner, Greater Atlantic Region, 978-
281-9328; Jessica Powell, Southeast Region, 727-824-5312; Elizabeth 
Petras, West Coast Region, 206-526-6155; Aleria Jensen, Alaska Region, 
907-586-7236; Dawn Golden, Pacific Islands Region, 808-725-5000. 
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the hearing 
impaired may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-
8339 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, 
excluding Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

What is the List of Fisheries?

    Section 118 of the MMPA requires NMFS to place all U.S. commercial 
fisheries into one of three categories based on the level of incidental 
mortality and serious injury of marine mammals occurring in each 
fishery (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(1)). The classification of a fishery on the 
LOF determines whether participants in that fishery may be required to 
comply with certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, 
observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. NMFS must 
reexamine the LOF annually, considering new information in the Marine 
Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SARs) and other relevant sources, and 
publish in the Federal Register any necessary changes to the LOF after 
notice and opportunity for public comment (16 U.S.C. 1387 (c)(1)(C)).

How does NMFS determine in which category a fishery is placed?

    The definitions for the fishery classification criteria can be 
found in the implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 
CFR 229.2). The criteria are also summarized here.

Fishery Classification Criteria

    The fishery classification criteria consist of a two-tiered, stock-
specific approach that first addresses the total impact of all 
fisheries on each marine mammal stock and then addresses the impact of 
individual fisheries on each stock. This approach is based on 
consideration of the rate, in numbers of animals per year, of 
incidental mortalities and serious injuries of marine mammals due to 
commercial fishing operations relative to the potential biological 
removal (PBR) level for each marine mammal stock. The MMPA (16 U.S.C. 
1362 (20)) defines the PBR level as the maximum number of animals, not 
including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal 
stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum 
sustainable population. This definition can also be found in the 
implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 CFR 229.2).
    Tier 1: Tier 1 considers the cumulative fishery mortality and 
serious injury for a particular stock. If the total annual mortality 
and serious injury of a marine mammal stock, across all fisheries, is 
less than or equal to 10 percent of the PBR level of the stock, all 
fisheries interacting with the stock will be placed in Category III 
(unless those fisheries interact with other stock(s) in which total 
annual mortality and serious injury is greater than 10 percent of PBR). 
Otherwise, these fisheries are subject to the next tier (Tier 2) of 
analysis to determine their classification.
    Tier 2: Tier 2 considers fishery-specific mortality and serious 
injury for a particular stock.
    Category I: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a 
given fishery is greater than or equal to 50 percent of the PBR level 
(i.e., frequent incidental mortality and serious injury of marine 
mammals).
    Category II: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a 
given fishery is greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent of the 
PBR level (i.e., occasional incidental mortality and serious injury of 
marine mammals).
    Category III: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock in a 
given fishery is less than or equal to 1 percent of the PBR level 
(i.e., a remote likelihood of or no known incidental mortality and 
serious injury of marine mammals).
    Additional details regarding how the categories were determined are 
provided in the preamble to the final rule implementing section 118 of 
the MMPA (60 FR 45086, August 30, 1995).
    Because fisheries are classified on a per-stock basis, a fishery 
may qualify as one Category for one marine mammal stock and another 
Category for a different marine mammal stock. A fishery is typically 
classified on the LOF at its highest level of classification (e.g., a 
fishery qualifying for Category III for one marine mammal stock and for 
Category II for another marine mammal stock will be listed under 
Category II). Stocks driving a fishery's classification are denoted 
with a superscript ``1'' in Tables 1 and 2.

Other Criteria That May Be Considered

    The tier analysis requires a minimum amount of data, and NMFS does 
not have sufficient data to perform a tier analysis on certain 
fisheries. Therefore, NMFS has classified certain fisheries by analogy 
to other Category I or II fisheries that use similar fishing techniques 
or gear that are known to cause mortality or serious injury of marine 
mammals, or according to factors discussed in the

[[Page 54021]]

final LOF for 1996 (60 FR 67063, December 28, 1995) and listed in the 
regulatory definition of a Category II fishery: ``In the absence of 
reliable information indicating the frequency of incidental mortality 
and serious injury of marine mammals by a commercial fishery, NMFS will 
determine whether the incidental mortality or serious injury is 
`frequent,' `occasional,' or `remote' by evaluating other factors such 
as fishing techniques, gear used, methods used to deter marine mammals, 
target species, seasons and areas fished, qualitative data from 
logbooks or fisher reports, stranding data, and the species and 
distribution of marine mammals in the area, or at the discretion of the 
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries'' (50 CFR 229.2).
    Further, eligible commercial fisheries not specifically identified 
on the LOF are deemed to be Category II fisheries until the next LOF is 
published (50 CFR 229.2).

How does NMFS determine which species or stocks are included as 
incidentally killed or injured in a fishery?

    The LOF includes a list of marine mammal species and/or stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in each commercial fishery. The list of 
species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured includes 
``serious'' and ``non-serious'' documented injuries as described later 
in the List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in 
the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean 
sections. To determine which species or stocks are included as 
incidentally killed or injured in a fishery, NMFS annually reviews the 
information presented in the current SARs and injury determination 
reports. The SARs are based upon the best available scientific 
information and provide the most current and inclusive information on 
each stock's PBR level and level of interaction with commercial fishing 
operations. The best available scientific information used in the SARs 
reviewed for the 2017 LOF generally summarizes data from 2009-2013. 
NMFS also reviews other sources of new information, including injury 
determination reports, bycatch estimation reports, observer data, 
logbook data, stranding data, disentanglement network data, fisher 
self-reports (i.e., MMPA reports), and anecdotal reports from that time 
period. In some cases, more recent information may be available and 
used in the LOF, but in an effort to be consistent with the most recent 
SARs and across the LOF, NMFS typically restricts the analysis to data 
within the five-year time period summarized in the current SAR.
    For fisheries with observer coverage, species or stocks are 
generally removed from the list of marine mammal species and/or stocks 
incidentally killed or injured if no interactions are documented in the 
five-year timeframe summarized in that year's LOF. For fisheries with 
no observer coverage and for observed fisheries with evidence 
indicating that undocumented interactions may be occurring (e.g., 
fishery has low observer coverage and stranding network data include 
evidence of fisheries interaction that cannot be attributed to a 
specific fishery) species and stocks may be retained for longer than 
five years. For these fisheries, NMFS will review the other sources of 
information listed above and use its discretion to decide when it is 
appropriate to remove a species or stock.

Where does NMFS obtain information on the level of observer coverage in 
a fishery on the LOF?

    The best available information on the level of observer coverage 
and the spatial and temporal distribution of observed marine mammal 
interactions is presented in the SARs. Data obtained from the observer 
program and observer coverage levels are important tools in estimating 
the level of marine mammal mortality and serious injury in commercial 
fishing operations. Starting with the 2005 SARs, each SAR includes an 
appendix with detailed descriptions of each Category I and II fishery 
on the LOF, including the observer coverage in those fisheries. The 
SARs generally do not provide detailed information on observer coverage 
in Category III fisheries because, under the MMPA, Category III 
fisheries are generally not required to accommodate observers aboard 
vessels due to the remote likelihood of mortality and serious injury of 
marine mammals. Fishery information presented in the SARs' appendices 
and other resources referenced during the tier analysis may include: 
Level of observer coverage; target species; levels of fishing effort; 
spatial and temporal distribution of fishing effort; characteristics of 
fishing gear and operations; management and regulations; and 
interactions with marine mammals. Copies of the SARs are available on 
the NMFS Office of Protected Resources Web site at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/. Information on observer coverage levels in 
Category I, II, and III fisheries can be found in the fishery fact 
sheets on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources' Web site: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/fisheries/lof.html. Additional 
information on observer programs in commercial fisheries can be found 
on the NMFS National Observer Program's Web site: http://www.st.nmfs.gov/observer-home/.

How do I find out if a specific fishery is in Category I, II, or III?

    This rule includes three tables that list all U.S. commercial 
fisheries by LOF Category. Table 1 lists all of the commercial 
fisheries in the Pacific Ocean (including Alaska); Table 2 lists all of 
the commercial fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and 
Caribbean; and Table 3 lists all U.S.-authorized commercial fisheries 
on the high seas. A fourth table, Table 4, lists all commercial 
fisheries managed under applicable TRPs or take reduction teams (TRTs).

Are high seas fisheries included on the LOF?

    Beginning with the 2009 LOF, NMFS includes high seas fisheries in 
Table 3 of the LOF, along with the number of valid High Seas Fishing 
Compliance Act (HSFCA) permits in each fishery. As of 2004, NMFS issues 
HSFCA permits only for high seas fisheries analyzed in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species 
Act (ESA). The authorized high seas fisheries are broad in scope and 
encompass multiple specific fisheries identified by gear type. For the 
purposes of the LOF, the high seas fisheries are subdivided based on 
gear type (e.g., trawl, longline, purse seine, gillnet, troll, etc.) to 
provide more detail on composition of effort within these fisheries. 
Many fisheries operate in both U.S. waters and on the high seas, 
creating some overlap between the fisheries listed in Tables 1 and 2 
and those in Table 3. In these cases, the high seas component of the 
fishery is not considered a separate fishery, but an extension of a 
fishery operating within U.S. waters (listed in Table 1 or 2). NMFS 
designates those fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 by a ``*'' after the 
fishery's name. The number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the 
high seas components of these fisheries operating in U.S. waters does 
not necessarily represent additional effort that is not accounted for 
in Tables 1 and 2. Many vessels/participants holding HSFCA permits also 
fish within U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and 
participants operating within those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2.
    HSFCA permits are valid for five years, during which time Fishery 
Management Plans (FMPs) can change. Therefore, some vessels/
participants

[[Page 54022]]

may possess valid HSFCA permits without the ability to fish under the 
permit because it was issued for a gear type that is no longer 
authorized under the most current FMP. For this reason, the number of 
HSFCA permits displayed in Table 3 is likely higher than the actual 
U.S. fishing effort on the high seas. For more information on how NMFS 
classifies high seas fisheries on the LOF, see the preamble text in the 
final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 2008). Additional information 
about HSFCA permits can be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ia/permits/highseas.html.

Where can I find specific information on fisheries listed on the LOF?

    Starting with the 2010 LOF, NMFS developed summary documents, or 
fishery fact sheets, for each Category I and II fishery on the LOF. 
These fishery fact sheets provide the full history of each Category I 
and II fishery, including: When the fishery was added to the LOF; the 
basis for the fishery's initial classification; classification changes 
to the fishery; changes to the list of species and/or stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in the fishery; fishery gear and methods 
used; observer coverage levels; fishery management and regulation; and 
applicable TRPs or TRTs, if any. These fishery fact sheets are updated 
after each final LOF and can be found under ``How Do I Find Out if a 
Specific Fishery is in Category I, II, or III?'' on the NMFS Office of 
Protected Resources' Web site: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/fisheries/lof.html, linked to the ``List of Fisheries by 
Year'' table. NMFS is developing similar fishery fact sheets for each 
Category III fishery on the LOF. However, due to the large number of 
Category III fisheries on the LOF and the lack of accessible and 
detailed information on many of these fisheries, the development of 
these fishery fact sheets is taking significant time to complete. NMFS 
began posting Category III fishery fact sheets online with the LOF for 
2016.

Am I required to register under the MMPA?

    Owners of vessels or gear engaging in a Category I or II fishery 
are required under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(2)), as described in 50 
CFR 229.4, to register with NMFS and obtain a marine mammal 
authorization to lawfully take non-endangered and non-threatened marine 
mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Owners of vessels 
or gear engaged in a Category III fishery are not required to register 
with NMFS or obtain a marine mammal authorization.

How do I register and receive my Marine Mammal Authorization Program 
(MMAP) authorization certificate?

    NMFS has integrated the MMPA registration process, implemented 
through the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP), with existing 
state and Federal fishery license, registration, or permit systems for 
Category I and II fisheries on the LOF. Participants in these fisheries 
are automatically registered under the MMAP and are not required to 
submit registration or renewal materials. In the Pacific Islands, West 
Coast, and Alaska regions, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners an 
authorization certificate via U.S. mail or with their state or Federal 
license or permit at the time of issuance or renewal. In the Greater 
Atlantic Region, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners an authorization 
certificate via U.S. mail automatically at the beginning of each 
calendar year. Certificates may also be obtained by visiting the 
Greater Atlantic Regional Office Web site (http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/Protected/mmp/mmap/). In the 
Southeast Region, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners notification of 
registry and vessel or gear owners may receive their authorization 
certificate by contacting the Southeast Regional Office at 727-209-5952 
or by visiting the Southeast Regional Office Web site (http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_resources/marine_mammal_authorization_program/) and following the instructions 
for printing the certificate.
    The authorization certificate, or a copy, must be on board the 
vessel while it is operating in a Category I or II fishery, or for non-
vessel fisheries, in the possession of the person in charge of the 
fishing operation (50 CFR 229.4(e)). Although efforts are made to limit 
the issuance of authorization certificates to only those vessel or gear 
owners that participate in Category I or II fisheries, not all state 
and Federal license or permit systems distinguish between fisheries as 
classified by the LOF. Therefore, some vessel or gear owners in 
Category III fisheries may receive authorization certificates even 
though they are not required for Category III fisheries. Individuals 
fishing in Category I and II fisheries for which no state or Federal 
license or permit is required must register with NMFS by contacting 
their appropriate Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).

How do I renew my registration under the MMAP?

    In Alaska regional and Greater Atlantic regional fisheries, 
registrations of vessel or gear owners are automatically renewed and 
participants should receive an authorization certificate by January 1 
of each new year. In Pacific Islands regional fisheries, vessel or gear 
owners receive an authorization certificate by January 1 for state 
fisheries and with their permit renewal for federal fisheries. In West 
Coast regional fisheries, vessel or gear owners receive authorization 
with each renewed state fishing license, the timing of which varies 
based on target species. Vessel or gear owners who participate in 
fisheries in these regions and have not received authorization 
certificates by January 1 or with renewed fishing licenses must contact 
the appropriate NMFS Regional Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION).
    In Southeast regional fisheries, vessel or gear owners' 
registrations are automatically renewed and participants will receive a 
letter in the mail by January 1 instructing them to contact the 
Southeast Regional Office to have an authorization certificate mailed 
to them or to visit the Southeast Regional Office Web site (http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_resources/marine_mammal_authorization_program/) to print their own certificate.

Am I required to submit reports when I kill or injure a marine mammal 
during the course of commercial fishing operations?

    In accordance with the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(e)) and 50 CFR 229.6, 
any vessel owner or operator, or gear owner or operator (in the case of 
non-vessel fisheries), participating in a fishery listed on the LOF 
must report to NMFS all incidental mortalities and injuries of marine 
mammals that occur during commercial fishing operations, regardless of 
the category in which the fishery is placed (I, II, or III) within 48 
hours of the end of the fishing trip or, in the case of non-vessel 
fisheries, fishing activity. ``Injury'' is defined in 50 CFR 229.2 as a 
wound or other physical harm. In addition, any animal that ingests 
fishing gear or any animal that is released with fishing gear 
entangling, trailing, or perforating any part of the body is considered 
injured, regardless of the presence of any wound or other evidence of 
injury, and must be reported.
    Mortality/injury reporting forms and instructions for submitting 
forms to NMFS can be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
interactions/

[[Page 54023]]

mmap/#form or by contacting the appropriate Regional office (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION). Forms may be submitted via any of the following 
means: (1) Online using the electronic form; (2) emailed as an 
attachment to [email protected]; (3) faxed to the NMFS Office of 
Protected Resources at 301-713-0376; or (4) mailed to the NMFS Office 
of Protected Resources (mailing address is provided on the postage-paid 
form that can be printed from the web address listed above). Reporting 
requirements and procedures can be found in 50 CFR 229.6.

Am I required to take an observer aboard my vessel?

    Individuals participating in a Category I or II fishery are 
required to accommodate an observer aboard their vessel(s) upon request 
from NMFS. MMPA section 118 states that the Secretary is not required 
to place an observer on a vessel if the facilities for quartering an 
observer or performing observer functions are so inadequate or unsafe 
that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the 
vessel would be jeopardized; thereby authorizing the exemption of 
vessels too small to accommodate an observer from this requirement. 
However, U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico large 
pelagics longline vessels operating in special areas designated by the 
Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan implementing regulations (50 CFR 
229.36(d)) will not be exempted from observer requirements, regardless 
of their size. Observer requirements can be found in 50 CFR 229.7.

Am I required to comply with any marine mammal TRP regulations?

    Table 4 in this rule provides a list of fisheries affected by TRPs 
and TRTs. TRP regulations can be found at 50 CFR 229.30 through 229.37. 
A description of each TRT and copies of each TRP can be found at: 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/trt/teams.html. It is the 
responsibility of fishery participants to comply with applicable take 
reduction regulations.

Where can I find more information about the LOF and the MMAP?

    Information regarding the LOF and the MMAP, including: Registration 
procedures and forms; current and past LOFs; descriptions of each 
Category I and II fishery; and some Category III fisheries; observer 
requirements; and marine mammal mortality/injury reporting forms and 
submittal procedures; may be obtained at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/fisheries/lof.html, or from any NMFS Regional Office at 
the addresses listed below:
    NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic 
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298, Attn: Allison Rosner;
    NMFS, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 
33701, Attn: Jessica Powell;
    NMFS, West Coast Region, Seattle Office, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., 
Seattle, WA 98115, Attn: Elizabeth Petras, Protected Resources 
Division;
    NMFS, Alaska Region, Protected Resources, P.O. Box 22668, 709 West 
9th Street, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Aleria Jensen; or
    NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office, Protected Resources 
Division, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, Attn: Dawn 
Golden.

Sources of Information Reviewed for the 2017 LOF

    NMFS reviewed the marine mammal incidental mortality and serious 
injury information presented in the SARs for all fisheries to determine 
whether changes in fishery classification are warranted. The SARs are 
based on the best scientific information available at the time of 
preparation, including the level of mortality and serious injury of 
marine mammals that occurs incidental to commercial fishery operations 
and the PBR levels of marine mammal stocks. The information contained 
in the SARs is reviewed by regional Scientific Review Groups (SRGs) 
representing Alaska, the Pacific (including Hawaii), and the U.S. 
Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The SRGs were created by the 
MMPA to review the science that informs the SARs, and to advise NMFS on 
marine mammal population status, trends, and stock structure, 
uncertainties in the science, research needs, and other issues.
    NMFS also reviewed other sources of new information, including 
marine mammal stranding data, observer program data, fisher self-
reports through the MMAP, reports to the SRGs, conference papers, FMPs, 
and ESA documents.
    The LOF for 2017 was based on, among other things, stranding data; 
fisher self-reports; and SARs, primarily the 2015 SARs, which are based 
on data from 2009-2013. The final SARs referenced in this LOF include: 
2014 (80 FR 50599, August 20, 2015) and 2015 (81 FR 38676, June 14, 
2016). The SARs are available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.

Summary of Changes to the LOF for 2017

    The following summarizes the proposed changes to the LOF for 2017, 
including the classification of fisheries, fisheries listed, the 
estimated number of vessels/persons in a particular fishery, and the 
species and/or stocks that are incidentally killed or injured in a 
particular fishery. NMFS proposes two re-classifications of fisheries 
provided in the LOF for 2017. Additionally, NMFS proposes adding one 
fishery to the LOF. NMFS proposes changes to the estimated number of 
vessels/persons and list of species and/or stocks killed or injured in 
certain fisheries. The classifications and definitions of U.S. 
commercial fisheries for 2017 are identical to those provided in the 
LOF for 2016 with the proposed changes discussed below. State and 
regional abbreviations used in the following paragraphs include: AK 
(Alaska), BSAI (Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands), CA (California), DE 
(Delaware), FL (Florida), GMX (Gulf of Mexico), HI (Hawaii), MA 
(Massachusetts), ME (Maine), NC (North Carolina), NY (New York), OR 
(Oregon), RI (Rhode Island), SC (South Carolina), VA (Virginia), WA 
(Washington), and WNA (Western North Atlantic).

Commercial Fisheries in the Pacific Ocean

Classification of Fisheries

    NMFS proposes to reclassify the AK miscellaneous finfish handline/
hand troll and mechanical jig fishery from Category III to Category II. 
Category II classification is driven by take of the Western North 
Pacific stock of humpback whales (see proposed addition of this stock 
to list of stocks incidentally injured or killed below). Based on the 
most recent five years of available information, mortality and serious 
injury of the Western North Pacific stock of humpback whales by this 
fishery is 6.89% of the PBR of 2.9 (Allen and Angliss, 2016). Mortality 
and serious injury levels greater than 1% and less than 50% of PBR meet 
the Category II threshold. Therefore, NMFS proposes to reclassify the 
AK miscellaneous finfish handline/hand troll and mechanical jig fishery 
as a Category II fishery.
    NMFS proposes to elevate the CA spiny lobster fishery from Category 
III to Category II. Category II classification for this fishery is 
driven by takes of the CA/OR/WA offshore stock of bottlenose dolphin. 
Based on the average annual fishery-related mortality and serious 
injury of the CA/OR/WA offshore stock of bottlenose dolphin by this 
fishery is 3.6% of the PBR of 5.5 (Carretta et al.,

[[Page 54024]]

2014). Therefore, NMFS proposes to reclassify the CA spiny lobster 
fishery as a Category II fishery. NMFS evaluated the 2008 bottlenose 
dolphin, CA/OR/WA offshore stock, entanglement during the proposed 2010 
LOF process. At that time, the entanglement was characterized as a non-
serious injury in the NMFS stranding database, as the animal had been 
disentangled, and the incident was not included in the 2010 SAR 
(Carretta et al., 2011). Following NMFS' 2012 policy on distinguishing 
serious from non-serious injury, the bottlenose dolphin entanglement 
was determined to be a serious injury and was included in the 2013 SAR 
(NMFS, 2012).

Number of Vessels/Persons

    NMFS proposes updates to the estimated number of vessels/persons in 
the Pacific Ocean (Table 1) as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Number of vessels/ Number of vessels/
                Category                              Fishery                 persons (2016      persons (2017
                                                                                   LOF)               LOF)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I......................................  HI deep-set longline.............                135                139
II.....................................  HI shallow-set longline..........                 15                 20
II.....................................  American Samoa longline..........                 22                 20
III....................................  American Samoa bottomfish                         17                 24
                                          handline.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the 
Pacific Ocean

    NMFS proposes to add the Hawaii stock of pygmy killer whale and to 
remove the Hawaii pelagic stock of pantropical spotted dolphin on the 
list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Hawaii 
deep-set longline fishery. A pygmy killer whale was observed dead in 
this fishery in 2013. No pantropical spotted dolphin mortalities or 
injuries have been documented in the most recent five years of data. 
Annual average estimated pygmy killer whale mortality and serious 
injury from the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery during 2009 to 2013 
was 1.1. During the same time frame mortality and serious injury was 0 
for pantropcial spotted dolphin (McCracken, 2015). Observer coverage 
for this fishery from 2009 to 2013 was 20.6, 21.1, 20.3, 20.4, and 20.4 
percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to add the Hawaii stock of rough-toothed dolphin and 
to remove the Hawaii stock of Kogia spp. on the list of stocks killed 
or injured in the Category II Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery. A 
rough-toothed dolphin was observed dead in this fishery in 2013. Annual 
average estimated rough-toothed dolphin mortality and serious injury 
from the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery during 2009 to 2013 was 
0.2. For the same time frame mortality and serious injury was 0 for 
Kogia spp. (McCracken, 2015). Observer coverage for this fishery from 
2009 to 2013 was 100 percent each year.
    NMFS proposes to add the Western North Pacific and Central North 
Pacific stocks of humpback whale and the Northeast Pacific stock of fin 
whale to the list of stocks killed or injured in the AK miscellaneous 
finfish handline/hand troll and mechanical jig fishery. The stranding 
network documented a humpback whale mortality in 2013 that was assigned 
to both stocks based on spatial overlap. We also propose to add a 
``\1\'' to the Western North Pacific stock to indicate it is driving 
the classification of this fishery. In 2012, the stranding network 
documented a fin whale mortality. There is no observer coverage in this 
fishery.
    NMFS proposes to add the CA/OR/WA stock of short-finned pilot whale 
to the list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the CA thresher 
shark/swordfish drift gillnet (>=14 in mesh) fishery. Two short-finned 
pilot whales were observed dead in this fishery in 2014 (Carretta et 
al., 2016). Observer coverage for this fishery from 2010 to 2014 was 
11.9, 19.5, 18.6, 37.4, and 23.7 percent, respectively.

Commercial Fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and 
Caribbean

Addition of Fisheries

    NMFS propose to add the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic fyke net fishery 
to the list of Category III fisheries. Fyke nets are defined as a 
series of wood or metal hoops covered with netting. These nets are 2.5-
5.0 m (8.2-16.4 ft) long. There are usually two wings of netting at the 
entrance that are attached to upright stakes and give the overall net a 
``Y-shape.'' There are one or more funnels inside the net that direct 
fish to the rear of the net (the ``car'') where they become trapped. 
Occasionally, a long leader is used to direct fish to the entrance. 
Fish are removed by lifting the car out of the water and loosening a 
rope securing the rear of the car (Stevenson et al., 2004).
    These nets are generally fished in shallow water, targeting 
estuarine and coastal species including but not limited to glass eels 
(elvers), winter flounder, menhaden, croaker, bluefish, river herring, 
Atlantic croaker, and weakfish (Fullencamp, 2006). These nets are 
utilized from Maine through Virginia. They are typically set in contact 
with the bottom, in areas with strong currents (FAO, 2001). Fyke nets 
are managed by state regulations, and fishing activity is not managed 
under a federal FMP. There have been no documented interactions between 
fyke nets and marine mammals; and, given the primarily estuarine nature 
of these fisheries, we expect a remote likelihood of or no mortalities 
or serious injuries to occur.

Number of Vessels/Persons

    NMFS proposes updates to the estimated number of vessels/persons in 
the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean (Table 2) as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Number of vessels/ Number of vessels/
                Category                              Fishery                 persons (2016      persons (2017
                                                                                   LOF)               LOF)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I......................................  Mid-Atlantic Gillnet.............               4063               3950
II.....................................  Atlantic Mixed Species Trap/Pot..               3284               3436
II.....................................  Chesapeake Bay Inshore Gillnet...                272                248
II.....................................  Mid-Atlantic Bottom Trawl........                994                785
II.....................................  Northeast Drift Gillnet..........               1567               1036
II.....................................  VA Pound Net.....................                 47                 26
II.....................................  Northeast Bottom Trawl...........               3132               2238

[[Page 54025]]

 
II.....................................  Mid-Atlantic Haul Beach Seine....                243                359
II.....................................  Mid-Atlantic Midwater Trawl......                507                382
II.....................................  Northeast Anchored Gillnet.......                995                852
II.....................................  Gulf of Mexico Gillnet...........                724                248
II.....................................  NC Inshore Gillnet...............               1323               2850
II.....................................  Southeast Atlantic Gillnet.......                357                273
II.....................................  Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf                1282               1384
                                          of Mexico Stone Crab Trap/Pot.
II.....................................  Atlantic Blue Crab Trap/Pot......               8557               7714
II.....................................  NC Long Haul Seine...............                372                 30
II.....................................  NC Roe Mullet Stop Net...........                 13                  1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the 
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean

    NMFS proposes to remove the Western North Atlantic stock of harbor 
seal from the list of species incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category I Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery. 
Harbor seals were originally listed as a species killed or injured by 
this fishery in the 1996 LOF (60 FR 31666; June 16, 1995); however, 
there have been no documented takes in this fishery within the last 
five years. Takes of seals in the lobster fishery have not been listed 
as a source of annual human-caused mortality since the 2005 stock 
assessment report (Waring et al., 2005). In the 2005 stock assessment 
reports and prior stock assessment reports going back to 1995, takes 
were estimated to occur twice a year in mid-coastal Maine fisheries 
(Gilbert and Wynne, 1985).
    NMFS proposes to remove Risso's dolphin, Western North Atlantic 
stock, and add the Western North Atlantic stocks of harbor seal and 
gray seal to the list of species incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category II Mid-Atlantic Midwater trawl fishery. The last Risso's 
dolphin take in this fishery was documented in 2008, and no 
interactions have been documented since (Waring et al., 2015). Risso's 
dolphins were originally added as a species incidentally killed or 
injured in the Mid-Atlantic midwater trawl fishery in the 1996 LOF (60 
FR 31666; June 16, 1995), which later became the Atlantic squid, 
mackerel, butterfish trawl fishery (62 FR 28657; May 27, 1997) until 
the 2005 LOF when the name was again changed to Mid-Atlantic midwater 
trawl fishery (69 FR 70094; December 2, 2004).
    One harbor seal and one gray seal were both observed killed in this 
fishery in 2010. An expanded bycatch estimate has not been generated 
for either species. Until the bycatch estimates can be developed, the 
average annual fishery-related mortality and serious injury for 2009-
2013 for both species is calculated at 0.2 animals (1 animal/5 years). 
Observer coverage for this fishery from 2009-2013 was 25, 41, 21, 7, 
and 5 percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to add the Canadian East coast stock of minke whale 
to the list of species incidentally killed or injured in the Category 
II Northeast midwater trawl fishery. During July 2013, one minke whale 
was observed dead in a midwater otter trawl on Georges Bank. Due to the 
small sample size of observed takes, an expanded estimate has not been 
calculated. Annual average estimated minke whale mortality and serious 
injury from the Northeast midwater trawl fishery (including pair trawl) 
during 2009 to 2013 was 0.2. Observer coverage from 2009-2013 was 53, 
41, 45, 37, and 42 percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to remove the Canadian East coast stock of minke 
whale from the list of species incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category II Northeast bottom trawl fishery. Minke whales were added as 
a species incidentally killed or injured in this fishery in the 2013 
LOF (78 FR 23708; April 22, 2013) due to observed takes occurring in 
2004 and 2008; however, there have been no observed takes of minke 
whales in this fishery since 2008 (Waring et al., 2016). Observer 
coverage from 2009-2013 was 16, 26, 17, 15 and 17 percent, 
respectively.
    NMFS proposes to remove the Western North Atlantic stock of short-
finned pilot whale from the list of species incidentally killed or 
injured in the Category II Northeast sink gillnet fishery. Short-finned 
pilot whales were originally listed as a species killed or injured in 
this fishery in the 2013 LOF (78 FR 23708; April 22, 2013) due to an 
unknown pilot whale species take recorded in 2010 (Waring et al., 
2012). According to the 2015 Stock Assessment Report, pilot whale 
mortalities are generally observed north of 40[deg] N. latitude in this 
fishery and, therefore, should be attributed to the long-finned pilot 
whale stock (Waring et al., 2016). Observer coverage for this fishery 
for 2009-2013 was 17, 19, 15, 11 and 18 percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to remove the following stocks from the list of 
species incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Atlantic 
Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline fishery: 
Western North Atlantic stock of Atlantic spotted dolphin, Gulf of 
Mexico stock of Gervais beaked whale, Gulf of Mexico oceanic stock of 
killer whale, Western North Atlantic stock of Pantropical spotted 
dolphin, and Gulf of Mexico oceanic stock of sperm whale. There have 
been no observed mortalities or injuries to these species in the most 
recent five years of data (Waring et al., 2016). Observer coverage in 
this fishery in the most recent five year period (2009-2013) has been 
10, 8, 9, 7, and 9 percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to add unknown stock (likely Northern migratory 
coastal or Southern migratory coastal) of bottlenose dolphin to the 
list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II 
Chesapeake Bay inshore gillnet fishery based on a 2013 mortality in 9-
inch (22.9 cm) stretched mesh gillnet gear (Waring et al., 2016).
    NMFS proposes to add the Mississippi Sound, Lake Borgne, Bay 
Boudreau stock of bottlenose dolphin to the list of stocks incidentally 
killed or injured in the Category II Gulf of Mexico menhaden purse 
seine fishery based on a 2011 observed injury and two-self reported 
mortalities in 2012 (Waring et al., 2016).
    NMFS proposes to add the Florida Keys stock of bottlenose dolphin 
to the list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category 
III Florida spiny lobster trap/pot fishery based on the location and 
gear description in a 2013 stranding report (Waring et al., 2016).
    NMFS proposes to add the Barataria Bay stock and the Mississippi 
Sound, Lake Borgne, Bay Boudreau stock of bottlenose dolphin to the 
list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the

[[Page 54026]]

Category III Gulf of Mexico blue crab trap/pot fishery based on 
documented mortalities in 2011 (Waring et al., 2016). A Barataria Bay 
stock animal was also disentangled and released alive in 2012.

Commercial Fisheries on the High Seas

Number of Vessels/Persons

    NMFS proposes updates to the estimated number of vessels/persons on 
the High Seas (Table 3) as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Number of      Number of vessels/
     Category          Fishery       vessels/persons     persons (2017
                                        (2016 LOF)            LOF)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I................  Western Pacific                135                139
                    pelagic
                    longline (HI
                    deep-set
                    component).
II...............  Atlantic highly                  1                  0
                    migratory
                    species drift
                    gillnet.
II...............  South Pacific                   39                 38
                    tuna purse
                    seine.
II...............  South Pacific                   15                 10
                    albacore troll
                    longline.
II...............  South Pacific                    8                  2
                    tuna longline.
II...............  Western Pacific                 15                 20
                    pelagic
                    longline (HI
                    shallow-set
                    component).
II...............  Pacific highly                  50                 46
                    migratory
                    species
                    handline/pole
                    and line.
II...............  South Pacific                    9                  7
                    albacore troll
                    handline/pole
                    and line.
II...............  Western Pacific                  5                  2
                    pelagic
                    handline/pole
                    and line.
II...............  South Pacific                   38                 30
                    albacore troll
                    troll.
II...............  South Pacific                    5                  4
                    tuna troll.
II...............  Western Pacific                 21                 17
                    pelagic troll.
III..............  Pacific highly                 126                114
                    migratory
                    species
                    longline.
III..............  Pacific highly                   8                  6
                    migratory
                    species purse
                    seine.
III..............  Pacific highly                 243                187
                    migratory
                    species troll.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured on the 
High Seas

    NMFS proposes to add the Hawaii stock of pygmy killer whale and to 
remove the Hawaii pelagic stock of pantropical spotted dolphin on the 
list of stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Western 
Pacific pelagic longline (HI deep-set component) fishery to be 
consistent with proposed changes to Table 1 because this fishery is a 
component of an existing fishery operating within U.S. waters.
    NMFS proposes to add the Hawaii stock of rough-toothed dolphin and 
to remove the Hawaii stock of Kogia spp. on the list of stocks killed 
or injured in the Category II Western Pacific pelagic longline (HI 
shallow-set component) fishery to be consistent with proposed changes 
to Table 1 because this fishery is a component of an existing fishery 
operating within U.S. waters.
    NMFS proposes to add the CA breeding stock of northern elephant 
seal to the list of stocks killed or injured in the Category II Western 
Pacific pelagic longline (HI shallow-set component) fishery based on a 
2013 observed serious injury. Annual average estimated northern 
elephant seal mortality and serious injury from the fishery during 2009 
to 2013 was 0.2 (McCracken, 2015).

List of Fisheries

    The following tables set forth the list of U.S. commercial 
fisheries according to their classification under section 118 of the 
MMPA. Table 1 lists commercial fisheries in the Pacific Ocean 
(including Alaska), Table 2 lists commercial fisheries in the Atlantic 
Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, Table 3 lists commercial 
fisheries on the high seas, and Table 4 lists fisheries affected by 
TRPs or TRTs.
    In Tables 1 and 2, the estimated number of vessels or persons 
participating in fisheries operating within U.S. waters is expressed in 
terms of the number of active participants in the fishery, when 
possible. If this information is not available, the estimated number of 
vessels or persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no 
recent information is available on the number of participants, vessels, 
or persons licensed in a fishery, then the number from the most recent 
LOF is used for the estimated number of vessels or persons in the 
fishery. NMFS acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimates may be 
inflations of actual effort. For example, the State of Hawaii does not 
issue fishery-specific licenses, and the number of participants 
reported in the LOF represents the number of commercial marine license 
holders who reported using a particular fishing gear type/method at 
least once in a given year, without considering how many times the gear 
was used. For these fisheries, effort by a single participant is 
counted the same whether the fisher used the gear only once or every 
day. In the Mid-Atlantic and New England fisheries, the numbers 
represent the potential effort for each fishery, given the multiple 
gear types for which several state permits may allow. Changes made to 
Mid-Atlantic and New England fishery participants will not affect 
observer coverage or bycatch estimates, as observer coverage and 
bycatch estimates are based on vessel trip reports and landings data. 
Tables 1 and 2 serve to provide a description of the fishery's 
potential effort (state and Federal). If NMFS is able to extract more 
accurate information on the gear types used by state permit holders in 
the future, the numbers will be updated to reflect this change. For 
additional information on fishing effort in fisheries found on Table 1 
or 2, contact the relevant regional office (contact information 
included above in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
    For high seas fisheries, Table 3 lists the number of valid HSFCA 
permits currently held. Although this likely overestimates the number 
of active participants in many of these fisheries, the number of valid 
HSFCA permits is the most reliable data on the potential effort in high 
seas fisheries at this time. As noted previously in this rule, the 
number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the high seas components 
of fisheries that also operate within U.S. waters does not necessarily 
represent additional effort that is not accounted for in Tables 1 and 
2. Many vessels holding HSFCA permits also fish within U.S. waters and 
are included in the number of vessels and participants operating within 
those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2.
    Tables 1, 2, and 3 also list the marine mammal species and/or 
stocks incidentally killed or injured (seriously or non-seriously) in 
each fishery based on SARs, injury determination reports, bycatch 
estimation reports, observer

[[Page 54027]]

data, logbook data, stranding data, disentanglement network data, 
fisher self-reports (i.e., MMPA reports), and anecdotal reports. The 
best available scientific information included in these reports is 
based on data through 2012. This list includes all species and/or 
stocks known to be killed or injured in a given fishery but also 
includes species and/or stocks for which there are anecdotal records of 
a mortality or injury. Additionally, species identified by logbook 
entries, stranding data, or fishermen self-reports (i.e., MMPA reports) 
may not be verified. In Tables 1 and 2, NMFS has designated those 
species/stocks driving a fishery's classification (i.e., the fishery is 
classified based on mortalities and serious injuries of a marine mammal 
stock that are greater than or equal to 50 percent [Category I], or 
greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent [Category II], of a 
stock's PBR) by a ``\1\'' after the stock's name.
    In Tables 1 and 2, there are several fisheries classified as 
Category II that have no recent documented mortalities or serious 
injuries of marine mammals, or fisheries that did not result in a 
mortality or serious injury rate greater than 1 percent of a stock's 
PBR level based on known interactions. NMFS has classified these 
fisheries by analogy to other Category I or II fisheries that use 
similar fishing techniques or gear that are known to cause mortality or 
serious injury of marine mammals, as discussed in the final LOF for 
1996 (60 FR 67063, December 28, 1995), and according to factors listed 
in the definition of a ``Category II fishery'' in 50 CFR 229.2 (i.e., 
fishing techniques, gear types, methods used to deter marine mammals, 
target species, seasons and areas fished, qualitative data from 
logbooks or fisher reports, stranding data, and the species and 
distribution of marine mammals in the area). NMFS has designated those 
fisheries listed by analogy in Tables 1 and 2 by a ``\2\'' after the 
fishery's name.
    There are several fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 in which a 
portion of the fishing vessels cross the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) 
boundary and therefore operate both within U.S. waters and on the high 
seas. These fisheries, though listed separately between Table 1 or 2 
and Table 3, are considered the same fisheries on either side of the 
EEZ boundary. NMFS has designated those fisheries in each table by a 
``*'' after the fishery's name.

  Table 1--List of Fisheries--Commercial Fisheries in the Pacific Ocean
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Marine mammal
                               Estimated number of     species and/or
     Fishery description         vessels/persons     stocks incidentally
                                                      killed or injured
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               CATEGORY I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
HI deep-set longline *        139.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 [supcaret].                                         HI Pelagic.
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     MHI Insular.\1\
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     HI Pelagic.\1\
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     NWHI.
                                                    Pygmy killer whale,
                                                     HI.
                                                    Risso's dolphin, HI.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, HI.
                                                    Sperm whale, HI.
                                                    Striped dolphin, HI.
GILLNET FISHERIES:
CA thresher shark/swordfish   18..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 drift gillnet (>=14 in                              CA/OR/WA offshore.
 mesh) *.
                                                    California sea lion,
                                                     U.S.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.
                                                    Long-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA.
                                                    Minke whale, CA/OR/
                                                     WA.
                                                    Northern elephant
                                                     seal, CA breeding.
                                                    Northern right-whale
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                                    Pacific white-sided
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                                    Risso's dolphin, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.
                                                    Short-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, CA/OR/WA.
                                                    Sperm Whale, CA/OR/
                                                     WA.\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               CATEGORY II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
CA halibut/white seabass and  50..................  California sea lion,
 other species set gillnet                           U.S.
 (>3.5 in mesh).                                    Harbor seal, CA.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
                                                    Long-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA.
                                                    Northern elephant
                                                     seal, CA breeding.
                                                    Sea otter, CA.
                                                    Short-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
CA yellowtail, barracuda,     30..................  California sea lion,
 and white seabass drift                             U.S.
 gillnet (mesh size >=3.5 in                        Long-beaked common
 and <14 in) \2\.                                    dolphin, CA.
                                                    Short-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
AK Bristol Bay salmon drift   1,862...............  Beluga whale,
 gillnet \2\.                                        Bristol Bay.
                                                    Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor seal, Bering
                                                     Sea.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Pacific white-sided
                                                     dolphin, North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Spotted seal, AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.

[[Page 54028]]

 
AK Bristol Bay salmon set     979.................  Beluga whale,
 gillnet \2\.                                        Bristol Bay.
                                                    Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor seal, Bering
                                                     Sea.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Spotted seal, AK.
AK Kodiak salmon set gillnet  188.................  Harbor porpoise,
                                                     GOA.\1\
                                                    Harbor seal, GOA.
                                                    Sea otter, Southwest
                                                     AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Cook Inlet salmon set      736.................  Beluga whale, Cook
 gillnet.                                            Inlet.
                                                    Dall's porpoise, AK.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     GOA.
                                                    Harbor seal, GOA.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.\1\
                                                    Sea otter, South
                                                     central AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Cook Inlet salmon drift    569.................  Beluga whale, Cook
 gillnet.                                            Inlet.
                                                    Dall's porpoise, AK.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     GOA.\1\
                                                    Harbor seal, GOA.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Peninsula/Aleutian         162.................  Dall's porpoise, AK.
 Islands salmon drift                               Harbor porpoise,
 gillnet \2\.                                        GOA.
                                                    Harbor seal, GOA.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
AK Peninsula/Aleutian         113.................  Harbor porpoise,
 Islands salmon set gillnet                          Bering Sea.
 \2\.                                               Northern sea otter,
                                                     Southwest AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Prince William Sound       537.................  Dall's porpoise, AK.
 salmon drift gillnet.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     GOA.\1\
                                                    Harbor seal, GOA.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Pacific white-sided
                                                     dolphin, North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Sea otter, South
                                                     central AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.\1\
AK Southeast salmon drift     474.................  Dall's porpoise, AK.
 gillnet.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     Southeast AK.
                                                    Harbor seal,
                                                     Southeast AK.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.\1\
                                                    Pacific white-sided
                                                     dolphin, North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Eastern U.S.
AK Yakutat salmon set         168.................  Gray whale, Eastern
 gillnet \2\.                                        North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor Porpoise,
                                                     Southeastern AK.
                                                    Harbor seal,
                                                     Southeast AK.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific (Southeast
                                                     AK).
WA Puget Sound Region salmon  210.................  Dall's porpoise, CA/
 drift gillnet (includes all                         OR/WA.
 inland waters south of U.S.-                       Harbor porpoise,
 Canada border and eastward                          inland WA \1\
 of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line-                        Harbor seal, WA
 Treaty Indian fishing is                            inland.
 excluded).
TRAWL FISHERIES:
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       32..................  Bearded seal, AK.
 Islands flatfish trawl.
                                                    Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     Bering Sea.
                                                    Harbor seal, Bering
                                                     Sea.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Western North
                                                     Pacific.\1\
                                                    Killer whale, AK
                                                     resident.\1\
                                                    Killer whale, GOA,
                                                     AI, BS
                                                     transient.\1\
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Ringed seal, AK.
                                                    Ribbon seal, AK.
                                                    Spotted seal, AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.\1\
                                                    Walrus, AK.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       102.................  Bearded Seal, AK.
 Islands pollock trawl.
                                                    Dall's porpoise, AK.
                                                    Harbor seal, AK.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Western North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Ribbon seal, AK.
                                                    Ringed seal, AK.

[[Page 54029]]

 
                                                    Spotted seal, AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.\1\
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       17..................  Killer whale, ENP AK
 Islands rockfish trawl.                             resident.\1\
                                                    Killer whale, GOA,
                                                     AI, BS
                                                     transient.\1\
POT, RING NET, AND TRAP
 FISHERIES:
CA spot prawn pot...........  25..................  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
CA Dungeness crab pot.......  570.................  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
OR Dungeness crab pot.......  433.................  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
WA/OR/CA sablefish pot......  309.................  Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
WA coastal Dungeness crab     228.................  Gray whale, Eastern
 pot.                                                North Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.\1\
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       45..................  Dall's Porpoise, AK.
 Islands Pacific cod                                Killer whale, GOA,
 longline.                                           BSAI transient.\1\
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Ringed seal, AK.
HI shallow-set longline *     20..................  Blainville's beaked
 [supcaret].                                         whale, HI.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     HI Pelagic.
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     HI Pelagic.\1\
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Risso's dolphin, HI.
                                                    Rough-toothed
                                                     dolphin, HI.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, HI.
                                                    Striped dolphin, HI.
American Samoa longline \2\.  22..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     unknown.
                                                    Cuvier's beaked
                                                     whale, unknown.
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     American Samoa.
                                                    Rough-toothed
                                                     dolphin, American
                                                     Samoa.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, unknown.
HI shortline \2\............  9...................  None documented.
HOOK-AND-LINE, HANDLINE, AND
 JIG FISHERIES:
AK miscellaneous finfish      456.................  Fin whale, Northeast
 handline/hand troll and                             Pacific.
 mechanical jig.                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Humpback whale,
                                                     Western North
                                                     Pacific.\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              CATEGORY III
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
AK Kuskokwim, Yukon, Norton   1,778...............  Harbor porpoise,
 Sound, Kotzebue salmon                              Bering Sea.
 gillnet.
AK miscellaneous finfish set  54..................  Steller sea lion,
 gillnet.                                            Western U.S.
AK Prince William Sound       29..................  Harbor seal, GOA.
 salmon set gillnet.                                Sea otter, South
                                                     central AK.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK roe herring and food/bait  920.................  None documented.
 herring gillnet.
CA set gillnet (mesh size     296.................  None documented.
 <3.5 in).
HI inshore gillnet..........  36..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     HI.
                                                    Spinner dolphin, HI.
WA Grays Harbor salmon drift  24..................  Harbor seal, OR/WA
 gillnet (excluding treaty                           coast.
 Tribal fishing).
WA/OR Mainstem Columbia       15..................  None documented.
 River eulchon gillnet.
WA/OR lower Columbia River    110.................  California sea lion,
 (includes tributaries)                              U.S.
 drift gillnet.                                     Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                     coast.
WA Willapa Bay drift gillnet  82..................  Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                     coast.
                                                    Northern elephant
                                                     seal, CA breeding.
MISCELLANEOUS NET FISHERIES:
AK Cook Inlet salmon purse    83..................  Humpback whale,
 seine.                                              Central North
                                                     Pacific.
AK Kodiak salmon purse seine  376.................  Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.
AK Southeast salmon purse     315.................  None documented in
 seine.                                              the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
AK Metlakatla salmon purse    10..................  None documented.
 seine.
AK miscellaneous finfish      2...................  None documented.
 beach seine.
AK miscellaneous finfish      2...................  None documented.
 purse seine.
AK octopus/squid purse seine  0...................  None documented.
AK roe herring and food/bait  10..................  None documented.
 herring beach seine.
AK roe herring and food/bait  356.................  None documented.
 herring purse seine.
AK salmon beach seine.......  31..................  None documented.

[[Page 54030]]

 
AK salmon purse seine         936.................  Harbor seal, GOA.
 (excluding salmon purse                            Harbor seal, Prince
 seine fisheries listed                              William Sound.
 elsewhere).
WA/OR sardine purse seine...  42..................  None documented.
CA anchovy, mackerel,         65..................  California sea lion,
 sardine purse seine.                                U.S.
                                                    Harbor seal, CA.
CA squid purse seine........  80..................  Long-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA.
                                                    Short-beaked common
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
CA tuna purse seine *.......  10..................  None documented.
WA/OR Lower Columbia River    10..................  None documented.
 salmon seine.
WA/OR herring, smelt, squid   130.................  None documented.
 purse seine or lampara.
WA salmon purse seine.......  75..................  None documented.
WA salmon reef net..........  11..................  None documented.
HI lift net.................  17..................  None documented.
HI inshore purse seine......  <3..................  None documented.
HI throw net, cast net......  23..................  None documented.
HI seine net................  24..................  None documented.
DIP NET FISHERIES:
CA squid dip net............  115.................  None documented.
MARINE AQUACULTURE
 FISHERIES:
CA marine shellfish           unknown.............  None documented.
 aquaculture.
CA salmon enhancement         >1..................  None documented.
 rearing pen.
CA white seabass enhancement  13..................  California sea lion,
 net pens.                                           U.S.
HI offshore pen culture.....  2...................  None documented.
WA salmon net pens..........  14..................  California sea lion,
                                                     U.S.
                                                    Harbor seal, WA
                                                     inland waters.
WA/OR shellfish aquaculture.  23..................  None documented.
TROLL FISHERIES:
WA/OR/CA albacore surface     705.................  None documented.
 hook and line/troll.
CA halibut hook and line/     unknown.............  None documented.
 handline.
CA white seabass hook and     unknown.............  None documented.
 line/handline.
AK salmon troll.............  1,908...............  Steller sea lion,
                                                     Eastern U.S.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
American Samoa tuna troll...  13..................  None documented.
CA/OR/WA salmon troll.......  4,300...............  None documented.
HI troll....................  2,117...............  Pantropical spotted
                                                     dolphin, HI.
HI rod and reel.............  322.................  None documented.
Commonwealth of the Northern  40..................  None documented.
 Mariana Islands tuna troll.
Guam tuna troll.............  432.................  None documented.
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       3...................  None documented.
 Islands rockfish longline.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       4...................  Killer whale, AK
 Islands Greenland turbot                            resident.
 longline.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       22..................  None documented.
 Islands sablefish longline.
AK Gulf of Alaska halibut     855.................  None documented.
 longline.
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific     92..................  Steller sea lion,
 cod longline.                                       Western U.S.
AK Gulf of Alaska rockfish    25..................  None documented.
 longline.
AK Gulf of Alaska sablefish   295.................  Sperm whale, North
 longline.                                           Pacific.
AK halibut longline/set line  2,197...............  None documented in
 (state and Federal waters).                         the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
AK octopus/squid longline...  3...................  None documented.
AK state-managed waters       464.................  None documented.
 longline/setline (including
 sablefish, rockfish,
 lingcod, and miscellaneous
 finfish).
WA/OR/CA groundfish,          367.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 bottomfish longline/set                             CA/OR/WA offshore.
 line.
WA/OR Pacific halibut         350.................  None documented.
 longline.
CA pelagic longline.........  1...................  None documented in
                                                     the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
HI kaka line................  15..................  None documented.
HI vertical line............  3...................  None documented.
TRAWL FISHERIES:
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       13..................  Ribbon seal, AK.
 Islands Atka mackerel trawl.                       Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       72..................  Ringed seal, AK.
 Islands Pacific cod trawl.                         Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Gulf of Alaska flatfish    36..................  Northern elephant
 trawl.                                              seal, North
                                                     Pacific.
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific     55..................  Steller sea lion,
 cod trawl.                                          Western U.S.
AK Gulf of Alaska pollock     67..................  Dall's porpoise, AK.
 trawl.                                             Fin whale, Northeast
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Northern elephant
                                                     seal, North
                                                     Pacific.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
AK Gulf of Alaska rockfish    43..................  None documented.
 trawl.
AK food/bait herring trawl..  4...................  None documented.
AK miscellaneous finfish      282.................  None documented.
 otter/beam trawl.

[[Page 54031]]

 
AK shrimp otter trawl and     38..................  None documented.
 beam trawl (statewide and
 Cook Inlet).
AK state-managed waters of    2...................  None documented.
 Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay,
 Prince William Sound,
 Southeast AK groundfish
 trawl.
CA halibut bottom trawl.....  47..................  California sea lion,
                                                     U.S.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     unknown.
                                                    Harbor seal,
                                                     unknown.
                                                    Northern elephant
                                                     seal, CA breeding.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     unknown.
CA sea cucumber trawl.......  16..................  None documented.
WA/OR/CA shrimp trawl.......  300.................  None documented.
WA/OR/CA groundfish trawl...  160-180.............  California sea lion,
                                                     U.S.
                                                    Dall's porpoise, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.
                                                    Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                     coast.
                                                    Northern fur seal,
                                                     Eastern Pacific.
                                                    Pacific white-sided
                                                     dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Eastern U.S.
POT, RING NET, AND TRAP
 FISHERIES:
AK statewide miscellaneous    4...................  None documented.
 finfish pot.
AK Aleutian Islands           4...................  None documented.
 sablefish pot.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       59..................  None documented.
 Islands Pacific cod pot.
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian       540.................  Gray whale, Eastern
 Islands crab pot.                                   North Pacific.
AK Bering Sea sablefish pot.  2...................  None documented.
AK Gulf of Alaska crab pot..  381.................  None documented.
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific     128.................  Harbor seal, GOA.
 cod pot.
AK Southeast Alaska crab pot  41..................  Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific (Southeast
                                                     AK).
AK Southeast Alaska shrimp    269.................  Humpback whale,
 pot.                                                Central North
                                                     Pacific (Southeast
                                                     AK).
AK shrimp pot, except         236.................  None documented.
 Southeast.
AK octopus/squid pot........  26..................  None documented.
AK snail pot................  1...................  None documented.
CA/OR coonstripe shrimp pot.  36..................  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor seal, CA.
CA rock crab pot............  124.................  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
                                                    Harbor seal, CA.
CA spiny lobster............  194.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     CA/OR/WA offshore.
                                                    Humpback whale, CA/
                                                     OR/WA.
                                                    Gray whale, Eastern
                                                     North Pacific.
WA/OR/CA hagfish pot........  54..................  None documented.
WA/OR shrimp pot/trap.......  254.................  None documented.
WA Puget Sound Dungeness      249.................  None documented.
 crab pot/trap.
HI crab trap................  5...................  Humpback whale,
                                                     Central North
                                                     Pacific.
HI fish trap................  9...................  None documented.
HI lobster trap.............  <3..................  None documented in
                                                     recent years.
HI shrimp trap..............  10..................  None documented.
HI crab net.................  4...................  None documented.
HI Kona crab loop net.......  33..................  None documented.
HOOK-AND-LINE, HANDLINE, AND
 JIG FISHERIES:
AK North Pacific halibut      180.................  None documented.
 handline/hand troll and
 mechanical jig.
AK octopus/squid handline...  7...................  None documented.
American Samoa bottomfish...  17..................  None documented.
Commonwealth of the Northern  28..................  None documented.
 Mariana Islands bottomfish.
Guam bottomfish.............  >300................  None documented.
HI aku boat, pole, and line.  <3..................  None documented.
HI bottomfish handline......  578.................  None documented in
                                                     recent years.
HI inshore handline.........  357.................  None documented.
HI pelagic handline.........  534.................  None documented.
WA groundfish, bottomfish     679.................  None documented.
 jig.
Western Pacific squid jig...  0...................  None documented.
HARPOON FISHERIES:
CA swordfish harpoon........  6...................  None documented.
POUND NET/WEIR FISHERIES:
AK herring spawn on kelp      409.................  None documented.
 pound net.
AK Southeast herring roe/     2...................  None documented.
 food/bait pound net.
HI bullpen trap.............  3...................  None documented.
BAIT PENS:
WA/OR/CA bait pens..........  13..................  California sea lion,
                                                     U.S.
DREDGE FISHERIES:
Alaska scallop dredge.......  108 (5 AK)..........  None documented.
DIVE, HAND/MECHANICAL
 COLLECTION FISHERIES:
AK abalone..................  0...................  None documented.

[[Page 54032]]

 
AK clam.....................  130.................  None documented.
AK Dungeness crab...........  2...................  None documented.
AK herring spawn on kelp....  339.................  None documented.
AK urchin and other fish/     398.................  None documented.
 shellfish.
HI black coral diving.......  <3..................  None documented.
HI fish pond................  5...................  None documented.
HI handpick.................  46..................  None documented.
HI lobster diving...........  19..................  None documented.
HI spearfishing.............  163.................  None documented.
WA/CA kelp..................  4...................  None documented.
WA/OR bait shrimp, clam       201.................  None documented.
 hand, dive, or mechanical
 collection.
OR/CA sea urchin, sea         10..................  None documented.
 cucumber hand, dive, or
 mechanical collection.
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER FISHING
 VESSEL (CHARTER BOAT)
 FISHERIES:
AK/WA/OR/CA commercial        >7,000 (2,702 AK)...  Killer whale,
 passenger fishing vessel.                           unknown.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Eastern U.S.
                                                    Steller sea lion,
                                                     Western U.S.
LIVE FINFISH/SHELLFISH
 FISHERIES:
CA nearshore finfish live     93..................  None documented.
 trap/hook-and-line.
HI aquarium collecting......  90..................  None documented.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Table 1: AI--Aleutian Islands;
  AK--Alaska; BS--Bering Sea; CA--California; ENP--Eastern North
  Pacific; GOA--Gulf of Alaska; HI--Hawaii; MHI--Main Hawaiian Islands;
  OR--Oregon; WA--Washington; \1\ Fishery classified based on
  mortalities and serious injuries of this stock, which are greater than
  or equal to 50 percent (Category I) or greater than 1 percent and less
  than 50 percent (Category II) of the stock's PBR; \2\ Fishery
  classified by analogy; * Fishery has an associated high seas component
  listed in Table 3; [caret] The list of marine mammal species and/or
  stocks killed or injured in this fishery is identical to the list of
  species and/or stocks killed or injured in high seas component of the
  fishery, minus species and/or stocks that have geographic ranges
  exclusively on the high seas. The species and/or stocks are found, and
  the fishery remains the same, on both sides of the EEZ boundary.
  Therefore, the EEZ components of these fisheries pose the same risk to
  marine mammals as the components operating on the high seas.


 Table 2--List of Fisheries--Commercial Fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean,
                      Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Marine mammal
                               Estimated number of     species and/or
     Fishery description        vessels/ persons     stocks incidentally
                                                      killed or injured
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               CATEGORY I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
Mid-Atlantic gillnet........  3,950...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     WNA offshore.
                                                    Common dolphin, WNA.
                                                    Gray seal, WNA.
                                                    Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                     BF.
                                                    Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Harp seal, WNA.
                                                    Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                     of Maine.
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian east
                                                     coast.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
                                                    White-sided dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
Northeast sink gillnet......  4,332...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     WNA offshore.
                                                    Common dolphin, WNA.
                                                    Fin whale, WNA.
                                                    Gray seal, WNA.
                                                    Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                     BF.\1\
                                                    Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Harp seal, WNA.
                                                    Hooded seal, WNA.
                                                    Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                     of Maine.
                                                    Long-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian east
                                                     coast.
                                                    North Atlantic right
                                                     whale, WNA.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
                                                    White-sided dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
TRAP/POT FISHERIES:

[[Page 54033]]

 
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic        10,163..............  Humpback whale, Gulf
 American lobster trap/pot.                          of Maine.
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian east
                                                     coast.
                                                    North Atlantic right
                                                     whale, WNA.\1\
LONGLINE FISHERIES:
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean,    420.................  Atlantic spotted
 Gulf of Mexico large                                dolphin, GMX
 pelagics longline.*                                 continental and
                                                     oceanic.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     oceanic.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     WNA offshore.
                                                    Common dolphin, WNA.
                                                    Cuvier's beaked
                                                     whale, WNA.
                                                    False killer whale,
                                                     WNA.
                                                    Harbor porpoise,
                                                     GME, BF.
                                                    Kogia spp. (Pygmy or
                                                     dwarf sperm whale),
                                                     WNA.
                                                    Long-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.\1\
                                                    Mesoplodon beaked
                                                     whale, WNA.
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian East
                                                     coast.
                                                    Pantropical spotted
                                                     dolphin, Northern
                                                     GMX.
                                                    Pygmy sperm whale,
                                                     GMX.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, Northern
                                                     GMX.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               CATEGORY II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
Chesapeake Bay inshore        248.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 gillnet \2\.                                        unknown (Northern
                                                     migratory coastal
                                                     or Southern
                                                     migratory coastal).
Gulf of Mexico gillnet \2\..  248.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX bay, sound, and
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Western GMX
                                                     coastal.
NC inshore gillnet..........  2,850...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
Northeast anchored float      852.................  Harbor seal, WNA.
 gillnet \2\.                                       Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                     of Maine.
                                                    White-sided dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
Northeast drift gillnet \2\.  1,036...............  None documented.
Southeast Atlantic gillnet    273.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 \2\.                                                Central FL coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern FL
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     SC/GA coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern migratory
                                                     coastal.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic    30..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 shark gillnet.                                      unknown (Central
                                                     FL, Northern FL, SC/
                                                     GA coastal, or
                                                     Southern migratory
                                                     coastal).
                                                    North Atlantic right
                                                     whale, WNA.
TRAWL FISHERIES:
Mid-Atlantic mid-water trawl  382.................  Gray seal, WNA.
 (including pair trawl).                            Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    White-sided dolphin,
                                                     WNA.\1\
Mid-Atlantic bottom trawl...  785.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     WNA offshore.
                                                    Common dolphin,
                                                     WNA.\1\
                                                    Gray seal, WNA.
                                                    Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     WNA.\1\
Northeast mid-water trawl     1,087...............  Common dolphin, WNA.
 (including pair trawl).                            Gray seal, WNA.
                                                    Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Long-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.\1\
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian East
                                                     Coast.
Northeast bottom trawl......  2,238...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     WNA offshore.
                                                    Common dolphin, WNA.
                                                    Gray seal, WNA.
                                                    Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                     BF.
                                                    Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Harp seal, WNA.
                                                    Long-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.
                                                    Risso's dolphin,
                                                     WNA.
                                                    White-sided dolphin,
                                                     WNA.\1\
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   4,950...............  Atlantic spotted
 Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl.                        dolphin, GMX
                                                     continental and
                                                     oceanic.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Charleston
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.\1\

[[Page 54034]]

 
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX bay, sound,
                                                     estuarine.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX continental
                                                     shelf.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     SC/GA coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern migratory
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Western GMX
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    West Indian manatee,
                                                     Florida.
TRAP/POT FISHERIES:
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   1,384...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Gulf of Mexico stone crab                           Biscayne Bay
 trap/pot \2\.                                       estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Central FL coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     FL Bay.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX bay, sound,
                                                     estuarine (FL west
                                                     coast portion).
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Indian River Lagoon
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Jacksonville
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.
Atlantic mixed species trap/  3,436...............  Fin whale, WNA.
 pot \2\.                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                     of Maine.
Atlantic blue crab trap/pot.  7,714...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Central FL
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Central GA
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Charleston
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Indian River Lagoon
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Jacksonville
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern FL
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GA/
                                                     Southern SC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern SC
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     SC/GA coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern GA
                                                     estuarine system
                                                     \1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    West Indian manatee,
                                                     FL.\1\
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
Gulf of Mexico menhaden       40-42...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 purse seine.                                        GMX bay, sound,
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Mississippi Sound,
                                                     Lake Borgne, Bay
                                                     Boudreau.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Western GMX
                                                     coastal.\1\
Mid-Atlantic menhaden purse   19..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 seine \2\.                                          Northern Migratory
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern Migratory
                                                     coastal.
HAUL/BEACH SEINE FISHERIES:
Mid-Atlantic haul/beach       359.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 seine.                                              Northern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine system
                                                     \1\.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
NC long haul seine..........  30..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine
                                                     system.\1\
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern NC
                                                     estuarine system.
STOP NET FISHERIES:
NC roe mullet stop net......  1...................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     unknown (Southern
                                                     migratory coastal
                                                     or Southern NC
                                                     estuarine system).
POUND NET FISHERIES:
VA pound net................  26..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern migratory
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern Migratory
                                                     coastal.\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              CATEGORY III
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
Caribbean gillnet...........  >991................  None documented in
                                                     the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
DE River inshore gillnet....  unknown.............  None documented in
                                                     the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
Long Island Sound inshore     unknown.............  None documented in
 gillnet.                                            the most recent
                                                     five years of data.
RI, southern MA (to Monomoy   unknown.............  None documented in
 Island), and NY Bight                               the most recent
 (Raritan and Lower NY Bays)                         five years of data.
 inshore gillnet.
Southeast Atlantic inshore    unknown.............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 gillnet.                                            Northern SC
                                                     estuarine system.
TRAWL FISHERIES:
Atlantic shellfish bottom     >58.................  None documented.
 trawl.

[[Page 54035]]

 
Gulf of Mexico butterfish     2...................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 trawl.                                              Northern GMX
                                                     oceanic.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     continental shelf.
Gulf of Mexico mixed species  20..................  None documented.
 trawl.
GA cannonball jellyfish       1...................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 trawl.                                              SC/GA coastal.
MARINE AQUACULTURE
 FISHERIES:
Finfish aquaculture.........  48..................  Harbor seal, WNA.
Shellfish aquaculture.......  unknown.............  None documented.
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
Gulf of Maine Atlantic        >7..................  Harbor seal, WNA.
 herring purse seine.                               Gray seal, WNA.
Gulf of Maine menhaden purse  >2..................  None documented.
 seine.
FL West Coast sardine purse   10..................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 seine.                                              Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.
U.S. Atlantic tuna purse      5...................  Long-finned pilot
 seine *.                                            whale, WNA.
                                                    Short-finned pilot
                                                     whale, WNA.
LONGLINE/HOOK-AND-LINE
 FISHERIES:
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic        >1,207A.............  None documented.
 bottom longline/hook-and-
 line.
Gulf of Maine, U.S. Mid-      428.................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Atlantic tuna, shark                                WNA offshore.
 swordfish hook-and-line/                           Humpback whale, Gulf
 harpoon.                                            of Maine.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   >5,000..............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Gulf of Mexico, and                                 GMX continental
 Caribbean snapper-grouper                           shelf.
 and other reef fish bottom
 longline/hook-and-line.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   <125................  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Gulf of Mexico shark bottom                         Eastern GMX
 longline/hook-and-line.                             coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     continental shelf.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   1,446...............  None documented.
 Gulf of Mexico, and
 Caribbean pelagic hook-and-
 line/harpoon.
U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of        unknown.............  None documented.
 Mexico trotline.
TRAP/POT FISHERIES:
Caribbean mixed species trap/ >501................  None documented.
 pot.
Caribbean spiny lobster trap/ >197................  None documented.
 pot.
FL spiny lobster trap/pot...  1,268...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Biscayne Bay
                                                     estuarine
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Central FL coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     FL Bay estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     FL Keys.
Gulf of Mexico blue crab      4,113...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 trap/pot.                                           Barataria Bay.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX bay, sound,
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Mississippi Sound,
                                                     Lake Borgne, Bay
                                                     Boudreau.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Western GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    West Indian manatee,
                                                     FL.
Gulf of Mexico mixed species  unknown.............  None documented.
 trap/pot.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic,   10..................  None documented.
 Gulf of Mexico golden crab
 trap/pot.
U.S. Mid-Atlantic eel trap/   unknown.............  None documented.
 pot.
STOP SEINE/WEIR/POUND NET/
 FLOATING TRAP/FYKE NET
 FISHERIES:
Gulf of Maine herring and     >1..................  Harbor porpoise, GME/
 Atlantic mackerel stop                              BF.
 seine/weir.                                        Harbor seal, WNA.
                                                    Minke whale,
                                                     Canadian east
                                                     coast.
                                                    Atlantic white-sided
                                                     dolphin, WNA.
U.S. Mid-Atlantic crab stop   2,600...............  None documented.
 seine/weir.
U.S. Mid-Atlantic mixed       unknown.............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 species stop seine/weir/                            Northern NC
 pound net (except the NC                            estuarine system.
 roe mullet stop net).
RI floating trap............  9...................  None documented.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic    unknown.............  None documented.
 fyke net.
DREDGE FISHERIES:
Gulf of Maine sea urchin      unknown.............  None documented.
 dredge.
Gulf of Maine mussel dredge.  unknown.............  None documented.
Gulf of Maine, U.S. Mid-      >403................  None documented.
 Atlantic sea scallop dredge.
Mid-Atlantic blue crab        unknown.............  None documented.
 dredge.
Mid-Atlantic soft-shell clam  unknown.............  None documented.
 dredge.
Mid-Atlantic whelk dredge...  unknown.............  None documented.
U.S. Mid-Atlantic/Gulf of     7,000...............  None documented.
 Mexico oyster dredge.
New England and Mid-Atlantic  unknown.............  None documented.
 offshore surf clam/quahog
 dredge.
HAUL/BEACH SEINE FISHERIES:
Caribbean haul/beach seine..  15..................  None documented in
                                                     the most recent
                                                     five years of data.

[[Page 54036]]

 
Gulf of Mexico haul/beach     unknown.............  None documented.
 seine.
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic    25..................  None documented.
 haul/beach seine.
DIVE, HAND/MECHANICAL
 COLLECTION FISHERIES:
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of       20,000..............  None documented.
 Mexico, Caribbean shellfish
 dive, hand/mechanical
 collection.
Gulf of Maine urchin dive,    unknown.............  None documented.
 hand/mechanical collection.
Gulf of Mexico, Southeast     unknown.............  None documented.
 Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and
 Caribbean cast net.
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER FISHING
 VESSEL (CHARTER BOAT)
 FISHERIES:
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of       4,000...............  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Mexico, Caribbean                                   Biscayne Bay
 commercial passenger                                estuarine.
 fishing vessel.                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Central FL coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Choctawhatchee Bay.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Eastern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     FL Bay.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     GMX bay, sound,
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Indian River Lagoon
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Jacksonville
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern FL
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GA/
                                                     Southern SC
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern GMX
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern migratory
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Northern NC
                                                     estuarine.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern migratory
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern NC
                                                     estuarine system.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Southern SC/GA
                                                     coastal.
                                                    Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                     Western GMX
                                                     coastal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Table 2: DE--Delaware; FL--
  Florida; GA--Georgia; GME/BF--Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy; GMX--Gulf of
  Mexico; MA--Massachusetts; NC--North Carolina; NY--New York; RI--Rhode
  Island; SC--South Carolina; VA--Virginia; WNA--Western North Atlantic;
  \1\ Fishery classified based on mortalities and serious injuries of
  this stock, which are greater than or equal to 50 percent (Category I)
  or greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent (Category II) of
  the stock's PBR; \2\ Fishery classified by analogy; * Fishery has an
  associated high seas component listed in Table 3.


    Table 3--List of Fisheries--Commercial Fisheries on the High Seas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Marine mammal species
                                 Number of HSFCA       and/or stocks
      Fishery description            permits        incidentally killed
                                                         or injured
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Category I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE FISHERIES:
Atlantic Highly Migratory                      86  Atlantic spotted
 Species *.                                         dolphin, WNA.
                                .................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                    Northern GMX
                                                    oceanic.
                                .................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                    WNA offshore.
                                .................  Common dolphin, WNA.
                                .................  Cuvier's beaked
                                                    whale, WNA.
                                .................  False killer whale,
                                                    WNA.
                                .................  Killer whale, GMX
                                                    oceanic.
                                .................  Kogia spp. whale
                                                    (Pygmy or dwarf
                                                    sperm whale), WNA.
                                .................  Long-finned pilot
                                                    whale, WNA.
                                .................  Mesoplodon beaked
                                                    whale, WNA.
                                .................  Minke whale, Canadian
                                                    East coast.
                                .................  Pantropical spotted
                                                    dolphin, WNA.
                                .................  Risso's dolphin, GMX.
                                .................  Risso's dolphin, WNA.
                                .................  Short-finned pilot
                                                    whale, WNA.
Western Pacific Pelagic (HI                   139  Bottlenose dolphin,
 Deep-set component) *                              HI Pelagic.
 [supcaret].
                                .................  False killer whale,
                                                    HI Pelagic.
                                .................  Pygmy killer whale,
                                                    HI.
                                .................  Risso's dolphin, HI.
                                .................  Short-finned pilot
                                                    whale, HI.
                                .................  Sperm whale, HI.
                                .................  Striped dolphin, HI.
DRIFT GILLNET FISHERIES:
Pacific Highly Migratory                        5  Long-beaked common
 Species [supcaret].                                dolphin, CA.
                                .................  Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                    WA.
                                .................  Northern right-whale
                                                    dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                .................  Pacific white-sided
                                                    dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                .................  Risso's dolphin, CA/
                                                    OR/WA.

[[Page 54037]]

 
                                .................  Short-beaked common
                                                    dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Category II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRIFT GILLNET FISHERIES:
Atlantic Highly Migratory                       0  Undetermined.
 Species.
TRAWL FISHERIES:
Atlantic Highly Migratory                       1  Undetermined.
 Species **.
CCAMLR........................                  0  Antarctic fur seal.
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
South Pacific Tuna Fisheries..                 38  Undetermined.
Western Pacific Pelagic.......                  3  Undetermined.
LONGLINE FISHERIES:
CCAMLR........................                  0  None documented.
South Pacific Albacore Troll..                 10  Undetermined.
South Pacific Tuna Fisheries                    2  Undetermined.
 **.
Western Pacific Pelagic (HI                    20  Blainville's beaked
 Shallow-set component) *                           whale, HI.
 [supcaret].
                                .................  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                    HI Pelagic.
                                .................  False killer whale,
                                                    HI Pelagic.
                                .................  Humpback whale,
                                                    Central North
                                                    Pacific.
                                .................  Northern elephant
                                                    seal, CA breeding.
                                .................  Risso's dolphin, HI.
                                .................  Rough-toothed
                                                    dolphin, HI.
                                .................  Short-beaked common
                                                    dolphin, CA/OR/WA.
                                .................  Short-finned pilot
                                                    whale, HI.
                                .................  Striped dolphin, HI.
HANDLINE/POLE AND LINE
 FISHERIES:
Atlantic Highly Migratory                       3  Undetermined.
 Species.
Pacific Highly Migratory                       46  Undetermined.
 Species.
South Pacific Albacore Troll..                  7  Undetermined.
Western Pacific Pelagic.......                  2  Undetermined.
TROLL FISHERIES:
Atlantic Highly Migratory                       2  Undetermined.
 Species.
South Pacific Albacore Troll..                 30  Undetermined.
South Pacific Tuna Fisheries                    4  Undetermined.
 **.
Western Pacific Pelagic.......                 17  Undetermined.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Category III
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE FISHERIES:
Northwest Atlantic Bottom                       1  None documented.
 Longline.
Pacific Highly Migratory                      114  None documented in
 Species * [supcaret].                              the most recent 5
                                                    years of data.
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
Pacific Highly Migratory                        6  None documented.
 Species * [supcaret].
TRAWL FISHERIES:
Northwest Atlantic............                  1  None documented.
TROLL FISHERIES:
Pacific Highly Migratory                      187  None documented.
 Species *.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Terms, Abbreviations, and Symbols Used in Table 3:
CA--California; GMX--Gulf of Mexico; HI--Hawaii; OR--Oregon; WA--
  Washington; WNA--Western North Atlantic.
* Fishery is an extension/component of an existing fishery operating
  within U.S. waters listed in Table 1 or 2. The number of permits
  listed in Table 3 represents only the number of permits for the high
  seas component of the fishery.
** These gear types are not authorized under the Pacific HMS FMP (2004),
  the Atlantic HMS FMP (2006), or without a South Pacific Tuna Treaty
  license (in the case of the South Pacific Tuna fisheries). Because
  HSFCA permits are valid for five years, permits obtained in past years
  exist in the HSFCA permit database for gear types that are now
  unauthorized. Therefore, while HSFCA permits exist for these gear
  types, it does not represent effort. In order to land fish species,
  fishers must be using an authorized gear type. Once these permits for
  unauthorized gear types expire, the permit-holder will be required to
  obtain a permit for an authorized gear type.
[supcaret] The list of marine mammal species and/or stocks killed or
  injured in this fishery is identical to the list of marine mammal
  species and/or stocks killed or injured in U.S. waters component of
  the fishery, minus species and/or stocks that have geographic ranges
  exclusively in coastal waters, because the marine mammal species and/
  or stocks are also found on the high seas and the fishery remains the
  same on both sides of the EEZ boundary. Therefore, the high seas
  components of these fisheries pose the same risk to marine mammals as
  the components of these fisheries operating in U.S. waters.


      Table 4--Fisheries Affected by Take Reduction Teams and Plans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Take reduction plans                  Affected fisheries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Large Whale Take      Category I:
 Reduction Plan (ALWTRP)--50   Mid-Atlantic gillnet.
 CFR 229.32.
                                  Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American
                                   lobster trap/pot.
                                  Northeast sink gillnet.
                               Category II:

[[Page 54038]]

 
                                  Atlantic blue crab trap/pot.
                                  Atlantic mixed species trap/pot.
                                  Northeast anchored float gillnet.
                                  Northeast drift gillnet.
                                  Southeast Atlantic gillnet.
                                  Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark
                                   gillnet *.
                                  Southeastern, U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of
                                   Mexico stone crab trap/pot.[supcaret]
Bottlenose Dolphin Take        Category I:
 Reduction Plan (BDTRP)--50    Mid-Atlantic gillnet.
 CFR 229.35.
                                  Category II:
                                  Atlantic blue crab trap/pot.
                                  Chesapeake Bay inshore gillnet
                                   fishery.
                                  Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine.
                                  Mid-Atlantic menhaden purse seine.
                                  NC inshore gillnet.
                                  NC long haul seine.
                                  NC roe mullet stop net.
                                  Southeast Atlantic gillnet.
                                  Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark
                                   gillnet.
                                  Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of
                                   Mexico shrimp trawl [supcaret].
                                  Southeastern, U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of
                                   Mexico stone crab trap/pot
                                   [supcaret].
                                  VA pound net.
False Killer Whale Take        Category I:
 Reduction Plan (FKWTRP)--50   HI deep-set longline.
 CFR 229.37.
                                  Category II:
                                  HI shallow-set longline.
Harbor Porpoise Take           Category I:
 Reduction Plan (HPTRP)--50    Mid-Atlantic gillnet.
 CFR 229.33 (New England) and  Northeast sink gillnet.
 229.34 (Mid-Atlantic).
Pelagic Longline Take          Category I:
 Reduction Plan (PLTRP)--50    Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
 CFR 229.36.                    large pelagics longline.
Pacific Offshore Cetacean      Category I:
 Take Reduction Plan           CA thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet
 (POCTRP)--50 CFR 229.31.       (>=14 in mesh).
Atlantic Trawl Gear Take       Category II:
 Reduction Team (ATGTRT).      Mid-Atlantic bottom trawl.
                               Mid-Atlantic mid-water trawl (including
                                pair trawl).
                               Northeast bottom trawl.
                               Northeast mid-water trawl (including pair
                                trawl).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Only applicable to the portion of the fishery operating in U.S.
  waters;
[supcaret] Only applicable to the portion of the fishery operating in
  the Atlantic Ocean.

Classification

    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce has 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) that this rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. On June 12, 
2014, the SBA issued a final rule revising the small business size 
standards for several industries effective July 14, 2014 (79 FR 33647). 
The rule increased the size standard for Finfish Fishing from $19.0 to 
$20.5 million, Shellfish Fishing from $5.0 to $5.5 million, and Other 
Marine Fishing from $7.0 to $7.5 million. NMFS has reviewed the 
analyses prepared for this action in light of the new size standards. 
Under the former, lower size standards, all entities subject to this 
action were considered small entities; thus, they all would continue to 
be considered small under the new standards.
    Under existing regulations, all individuals participating in 
Category I or II fisheries must register under the MMPA and obtain an 
Authorization Certificate. The Authorization Certificate authorizes the 
taking of non-endangered and non-threatened marine mammals incidental 
to commercial fishing operations. Additionally, individuals may be 
subject to a TRP and requested to carry an observer. NMFS has estimated 
that up to approximately 58,500 fishing vessels, most with annual 
revenues below the SBA's small entity thresholds, may operate in 
Category I or II fisheries. As fishing vessels operating in Category I 
or II fisheries, they are required to register with NMFS. Forty-five 
fishing vessels are new to Category II as a result of this proposed 
rule. The MMPA registration process is integrated with existing state 
and Federal licensing, permitting, and registration programs. 
Therefore, individuals who have a state or Federal fishing permit or 
landing license, or who are authorized through another related state or 
Federal fishery registration program, are currently not required to 
register separately under the MMPA or pay the $25 registration fee. 
Therefore, this proposed rule would not impose any direct costs on 
small entities. Record keeping and reporting costs associated with this 
rulemaking are minimal and would not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    If a vessel is requested to carry an observer, vessels will not 
incur any direct economic costs associated with carrying that observer. 
In addition, section 118 of the MMPA states that an observer is not 
required to be placed on a vessel if the facilities for quartering an 
observer or performing observer functions are inadequate or unsafe, 
thereby exempting vessels too small to accommodate an observer from 
this requirement. As a result of this certification, an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has not been 
prepared. In the event that

[[Page 54039]]

reclassification of a fishery to Category I or II results in a TRP, 
economic analyses of the effects of that TRP would be summarized in 
subsequent rulemaking actions.
    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information (COI) 
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The COI for the 
registration of individuals under the MMPA has been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB control number 0648-
0293 (0.15 hours per report for new registrants). The requirement for 
reporting marine mammal mortalities or injuries has been approved by 
OMB under OMB control number 0648-0292 (0.15 hours per report). These 
estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the COI. Send comments regarding these 
reporting burden estimates or any other aspect of the COI, including 
suggestions for reducing burden, to NMFS and OMB (see ADDRESSES and 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a COI subject to the requirements of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act unless that COI displays a currently valid OMB control 
number.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
the purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared under the NEPA in 
1995 and 2005. The 1995 EA examined the effects of regulations 
implementing section 118 of the 1994 Amendments of the MMPA on the 
affected environment. The 2005 EA analyzed the environmental impacts of 
continuing the existing scheme (as described in the 1995 EA) for 
classifying fisheries on the LOF. The 1995 EA and the 2005 EA concluded 
that implementation of MMPA section 118 regulations would not have a 
significant impact on the human environment. NMFS reviewed the 2005 EA 
in 2009. NMFS concluded that because there were no changes to the 
process used to develop the LOF and implement section 118 of the MMPA, 
there was no need to update the 2005 EA. This rule would not change 
NMFS's current process for classifying fisheries on the LOF; therefore, 
this rule is not expected to change the analysis or conclusion of the 
2005 EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and no update is 
needed. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, through the 
development of a TRP, NMFS would first prepare an environmental 
document, as required under NEPA, specific to that action.
    This proposed rule would not affect species listed as threatened or 
endangered under the ESA or their associated critical habitat. The 
impacts of numerous fisheries have been analyzed in various biological 
opinions, and this rule will not affect the conclusions of those 
opinions. The classification of fisheries on the LOF is not considered 
to be a management action that would adversely affect threatened or 
endangered species. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, 
through the development of a TRP, NMFS would consult under ESA section 
7 on that action.
    This proposed rule would have no adverse impacts on marine mammals 
and may have a positive impact on marine mammals by improving knowledge 
of marine mammals and the fisheries interacting with marine mammals 
through information collected from observer programs, stranding and 
sighting data, or take reduction teams.
    This proposed rule would not affect the land or water uses or 
natural resources of the coastal zone, as specified under section 307 
of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

References

Allen, B.M. and R.P. Angliss, editors. 2016. Alaska Marine Mammal 
Stock Assessments, 2015. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-AFSC-323. 309 p.
Carretta, J.V., K.A. Forney, E. Oleson, K Martien, M.M. Muto, M.S. 
Lowry, J. Barlow, J. Baker, B. Hanson, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, R.L. 
Brownell Jr., J. Roobins, D.K. Mattila, K. Ralls and M.C. Hill. 
2011. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 2010. NOAA 
Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-476. 357 p.
Carretta, J.V., E. Oleson, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, K.A. Forney, J. 
Baker, B. Hanson, K Martien, M.M. Muto, A.J. Orr, H. Huber, M.S. 
Lowry, J. Barlow, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, R.L. Brownell Jr., and D.K. 
Mattila. 2014. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 2013. 
NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-532. 414 p.
Carretta, J.V., E. Oleson, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, K.A. Forney, J. 
Baker, B. Hanson, K Martien, M.M. Muto, M.S. Lowry, J. Barlow, D. 
Lynch, L. Carswell, R.L. Brownell Jr., D.K. Mattila, and M.C. Hill. 
2016. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 2015. NOAA 
Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-561. 426 p.
Carretta, J.V., M.M. Muto, S. Wilkin, J. Greenman, K. Wilkinson, M. 
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[[Page 54040]]


    Dated: August 9, 2016.
Paul Doremus,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-19346 Filed 8-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P