[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 13480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06315]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG093


North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The Center of Independent Experts will meet April 16 through 
April 18, 2018 to review the stock assessments for Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Island yellowfin sole, northern rock sole, and Alaska plaice.

DATES: The meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 through 
Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADDRESSES: 
    Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Alaska Fisheries 
Science Center (AFSC), in Building 4, Room 2039, 7600 Sand Point Way 
NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
    Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 
4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501-2252; telephone: (907) 271-
2809.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Stram, NPFMC staff; telephone: 
(907) 271-2809.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Terms of Reference

    1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the assumptions made in 
applying the stock assessment model including how survey indices are 
scaled to the populations. Specifics might include:
    a. How natural mortality estimates are estimated/applied.
    b. Assumptions about survey ``catchability''.
    c. Application of fishery and survey age-specific schedules 
(maturity, body mass, selectivity).
    d. The application (or lack thereof) of a stock-recruitment 
relationship (and associated parameter estimates).
    2. Evaluate the stock assessment approach used focusing 
specifically on how fisheries and survey data are compiled and used to 
assess the stock status relative to stated management objectives under 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements. Elements should consider:
    a. The FMP ``Tier'' designation.
    b. Fishing rate estimation relative to overfishing definitions.
    c. Stock status determinations relative to BMSY.
    3. Recommend how assessment data and/or models could be improved.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other 
auxiliary aids should be directed to Shannon Gleason at (907) 271-2809 
at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date.

    Dated: March 26, 2018.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06315 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P