[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20609-20615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-09685]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 190214116-9116-01]
RIN 0648-BI69


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery; Fishing Year 2019 Recreational Management 
Measures

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS proposes fishing year 2019 recreational management 
measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock and Georges Bank cod. This 
action is necessary to respond to updated catch and other scientific 
information. The proposed measures are intended to ensure the 
recreational fishery achieves, but does not exceed, its fishing year 
2019 catch limits.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 28, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2018-0140, 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-2018-0140.
    2. Click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, 
and
    3. Enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to: Michael Pentony, 
Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, 55 Great 
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope, 
``Comments on the Fishing Year 2019 Groundfish Recreational Measures.''
    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).
    Copies of the analyses supporting this rulemaking, including the 
Framework Adjustment 57 environmental assessment (EA) prepared by the 
New England Fishery Management Council are available from: Michael 
Pentony, Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, 55 
Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. The supporting documents 
are also accessible via the internet at: http://www.nefmc.org/management-plans/northeast-multispecies or http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Keiley, Fishery Management 
Specialist, phone: 978-281-9116; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 20610]]

Table of Contents

1. Proposed Gulf of Maine Recreational Management Measures for 
Fishing Year 2019
2. Proposed Georges Bank Cod Recreational Management Measures for 
Fishing Year 2019

1. Proposed Gulf of Maine Recreational Management Measures for Fishing 
Year 2019

Background

    The recreational fishery for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod and haddock is 
managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). 
The multispecies groundfish fishery opens on May 1 each year and runs 
through April 30 of the following calendar year. The FMP sets sub-
annual catch limits (sub-ACL) for the recreational fishery each fishing 
year for both species. These sub-ACLs are a fixed proportion of the 
overall catch limit for each stock. The FMP also includes proactive 
recreational accountability measures (AM) to prevent the recreational 
sub-ACLs from being exceeded and reactive AMs to correct the cause or 
mitigate the effects of an overage if one occurs.
    The proactive AM provision in the FMP requires the Regional 
Administrator, in consultation with the New England Fishery Management 
Council, to develop recreational management measures for the upcoming 
fishing year to ensure that the recreational sub-ACL is achieved, but 
not exceeded. The provisions authorizing this action can be found in 
the FMP's implementing regulations at 50 CFR 648.89(f)(3).
    According to the 2017 stock assessments, the GOM cod and haddock 
stocks are increasing, although cod remains overfished and subject to a 
rebuilding plan. Framework Adjustment 57 to the FMP set 2018 and 2019 
ACLs and sub-ACLs based on the updated assessments. Framework 58, as 
approved by the Council, does not adjust the fishing year 2019 
recreational sub-ACLs for GOM cod or haddock, and the 2019 sub-ACLs 
remain at the same level as in 2018. The 2019 recreational sub-ACL for 
GOM cod is 220 mt, the 2019 recreational sub-ACL for GOM haddock is 
3,358 mt.
    Compared to preliminary estimates of 2018 catch, the fishing year 
2019 sub-ACLs would allow for a 379-percent increase in haddock catch, 
and a 57-percent increase in cod catch (Table 1). Status quo measures 
are projected to result in cod and haddock catch below the 2019 sub-
ACLs.

          Table 1--Preliminary Fishing Year 2018 Catch Compared to Fishing Year 2018 and 2019 Sub-ACLs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Change in 2018
                                                   2018 and 2019  Estimated 2018   Percent of FY  catch to reach
                    GOM Stock                      sub-ACLs (mt)    catch (mt)     2018 sub-ACL    2019 sub-ACL
                                                                                      caught         (percent)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod.............................................             220             140              64              57
Haddock.........................................           3,358             700              21             379
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2019 Council Consultation Process and Timing

    The analysis of potential recreational measures was delayed by the 
partial Federal government shutdown, and, as a result, the Council's 
Recreational Advisory Panel (RAP) was unable to meet prior to the 
January Council meeting. At the January 2019 meeting, the Council 
passed a motion to modify the consultation process this year, 
authorizing the Executive Committee to make final Council 
recommendations to the agency. The RAP met and developed 
recommendations on February 22, 2019. The Groundfish Committee reviewed 
the RAP's recommendations at its February 26 meeting. The Executive 
Committee reviewed both sets of recommendations by correspondence. 
Table 2 summarizes the recommendations made by the RAP and Groundfish 
Committee. As authorized by and on behalf of the Council, the Council's 
Executive Committee recommended that we adopt measures as proposed by 
the Groundfish Committee.

           Table 2--Summary of the Status Quo Measures and the Measures Recommended by the RAP, Groundfish Committee, and Executive Committee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           GOM haddock                                                  GOM cod
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Option                    Daily                                                       Daily
                                     possession        Minimum size           Open season        possession        Minimum size          Open season
                                        limit                                                       limit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status Quo.......................              12  17'' (43.2 cm)......  May 1-Sept 16; Nov 1-                          Closed.
                                                                          Feb 28; Apr 15-Apr
                                                                          30.
                                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
RAP Preferred....................              15  15'' (31.1 cm)......  All Year............               1  19'' (2.9 cm).......  Aug and Apr.
RAP Backup.......................              15  15'' (31.1 cm)......  All Year............               1  21'' (51.3 cm)......  Aug and Apr.
Groundfish Committee.............              15  15'' (31.1 cm)......  May 1-Feb 28; Apr 15-              1  21'' (51.3 cm)......  Sept 15-30; Apr 15-
                                                                          Apr 30.                                                     Apr 30.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis and Uncertainty

    Preliminary estimates of GOM cod and haddock catch for fishing year 
2018 indicate that the recreational fishery will not achieve the 2018 
sub-ACL of either stock. The bioeconomic model projects that measures 
for both stocks can be liberalized without the 2019 recreational 
fishery's sub-ACLs being exceeded. The bioeconomic model's predicted 
probabilities that catch will remain at or below the sub-ACLs are 
informative. However, the model frequently underestimates effort and 
catch, resulting in the selection of

[[Page 20611]]

management measures that do not successfully constrain catch to the 
sub-ACL. In recent years, despite utilization of the bioeconomic model 
to inform management measures, the recreational fishery exceeded their 
sub-ACL for GOM cod four out of five years and, in two of those years, 
this contributed to overages of the acceptable biological catch (ABC).
    The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data used in the 
bioeconomic model are also highly variable from year to year. Data from 
the MRIP are processed throughout the fishing year as new data arrive 
for each wave (2-month periods), and older data are updated as needed. 
Incorporation of new waves, or updates, may result in changes to the 
model output. This combination of factors makes it difficult to produce 
consistent predictions and to assess the underlying reasons for the 
discrepancies between the model's predicted catch and estimates of 
actual catch.
    This year, in addition to the uncertainty described above, there 
are several factors that, when combined, make this particular year's 
model estimates more uncertain than in any other year we have used the 
model:
    (1) The bioeconomic model is relying on projections from stock 
assessments that are 3 years beyond the assessments' terminal year. 
Projections from stock assessments become inherently more uncertain as 
time progresses. The last assessment for GOM cod and haddock occurred 
in 2017, and the last year of data used in those assessments was from 
2016. The bioeconomic model uses these projections to inform 
assumptions about the population structure. Utilization of projections 
from that model to inform what is happening to the stocks in fishing 
year 2019 and 2020 is highly uncertain.
    (2) MRIP catch and effort estimates (1981-2017) based on the 
Coastal Household Telephone Survey (CHTS) were transitioned to the new, 
mail-based Fishing Effort Survey (FES). However, the most recently 
available stock assessments and sub-ACLs were based on the CHTS 
estimates. Evaluation of catch and development of management measures 
will continue to use data in the CHTS-equivalent until new assessments 
are conducted for these two stocks using FES information. That means, 
for fishing year 2018, FES data had to be converted back into CHTS 
values. The introduction of another model (back-calibration from CHTS 
to FES) and the associated assumptions adds a new layer of uncertainty.
    (3) The bioeconomic model is predicting effort and behavior in 
months that have been closed in recent years. The bioeconomic model 
uses behavior (effort and catch) in the previous year, in this case 
fishing year 2018, to tune the model to predict what is likely to occur 
in the next fishing year. This creates a challenge when the model needs 
to predict behavior during time periods that have been closed in the 
prior year. It is more difficult, and there is additional uncertainty 
when trying to model less restrictive management measures.
    Given the potentially significant uncertainty in the model 
estimates from this combination of factors, the Groundfish Plan 
Development Team and members of the RAP suggested re-running the model 
using averaged MRIP data and different assumptions about recruitment. 
Due to time constraints, these analyses could not be produced in time 
for consideration by the RAP, Groundfish Committee, or the Executive 
Committee. We are including the results in this proposed rule.
    We conducted sensitivity runs to evaluate alternatives using 
different assumptions within the bioeconomic model to capture some of 
the uncertainty described above. To reduce the uncertainty associated 
with using back-calibrated MRIP data for fishing year 2018, the 
bioeconomic model was re-calibrated to use the average MRIP effort 
estimate from fishing years 2016-2018 (152,340 angler trips) instead of 
the fishing year 2018 value (124,994 angler trips). Using an average 
that includes 2 years of data that was not back calibrated may address 
some of the uncertainty associated with the back calibration of 2018 
data. Using the average effort results in higher estimated cod and 
haddock mortality in fishing year 2019 under all of the options. To 
address some of the biological projection uncertainty since the 
terminal year of the current assessment is from 2016, we replaced the 
2019 projections with the 2017 projected stock structure. This provides 
a far less optimistic view of recruitment, which based on recent 
surveys is likely more realistic. This assumption results in slightly 
higher average cod catch-per-trip (by weight) in the model's 
projections and increases cod mortality across all of the options.

                                                      Table 3--Fishing year 2019 GOM Cod and Haddock Projections From the Bioeconomic Model
                                                                           [Sensitivity model run results in italics]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              GOM haddock                                                      GOM cod
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Predicted
               Option                     Daily                                                          Daily                                                     haddock catch   Predicted cod
                                       possession         minimum size            Open season         possession         minimum size           Open season             (mt         catch (mt)
                                          limit                                                          limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status Quo.........................              12  17'' (43.2 cm)........  May 1-Sept 16; Nov 1-                             Closed.                                 791 (839)       114 (154)
                                                                              Feb 28; Apr 15-Apr
                                                                              30.
                                                                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------
RAP Preferred......................              15  15'' (31.1 cm)........  All Year.............               1  19'' (22.9 cm).......  Aug and Apr..........   1,024 (1,061)       138 (201)
RAP Backup.........................              15  15'' (31.1 cm)........  All Year.............               1  21'' (51.3 cm).......  Aug and Apr..........   1,022 (1,060)       134 (196)
Council Recommended NMFS Proposed..              15  17'' (43.2 cm)........  May 1-Feb 28; Apr 15-               1  21'' (51.3 cm).......  Sept 15-30; Apr 15-       992 (1,047)       125 (179)
                                                                              Apr 30.                                                       Apr 30.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Measures

    Given the previously described uncertainty in the model estimates, 
the Groundfish Committee and Executive Committee recommended more 
conservative measures than the RAP, while still allowing a limited 
directed cod fishery. The Committees' preferred option also increases 
access to the healthy haddock stock. We are proposing the Council's 
recommended measures (see Table 4). While the bioeconomic model 
suggests that the RAP preferred and backup options would result in cod 
catch less than the 220 mt sub-ACL, the uncertainty associated with 
those projections is high. The bioeconomic model attempts to describe 
the impact directed haddock fishing has on cod mortality in the Gulf

[[Page 20612]]

of Maine, as the two stocks are often found together. The model shows 
that proposed measures for haddock are likely to increase cod 
interactions, and therefore mortality. The degree to which the new 
haddock measures will affect cod mortality is highly uncertain because 
the model is predicting behavior in months that were previously closed 
(see #3 above).
    GOM cod is overfished and subject to overfishing. The recreational 
fishery has exceeded its GOM cod sub-ACL in four of the last five 
years. These overages have contributed to two overages of the total ACL 
and ABC. The more precautionary proposed measures take into account 
some of the uncertainty described above to reduce the chance of 
exceeding the GOM cod recreational sub-ACL while increasing the 
opportunity for the recreational fishery to achieve the recreational 
sub-ACLs. Given the uncertainty, condition of the GOM cod stock, and 
recent history of recreational management performance, we agree with 
the Council and Groundfish Committee that a more precautionary approach 
is needed this year, and we are therefore, proposing their recommended 
measures.

                             Table 4--Status Quo and Proposed 2019 Recreational Management Measures for GOM Cod and Haddock
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           GOM haddock                                                  GOM cod
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Daily                                                       Daily
                                     possession        Minimum size           Open season        possession        Minimum size          Open season
                                        limit                                                       limit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018 Measures....................              12  17'' (43.2 cm)......  May 1-Sep 16; Nov 1-                           Closed.
                                                                          Feb 28/29; April 15-
                                                                          Apr 30.
                                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
2019 Proposed....................              15  17'' (43.2 cm)......  May 1-Feb 28/29; Apr               1  21'' (51.3 cm)......  Sept 15-30; Apr 15-
                                                                          15-Apr 30.                                                  Apr 30.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Fishing Year 2019 Georges Bank Cod Recreational Management Measures

Background

    As part of Framework 57 to the FMP, the Council provided the 
Regional Administrator authority to adjust the GB cod recreational 
management measures for fishing years 2018 and 2019. Unlike GOM cod and 
haddock, there is no recreational sub-ACL for GB cod and no 
accountability measures for the recreational fishery when an overage 
occurs. The Council did not consider a recreational sub-ACL in 
Framework 57, but the Council recommended a catch target of 138 mt for 
us to use when considering adjustments to GB cod measures. The catch 
target was based on the most recent 5-year (calendar years 2012-2016) 
average recreational catch. The Council expects that measures designed 
to achieve this target amount for the recreational fishery will help 
the overall fishery attain, but not exceed, its overall ACL. We 
adjusted recreational GB cod measures for fishing year 2018. This was 
the first time GB cod recreational measures had been changed since 
2010. We increased the minimum size by 1 inch (2.54 cm) (from 22 to 23 
in, 55.9 to 58.4 cm) and reduced the unlimited for-hire (party/charter) 
bag limit to 10 fish per person, consistent with private vessel's bag 
limit. To avoid using potentially anomalous results from the highly 
variable MRIP catch estimates for GB cod, we used a 3-year average 
catch estimate to better represent long-term trends. We then compared 
that catch estimate with the catch target to determine if adjustments 
to the management measures were needed. Because the 3-year average was 
higher than the catch target, we adjusted fishing year 2018 measures as 
described above.
    This year, the Council asked that we consider alternative methods 
to evaluate GB cod catch and examine management needs. Even if the 
preliminary catch estimate for 2018 was zero, the 3-year average would 
still be greater than the catch target of 138 mt due to an extremely 
high 2016 catch estimate.

Proposed Measures

    Catch of GB cod was substantially less in 2017 (53 mt) compared to 
2016 (477 mt). Preliminary estimates of 2018 catch (57 mt) are similar 
to 2017, indicating that estimated 2016 catch may have been an anomaly 
(Table 5).

  Table 5--Recreational Catch of GB Cod From Fishing Year 2013-2018 and
                     the 3-Year Moving Average Catch
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          3-Year average
              Fishing year                  Catch (mt)      catch (mt)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013....................................             8.0  ..............
2014....................................            91.4  ..............
2015....................................           165.0            88.1
2016....................................           477.5           244.6
2017....................................            53.0           231.8
2018 *..................................            57.0           195.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Catch in 2018 is an estimate.

    Given that 2017 and 2018 catch levels are low compared to the catch 
target, the Executive Committee recommended liberalizing management 
measures for GB cod, reducing the minimum size from 23 inches to 21 
inches (58.4 to 53.3 cm). The Executive Committee's recommendation is 
consistent with the Groundfish Committee's recommendation. The RAP 
proposed a lower minimum size of 19 inches (48.3 cm). We propose the 
Council's recommendations for GB cod (see Table 6). A 21-inch (53.3-cm) 
minimum fish size is consistent with the minimum

[[Page 20613]]

size proposed for GOM cod and is expected to increase catch by 
approximately 20 percent (based on size frequencies of 2018 catch). 
Decreasing the minimum size will allow anglers to retain fish they 
would have caught and then discarded. The estimated increase in catch 
would still result in catch lower than the catch target, if effort in 
2019 is similar to 2017 and 2018. Given the variability and uncertainty 
in the GB cod MRIP estimates, a precautionary approach to revising 
measures is warranted to ensure that the catch target and ACL are not 
exceeded. In addition, having consistent minimum sizes in GOM and GB is 
likely to increase compliance.

                              Table 6--GB Cod Status Quo and Proposed 2019 Measures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Georges Bank cod
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Daily possion
                                                     limit           Minimum size              Open season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018 Measures.................................              10  23'' (58.4 cm)          All Year.
2019 Proposed.................................              10  21'' (53.3 cm)          All Year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classification

    The NMFS Assistant Administrator has made a preliminary 
determination that this proposed rule is consistent with the Northeast 
Multispecies FMP, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and 
other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public 
comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries finds good cause to have 
a 15-day comment period in accord with the Administrative Procedures 
Act and as provided for in the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This rule proposes 
more liberal management measures for GOM cod, haddock, and GB cod 
compared to current recreational management measures. The Northeast 
multispecies fishing year begins on May 1 of each year and continues 
through April 30 of the following calendar year. Further delaying final 
action on these proposed measures to allow for a longer comment period 
than the minimum 15-day amount allowed for by the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
negatively impacts business planning for the for-hire segment of the 
fishery, causes confusion in the fishery, and may result in less 
compliance with the regulations. Additionally, further delay would 
diminish the value to the public of increasing the haddock possession 
limit because haddock are abundant near shore during April-June, making 
this an important season for the recreational haddock fishery. We could 
not have completed the proposed rule earlier because of the 
availability of recreational data from MRIP and the required 
consultation process with the New England Fishery Management Council. 
This rule is straightforward, and proposes changes that were discussed 
during a series of public meetings. These are yearly measures that are 
familiar to and anticipated by fishery participants. Affected and other 
interested parties participated in the Council's process to develop 
this action. Use of a longer comment period would further delay the 
implementation of new recreational management measures which would 
increase negative economic impacts on affected parties.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for this determination is as follows.
    The SBA defines a small commercial finfishing or shellfishing 
business as a firm with annual receipts (gross revenue) of up to $11.0 
million. A small for-hire recreational fishing business is defined as a 
firm with receipts of up to $7.5 million. Having different size 
standards for different types of fishing activities creates 
difficulties in categorizing businesses that participate in multiple 
fishing related activities. For purposes of this assessment business 
entities have been classified into the SBA-defined categories based on 
which activity produced the highest percentage of average annual gross 
revenues from 2015-2017, the most recent 3-year period for which data 
are available. This classification is now possible because vessel 
ownership data have been added to Northeast permit database. The 
ownership data identify all individuals who own fishing vessels. Using 
this information, vessels can be grouped together according to common 
owners. The resulting groupings were treated as a fishing business for 
purposes of this analysis. Revenues summed across all vessels in a 
group and the activities that generate those revenues form the basis 
for determining whether the entity is a large or small business.
    A for-hire owner and operator can be held liable for violations of 
the proposed regulations; thus, for-hire business entities are 
considered directly affected in this analysis. Private anglers are not 
considered ``entities'' under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
    The Northeast Federal landings database (i.e., vessel trip report 
data) indicates that a total of 614 vessels held a multispecies for-
hire fishing permit in 2017 (the most recent full year of available 
data). Of the 614 for-hire permitted vessels only 163 actively 
participated in the for-hire Atlantic cod and haddock fishery in 
fishing year 2017 (i.e., reported catch of cod or haddock).
    Using vessel ownership information and vessel trip report data it 
was determined that the 163 actively participating for-hire vessels are 
owned by 153 unique fishing business entities. The vast majority of the 
153 fishing businesses were solely engaged in for-hire fishing, but 
some also earned revenue from shellfish and/or finfish fishing. The 
highest percentage of annual gross revenues for all but 20 of the 
fishing businesses was from for-hire fishing.
    Average annual gross revenue estimates calculated from the most 
recent three years (2015-2017) indicate that none of the 153 fishing 
business entities had annual receipts of more than $2.8 million from 
all of their fishing activities (for-hire, shellfish, and finfish). 
Therefore, all of the affected fishing business entities are considered 
``small'' by the SBA size standards and thus this action will not 
disproportionately affect small versus large for-hire business 
entities.
    The measures proposed are expected to have a positive economic 
effect on small entities. The proposed measures could increase catch 
and effort, in a scenario when fishing would otherwise be prohibited. 
Providing increased

[[Page 20614]]

fishing opportunities should increase profits.
    This action is not expected to have a significant or substantial 
effect on small entities. The effects on the regulated small entities 
identified in this analysis are expected to be positive relative to 
maintaining the measures in place from 2018. The proposed action 
liberalizes recreational management measures for GOM cod and haddock 
and Georges Bank cod. Under the proposed action, small entities would 
not be placed at a competitive disadvantage relative to large entities, 
and the regulations would not reduce the profit for any small entities. 
As a result, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required 
and none has been prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: May 7, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

0
 1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. In Sec.  648.89, revise paragraphs (b)(1), (c)(1) and (2) as 
follows:


Sec.  648.89   Recreational and charter/party vessel restrictions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Minimum fish sizes. Unless further restricted under this 
section, persons aboard charter or party boats permitted under this 
part and not fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program or under the 
restrictions and conditions of an approved sector operations plan, and 
private recreational fishing vessels may not possess fish in or from 
the EEZ that are smaller than the minimum fish sizes, measured in total 
length, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Minimum size
                 Species                 -------------------------------
                                              Inches            cm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod:
    Inside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\..              21            53.3
    Outside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\.              21            53.3
Haddock:
    Inside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\..              17            43.2
    Outside GOM Regulated Mesh Area \1\.              18            45.7
Pollock.................................              19            48.3
Witch Flounder (gray sole)..............              14            35.6
Yellowtail Flounder.....................              13            33.0
American Plaice (dab)...................              14            35.6
Atlantic Halibut........................              41           104.1
Winter Flounder (black back)............              12            30.5
Redfish.................................               9            22.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.   648.80(a).

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Private recreational vessels. Persons aboard private 
recreational fishing vessels during the open season listed in the 
column titled ``Open Season'' in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this 
section, may not possess more fish in or from the EEZ than the amount 
listed in the column titled ``Possession Limit'' in Table 1 to 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (i) Closed season. Persons aboard private recreational fishing 
vessels may not possess species, as specified in the column titled 
``Species'' in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this section, in or from the 
EEZ during that species closed season as specified in the column titled 
``Closed Season'' in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this section.

                                            Table 1 to Paragraph (c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Species                       Open season            Possession limit          Closed season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod...............................  All Year...............  10.....................  N/A.
GOM Cod..............................  September 15-30; April   1......................  May 1-September 14;
                                        15-30.                                            October 1-April 14.
GB Haddock...........................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GOM Haddock..........................  May 1-February 28 (or    12.....................  March 1-April 14.
                                        29); April 15-30.
GB Yellowtail Flounder...............  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder...........  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder...........  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
American Plaice......................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Witch Flounder.......................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GB Winter Flounder...................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GOM Winter Flounder..................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
SNE/MA Winter Flounder...............  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Redfish..............................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
White Hake...........................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Pollock..............................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
N. Windowpane Flounder...............  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
S. Windowpane Flounder...............  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.

[[Page 20615]]

 
Ocean Pout...........................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Halibut.....................                            See paragraph (c)(3).
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Wolffish....................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Charter or Party Boats. Persons aboard party or charter boats 
during the open season listed in the column titled ``Open Season'' in 
Table 2 to paragraph (c) of this section, may not possess more fish in 
or from the EEZ than the amount listed in the column titled 
``Possession Limit'' in Table 2 to paragraph (c) of this section.

                                            Table 2 to Paragraph (c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Species                       Open season            Possession limit          Closed season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod...............................  All Year...............  10.....................  N/A.
GOM Cod..............................  September 15-30; April   1......................  May 1-September 14;
                                        15-30.                                            October 1-April 14.
GB Haddock...........................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GOM Haddock..........................  May 1-February 28 (or    12.....................  March 1-April 14.
                                        29); April 15-30.
GB Yellowtail Flounder...............  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder...........  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder...........  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
American Plaice......................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Witch Flounder.......................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GB Winter Flounder...................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
GOM Winter Flounder..................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
SNE/MA Winter Flounder...............  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Redfish..............................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
White Hake...........................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
Pollock..............................  All Year...............  Unlimited..............  N/A.
N Windowpane Flounder................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
S Windowpane Flounder................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
Ocean Pout...........................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Halibut.....................                             See Paragraph (c)(3)
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Wolffish....................  CLOSED.................  No retention...........  All Year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-09685 Filed 5-9-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P