[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40353-40368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16070]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 210723-0150]
RIN 0648-BK24
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast
Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 61
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action approves and implements Framework Adjustment 61 to
the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This rule revises
the status determination criteria for Georges Bank and Southern New
England-Mid Atlantic winter flounder, implements a revised rebuilding
plan for white hake, sets or adjusts catch limits for 17 of the 20
multispecies (groundfish) stocks, and implements a universal exemption
for sectors to target Acadian redfish. This action is necessary to
respond to updated scientific information and to
[[Page 40354]]
achieve the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan. The
final measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild
overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management
measures are based on the best scientific information available.
DATES: Effective July 27, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Copies of Framework Adjustment 61, including the
Environmental Assessment, the Regulatory Impact Review, and the
Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis prepared by the New England Fishery
Management Council in support of this action, are available from Thomas
A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50
Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. 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: Liz Sullivan, Fishery Policy Analyst,
phone: 978-282-8493; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
1. Summary of Approved Measures
2. Status Determination Criteria
3. Rebuilding Plan for White Hake
4. Fishing Year 2021 Shared U.S./Canada Quotas
5. Catch Limits for Fishing Years 2021-2023
6. Universal Sector Exemption for Acadian Redfish (Redfish)
7. Comments and Responses on Measures Proposed in the Framework 61
Proposed Rule
8. Changes From the Proposed Rule
1. Summary of Approved Measures
This action approves the management measures in Framework
Adjustment 61 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
(FMP). The measures implemented in this final rule:
Revise the status determination criteria (SDC) for Georges
Bank (GB) and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) winter
flounder and provide the numeric estimates of the SDCs for these
stocks, based on the peer review recommendations;
Implement a revised rebuilding plan for white hake;
Set fishing year 2021 shared U.S./Canada quotas for GB
yellowtail flounder and eastern GB cod and haddock;
Set 2021-2023 specifications, including catch limits, for
nine groundfish stocks and adjust 2021-2022 allocations for seven other
groundfish stocks; and
Implement a universal exemption for sectors to target
redfish.
2. Status Determination Criteria
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center conducted management track
stock assessment updates in 2020 for nine groundfish stocks. This
action revises SDCs for GB and SNE/MA winter flounder, and provides
updated numerical estimates of these criteria, in order to incorporate
the results of the 2020 stock assessments and based on the peer review
recommendations from the 2020 stock assessments. Table 1 provides the
revisions to the SDCs for GB and SNE/MA winter flounder, and Table 2
provides the resulting numerical estimates of the SDCs. While the
numeric estimates are updated based on the revision to the SDCs, we are
not changing the stock statuses for both stocks as a result of this
update. We provided an explanation of the basis for the revision to the
SDCs in the proposed rule (86 FR 33191, June 24, 2021), and it is not
repeated here.
Table 1--Status Determination Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum fishing
Stock Biomass target (SSBMSY Minimum biomass mortality threshold
or proxy) threshold (FMSY or proxy)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Winter Flounder:
Previous SDC..................... SSBMSY................. \1/2\ Btarget.......... FMSY.
Revised SDC...................... SSBMSY: SSB/R (40 \1/2\ Btarget.......... F-40 percent of MSP.
percent MSP).
SNE/MA Winter Flounder:
Previous SDC..................... SSBMSY................. \1/2\ Btarget.......... FMSY.
Revised SDC...................... SSBMSY: SSB/R (40 \1/2\ Btarget.......... F-40 percent of MSP.
percent MSP).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSB = spawning stock biomass; MSY = maximum sustainable yield; Btarget = target biomass; F = fishing mortality;
SSB/R = spawning stock biomass per recruit; MSP = maximum spawning potential.
Table 2--Numerical Estimates of Status Determination Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMSY or proxy FMSY or proxy
Stock Model/approach (mt) MSY (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Winter Flounder:
Using previous SDC................ VPA..................... 7,394 0.358 2,612
Using revised SDC................. VPA..................... 7,267 0.358 2,573
SNE/MA Winter Flounder:
Using previous SDC................ ASAP.................... 31,567 0.260 9,102
Using revised SDC................. ASAP.................... 12,322 0.284 3,906
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VPA = virtual population analysis; ASAP = age-structured assessment program.
3. Rebuilding Plan for White Hake
Framework 61 revises the rebuilding plan for white hake, which we
more fully described in the proposed rule and Appendix III of the
Framework 61 Environmental Assessment (EA; see ADDRESSES for
information on how to get this document). The approved rebuilding plan
for white hake sets the fishing mortality (F) rate that is required to
rebuild the stock (Frebuild) at 70 percent of the fishing
mortality rate associated with maximum sustainable yield
(FMSY) with an 87-percent probability of achieving the
biomass associated with maximum sustainable yield (BMSY) by
2031, the end of the rebuilding plan. As explained in more detail in
Appendix III of the EA, the approved rebuilding plan accounts for the
white hake's stock status, the needs of fishing communities, and the
interaction of white hake with other multispecies in the groundfish
fishery.
[[Page 40355]]
4. Fishing Year 2021 Shared U.S./Canada Quotas
Management of Transboundary Georges Bank Stocks
As described in the proposed rule, eastern GB cod, eastern GB
haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder are jointly managed with Canada
under the United States/Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. This
action adopts shared U.S./Canada quotas for these stocks for fishing
year 2021 based on 2020 assessments and the recommendations of the
Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC) and consistent with
the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC)
recommendations. The 2021 shared U.S./Canada quotas, and each country's
allocation, are listed in Table 3. Detailed summaries of the
assessments can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/international-affairs/population-dynamics-international-collaboration.
Table 3--2021 Fishing Year U.S./Canada Quotas and Percent of Quota Allocated to Each Country
[mt, live weight]
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Quota Eastern GB cod Eastern GB haddock GB yellowtail flounder
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Total Shared Quota................... 635.................... 14,100................. 125.
U.S. Quota........................... 190.5 (30 percent)..... 6,486 (46 percent)..... 80 (64 percent).
Canadian Quota....................... 444.5 (70 percent)..... 7,614 (54 percent)..... 45 (36 percent).
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The regulations implementing the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing
Understanding require deducting any overages of the U.S. quota for
eastern GB cod, eastern GB haddock, or GB yellowtail flounder from the
U.S. quota in the following fishing year. Based on preliminary data
through June 22, 2021, the U.S. fishery did not exceed its 2020 fishing
year quota for any of the shared stocks. However, if final catch
accounting for the 2020 fishing year indicates that the U.S. fishery
exceeded its quota for any of the shared stocks, we will reduce the
respective U.S. quotas for the 2021 fishing year in an adjustment
action, as soon as possible in the 2021 fishing year. If any fishery
that is allocated a portion of the U.S. quota exceeds its allocation
and causes an overage of the overall U.S. quota, the overage reduction
would be applied only to that fishery's allocation in the following
fishing year. This ensures that catch by one component of the overall
fishery does not negatively affect another component of the overall
fishery.
5. Catch Limits for Fishing Years 2021-2023
Summary of the Catch Limits
This rule replaces default specifications as discussed in detail in
the proposed rule and adopts catch limits for nine groundfish stocks
for the 2021-2023 fishing years based on stock assessments completed in
2020, and fishing year 2021-2022 specifications for GB yellowtail
flounder. Framework 59 (85 FR 45794; July 30, 2020) previously set
2021-2022 quotas for the 10 groundfish stocks not assessed in 2020,
based on assessments conducted in 2019. This action includes minor
adjustments for seven of these stocks for fishing years 2021-2022. The
catch limits implemented in this action, including overfishing limits
(OFL), acceptable biological catches (ABC), and annual catch limits
(ACL), are listed in Tables 4 through 12. A summary of how these catch
limits were developed, including the distribution to the various
fishery components, was provided in the proposed rule and in Appendix
II (Calculation of Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Limits, FY 2021-
FY 2023) to the EA, and is not repeated here. The sector and common
pool sub-ACLs implemented in this action are based on fishing year 2021
potential sector contributions (PSC) and final fishing year 2021 sector
rosters.
Table 4--Fishing Years 2021-2023 Overfishing Limits and Acceptable Biological Catches
[mt, live weight]
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2021 2022 2023
Stock -------------------------------- Percent change ---------------------------------------------------------------
OFL U.S. ABC from 2020 OFL U.S. ABC OFL U.S. ABC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod.................................. UNK 1,308 1 UNK 1,308 .............. ..............
GOM Cod................................. 929 552 0 1,150 552 .............. ..............
GB Haddock.............................. 116,883 82,723 -37 114,925 81,242 .............. ..............
GOM Haddock............................. 21,521 16,794 -15 14,834 11,526 .............. ..............
GB Yellowtail Flounder.................. UNK 80 -33 UNK 80 .............. ..............
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder.............. 71 22 0 184 22 .............. ..............
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder.............. 1,076 823 0 1,116 823 .............. ..............
American Plaice......................... 3,740 2,881 -9 3,687 2,825 .............. ..............
Witch Flounder.......................... UNK 1,483 0 UNK 1,483 .............. ..............
GB Winter Flounder...................... 865 608 8 974 608 1,431 608
GOM Winter Flounder *................... 662 497 11 662 497 662 497
SNE/MA Winter Flounder *................ 1,438 456 -37 1,438 456 1,438 456
Redfish *............................... 13,519 10,186 -15 13,354 10,062 13,229 9,967
White Hake.............................. 2,906 2,147 0 2,986 2,147 .............. ..............
Pollock................................. 28,475 22,062 -20 21,744 16,812 .............. ..............
N. Windowpane Flounder.................. UNK 160 171 UNK 160 UNK 160
[[Page 40356]]
S. Windowpane Flounder.................. 513 384 -10 513 384 513 384
Ocean Pout *............................ 125 87 -31 125 87 125 87
Atlantic Halibut........................ UNK 101 -5 UNK 101 UNK 101
Atlantic Wolffish *..................... 122 92 2 122 92 122 92
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UNK = Unknown.
Note: An empty cell indicates no OFL/ABC is adopted for that year. These catch limits would be set in a future action.
Table 5--Catch Limits for the 2021 Fishing Year
[mt, live weight]
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Common Midwater State
Stock Total ACL Groundfish Sector sub- pool sub- Recreational trawl Scallop Small-mesh waters sub- Other sub-
sub-ACL ACL ACL sub-ACL fishery fishery fisheries component component
A to H A + B + C A B C D E F G H
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod....................................................... 1,250 1,093 1,045 48 ............ ........... ........... ........... 20 137
GOM Cod...................................................... 523 463 262 8.2 193 ........... ........... ........... 48 12
GB Haddock................................................... 78,574 76,622 74,096 2,526 ............ 1,539 ........... ........... 0 414
GOM Haddock.................................................. 15,843 15,575 10,023 258 5,295 156 ........... ........... 56 56
GB Yellowtail Flounder....................................... 78 64 59 5.1 ............ ........... 12 1.5 0.0 0.0
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder................................... 21 16 12 3.6 ............ ........... 2.0 ........... 0.2 3.3
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder................................... 787 692 651 41 ............ ........... ........... ........... 58 37
American Plaice.............................................. 2,740 2,682 2,592 90 ............ ........... ........... ........... 29 29
Witch Flounder............................................... 1,414 1,317 1,273 44 ............ ........... ........... ........... 44 52
GB Winter Flounder........................................... 591 563 517 47 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 27
GOM Winter Flounder.......................................... 482 281 267 14 ............ ........... ........... ........... 194 7.5
SNE/MA Winter Flounder....................................... 441 288 247 41 ............ ........... ........... ........... 21 132
Redfish...................................................... 9,677 9,677 9,537 139 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
White Hake................................................... 2,041 2,019 1,994 25 ............ ........... ........... ........... 11 11
Pollock...................................................... 21,086 18,549 18,355 193 ............ ........... ........... ........... 1,434 1,103
N. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 150 108 na 108 ............ ........... 31 ........... 0.8 10
S. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 371 43 na 43 ............ ........... 129 ........... 23 177
Ocean Pout................................................... 83 50 na 50 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 33
Atlantic Halibut............................................. 97 73 na 73 ............ ........... ........... ........... 20 3.5
Atlantic Wolffish............................................ 86 86 na 86 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
na: not allocated to sectors.
Table 6--Catch Limits for the 2022 Fishing Year
[mt, live weight]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Midwater State
Stock Total ACL Groundfish Sector sub- pool sub- Recreational trawl Scallop Small-mesh waters sub- Other sub-
sub-ACL ACL ACL sub-ACL fishery fishery fisheries component component
A to H A + B + C A B C D E F G H
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod....................................................... 1,250 1,093 1,045 48 ............ ........... ........... ........... 20 137
GOM Cod...................................................... 523 463 262 8.2 193 ........... ........... ........... 48 12
GB Haddock................................................... 77,168 75,250 72,770 2,481 ............ 1,511 ........... ........... 0 406
GOM Haddock.................................................. 10,873 10,690 6,879 177 3,634 107 ........... ........... 38 38
GB Yellowtail Flounder....................................... 78 64 59 5.1 ............ ........... 12 1.5 0 0
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder................................... 21 16 12 3.6 ............ ........... 2.0 ........... 0.2 3.3
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder................................... 787 692 651 41 ............ ........... ........... ........... 58 37
American Plaice.............................................. 2,687 2,630 2,542 89 ............ ........... ........... ........... 28 28
Witch Flounder............................................... 1,414 1,317 1,273 44 ............ ........... ........... ........... 44 52
GB Winter Flounder........................................... 591 563 517 47 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 27
[[Page 40357]]
GOM Winter Flounder.......................................... 482 281 267 14 ............ ........... ........... ........... 194 7.5
SNE/MA Winter Flounder....................................... 441 288 247 41 ............ ........... ........... ........... 21 132
Redfish...................................................... 9,559 9,559 9,421 138 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
White Hake................................................... 2,041 2,019 1,994 25 ............ ........... ........... ........... 11 11
Pollock...................................................... 16,068 14,135 13,988 147 ............ ........... ........... ........... 1,093 841
N. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 150 108 na 108 ............ ........... 31 ........... 0.8 10
S. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 371 43 na 43 ............ ........... 129 ........... 23 177
Ocean Pout................................................... 83 50 na 50 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 33
Atlantic Halibut............................................. 97 73 na 73 ............ ........... ........... ........... 20 3.5
Atlantic Wolffish............................................ 86 86 na 86 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
na: not allocated to sectors.
Table 7--Catch Limits for the 2023 Fishing Year
[mt, live weight]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Midwater State
Stock Total ACL Groundfish Sector sub- pool sub- Recreational trawl Scallop Small-mesh waters sub- Other sub-
sub-ACL ACL ACL sub-ACL fishery fishery fisheries component component
A to H A + B + C A B C D E F G H
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod *..................................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
GOM Cod *.................................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
GB Haddock *................................................. ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
GOM Haddock *................................................ ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
GB Yellowtail Flounder **.................................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder *................................. ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder *................................. ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
American Plaice *............................................ ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
Witch Flounder *............................................. ........... ........... ........... ........... ............ ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
GB Winter Flounder........................................... 591 563 517 47 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 27
GOM Winter Flounder.......................................... 482 281 267 14 ............ ........... ........... ........... 194 7.5
SNE/MA Winter Flounder....................................... 441 288 247 41 ............ ........... ........... ........... 21 132
Redfish...................................................... 9,469 9,469 9,332 136 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
White Hake *.................................................
Pollock *....................................................
N. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 150 108 na 108 ............ ........... 31 ........... 0.8 10
S. Windowpane Flounder....................................... 371 43 na 43 ............ ........... 129 ........... 23 177
Ocean Pout................................................... 83 50 na 50 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 33
Atlantic Halibut............................................. 97 73 na 73 ............ ........... ........... ........... 20 3.5
Atlantic Wolffish............................................ 86 86 na 86 ............ ........... ........... ........... 0 0
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na: not allocated to sectors.
* These stocks only have an allocation for fishing years 2021-2022, previously approved in Framework 59.
** Framework 61 approves allocations for GB yellowtail flounder for fishing years 2021 and 2022 only.
Table 8--Fishing Years 2021-2023 Common Pool Trimester TACs
[mt, live weight]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021 2022 2023
Stock --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trimester 1 Trimester 2 Trimester 3 Trimester 1 Trimester 2 Trimester 3 Trimester 1 Trimester 2 Trimester 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod............................. 13.4 16.3 18.2 13.4 16.3 18.2 ........... ........... ...........
GOM Cod............................ 4.0 2.7 1.5 4.0 2.7 1.5 ........... ........... ...........
GB Haddock......................... 682.0 833.5 1010.4 669.8 818.6 992.3 ........... ........... ...........
GOM Haddock........................ 69.6 67.1 121.2 47.8 46.0 83.2 ........... ........... ...........
GB Yellowtail Flounder............. 1.0 1.5 2.6 1.0 1.5 2.6 ........... ........... ...........
SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder......... 0.8 1.0 1.8 0.8 1.0 1.8 ........... ........... ...........
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder......... 23.6 10.8 7.0 23.6 10.8 7.0 ........... ........... ...........
[[Page 40358]]
American Plaice.................... 66.8 7.2 16.3 65.5 7.1 15.9 ........... ........... ...........
Witch Flounder..................... 24.3 8.8 11.0 24.3 8.8 11.0 ........... ........... ...........
GB Winter Flounder................. 3.7 11.2 31.7 3.7 11.2 31.7 3.7 11.2 31.7
GOM Winter Flounder................ 5.1 5.3 3.5 5.1 5.3 3.5 5.1 5.3 3.5
Redfish............................ 34.8 43.2 61.3 34.4 42.7 60.6 34.1 42.3 60.0
White Hake......................... 9.5 7.8 7.8 9.5 7.8 7.8 ........... ........... ...........
Pollock............................ 54.1 67.6 71.5 41.2 51.5 54.5 ........... ........... ...........
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Table 9--Common Pool Incidental Catch TACs for the 2021-2023 Fishing Years
[mt, live weight]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage of
Stock common pool 2020 2021 2022
sub-ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod.......................................... 1.68 0.81 0.81 ..............
GOM Cod......................................... 1 0.08 0.08 ..............
GB Yellowtail Flounder.......................... 2 0.10 0.10 ..............
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder...................... 1 0.41 0.41 ..............
American Plaice................................. 5 4.51 4.43 ..............
Witch Flounder.................................. 5 2.21 2.21 ..............
SNE/MA Winter Flounder.......................... 1 0.41 0.41 0.41
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 10--Percentage of Incidental Catch TACs Distributed to Each
Special Management Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular B DAS Eastern U.S./
Stock program CA haddock
(percent) SAP (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod.................................. 60 40
GOM Cod................................. 100 n/a
GB Yellowtail Flounder.................. 50 50
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder.............. 100 n/a
American Plaice......................... 100 n/a
Witch Flounder.......................... 100 n/a
SNE/MA Winter Flounder.................. 100 n/a
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 11--Fishing Years 2021-2023 Incidental Catch TACs for Each Special Management Program
[mt, live weight]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular B DAS program Eastern U.S./Canada haddock SAP
Stock -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod.................................................. 0.48 0.48 .............. 0.32 0.32 ..............
GOM Cod................................................. 0.08 0.08 .............. n/a n/a n/a
GB Yellowtail Flounder.................................. 0.05 0.05 .............. 0.05 0.05 ..............
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder.............................. 0.41 0.41 .............. n/a n/a n/a
American Plaice......................................... 4.51 4.43 .............. n/a n/a n/a
Witch Flounder.......................................... 2.21 2.21 .............. n/a n/a n/a
SNE/MA Winter Flounder.................................. 0.41 0.41 0.41 n/a n/a n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 12--Fishing Years 2021-2023 Regular B DAS Program Quarterly Incidental Catch TACs
[mt, live weight]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021 2022 2023
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Stock Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
(13 (29 (29 (29 (13 (29 (29 (29 (13 (29 (29 (29
percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent) percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GB Cod...................................................... 0.06 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.06 0.14 0.14 0.14 ......... ......... ......... .........
GOM Cod..................................................... 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 ......... ......... ......... .........
GB Yellowtail Flounder...................................... 0.007 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 ......... ......... ......... .........
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder.................................. 0.05 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.05 0.12 0.12 0.12 ......... ......... ......... .........
American Plaice............................................. 0.59 1.31 1.31 1.31 0.58 1.28 1.28 1.28 ......... ......... ......... .........
Witch Flounder.............................................. 0.29 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.29 0.64 0.64 0.64 ......... ......... ......... .........
SNE/MA Winter Flounder...................................... 0.05 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.05 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.05 0.12 0.12 0.12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 40359]]
Sector Annual Catch Entitlements (ACE)
At the start of the 2021 fishing year, we allocated stocks to each
sector, based on the catch limits set by prior frameworks. This rule
updates the ACE allocated to sectors based on the catch limits approved
in Framework 61, fishing year 2021 PSC, and final fishing year 2021
sector rosters. We calculate a sector's allocation for each stock by
summing its members' PSC for the stock and then multiplying that total
percentage by the commercial sub-ACL for that stock. The process for
allocating ACE to sectors is further described in the final rule
allocating ACE to sectors for fishing year 2021 (86 FR 22898; April 30,
2021) and is not repeated here. Table 13 shows the cumulative PSC by
stock for each sector for fishing year 2021. Tables 14 and 15 show the
ACEs allocated to each sector for fishing year 2021, in pounds and
metric tons, respectively. We have included the common pool sub-ACLs in
tables 13 through 15 for comparison.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[[Page 40360]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28JY21.022
[[Page 40361]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28JY21.023
[[Page 40362]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28JY21.024
[[Page 40363]]
6. Universal Sector Exemption for Acadian Redfish
This rule approves and implements a new universal sector exemption
that allows sector vessels to target redfish within a defined area
using a 5.5-inch (14.0-centimeter (cm)) mesh codend. Redfish is a
healthy stock that sectors already harvest under a sector exemption
that is evaluated and approved as part of the sector operations plan
process annually or biennially. As part of this rule, we are also
eliminating the current sector exemption for redfish, to prevent
conflict and confusion between two very similar exemptions, consistent
with the Council's intent to replace the current redfish sector
exemption with a new universal redfish exemption for sectors.
The approved universal sector exemption expands the current redfish
exemption area (Figure 1), creates two seasonal closures of the redfish
exemption area, adds a 55-percent or greater annual redfish catch
threshold, modifies the existing monthly catch and discard thresholds,
and creates provisions that require sectors to be placed in
probationary status and/or have their vessels prohibited from using the
universal exemption if catch or discard thresholds are not met. The
reporting and monitoring requirements of the universal exemption remain
the same as the annually approved redfish exemption; however, those
requirements are codified in regulation rather than detailed in sector
operations plans. A complete description of the universal exemption is
described in the proposed rule, and is not repeated here. The universal
redfish exemption, instead of an annual sector exemption, is intended
to increase stability for fishery participants and to improve Council
oversight of the redfish fishery.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28JY21.025
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
7. Comments and Responses on Measures Proposed in the Framework 61
Proposed Rule
We received comments on the Framework 61 proposed rule from
Sustainable Harvest Sector (SHS), Northeast Sector Service Network
(NESSN), Associated Fisheries of Maine (AFM), Conservation Law
Foundation (CLF), and the New England Fishery Management Council. Only
comments that were applicable to the proposed measures are addressed
below.
General Comments on Framework 61
Comment 1: NESSN commented in support of NMFS waiving the cooling
off period in order to ensure the fishery can continue to operate
seamlessly between the default specifications and the implementation of
this action. AFM also urged swift approval of the
[[Page 40364]]
framework to prevent a disruption to the fishery due to the expiration
of default specifications on July 31.
Response 1: We agree. For the reasons discussed in the
Classification section of this final rule, the Assistant Administrator
for Fisheries finds that there is good cause to waive the 30-day
delayed effectiveness of this action.
Catch Limits for Fishing Years 2021-2023
Comment 2: CLF commented that NMFS should disapprove the catch
limits for GOM cod and GB cod as proposed in Framework 61, because they
will not rebuild the stocks. Additionally, CLF urged NMFS to take
emergency action to implement interim measures for GOM cod.
Response 2: The OFLs and ABCs for GOM cod and GB cod were set by
Framework 59, which was approved on July 28, 2020, and are not subject
to approval or disapproval in this action. The changes to the
specifications for all groundfish stocks were summarized in Table 4 of
the proposed rule. For GOM cod, the only change under consideration in
Framework 61 is an adjustment to the sub-components, which results in a
change only to the sub-ACLs for the stock. For GB cod, Framework 61 is
adjusting the sub-components, as well as setting a new U.S. ABC, but
the total ABC and ACL are unchanged and were not subject to change in
this action. The new U.S. ABC is due to a small decrease in the eastern
GB cod TAC and a slight increase in the portion of this shared U.S./
Canada quota that is allocated to the United States, consistent with
the TMGC recommendations. To disapprove the changes as proposed in
Framework 61 would mean the continuation of the sub-ACLs and sub-
components, and of the U.S. ABC for GB cod, as set by Framework 59.
Because the sub-ACLs and sub-components are adjusted based on the most
recent catch data for state and other fisheries (see Appendix II of the
EA for a full description of this process), disapproval of the proposed
changes would result in specifications based on outdated information.
Disapproval of the U.S. ABC for GB cod would go against the
recommendations of the TMGC. Therefore, we are approving the proposed
changes to the specifications of GOM cod and GB cod, which are based on
the best scientific information available and consistent with National
Standard 2. A request for emergency action would be considered separate
from the Council's recommended measures in this action, and we are
therefore not addressing it here.
Universal Sector Exemption for Acadian Redfish
Comment 3: SHS, NESSN, and AFM support the universal sector
exemption for redfish. AFM cited an increase in the spring survey index
for redfish between 2019 and 2021.
Response 3: We agree. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, we
have approved the universal sector exemption for redfish as proposed.
Data from the spring 2021 survey will be considered in the next stock
assessment for redfish, which will be used to help evaluate the stock
status and the performance and appropriateness of this universal
exemption.
Comment 4: SHS and NESSN identified a typographical error in the
regulatory text. In Table 14 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii), the latitude of
point H should be 42[deg]00' N, not 42[deg]20' N.
Response 4: We have corrected the coordinate in the final
regulatory text as noted by SHS and NESSN.
Comment 5: SHS requested clarification regarding the timing of when
a vessel must submit the redfish exemption fishing notification. Under
the previous redfish exemption, the notification must be submitted by a
vessel once inside the redfish exempted area. SHS asked whether this
was also required under the proposed universal sector exemption.
Response 5: The commenter is correct that the previous redfish
exemption required that vessels submit the notification once the vessel
has entered the redfish exemption area, which is also the intent of the
new universal redfish exemption. We have updated the regulatory text to
make it clear that vessels must enter the redfish exemption area before
sending the notification.
Comment 6: The New England Council commented regarding the use of
the term ``Northeast multispecies,'' rather than the term ``regulated
multispecies and ocean pout,'' in the regulatory text. Specifically,
the Council questioned which term was more appropriate in the paragraph
at 648.85(e)(1)(ii)(C), which states ``No vessel may participate in the
Redfish Exemption Program in any areas that are otherwise closed to
fishing for Northeast multispecies or fishing with trawl gear,
including but not limited to year-round closed areas, seasonal closed
areas, or habitat closures.'' The Council expressed concern that this
language could be misinterpreted to mean that the universal sector
exemption for redfish could not be used in areas where fishing for
silver, red, and offshore hake is not permitted, and therefore the use
of this term would limit the redfish exemption to a smaller area than
what was proposed by the Council in Framework 61.
Response 6: We disagree that a change to the regulatory text is
needed, but agree with the Council's intent for the redfish exemption.
The regulation that the Council cited is intended to prevent vessels
from fishing in closed areas such as regulatory-defined seasonal and
permanent closed areas. NMFS does not include regulatory references to
such areas in the noted paragraph because doing so would be complex--
there are several different sections and paragraphs where these closed
areas are included in the regulations. The regulations very clearly
distinguish between closed areas and areas where minimum mesh sizes and
broad area-based restrictions on fishing apply. As such, NMFS does not
agree with the Council's concern that restrictions in the regulations
on small-mesh fisheries represent ``areas closed to Northeast
multispecies fishing.'' Vessels that fish for silver, red, and offshore
hake are regulated by a series of exemptions to the Northeast
Multispecies FMP. These exemptions allow vessels to be exempt from the
minimum mesh size, provided the vessels operate in specific management
areas and comply with seasonal closures and possession limits. However,
harvest of these stocks is not limited to trips that fall under the
small-mesh exemption. It would not be accurate to describe the areas
outside the small-mesh exemption areas as being closed for silver, red,
and offshore hake, but instead those areas are not open for use of
small-mesh gear (unless otherwise exempted, such as through the
universal sector exemption to target redfish). Therefore, we do not
believe the broader term of ``Northeast multispecies'' limits the use
of the universal sector exemption to areas that are open to the small-
mesh exemption.
Comment 7: CLF expressed concern about increased bycatch of GB cod
in the universal exemption area relative to the 2020 sector exemption
area and that there is an insufficient analysis of the impacts of the
universal exemption on GB cod. Based on its concerns, CLF commented
that NMFS should disapprove the universal exemption as proposed until
it has fully analyzed its potential impact.
Response 7: The Council conducted a thorough review of the proposed
universal exemption relative to the smaller-sized exemption NMFS
implemented through sector operations plans in fishing year 2020. The
Council used the best available information for its consideration,
which is reflected in
[[Page 40365]]
the EA and appendices for Framework 61 (see ADDRESSES). Based on the
available information, the impacts on groundfish species other than
redfish resulting from the proposed universal exemption could be
slightly negative compared to the current sector exemption. We expect
GB cod catch in the universal exemption area to be very low based on
the analysis, although possibly slightly higher than catch from the
2020 exemption area. All GB cod catch will still be attributed towards
a sector's ACE and the total GB cod ACL. The analysis also notes a
higher level of uncertainty with the annual sector exemption program
(if NMFS were to disapprove the universal sector exemption in this
action) as it could change from year to year and would use less
restrictive performance measures to ensure targeting of redfish and
reduced catch of other groundfish species. The universal exemption
allows vessels to target the healthy redfish stock while maintaining
controls to limit catch of other groundfish, including GB cod, to
ensure that catch remains within the catch limits specified for each
stock. NMFS has determined that the measure is consistent with the
Magnuson-Stevens Act in part because it minimizes bycatch to the extent
practicable while allowing opportunity to target a healthy groundfish
stock. We therefore disagree that the measure should be disapproved.
Comment 8: CLF commented that if NMFS approves the universal sector
exemption, it should require the Council to review the exemption after
the next GB cod stock assessment rather than after the next redfish
stock assessment. CLF noted that this review is necessary to be
responsive to the state of the GB cod stock and to ensure that the
exemption is not interfering with the ability to prevent overfishing
and rebuild GB cod.
Response 8: We disagree that the redfish exemption should
incorporate a review of the program following the next assessment of
the GB cod stock rather than following the next redfish stock
assessment. The review of the redfish exemption following the next
redfish stock assessment will ensure that we are not allowing a
directed fishery to target a stock with highly efficient gear if the
stock is overfished or approaching an overfished condition, is
experiencing overfishing, or is otherwise found to be in poor
condition. We will evaluate the fishery based on performance standards
and overall catch, including GB cod, on an ongoing basis through its
monitoring of the fishery. Following assessments for all species and
stocks, the Council and NMFS must consider all sources of fishing
mortality. If the redfish exemption is a source of fishing mortality
that needs to be addressed, the Council will need to consider
modifications of the redfish exemption and any other sources of
unacceptable fishing.
Comment 9: CLF commented that NMFS should require 100-percent at-
sea monitoring on vessels taking redfish exemption trips to verify all
catch--including discards.
Response 9: We disagree that trips taken using the universal sector
exemption require 100-percent at-sea monitoring in fishing year 2021.
We have set the at-sea monitoring coverage level for sectors to monitor
their catch on sector trips including redfish exemption trips. The
fishing year 2021 coverage level was set at the level that could be
practicably achieved in 2021, while the Council continued work on
Amendment 23. This coverage level provides data to monitor the sectors'
performance in the universal exemption for both catch accounting and
for the sectors to manage participating vessel's performance and catch.
Amendment 23 proposes to increase the at-sea monitoring coverage level
to 100 percent, and that action will undergo review and rulemaking
beginning later this year.
8. Changes From the Proposed Rule
The proposed rule included sector and common pool sub-ACLs based on
fishing year 2021 PSCs and final fishing year 2021 sector rosters, but
did not include the PSCs and ACEs allocated to each sector. This rule
includes this information at the sector level.
In the proposed rule, the regulatory text for Table 14 to Paragraph
(e)(1)(ii) defined the latitude of point H as 42[deg]20' N. The
latitude of point H has been updated to correctly specify 42[deg]00' N.
This rule makes a minor adjustment to the regulatory text of the
reporting requirements for the universal redfish exemption to clarify
that the redfish exemption fishing notification required prior to
fishing under the new universal redfish exemption must be sent after a
vessel has entered the redfish exemption area.
Classification
Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this final rule is
consistent with the Northeast Multispecies FMP, other provisions of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law.
This final rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. This final rule does not
contain policies with federalism or takings implications as those terms
are defined in E.O. 13132 and E.O. 12630, respectively.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries finds that there is good
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the 30-day delayed
effectiveness of this action. This action relies on the best available
science to set 2021 catch limits for groundfish stocks and adopts
several other measures to improve the management of the groundfish
fishery. This final rule must be in effect by August 1, 2021, to
capture fully the conservation and economic benefits of Framework 61
and avoid adverse economic impacts.
The development of Framework 61 began in June 2020. In October
2020, the Council voted to revise the Council's 2020 priorities and
include a universal sector exemption for targeting redfish in the
Framework 61 measures. While the Council took final action on the other
Framework 61 measures on December 2, 2020, it did not take final action
on the universal sector exemption until January 26, 2021. The
groundfish fishing year began on May 1, 2021, and the framework was not
formally submitted to NMFS until June 14, 2021. Given the timing of the
Council process, the earliest we were able to publish a proposed rule
for Framework 61 was on June 24, 2021.
A delay in implementation of this rule increases negative economic
effects for regulated entities. Five stocks (redfish, Gulf of Maine
winter flounder, Southern New England winter flounder, ocean pout, and
wolffish), as well as the eastern portions of the GB cod and haddock
stocks, which are jointly managed with Canada, did not have 2021 quotas
set by a previous framework. A separate action implemented a default
quota (35 percent of the 2020 quota) for these stocks that will be in
effect only through July 31, 2021, and will significantly constrain
fishing unless Framework 61 is implemented before that date. After July
31, the default quotas expire, at which point vessels would be
prohibited from fishing in the waters of the Northeast until Framework
61 is effective. The default quotas are especially constraining the
fishery in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area. The majority of fishing in
that region occurs during summer primarily due to the seasonal
geographic distribution of the stocks. Providing timely access to these
stocks is also a potential safety issue. Vessels fish in the summer in
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area (approximately 150-200 miles offshore) to
avoid extremely
[[Page 40366]]
dangerous weather in the winter, spring, and fall.
The 30-day delay in implementation for this rule is unnecessary
because this rule contains no new measures (e.g., requiring new nets or
equipment) for which regulated entities need time to prepare or revise
their current practices. Fishermen who are subject to this action
expect and need timely implementation to avoid adverse economic
impacts. This action is similar to the process used to set quotas every
1-2 years, approves all items as proposed, and contains only quotas and
minor adjustments to the management plan that were discussed at
multiple noticed meetings where the public was provided opportunity to
learn about the action, ask questions, and provide input into the
development of the measures. Affected parties and other interested
parties participated in this public process to develop this action and
expect implementation as close to the beginning of the fishing year on
May 1 as possible. In fact, we received a comment from the Northeast
Sector Service Network urging the agency to waive the 30-day delay.
While this action replaces the current annual sector exemption to
target redfish with the universal sector redfish exemption, the
universal sector exemption was developed in close collaboration with
the industry. The additional operational flexibility and fishing
opportunities that fishermen have become accustomed to and rely on
remain in place under the universal sector exemption, without requiring
changes to fishing practices.
Overall, a delay in implementation of this action would greatly
diminish the benefits of these specifications and other approved
measures. For these reasons, a 30-day delay in the effectiveness of
this rule is impracticable and contrary to the public interest.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration, during the proposed rule stage, that this action would
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual determination for this determination was
published in the proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments
were received regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory
flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648
Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.
Dated: July 23, 2021.
Carrie Robinson,
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is 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. 648.14, add paragraph (k)(21) to read as follows:
Sec. 648.14 Prohibitions.
* * * * *
(k) * * *
(21) Universal sector exemption programs--(i) Redfish Exemption
Program. (A) While fishing under the provisions of the Redfish
Exemption Program, it is unlawful for any person to:
(1) Fish with a codend of mesh smaller than 5.5-inch (14.0-cm)
diamond or square,
(2) Fish outside of the Redfish Exemption Area specified in Sec.
648.85(e)(1)(ii),
(3) Fish in the Redfish Exemption Area Cod Closure specified in
Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(ii)(A) during the closure period,
(4) Fish in the Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II
specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(ii)(B) during the closure period,
(5) Fail to comply with the declaration requirements of the Redfish
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(iv),
(6) Fail to comply with the reporting requirements of the Redfish
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(v), or
(7) Fail to comply with the gear requirements of the Redfish
Exemption Program specified in Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(vii), or fish with
any gear other than trawl.
(B) It is unlawful for any person to fish under the provisions of
the Redfish Exemption Program when prohibited from doing so by the
Regional Administrator under Sec. 648.85(e)(1)(viii)(C), or when
ineligible or prohibited for any other reason.
(ii) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 648.85, add paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 648.85 Special management programs.
* * * * *
(e) Universal exemption programs for sector vessels--(1) Redfish
Exemption Program--(i) Eligibility. Any vessel enrolled in a NMFS
approved Northeast multispecies sector and issued a limited access
Northeast multispecies permit that allows the use of trawl gear
consistent with paragraph (e)(1)(vii) of this section may fish in
compliance with the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program
described in paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) through (viii) of this section,
except those vessels enrolled in a sector whose members have been
prohibited from doing so by the Regional Administrator under paragraph
(e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section, or those vessels ineligible or
prohibited for any other reason. Letters of authorization issued
pursuant to Sec. 648.87(c)(2) shall authorize or prohibit
participation in the program by sector vessels consistent with
paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section.
(ii) Redfish Exemption Area. The Redfish Exemption Area is the area
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order
stated (a chart depicting this area is available from the Regional
Administrator upon request):
Table 14 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N Lat. W Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]55'
B........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]30'
C........................... 43[deg]20' 69[deg]30'
D........................... 43[deg]20' (1)
E........................... 42[deg]53.24' 67[deg]44.55'
F........................... 42[deg]20' (2)
G........................... 42[deg]20' 67[deg]40'
H........................... 42[deg]00' 67[deg]40'
I........................... 42[deg]00' 69[deg]37'
J........................... 42[deg]20' 69[deg]55'
A........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]55'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 US EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]35.07'.
2 US EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]18.17'.
(A) Redfish Exemption Area Cod Closure. No vessel may participate
in the Redfish Exemption Program inside the Redfish Exemption Area Cod
Closure from February 1 through March 31 of each year. The Redfish
Exemption Area Cod Closure is the area defined by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order stated:
Table 15 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N Lat. W Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]55'
B........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]30'
K........................... 42[deg]30' 69[deg]30'
L........................... 42[deg]30' 69[deg]55'
A........................... 43[deg]00' 69[deg]55'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(B) Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II. No vessel may
participate in
[[Page 40367]]
the Redfish Exemption Program inside the Redfish Exemption Area
Seasonal Closure II from September 1 through December 31 of each year.
The Redfish Exemption Area Seasonal Closure II is the area defined by
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Table 16 to Paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(B)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N Lat. W Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
M........................... 42[deg]47.17' 67[deg]40'
F........................... 42[deg]20' (1)
G........................... 42[deg]20' 67[deg]40'
M........................... 42[deg]47.17' 67[deg]40'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 US EEZ longitude, approximately 67[deg]18.17'.
(C) No vessel may participate in the Redfish Exemption Program in
any areas that are otherwise closed to fishing for Northeast
multispecies or fishing with trawl gear, including but not limited to
year-round closed areas, seasonal closed areas, or habitat closures.
(iii) Season. An eligible vessel as described in paragraph
(e)(1)(i) of this section may participate in the Redfish Exemption
Program from May 1 through April 30 of each year as authorized in the
vessel's letter of authorization issued pursuant to Sec. 648.87(c)(2),
unless otherwise prohibited in the letter of authorization under
paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(C) of this section.
(iv) Declaration. To participate in the Redfish Exemption Program
on a sector trip, an eligible vessel must declare its intent to do so
through the VMS prior to leaving the dock, in accordance with
instructions provided by the Regional Administrator.
(A) Pre-trip notification. For the purposes of selecting vessels
for observer deployment or electronic monitoring, a vessel
participating in the Redfish Exemption Program must comply with all
pre-trip notification requirements at Sec. 648.11(l).
(B) [Reserved]
(v) Reporting--(A) Daily catch reporting. The owner or operator of
a vessel that has declared into the Redfish Exemption Program as
required in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section must submit catch
reports via VMS, for each day of the fishing trip. Vessels subject to
the daily reporting requirement must report daily for the entire
fishing trip, including any portion fished outside of the Redfish
Exemption Area. The reports must be submitted in 24-hr intervals for
each day, beginning at 0000 hr and ending at 2359 hr, and must be
submitted by 0900 hr of the following day, or as instructed by the
Regional Administrator. The reports must include at least the following
information:
(1) VTR serial number or other universal ID specified by the
Regional Administrator;
(2) Date fish were caught and statistical area in which fish were
caught; and
(3) Total pounds of each regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean
pout kept (in pounds, live weight) as well as the total pounds of other
kept catch (in pounds, live weight) in each statistical area, as
instructed by the Regional Administrator.
(B) Redfish exemption fishing notification. After the vessel has
entered the Redfish Exemption Area, the owner or operator of a vessel
must submit a redfish exemption fishing notification before switching
to a smaller mesh codend allowed under the Redfish Exemption Program.
This notification is provided with an additional catch report submitted
via VMS, reporting all catch on board and indicating that the vessel is
switching to a smaller mesh codend. This notification indicates that
the vessel is now fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption
Program. Vessels that fail to declare into the Redfish Exemption
Program as required in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section may not
fish under the Redfish Exemption Program even if this notification is
sent. The notification must include at least the following information:
(1) VTR serial number or other universal ID specified by the
Regional Administrator;
(2) Date fish were caught and statistical area in which fish were
caught;
(3) Total pounds of each regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean
pout kept (in pounds, live weight) as well as the total pounds of other
kept catch (in pounds, live weight) in each statistical area, as
instructed by the Regional Administrator; and
(4) Indication that the vessel is now switching to a smaller mesh
codend.
(vi) Area fished. (A) A vessel that has declared its intent to fish
under the Redfish Exemption Program consistent with paragraph
(e)(1)(iv) of this section may conduct the first part of its trip
outside the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program, subject to all
other Northeast multispecies regulations including codend mesh size,
prior to sending a redfish exemption fishing notification as described
in paragraph (e)(1)(v)(B) of this section.
(B) Once a vessel has sent a redfish exemption fishing notification
as described in paragraph (e)(1)(v)(B) of this section, the vessel is
prohibited from fishing outside of the Redfish Exemption Area for the
remainder of its trip.
(vii) Gear requirements. Vessels may only use trawl gear when
declared into and fishing in the Redfish Exemption Program. Vessels may
fish in the Redfish Exemption Program with any trawl gear, including,
but not limited to, otter trawl, haddock separator trawl, flounder
trawl, or Ruhle trawl.
(A) Minimum codend mesh size. The minimum codend mesh size for
vessels fishing in the Redfish Exemption Program is 5.5-inch square or
diamond mesh. All other trawl net restrictions listed in Sec.
648.80(a)(3)(i) and (a)(4)(i), including minimum mesh sizes for the net
body and extensions, still apply.
(B) Gear stowage. Codends with mesh smaller than otherwise
permitted by regulation at Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(i) and (a)(4)(i), or
Sec. 648.87(c)(2)(ii)(D), must be stowed during transit to and from
the Redfish Exemption Area, and when not in use under the Redfish
Exemption Program. Any non-trawl fishing gear must be stowed for the
duration of any trip for which a vessel declared its intent to fish
under the Redfish Exemption Program consistent with paragraph
(e)(1)(iv) of this section. Stowed gear must be not available for
immediate use consistent with definitions in Sec. 648.2
(viii) Catch Thresholds--(A) Monthly Performance Thresholds. (1)
Monthly Redfish Landings Threshold--Monthly redfish landings by a
sector whose member vessels fish under the provisions of the Redfish
Exemption Program may not be less than 50 percent of all the allocated
Northeast multispecies stocks landed each month while fishing under the
provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program.
(2) Monthly Discards Threshold--Monthly observed discards of
regulated Northeast multispecies and ocean pout by a sector whose
member vessels fish under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption
Program may not exceed 5 percent of total observed kept catch, for
those portions of trips fished each month under the provisions of the
Redfish Exemption Program.
(B) Annual Performance Thresholds. (1) Annual Redfish Landings
Threshold--Annual fishing year redfish landings by a sector whose
member vessels fish under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption
Program may be no less than 55 percent of all the allocated Northeast
multispecies stocks landed while fishing under the provisions of the
Redfish Exemption Program.
(C) Administration of Thresholds. (1) If a sector fails to meet the
monthly redfish landings threshold or the monthly discards threshold
described in
[[Page 40368]]
paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section for four or more
months total, or three or more consecutive months, in a fishing year,
the Regional Administrator shall prohibit all vessels in that sector
from fishing under the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program for
the remainder of the fishing year, and place the sector and its vessels
in a probationary status for one fishing year beginning the following
fishing year.
(2) If a sector fails to meet the annual redfish landings threshold
described in paragraph (e)(1)(viii)(B)(1) of this section in a fishing
year, the Regional Administrator shall place the sector and its vessels
in a probationary status for one fishing year beginning the following
fishing year.
(3) While in probationary status as described in paragraph
(e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) or (2) of this section, if the sector fails to meet
the monthly redfish landings threshold or the monthly discards
threshold described in paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(A)(1) and (2) of this
section for four or more months total, or three or more consecutive
months, in that fishing year, the Regional Administrator shall prohibit
all vessels in that sector from fishing under the provisions of the
Redfish Exemption Program for the remainder of the fishing year and the
following fishing year.
(4) If a sector fails to meet the annual redfish landings threshold
in (e)(1)(viii)(B)(1) of this section for any fishing year during which
the sector is in a probationary status as described in paragraph
(e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) or (2) of this section, the Regional Administrator
shall prohibit all vessels in that sector from fishing under the
provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program for the following fishing
year.
(5) The Regional Administrator may determine a sector has failed to
meet required monthly or annual thresholds described in paragraphs
(e)(1)(viii)(A) and (B) of this section using available information
including, but not limited to, vessel declarations and notifications,
vessel trip reports, dealer reports, and observer and electronic
monitoring records.
(6) The Regional Administrator shall notify a sector of a failure
to meet the required monthly or annual thresholds and the sector's
vessels prohibition or probation status consistent with the provisions
in paragraphs (e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) through (5) of this section. The
Regional Administrator shall also make administrative amendments to the
approved sector operations plan and issue sector vessel letters of
authorization consistent with the provisions in paragraphs
(e)(1)(viii)(C)(1) through (5) of this section. These administrative
amendments may be made during a fishing year or during the sector
operations plan and sector contract approval process.
(7) A sector may request in writing that the Regional Administrator
review and reverse a determination made under the provisions of this
section within 30 days of the date of the Regional Administrator's
determination. Any such request must be based on information showing
the sector complied with the required thresholds, including, but not
limited to, landing, discard, observer or electronic monitoring
records. The Regional Administrator will review and maintain or reverse
the determination and notify the sector of this decision in writing.
Any determination resulting from a review conducted under this
provision is final and may not be reviewed further.
(ix) Program review. The Council will review the Redfish Exemption
Program after the first peer-reviewed redfish stock assessment
following implementation of the program. The Council will prepare a
report, which may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of
threshold performance, vessel-level performance, bycatch of non-redfish
stocks, and changes in catch selectivity, and will consider the goals
and objectives of the Redfish Exemption Program and the FMP. The
Council may decide, as needed, to conduct additional reviews following
the review outlined in this section.
(2) [Reserved]
0
4. Amend Sec. 648.87 by revising paragraphs (c)(2)(ii)(B) through (D)
and adding paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(E) to read as follows:
Sec. 648.87 Sector allocation.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) * * *
(B) The GOM Cod Protection Closures IV and V specified in Sec.
648.81(d)(4)(iv) and (v);
(C) NE multispecies DAS restrictions other than those required to
comply with effort controls in other fisheries, as specified in
Sec. Sec. 648.92 and 648.322;
(D) The minimum codend mesh size restrictions for trawl gear
specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(4)(i) when using a haddock separator trawl
defined in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(iii) or the Ruhle trawl defined in Sec.
648.85(b)(6)(iv)(J)(3) within the GB RMA, as defined in Sec.
648.80(a)(2), provided sector vessels use a codend with 6-inch (15.2-
cm) minimum mesh; and
(E) The minimum codend mesh size restrictions for trawl gear
specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(i) or (a)(4)(i) when fishing in
compliance with the provisions of the Redfish Exemption Program defined
in Sec. 648.85(e)(1).
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2021-16070 Filed 7-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P