[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43527-43528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16894]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB293]


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly 
Migratory Species Advisory Panel

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

ACTION: Notice of public webinars/conference calls.

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SUMMARY: NMFS will hold a 3-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) 
Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in September 2021. The intent of the HMS AP 
meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of 
Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public.

[[Page 43528]]


DATES: The AP meeting will be held by webinar and conference call from 
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8; from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
on Thursday, September 9; and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, 
September 10.

ADDRESSES: The meetings will be accessible via conference call and 
webinar. Conference call and webinar access information are available 
at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/september-2021-hms-advisory-panel-meeting.
    Participants are strongly encouraged to log/dial in 15 minutes 
prior to the meeting. NMFS will show the presentations via webinar and 
allow public comment during identified times on the agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cooper at (301) 427-8503 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic HMS fisheries are managed under the 
dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and the 
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). The 2006 
Consolidated Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated 
HMS FMP) and its amendments are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR 
part 635.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the establishment of APs and 
requires NMFS to consult with and consider the comments and views of AP 
members during the preparation and implementation of FMPs or FMP 
amendments. 16 U.S.C. 1854(g)(1)(A)-(B). NMFS meets with the HMS AP 
approximately twice each year to consider potential alternatives for 
the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfish, 
and shark fisheries, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    For this meeting, we anticipate discussing:
     Bluefin tuna fisheries management, including multiple 
sessions dedicated to Draft Amendment 13;
     The progress regarding a Report to Congress on an 
``assessment of fishing interference'' by sharks and dolphins on 
commercial, charter, and recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and 
South Atlantic as directed by the 2021 Appropriations Act Joint 
Explanatory Statement;
     The HMS best scientific information available (BSIA) 
framework draft document;
     The progress regarding spatial management models and 
considerations;
     Gear considerations and pelagic and demersal indicator 
species lists; and
     A plan to establish term limits for HMS AP members.
    Additional information on the meetings and a copy of the draft 
agenda will be posted prior to the meeting at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/september-2021-hms-advisory-panel-meeting.

    Dated: August 3, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16894 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
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