[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 245 (Monday, December 27, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 73257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28013]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB673]


South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); Public 
Meetings

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

ACTION: Notice of scoping meetings and open public comment.

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SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold a series of scoping meetings via webinar pertaining to Amendments 
51, 52, and 53 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper 
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The amendments adjust 
catch levels for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, and gag based on 
results of the latest stock assessments for those species, 
respectively, and consider adjusting management measures where needed. 
In addition, Amendment 52 considers changes to recreational 
accountability and management measures for blueline tilefish. The 
Council is also soliciting input on ways to reduce the number of 
released fish and improve the survival of released fish by the snapper 
grouper fishery in the South Atlantic region. The Council intends to 
develop a Release Mortality Reduction Framework Amendment to address 
this issue across the fishery and revise red snapper catch levels.

DATES: The scoping meetings for Amendments 51, 52, and 53 will be held 
via webinar on February 1, 2 and 3, 2022. Comments on approaches to 
curb release mortality are being solicited online only at this time to 
assist the Council in narrowing down options that can be explored 
further. Scoping hearings for the resulting amendment will be held 
later in 2022.

ADDRESSES: Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N Charleston, SC 29405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information 
Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 571-4366 or toll free: (866) SAFMC-10; 
fax: (843) 769-4520; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The scoping meetings for Amendments 51, 52, 
and 53 will be conducted via webinar. The scoping meetings will begin 
at 6 p.m. Registration for the webinars is required. Registration 
information, a summary of the issues to be scoped, an online public 
comment form and any additional information will be posted on the 
Council's website at https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/ by January 18, 2022.
    An online public comment form to gather input on approaches to 
reduce release mortality in the snapper grouper fishery will be posted 
on the Council's website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. Public comments on all the topics must be 
received by 5 p.m. on February 4, 2022.

Amendment 51 to the Snapper Grouper FMP

    The Council must adjust catch levels for snowy grouper in response 
to the most recent stock assessment for the species in the region 
conducted through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 
stock assessment process, SEDAR 36 Update (2020). The assessment 
indicated the stock continues to be overfished and is undergoing 
overfishing. A rebuilding plan is already in place for snowy grouper; 
however, catch levels must be adjusted based on the new acceptable 
biological catch recommended by the Council's Scientific and 
Statistical Committee (SSC). In addition, the Council is considering 
modifications to annual catch limits, sector allocations, 
accountability measures, and management measures.

Amendment 52 to the Snapper Grouper FMP

    The stock of golden tilefish in the South Atlantic was most 
recently assessed through SEDAR 66 (2020), which indicated the stock is 
not overfished nor undergoing overfishing but is near the overfishing 
threshold. The Council must adjust catch levels based on the new 
recommended acceptable biological catch, review sector allocations, and 
consider whether other modifications to the management of golden 
tilefish are needed at this time. In the same amendment, the Council is 
also considering revising recreational management measures and 
accountability measures for blueline tilefish.

Amendment 53 to the Snapper Grouper FMP

    Results of SEDAR 71 (2021) indicated the gag stock in the South 
Atlantic is overfished and undergoing overfishing. A rebuilding plan is 
being considered in this amendment to rebuild the stock and adjust 
fishing mortality to end overfishing. In addition to adjusting catch 
levels and sector allocations, the Council is exploring modifications 
to management measures and accountability measures. During the scoping 
meetings, Council staff will present an overview of the issues and will 
be available to answer questions via webinar. Members of the public 
will have an opportunity to go on record to provide their comments for 
consideration by the Council.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the 
Council office (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 days prior to the meeting.

    Note:  The times and sequence specified in this agenda are 
subject to change.

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

    Dated: December 21, 2021.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28013 Filed 12-23-21; 8:45 am]
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