Notice2021-28013
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 27, 2021
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 245 (Monday, December 27, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 245 (Monday, December 27, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 73257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28013]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e2527236027382b3c3d21200e3d2f28232d60202b3a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="274c4e4a094e514255544849675446414a4409494253">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 <a href="https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/">https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/</a> 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: <a href="https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/">https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/</a>. 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]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 27, 2021.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.