Register (ACFR) issues a regulation granting it official legal status. As described in the 2019 LOF (84 FR 22051, May 16, 2019), six false killer whale M/SI incidental to the deep-set longline fishery were observed inside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Hawaii, including three that occurred close to the outer boundary of the Main Hawaiian Islands Longline Fishing Prohibited Area, in close proximity to the outer boundary of the MHI Insular false killer whale stocks' range. documents in the last year, 20 Any closure will be announced in accordance with Federal regulations at 50 CFR 300.63 (c) and on the NMFS hotline at (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662-9825. See response to comment #11 above about how cases that would have been serious injuries prior to disentanglement are not counted against PBR in the SAR, but are included in the LOF classification process. 03/03/2023, 1465 Jacalen Printz . If NMFS is able to extract more accurate information on the gear types used by state permit holders in the future, the numbers will be updated to reflect this change. AOLA understands that with limited observer coverage and data gaps there is a level of subjectivity into the LOF classification process; however, the process should be equal among fisheries. Response: The SARs are drafted according to NMFS' Guidelines for Preparing Stock Assessment Reports Pursuant to the 1994 Amendments to the MMPA (NMFS 2016, 02-204-01). The fishery classification criteria consist of a two-tiered, stock-specific approach that first addresses the total impact of all fisheries on each marine mammal stock and then addresses the impact of individual fisheries on each stock. the material on FederalRegister.gov is accurately displayed, consistent with American Samoa bottomfish handline fishery from fewer than 30 to fewer than 20 vessels/persons. This rule makes minor corrections and clarifications to the final rule for the 2023-2024 harvest specifications and management measures for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery which published on December 16. Changes made to Mid-Atlantic and New England fishery participants will not affect observer coverage or bycatch estimates, as observer coverage and bycatch estimates are based on vessel trip reports and landings data. Breiwick, M.F. that improve habitat. Harbor porpoise, inland WA, AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands flatfish trawl, AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands pollock trawl, AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands rockfish trawl, AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Pacific cod pot. "We've always been like the punching bag for, like, the whale people. AOLA further states that the 2014 ALWTRP regulations as well as the American lobster fishery management plan regulations, reduced vertical lines and enhanced gear marking in the fishery. Comment 7: HLA restates a previous comment opposing the inclusion of the Hawaii stocks of Kogia species (pygmy or dwarf sperm whales) on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I HI deep-set longline fishery. The Commission states that the clearer case can be made for reclassifying the Category II SE Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery as a Category I fishery. NMFS updates the estimated number of vessels/persons in the Pacific Ocean (Table 1) as follows: NMFS adds the Aleutian Islands stock of harbor seal to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands rockfish trawl fishery. However, the evidence presented is not sufficient to draw these conclusions. More information and documentation can be found in our FLC also states that the BSAI Pacific cod longline fishery is currently classified as a Category II based on a killer whale M/SI in 2012. Commercial and recreational fishing for groundfish contribute jobs and millions of dollars to the economy, but groundfish are in decline. In February 2014, there was an observed interaction with a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) in the Category I HI deep-set longline fishery. Additional details regarding how the categories were determined are provided in the preamble to the final rule implementing section 118 of the MMPA (60 FR 45086; August 30, 1995). Because of this court ruling, NMFS conducted updated status reviews for ESA-listed West Coast steelhead ESUs that took into account those non-anadromous populations below dams and other major migration barriers that were considered to be part of the steelhead ESUs (Good et al., 2005). While NMFS appreciates the state of Maine's efforts to manage the footprint of where individual lobstermen may set their gear, NMFS must look at the risk that the gear itself poses to large whales, particularly North Atlantic right whales. This rule would not affect the land or water uses or natural resources of the coastal zone, as specified under section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Mid-Atlantic mid-water trawl (including pair trawl). However, Maine lobster gear was not the primary entangling gear in these cases. In the 2020 Final LOF, NMFS' response in part to this comment stated: We recognize that there has only been one confirmed mortality (in 2012) in American lobster gear in the past decade. Over the last year, NMFS has made substantial progress in analyzing genetic data to resolve stock structure of harbor porpoise in Southeast Alaska. That Is the Question, Endangered Salmon Regain Access to Healthy West Coast Habitat through 20 Projects Funded by NOAA Fisheries, An Entangled Web: Research Collaboration Unravels Causes and Consequences of Sea Lion Entanglements, We help other federal agencies conserve habitat for protected species and for, to support commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries. NMFS works in partnership with the regional fishery management councils to prevent overfishing, and restore overfished stocks. William Abadie . This rule would not affect species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or their associated critical habitat. Once finalized, the analysis of these data will be helpful in addressing management concerns related to SEAK harbor porpoise and effects from commercial fishing. Bottlenose dolphin, Charleston estuarine system. NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100 . The West Coast Regions Area OfficesCalifornia Coastal, California Central Valley, Interior Columbia Basin, and Oregon and Washington Coastalcarry out integrated watershed-based approaches by focusing on the conservation of anadromous fish, their habitats, and the ecosystems on which they depend. Response: As noted by the Commission, there are four stocks of pantropical spotted dolphins in the Hawaii Islands region: Oahu stock, 4-Islands stock, Hawaii Island stock, and Hawaii pelagic stock. In some cases, more recent information may be available and used in the LOF. Angliss, B.A. NMFS has integrated the MMPA registration process, implemented through the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP), with existing state and Federal fishery license, registration, or permit systems for Category I and II fisheries on the LOF. For more information on how NMFS classifies high seas fisheries on the LOF, see the preamble text in the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 2008). These are intended to either minimize the bycatch of overfished groundfish species or to protect groundfish habitat. . The commenter notes that the primary information used in the 2021 LOF comes from 2019 SARs, which are based on data from 2013-2017. Fishing the Pacific lifts spirits, feeds families and supports the economies of California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. We review federal proposals for land and water development to make sure these activities do not further degrade habitat or harm protected species. NMFS adds two stocks to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III CA squid purse seine fishery: (1) CA/OR/WA stock of Risso's dolphin and (2) U.S. stock of California sea lion. For questions related to West Coast groundfish permits and licenses or the associated forms, please contact the NOAA Fisheries Permit Office at (206) 526-4353. Bottlenose dolphin, Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands. Dahlheim, B.S. Additional information on observer programs in commercial fisheries can be found on the NMFS National Observer Program's website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/fisheries-observers/national-observer-program. Refer to NMFS No. Because fisheries are classified on a per-stock basis, a fishery may qualify as one category for one marine mammal stock and another category for a different marine mammal stock. For additional information on fishing effort in fisheries found on Table 1 or 2, contact the relevant regional office (contact information included above in Where can I find more information about the LOF and the MMAP? As stated previously, should information suggest that unique gear characteristics have lowered the risk of interaction in a particular geographically unique portion of a fishery, NMFS will evaluate to determine if the risk reduction is sufficient for separating the fishery out from the broader, current, classification of the Category I Northeast/mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery. The following stock is making progress towards being rebuilt: For updated information, view our Fishery Stock Status Updates. The SARs are available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-stock-assessment-reports-region. With a few exceptions, groundfish live on or near the bottom of the ocean. Where does NMFS obtain information on the level of observer coverage in a fishery on the LOF? Many vessels holding HSFCA permits also fish within U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and participants operating within those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2. at 67,130. The President of the United States communicates information on holidays, commemorations, special observances, trade, and policy through Proclamations. The criteria are also summarized here. Credit: NOAA Aquaculture Program, NOAA Announces 5-Year Strategic Plan for Aquaculture, Essential Fish Habitat - Groundfish and Salmon, Trawl Rationalization Program Cost Recovery Annual Report: Fee Calculation for 2022 and Fishing Year 2021 Payments, Trawl Rationalization Program Cost Recovery Annual Report: Fee Calculation for 2021 and Fishing Year 2020 Payments, Changes to Pacific Coast Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas and Boundaries of the Trawl Gear Rockfish Conservation Area, Amendment 28 Final Environmental Impact Statement, Trawl Rationalization Program Cost Recovery Annual Report: Fee Calculation for 2019 and Fishing Year 2018 Payments, Depth-Based Boundary Lines on the West Coast, Federal Register Notices for the Trawl Catch Share Program Cost Recovery Program, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative, West Coast Groundfish Commercial Fisheries, West Coast Groundfish Recreational Fisheries, NEPA Documents Available for Public Review, Federal Register Rules and Notices - Open for Comment, Catch and Sample Data (Recreational Fisheries Information Network (RecFIN)), Subscribe to the Recreational Fisheries email list. Green sturgeon are vulnerable to capture in the groundfish fishery by bottom trawl and mid-water trawl gear. How does NMFS determine which species or stocks are included as incidentally killed or injured in a fishery? We also study the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on marine ecosystems and fishery socioeconomics. Fritz, R.C. For fisheries with no observer coverage and for observed fisheries with evidence indicating that undocumented interactions may be occurring (e.g., fishery has low observer coverage and stranding network data include evidence of fisheries interactions that cannot be attributed to a specific fishery), NMFS uses the best available data to inform the LOF; thus, data older than 5 years may be used to retain a fishery classification or the list of species and stocks killed/injured incidental to a fishery. West Coast Region Committed to conserving and protecting our trust resources, the West Coast Region provides science-based conservation and management for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine mammals, sea turtles, and endangered species, and their habitats. Caribbean haul/beach seine fishery from 15 to 38 vessels/person. If you have questions related to these permits and licenses or the associated forms, please contact the West Coast Fisheries Permit Contact at (206) 526-4353. In the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Regions, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners an authorization certificate via U.S. mail automatically at the beginning of each calendar year. As part of her 20+ year tenure with NOAA Fisheries, Korie has worked on several marine and estuary habitat conservation programs nationally and along our West Coast, including national habitat policy for the Office of Habitat Con, Stay informed of all the latest regional news around NOAA Fisheries, Associate Deputy Regional Administrator (ADRA), (Acting), Assistant Regional Administrator, (Acting) Assistant Regional Administrator, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative, whales, pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), sea turtles, fish, and mollusks, Report a Stranded or Entangled Marine Mammal. After publication of the final rule, NMFS noted the need for corrections to The list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured includes serious and non-serious documented injuries as described later in the List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Pacific Ocean and List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean sections. We also ensure that federal ocean fisheries along the West Coast are managed to uphold Native American Tribal treaty fishing rights. for U.S Army Corps of Engineers' (COE) maintenance dredging program for eight federally-authorized navigation channels around the Puget Sound and along the west coast of Washington State. documents in the last year, 822 Seabirds are a vital part of marine ecosystems and are valuable indicators for ecosystem health. The effective date of this final rule is February 16, 2021. 1:04. NMFS Office of Protected Resources (OPR) has authorized take of four species of marine mammals which are listed under the ESA, including the North Atlantic right, fin, sei, and sperm whale, and . Additional species are currently under review or have been proposed for Endangered Species Act listing: 2 petitioned species awaiting a 90-day finding, 15 candidate species for ESA listing, 1 proposed species for ESA listing. Our prolific bays and estuaries nurture Dungeness crabs, oysters, and other delectable shellfish prized around the world. They state that the M/SI should be distributed between stocks based on the relative proportion of the population of the two stocks combined. MMPA section 118 states that the Secretary is not required to place an observer on a vessel if the facilities for quartering an observer or performing observer functions are so inadequate or unsafe that the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized; thereby authorizing the exemption of vessels too small to safely accommodate an observer from this requirement. Based on the information and analysis contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) the required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species . The common entangling mechanism of these gear types are the lazy or easy line. May 10, 2019. Seabird interactions with the groundfish fishery occur primarily with longline vessels and to a lesser extent with trawl vessels. For this reason, the number of HSFCA permits displayed in Table 3 is likely higher than the actual U.S. fishing effort on the high seas. Therefore, some vessel or gear owners in Category III fisheries may receive authorization certificates even though they are not required for Category III fisheries. Sharks and skates: The six species are leopard shark, soupfin shark, spiny dogfish, big skate, California skate, and longnose skate. Boggs, K.A. POC is Gary Rule, NMFS West Coast Region, at gary.rule@noaa.gov, (503) 230-5424. AOLA requests NMFS incorporate more timely data and recent information into the 2021 LOF. NMFS-PIFSC-75. Bottlenose dolphin, Indian River Lagoon estuarine system. This killer whale M/SI occurred in 2012, and no additional M/SI have been observed or reported for the 2013-2017 data analysis timeframe for this fishery. NMFS clarifies that the fishery does not target bluefin tuna, shortfin mako sharks and other shark species. Catch shares allocates each fisherman a share of the allowable catch, as determined by scientific data. Mahaffy, A.M. Gorgone, T. Cullins, D.J. Fisheries Research. We work with partners to protect and restore habitats necessary for species recovery, using an ecosystem-based approach that considers benefits, interactions, and trade-offs for multiple species. Age structure of spawning salmon represents an example of portfolio effects such that the risks of experiencing unfavorable conditions are spread across time. 1531 et seq.) We help other federal agencies conserve habitat for protected species and for essential fish habitat to support commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries. Landed catch is tracked primarily on fish tickets, which are administered by the West Coast States through the Pacific Fisheries Information Network (PacFIN). Our ESA program supports a national focus on species needing immediate action to prevent extinction and species with identified actions that can be immediately implemented. These fishery fact sheets are updated after each final LOF and can be found under How Do I Find Out if a Specific Fishery is in Category I, II, or III? on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources' website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-protection-act-list-fisheries,, linked to the List of Fisheries Summary table. HLA states that the proposed 2021 LOF includes the Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured from the Category II HI shallow-set longline fishery, but the most recent SAR does not identify M/SI in the shallow-set fishery. The West Coast groundfish recreational fisheries are managed by the coastal states with management coordinated in the Pacific Fishery Management Council process. to the courts under 44 U.S.C. However, there have been a number of life-threatening entanglements since 2010 that have resulted in a non-serious injury due to disentanglement intervention. Therefore, the EEZ components of these fisheries pose the same risk to marine mammals as the components operating on the high seas. Over the past 5 years, there have been 4.15 M/SI entanglements documented annually where the origin of the entanglement is unknown (Hayes et al., 2020). As noted previously in this LOF, the number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the high seas components of fisheries that also operate within U.S. waters does not necessarily represent additional effort that is not accounted for in Tables 1 and 2. How does NMFS determine in which category a fishery is placed? by the Foreign Assets Control Office A description of each TRT and copies of each TRP can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-take-reduction-plans-and-teams. Our Science Centers conduct cutting-edge biological, economic, and oceanographic research, as well as observations and monitoring of living marine resources and their environments. The commenter notes that NMFS splits undetermined North Atlantic right whale M/SI evenly between the two countries. To Krill or Not to Krill? List of Terms, Abbreviations, and Symbols Used in Table 3: CACalifornia; GMXGulf of Mexico; HIHawaii; OROregon; WAWashington; WNAWestern North Atlantic; *Fishery is an extension/component of an existing fishery operating within U.S. waters listed in Table 1 or 2. As of 2004, NMFS issues HSFCA permits only for high seas fisheries analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Refer to NMFS No. Ream, E.L. Richmond, K.E.W. Lyman. : WCRO-2021-03107 . NMFS clarifies that this fishery targets shrimp species with various gear types, but mainly utilizes skimmer or otter trawls. Additional information about HSFCA permits can be found at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/high-seas-fishing-permits. Credit: Mary Campbell, Feiro Marine Life Center, Volunteer Group Responds to Strandings on Washingtons Olympic Peninsula, West Coast Species on the Move as Climate Change Drives Ecological Shifts, Analysis Shows, NOAA Fisheries Releases Draft National Seafood Strategy, Requests Public Input. NMFS looks forward to seeing what measures the state of Massachusetts will finalize and implement for the state lobster trap/pot fishery in the future. documents in the last year, 35 The Sustainable Fisheries Division is responsible for conservation of fishery resources, eliminating overfishing, rebuilding overfished populations, maintaining healthy commercial and recreational fisheries, creating long-term economic and social benefits to the nation from living marine resources, and ensuring that harvest and hatchery decisions are consistent with the Federal governments Indian trust responsibilities and treaty obligations. HSFCA permits are valid for 5 years, during which time Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) can change. Reg. AOLA recommends NMFS split undetermined North Atlantic right whale M/SI between the two countries based on the percentage of known entanglements from each country and this prorated distribution of M/SI should be used when classifying fisheries on the LOF. Bottlenose dolphin, Northern SC estuarine system. Title: September 2014 Eulachon Newsletter Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the entanglement may have occurred off the coast of Maine in non-exempt waters. About the Federal Register 2019. This rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563. Therefore, the HI troll fishery cannot be classified by analogy to other fisheries that use similar fishing techniques that are known to cause mortality or serious injury of pantropical spotted dolphins. Therefore, NMFS is retaining the Category III classification of the Hawaii troll fishery. Collaboration Offers the Best Hope for Lasting Puget Sound Salmon Solution, International Collaboration To Monitor And Respond To Tagged Gray Whale, Blob Research Reveals Environmental Effects That Shut Down Fishing and Hiked Whale Entanglements, California Ecosystem Surveys Give Insight on Ocean Changes to Come, "There is No Typical": Life as a West Coast Groundfish Observer, Woody Venard holds a skilfish on the deck of a fishing vessel. We conserve and restore marine resources on the West Coast. The West Coast is home to a variety of seabird species. [FR Doc. However, 86 percent of known entanglements were in Canadian gear. 1387(c)(2)), as described in 50 CFR 229.4, to register with NMFS and obtain a marine mammal authorization to lawfully take non-endangered and non-threatened marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Dahle, M.E. How do I register, renew and receive my Marine Mammal Authorization Program authorization certificate? on Baird, R.W., and D.L. on NARA's archives.gov. However, U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline vessels operating in special areas designated by the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan implementing regulations (50 CFR 229.36(d)) will not be exempted from observer requirements, regardless of their size. NMFS removes the Western U.S. stock of Steller sea lion from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II AK Gulf of Alaska sablefish longline fishery. 2014. March 18, 2022. Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. 367 p. National Marine Fisheries Service. publication in the future. documents in the last year. NMFS adds to the Western North Pacific stock of humpback whale to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK/WA/OR/CA commercial passenger fishing vessel fishery. Bottlenose dolphin, CA/OR/WA offshore. Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet. Response: MMPA section 118 requires individuals participating in a Category I or II fishery to accommodate an observer aboard their vessel(s) upon request from NMFS. 1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100 . NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and Southwest Fisheries Science Center work together to apply the latest science to sustainably manage the rich marine resources of the region for generations to come. These stocks are harvested in both non-tribal and tribal commercial fisheries and recreational fisheries. 01/13/2021 at 8:45 am. (2020):105652. This definition can also be found in the implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 CFR 229.2). NMFS will continue to annually evaluate marine mammal interactions and risk posed by a variety of gear types and fisheries through the LOF process. establishing the XML-based Federal Register as an ACFR-sanctioned The management change resulted in a substantial reduction in discarded catch.It led to the full rebuilding of several groundfish species, some of them a decade or more ahead of expectations. The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan provides the framework for managing the groundfish fishery. The Commission continues to state that this M/SI estimate is based on data collected in salmon management areas 6-8 in 2012 and 2013, and is a conservative estimate since salmon management areas 6-8 comprise only a small portion of the total area surveyed. Bottlenose dolphin, Southern migratory coastal. The SARs are based upon the best available scientific information and provide the most current and inclusive information on each stock's PBR level and level of interaction with commercial fishing operations. Bradford, J. Barlow, D.L. The Northwest Fisheries Science Center produces an annual report on salmon bycatch. Harbor seal, GOA. The mentioned study, (Baird and Webster, 2020) presented findings on the magnitude and nature of associations between fishing vessels and pantropical spotted dolphin stocks. AOLA states to that according to the 2019 North Atlantic right whale SAR the 5-year mean estimated M/SI from entanglements is 5.55. 03/03/2023, 266 False killer whale, HI Pelagic. Alaska Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 2016. Because HSFCA permits are valid for 5 years, permits obtained in past years exist in the HSFCA permit database for gear types that are now unauthorized.

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