Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2012 and 2013

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2012 and 2013 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Environmental impact analysis
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
"NMFS proposes to specify an annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for bottomfish stocks and stock complexes in American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for non-Deep 7 bottomfish stock Hawaii. The ACLs and AMs will be applicable in fishing years 2012 and 2013, which run from January 1 to December 31. The purpose of this action is to comply with provisions of the fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) for American Samoa, the Mariana Archipelago, and Hawaii which require NMFS to specify an ACL for each stock and stock complex in the western Pacific bottomfish fisheries and implement AMs that prevent ACLs from being exceeded, and correct or mitigate overages should they occur. The ACL specifications and AMs were developed by the Council using the best available scientific information and were coordinated with the public. The ACLs and AMs are intended to provide for long-term sustainability of the bottomfish fisheries of the western Pacific. NMFS prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the effects of the proposed specifications on the environment. The ACL specifications are not accompanied by in-season closures, but rather, by AMs that call for a post-season fishery review of the fishery to determine whether an ACL was exceeded, and, if so, additional consideration of whether stocks were adversely affected, and the possibility of adjusting the ACL. Because there is no in-season management measure (such as a fishery closure should an ACL be reached), the manner in which the coral reef fisheries of the region are conducted is not likely to change. Future evaluations of the fishery and ACL adjustments are expected to prevent any of the fish stocks from being subject to overfishing or becoming overfished"--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2012 and 2013

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2012 and 2013 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Environmental impact analysis
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
"NMFS proposes to specify an annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for bottomfish stocks and stock complexes in American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for non-Deep 7 bottomfish stock Hawaii. The ACLs and AMs will be applicable in fishing years 2012 and 2013, which run from January 1 to December 31. The purpose of this action is to comply with provisions of the fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) for American Samoa, the Mariana Archipelago, and Hawaii which require NMFS to specify an ACL for each stock and stock complex in the western Pacific bottomfish fisheries and implement AMs that prevent ACLs from being exceeded, and correct or mitigate overages should they occur. The ACL specifications and AMs were developed by the Council using the best available scientific information and were coordinated with the public. The ACLs and AMs are intended to provide for long-term sustainability of the bottomfish fisheries of the western Pacific. NMFS prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the effects of the proposed specifications on the environment. The ACL specifications are not accompanied by in-season closures, but rather, by AMs that call for a post-season fishery review of the fishery to determine whether an ACL was exceeded, and, if so, additional consideration of whether stocks were adversely affected, and the possibility of adjusting the ACL. Because there is no in-season management measure (such as a fishery closure should an ACL be reached), the manner in which the coral reef fisheries of the region are conducted is not likely to change. Future evaluations of the fishery and ACL adjustments are expected to prevent any of the fish stocks from being subject to overfishing or becoming overfished"--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.

Environmental Assessment, Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2013 and 2014 Including a Regulatory Impact Review

Environmental Assessment, Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Bottomfish Fisheries in 2013 and 2014 Including a Regulatory Impact Review PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Environmental impact analysis
Languages : en
Pages : 133

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Book Description
"NMFS proposes to specify annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for the multi-species bottomfish stock complexes in American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and for the non-Deep 7 bottomfish stock complex in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). The ACLs and AMs would be applicable in fishing year 2013, which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31, 2013, which NMFS may re-specify again in fishing year 2014"--Abstract (page 1).

Final Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Deep 7 Bottomfish in the Main Hawaiian Islands in 2014-15 and 2015-16

Final Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Deep 7 Bottomfish in the Main Hawaiian Islands in 2014-15 and 2015-16 PDF Author: Jarad Makaiau
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Economic zones (Law of the sea)
Languages : en
Pages : 67

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Book Description
NMFS proposes to specify an annual catch limit (ACL) of 346,000 lb of Deep 7 bottomfish in federal waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ; generally 3 to 200 nautical miles or nm) around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), as recommended by the Council. Based on a 2011 NMFS stock assessment for MHI Deep 7 bottomfish, the proposed ACL is associated with a 41 percent probability of overfishing. As an accountability measure (AM) to prevent the fishery from exceeding the ACL, NMFS proposes to close, the commercial and non-commercial fisheries for MHI Deep 7 bottomfish in federal waters on the date the NMFS projects the fishery will reach ACL through the end of the fishing year. Although not part of the proposed action, during a federal fishery closure, the State of Hawaii implements a complementary fishery closure in State waters 0-3 nm. In addition, if NMFS and the Council determines that the 2014-15 Deep 7 bottomfish catch exceeded the ACL, NMFS would reduce the Deep 7 bottomfish ACL for the 2015-16 fishing year by the amount of the overage. The fishing year for Deep 7 bottomfish begins September 1 and ends on August 31 the following year annually. Unless modified by NMFS, the ACL and AM would be applicable in the fishing 2 year 2014-15. The proposed ACL and AM is identical to the specifications NMFS implemented in the previous 2013-14 fishing year (78 FR 59626, September 27, 2013). The proposed action is needed to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and is consistent with the provisions of the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Hawaii Archipelago, through which NMFS specifies ACLs and AMs for all federally managed species. The Council recommended the ACL and AM, based upon the best available scientific and commercial information and taking into account risk of overfishing, past fishery performance, and acceptable biological catch recommendation from the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee, and input from the public. NMFS prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed ACL specification and AMs in fishing years 2014-15 and again in 2015-16. The EA includes a description of the information and methods used by the Council to develop the proposed ACL, and alternatives to the proposed ACL specifications. The analysis revealed that the specification of ACLs and the AM would not result in large and adverse impacts on target, non-target, or bycatch species, protected species, or on marine habitats. This is because the proposed action will continue the existing management regime and would not change the conduct of commercial or non-commercial MHI bottomfish fisheries in any way. NMFS considers the harvest of Deep 7 bottomfish in the MHI bottomfish fisheries to be sustainable, and expects that the ACL and AM specifications to prevent overfishing and provide for continued sustainable harvest. On April 21, 2015, NMFS solicited public comments on the proposed ACL and AM specification for MHI Deep 7 bottomfish and a draft EA (80 FR 22158). NMFS received three letters of comments, which were considered before finalizing the EA. The draft and final versions of this EA, and public comments received, can be found by searching on RIN 0648-XD082 at www.regulations.gov, or by contacting the responsible NMFS official or the Council at the above address.

Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Main Hawaiian Islands Non-deep 7 Bottomfish Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015 Through 2018

Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Main Hawaiian Islands Non-deep 7 Bottomfish Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015 Through 2018 PDF Author: Nikhil Mehta
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Economic zones (Law of the sea)
Languages : en
Pages : 86

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Book Description
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended that NMFS specify multi-year annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) effective in fishing years 2015-2018, the environmental effects of which are analyzed in this document. NMFS proposes to implement the specifications for fishing year 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 separately prior to each fishing year. The specifications pertain to ACLs for non-Deep 7 bottomfish fisheries in federal waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ; generally 3-200 nautical miles or nm) around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), and a post-season accountability measure (AM) to correct the overage of the ACL if it occurs. For the purpose of ACLs, MHI non-Deep 7 bottomfish include uku (Aprion virescens), white ulua (Caranx ignoblis), black ulua (Caranx lugubris), yellowtail kalekale (Pristipomoides auricilla), and butaguchi (Pseudocaranx dentex). The proposed ACL is associated with a less than a 30 percent probability of overfishing. 2 The fishing year for MHI non-Deep 7 bottomfish begins January 1 and ends December 31 annually. Unless modified by NMFS, the ACL and AM would be applicable in fishing years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Each fishing year, non-Deep 7 bottomfish catches from both local state/territorial waters (generally from the shoreline to three miles offshore), and federal waters of the EEZ around the MHI would be counted towards the specified ACL.

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Fisheries in 2012 and 2013

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Fisheries in 2012 and 2013 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Coral communities
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
"NMFS proposes to specify an annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for each coral reef ecosystem stock and stock complex in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii. The ACLs and AMs will be applicable in fishing years 2012 and 2013, which run from January 1 to December 31. The purpose of this action is to comply with provisions of the fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) for American Samoa, the Mariana Archipelago, and Hawaii which require NMFS to specify an ACL for each stock and stock complex in the western Pacific coral reef ecosystem fisheries and implement AMs that prevent ACLs from being exceeded, and correct or mitigate overages should they occur. The ACL specifications and AMs were developed by the Council using The best available scientific information and were coordinated with the public. The ACLs and AMs are intended to provide for long-term sustainability of the coral reef fisheries of the western Pacific. NMFS prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the effects of the proposed specifications on the environment. The ACL specifications are not accompanied by in-season closures, but rather, by AMs that call for a post-season fishery review of the fishery to determine whether an ACL was exceeded, and, if so, additional consideration of whether stocks were adversely affected, and the possibility of adjusting the ACL. Because there is no in-season management measure (such as a fishery closure should an ACL be reached), the manner in which the coral reef fisheries of the region are conducted is not likely to change. Future evaluations of the fishery and ACL adjustments are expected to prevent any of the fish stocks from being subject to overfishing or becoming overfished"--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.

Environmental Assessment

Environmental Assessment PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Bottom fishing
Languages : en
Pages : 61

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Book Description
"The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will propose an annual catch limit (ACL) of 346,000 Ib of main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 bottomfish during the 2011-12 fishing year, and an annual catch target (ACT) of 325,000 lb as an accountability measure based on the ACL. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) based these recommendations on a 2010 NMFS bottomfish stock assessment, recommendations from its Scientific and Statistical Committee, and in consideration of public input. To account for managemcnt uncertainty, the ACT is six percent lower than the ACL and is intended to prevent the ACL from being exceeded. The ACL and ACT, together with the closure of the fishery when the ACT is reached, are expected to provide for long-term sustainability of Deep 7 bottom fish. The ACL was developed in accordance with the method prescribed in the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Hawaiian Archipelago. The specification is not expected to result in large changes to the size of or manner in which the MHI bottomfish fishery is conducted. The specifications are expected to have positive long-term impacts on fishery participants and the fishing communities by providing for long-term managed use of the MHI bottomfish. The MHI Deep 7 bottom fish fishery opens on September I of each year. NMFS and the State of Hawaii monitor commercial landings and progress toward the ACT. When the ACT is projected to be reached, both the commercial and non-commercial MHI bottomfish fishery are closed for the remainder of the fishing year. If the ACT is not reached, the fishing year ends August 31"--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.

Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18

Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 PDF Author: Matthew J. Dunlap
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Economic zones (Law of the sea)
Languages : en
Pages : 91

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Book Description
NMFS proposes to specify annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for Hawaii Deep 7 bottomfish in fishing years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18, as recommended by the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. This environmental assessment (EA) analyzes the potential environmental effects of the proposed action. NMFS would implement the specifications for each fishing year separately. The specifications would apply to bottomfish fishing in federal waters (the Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ; generally 3-200 nm from shore) around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). As an AM, NMFS would close the fishery if data indicate that the fishery will reach the ACL. NMFS would also correct the next year's ACL if an overage occurs. The MHI Deep 7 bottomfish are onaga, ehu, gindai, kalekale, opakapaka, lehi, and hapuupuu.

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Crustacean and Precious Coral Fisheries in 2012 and 2013

Environmental Assessment for Annual Catch Limit Specifications and Accountability Measures for Pacific Islands Crustacean and Precious Coral Fisheries in 2012 and 2013 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Coral communities
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
"NMFS proposes to specify an annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for crustacean and precious coral stocks and stock complexes in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii. The ACLs and AMs will be applicable in fishing years 2012 and 2013, which run from January 1 to December 31 for crustacean fisheries, and from July 1 to June 30 the following year for precious coral fisheries. The purpose of this action is to comply with provisions of the fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) for American Samoa. the Mariana Archipelago, and Hawaii which require NMFS to specify an ACL for each stock and stock complex in the western Pacific crustacean and precious coral fisheries and implement AMs that prevent ACLs from being exceeded, and correct or mitigate overages should they occur. The ACL specifications and AMs were developed by the Council using the best available scientific information and were coordinated with the public. The ACLs and AMs are intended to provide for long-term sustainability of crustacean and precious coral fisheries of the western Pacific "--Cover letter; Portfolio comprised of three related PDF documents digitized and organized by: NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration (PPI) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff.

Federal Register

Federal Register PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Delegated legislation
Languages : en
Pages : 548

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Book Description


Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Pacific Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015 Through 2018

Environmental Assessment Specification of Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Pacific Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Fisheries in Fishing Years 2015 Through 2018 PDF Author: Nikhil Mehta
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Coral reef fisheries
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended NMFS specify multi-year annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) effective in fishing years 2015-2018, the environmental effects of which are analyzed in this document. NMFS proposes to implement the specifications for fishing year 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 separately prior to each fishing year. The specifications pertain to ACLs for coral reef ecosystem fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ or federal waters; generally 3-200 nautical miles or nm) around American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, and Hawaii, and a post-season AM to correct the overage of an ACL if it occurs. Because of the large number of individual coral reef ecosystem management unit species (CREMUS) in each island area, individual species were aggregated into higher taxonomic groups, generally at the family level. As a result, NMFS proposes to specify ACLs for 19 CREMUS groups each in American Samoa, Guam and the CNMI, and for 17 CREMUS groups in Hawaii for a total of 74 ACL specifications. The proposed ACLs are associated with a probability of overfishing ranging between 30 to 35 percent for Guam CREMUS, 30 to 40 percent for Hawaii CREMUS, and 35 to 40 percent for American Samoa, and CNMI CREMUS. The fishing year for coral reef ecosystem fisheries in all island areas begins January 1 and ends December 31 annually. Unless modified by NMFS, the ACLs and AMs would be applicable in fishing years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Each fishing year, catches of individual species that comprise each CREMUS group from both local state/territorial waters (generally from the shoreline to three mile offshore), and federal waters of the EEZ would be counted towards the specified ACLs.