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NOAA’s National Weather Service Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 90-day finding. On February 26, 2013, would like to add a TsunamiReady Commerce. WildEarth Guardians filed a Complaint Supporter Application Form to its ACTION: Notice of 12-month finding and for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in currently approved collection, which availability of status review document. the United States District Court for the includes StormReady, TsunamiReady, Middle District of Florida, Tampa StormReady/TsunamiReady, and SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce a 12- Division, on the negative 90-day StormReady Supporter application month finding and listing determination finding. On October 1, 2013, the Court forms. The title would then change to on a petition to list the Caribbean approved a settlement agreement under ‘‘StormReady, TsunamiReady, electric ray (Narcine bancroftii) as which we agreed to accept a supplement StormReady/TsunamiReady, threatened or endangered under the to the 2010 petition, if any was StormReady Supporter and Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have provided, and to make a new 90-day TsunamiReady Supporter Application completed a comprehensive status finding based on the 2010 petition, the Forms’’. This new application would be review of the species in response to a supplement, and any additional used by entities such as businesses and petition submitted by WildEarth information readily available in our not-for-profit institutions that may not Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife files. have the resources necessary to fulfill and considered the best scientific and On October 31, 2013, we received a all the eligibility requirements to commercial data available. Based on the supplemental petition from WildEarth achieve the full TsunamiReady best scientific and commercial data Guardians and Defenders of Wildlife. recognition. The form will be used to available, including the status review On January 30, 2014, we published a 90- apply for initial TsunamiReady report (Carlson et al. 2015), we have day finding with our determination that Supporter recognition and renewal of determined that the species is not the petition presented substantial that recognition every five years. The currently in danger of extinction scientific and commercial information federal government will use the throughout all or a significant portion of indicating that the petitioned action information collected to determine its range and is not likely to become so may be warranted (79 FR 4877). In our whether an entity has met all of the within the foreseeable future. Therefore, 90-day finding, we requested scientific criteria to receive TsunamiReady we conclude that the Caribbean electric and commercial information from the Supporter recognition. ray does not warrant listing at this time. public to inform the status review on Affected Public: Business or other for- DATES: This finding was made on July the species. Specifically, we requested profit organizations; state, local or tribal 22, 2016. information on the status of the government. ADDRESSES: The Caribbean electric ray Caribbean electric ray throughout its Frequency: Every six years or one status review document associated with range including: (1) Historical and time only. this determination and its references are current distribution and abundance of Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. available by submitting a request to the this species throughout its range; (2) This information collection request Species Conservation Branch Chief, historical and current population may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow Protected Resources Division, NMFS trends; (3) life history and habitat the instructions to view Department of Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th requirements; (4) population structure Commerce collections currently under Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL information, such as genetics data; (5) review by OMB. 33701–5505, Attn: Caribbean Electric past, current and future threats specific Written comments and Ray 12-month Finding. The report and to the Caribbean electric ray, including recommendations for the proposed references are also available any current or planned activities that information collection should be sent electronically at: http:// may adversely impact the species, within 30 days of publication of this sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_ especially information on destruction, notice to OIRA_Submission@ resources/listing_petitions/index.html. modification, or curtailment of habitat omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: and on bycatch in commercial and Dated: July 18, 2016. Jennifer Lee, NMFS, Southeast Regional artisanal fisheries worldwide; (6) Sarah Brabson, Office (727) 551–5778; or Marta ongoing or planned efforts to protect NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. Nammack, NMFS, Office of Protected and restore the species and its habitat; and (7) management, regulatory, and [FR Doc. 2016–17305 Filed 7–21–16; 8:45 am] Resources (301) 427–8469. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: enforcement information on the species BILLING CODE 3510–KE–P and its habitats. We received Background information from the public in response DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE On September 7, 2010, we received a to the 90-day finding and incorporated petition from WildEarth Guardians to relevant information in the species National Oceanic and Atmospheric list the Caribbean electric ray as status review. Administration threatened or endangered throughout its Listing Determinations Under the ESA historical and current range and to [Docket No. 131105931–6595–02] designate critical habitat within the We are responsible for determining territory of the United States whether the Caribbean electric ray is RIN 0648–XC970 concurrently with listing the species threatened or endangered under the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the ESA. On March 22, 2011 (76 ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Section and Plants: Notice of 12-Month Finding FR 15947), we made a 90-day finding 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA requires us to on a Petition To List the Caribbean that the petition did not present make listing determinations based Electric Ray as Threatened or substantial scientific or commercial solely on the best scientific and Endangered Under the Endangered information indicating that the commercial data available after Species Act (ESA) petitioned action may be warranted. conducting a review of the status of the On March 22, 2012, we received a 60- species and after taking into account AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries day notice of intent to sue from efforts being made by any state or Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and WildEarth Guardians on the negative foreign nation to protect the species.

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To be considered for listing under the habitat or range; (B) overutilization for finding that ESA listing is appropriate. ESA, a group of organisms must commercial, recreational, scientific, or In considering those factors that might constitute a ‘‘species,’’ which is defined educational purposes; (C) disease or constitute threats, we look beyond mere in section 3 of the ESA to include predation; (D) the inadequacy of exposure of the species to the factor to taxonomic species and ‘‘any subspecies existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) determine whether the species of fish, or wildlife, or plants, and any other natural or manmade factors responds, either to a single or multiple distinct population segment of any affecting its continued existence threats, in a way that causes actual species of vertebrate fish or wildlife (sections 4(a)(1)(A) through (E)). impacts to the species’ status. In making which interbreeds when mature.’’ In our The SRT completed a status review this finding, we have considered and 90-day finding we found that the report, which summarized the best evaluated the best available scientific petitioned species constitutes a valid available information on the taxonomy, and commercial information, including species eligible for listing under the distribution, abundance, life history and information received in response to our ESA based on the information presented biology of the species, analyzed the 90-day finding. in the petition, along with information threats identified as potentially The following sections provide key readily available in our files. To impacting the status of the species, and information presented in the status determine whether the Caribbean conducted an extinction risk analysis review report (Carlson et al. 2015). (ERA) to determine the status of the electric ray warrants listing under the Summary of the Status Review ESA, we convened a Status Review species. The results of the ERA are Team (SRT). The SRT was comprised of discussed below under ‘‘Extinction Risk Life History, Biology and Ecology NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Analysis.’’ The status review report Taxonomy and Morphology Center and NMFS Southeast Regional incorporates relevant information Office biologists. The SRT reviewed an received from the public in response to Narcine bancroftii is a species in the unpublished dissertation that separated our request for information (79 FR 4877; phylum Chondrata, class the genus Narcine of the western January 30, 2014). The draft status Chondrichthyes, order Torpediniforms Atlantic Ocean into two species: N. review report was submitted to 3 and family Narcinidae. Common names brasiliensis, and N. bancroftii (de independent peer reviewers and for this species include the lesser Carvalho 1999). The SRT noted some comments and information received electric ray, Bancroft’s numbfish, and taxonomic uncertainty (see Taxonomy from the peer reviewers were addressed Caribbean electric ray. The SRT titled and Species Description), but accepted and incorporated as appropriate into the the status review report and referred to de Carvalho (1999) as the best available draft report before finalizing it. The peer the species in its report as the ‘lesser information on the species taxonomy. review report is available at http:// electric ray’ because the species is Narcine bancroftii is recognized as a www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/ almost unanimously referred to as the valid species in the Catalog of Fishes, prplans/PRsummaries.html. lesser electric ray, including in the the authoritative reference for Section 3 of the ESA defines an published literature. In our finding, we taxonomic fish names and taxonomic endangered species as ‘‘any species retain the use of ‘Caribbean electric ray’ revision (Eschmeyer 2015). We accept which is in danger of extinction for the sole purpose of being consistent both de Carvalho (1999) and Eschmeyer throughout all or a significant portion of with the petitioned action. (2015) as the best available science at its range’’ and a threatened species as Rays within the genus Narcine, this time, thus we maintain that Narcine one ‘‘which is likely to become an collectively known as numbfishes, bancroftii is a valid species eligible for endangered species within the occur globally in temperate to tropical listing. foreseeable future throughout all or a marine waters and according to When we consider whether a species significant portion of its range.’’ Thus, Eshmeyer (2015) are composed of 23 might qualify as threatened under the we interpret an ‘‘endangered species’’ to species. Until recently, rays of the genus ESA, we must consider the meaning of be one that is presently in danger of Narcine within the western North the term ‘‘foreseeable future.’’ It is extinction. A ‘‘threatened species’’ is Atlantic Ocean were considered to be appropriate to interpret ‘‘foreseeable not currently in danger of extinction but one widely distributed species, N. future’’ as the horizon over which is likely to become so within the brasiliensis (von Olfers 1831). However, predictions about the conservation foreseeable future. The key statutory Garman (1913) was the first to notice status of the species can be reasonably difference between a threatened and that there was sufficient regional relied upon. The foreseeable future endangered species is the timing of variability among individuals and considers the life history of the species, when a species may be in danger of suggested that N. brasiliensis could be habitat characteristics, availability of extinction, either presently separated into two distinct species. data, particular threats, ability to predict (endangered) or in the foreseeable future Later, in a taxonomic revision of the threats, and the ability to forecast the (threatened). genus Narcine, de Carvalho (1999) effects of these threats and future events In determining whether the species separated numbfishes of the western on the status of the species under meets the standard of endangered or Atlantic Ocean into two species: N. consideration. Because a species may be threatened, we considered the specific brasiliensis, known as the Brazilian susceptible to a variety of threats for life history and ecology of the species, electric ray, and N. bancroftii (Griffith which different data are available, or the nature of threats, the species’ and Smith 1834), known as Bancroft’s which operate across different time response to those threats, and numbfish, or more commonly, the lesser scales, the foreseeable future is not population numbers and trends. We electric ray. N. brasiliensis is thought to necessarily reducible to a particular considered information summarized in range from southeastern Brazil to number of years or a single timeframe. the status review report (Carlson et al. northern Argentina, whereas N. Under section 4(a) of the ESA, we 2015). We considered each threat that bancroftii is reported to range from must determine whether any species is was identified, both individually and North Carolina to northeastern Brazil, endangered or threatened due to any of cumulatively. For purposes of our including the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and the following five factors: (A) The analysis, the mere identification of the Caribbean Sea (de Carvalho 1999). present or threatened destruction, factors that could impact a species The SRT noted that ‘‘the taxonomy of modification, or curtailment of its negatively is not sufficient to compel a Narcine in the western Atlantic Ocean

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remains uncertain because taxonomic the State of Bahia, Brazil, however, Habitat Use changes are sometimes accepted in McEachran and de Carvalho (2002) later The Caribbean electric ray inhabits ichthyology without adequate or placed the southern extent of the range relatively shallow waters, often within supporting proof and the de Carvalho within the northern hemisphere off the surf zone (Coles 1910; Fowler 1910; (1999) study remains unpublished.’’ The Venezuela. Bigelow and Schroeder 1953; Hoese and SRT pointed out the need for a genetics- The Caribbean electric ray exhibits a Moore 1998; Rudloe 1989a). The patchy distribution throughout its range based examination (e.g., mitochondrial Caribbean electric ray generally and is locally abundant in areas that DNA analysis) of Narcine specimens occupies depths ranging from the contain specific habitat characteristics. from throughout their known range in intertidal zone to approximately 37 m Fishery independent trawl surveys in the western Atlantic Ocean to support (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953, Rudloe the Gulf of Mexico show that the species the presence of two distinct species. 1989a); however, there is at least one is patchily distributed (see Abundance However, as we previously discussed report of a Caribbean electric ray being and Trends). The species’ local (see Listing Determinations Under the captured at a depth of 340 m (Schwartz ESA), we accept both de Carvalho abundance is best documented by 2010). Fisheries independent data (1999) and Eschmeyer (2015) as the best Rudloe (1989a) who found Caribbean collected by NMFS verify that the available science at this time, thus we electric rays abundant in barrier beach Caribbean electric ray is primarily a maintain that Narcine bancroftii is a surf zones and adjacent passes between shallow water species. From 2002–2013, valid species eligible for listing. barrier islands at depths of 8–16 m around Cape San Blas, Florida, in the 5,137 trawls were conducted in the Species Description northern Gulf of Mexico. Rudloe (1989a) northern GOM at randomly selected The Caribbean electric ray is a small, collected 3,913 rays from March 1985 to stations ranging in depth from 4.7–326 shallow-water batoid characterized by a March 1987 from sites in those areas at m. A total of 127 Caribbean electric rays flattened, oval-shaped disc, large pelvic rates ranging from 3–31 rays per hour. were collected, and the mean depth of fins, and oversized dorsal and caudal Rudlow (1989a) points out that ‘‘the capture was 9.29 m (range 5.20–17.50 fins that cover most of its tapering tail rays were concentrated over an m; S.D. 2.93). Environmental data were (Tricas et al. 1997). The dorsal surface extremely limited area on each bar’’ and collected during these surveys of the Caribbean electric ray varies from that ‘‘As little as several tens of meters demonstrating that this species inhabits a light yellow brown to a darker greyish waters ranging in temperature from change in position could determine ° ° brown with dark blotches over the snout whether there were two or 20 rays in the 21.9–30.2 C (mean = 27.18 C; S.D. = and small incomplete eyespots over the catch.’’ 1.57), salinity from 27.7–36.9 ppt (mean disc and base of the tail. The underside Further, data indicate seasonal = 34.10 ppt; S.D. 2.32), dissolved of the species is white or cream colored variation in their local distributions. oxygen from 2.0–3.7 mg/l (mean = 2.85 sometimes with grey or brown blotches Rudloe (1989a) suggested that ‘‘rays are mg/l; S.D. = 0.99) and turbidity from (McEachran and Carvalho 2002). The localized in their habitats during the 0.6–94.0 percent transmissivity (mean = Caribbean electric ray has two electric warm months at least, and move 37.77 percent transmissivity; S.D. = organs that can produce 14–37 volts of directly from one preferred locality to 28.23). These data are consistent with electricity (Smith 1997; Tricas et al. another or remain in one area over a past reports of environmental 1997). Outlines of these kidney-shaped period of weeks to months.’’ The species conditions associated with the presence electric organs may be visible behind is evidently migratory but its of Caribbean electric rays (e.g., Gunter the eyes as well as spiracles with movements are poorly known. Existing 1945, Rudloe 1989a, Steiner et al. 2007). rounded tubercles along the edges next information suggests at least some The best available information on the to the eyes (Smith 1997). Each organ Caribbean electric ray seasonal species indicates that it occurs consists of a honeycomb of 280 to 430 migrations are likely associated with predominately in sand bottom habitats. columns, containing several hundred water temperature. Bigelow and While Caribbean electric rays have a electric plates, and the organs combined Schroeder (1953) stated: ‘‘Captures of relatively broad distribution in the account for about a sixth of total body Narcine brasiliensis [bancroftii] off the western Atlantic Ocean, the species is weight (Tricas et al. 1997). Texas coast in the months of September, reported to occur almost exclusively on November, and March show that it sand bottom habitats (Coles 1910, Range and Distribution winters that far north and probably does Bigelow and Schroeder 1953, Rudloe The Caribbean electric ray is widely likewise at least along the southern part 1989a). For example, Rudloe (1989a) distributed in warm temperate to of Florida. However, northward along determined that ‘‘barrier beach surf tropical waters of the western Atlantic the Atlantic Coast of the United States, zones and on [sand]bars adjacent to from North Carolina, through the GOM, to North Carolina, all of the records of passes between barrier islands’’ are the the Caribbean, the Lesser and Greater it, except one, have been in summer.’’ preferred habitat for Caribbean electric Antilles, and the north coast of South Similarly, Coles (1915) reported rays. Both of these habitats are America (McEachran and de Carvalho Caribbean electric rays are present only dominated by sand. Anecdotal reports 2002). Bigelow and Schroeder (1953) off the northernmost part of their range also document Caribbean electric rays wrote: ‘‘This Electric Ray has been (North Carolina) during the summer. exclusively in high energy beach and reported from localities so widely Rudloe (1989a) stated that within the sandbar habitats. In NMFS fisheries- distributed, and it is so well represented GOM, rays were caught in the surf zone independent trawl survey data, all in the larger museums of both America at Alligator Point, Florida, from March Caribbean electric ray specimens and Europe, that it is expected to December, and no rays were taken recorded in the GOM were collected anywhere in the American littoral anywhere in the area from December to over sand bottom habitats. The SRT [zone], provided that the type of bottom February. Funicelli (1975) reported that found only one study of Caribbean and depth be suitable . . .’’ The Caribbean electric rays are found at the electric rays occurring in mud and fine southern extent of the range of deeper ends of their depth range during silt habitats (i.e., Dean et al. 2005). Caribbean electric rays is uncertain. De winter in the northern GOM, Caribbean electric rays are generally Carvalho (1999) reported specimens particularly during colder months from nocturnal and spend daylight hours taken from the southern hemisphere off November–February. buried under the sand. Rudloe (1989a)

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noted that sampling was limited to Diet and Feeding Status, Abundance and Trends night-time when the rays were active. Caribbean electric rays are reported to The International Union for the Numerous reports of Caribbean electric Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List ray sightings document that these rays feed on small, benthic organisms (Moreno et al. 2010). Funicelli (1975) Assessment classifies the Caribbean are most commonly found buried in the electric ray as Critically Endangered (de sand with only their spiracles visible. observed annelids in 84 percent of the Caribbean electric ray stomachs he Carvalho et al. 2007). The IUCN Red Age and Growth examined from the northern GOM, List assessment notes that the species has declined 98 percent since 1972 in There are no age and growth studies which was in agreement with the limited data presented by Gudger (1912) the northern GOM according to a study for this species. McEachran and de by Shepherd and Myers (2005) of trawl Carvalho (2002) report size at birth at 9– and Bigelow and Schroeder (1953). Fishes within the order Anguilliformes data from the Southeast Area 10 cm with maximum growth to 58 cm Monitoring and Assessment Program TL. Observations of Rudloe (1989a) were the next most abundant prey (30 percent of individuals), followed by (SEAMAP). The IUCN Red List suggest rapid growth during the first assessment reports that ‘‘similar high year. Rudloe (1989a) estimated that arthropods and molluscs. Arthropods were the dominant prey type found in rates of decline are seen in the U.S. newborn rays less than 14 cm total coastal areas between Cape Canaveral length (TL) in late summer attain a size small individuals less than 300 mm TL (Funicelli 1975). Moreno et al. (2009) (Florida) and Cape Hatter[a]s (North of 15–19 cm TL by fall. Rudloe (1989a) Carolina) in U.S. trawl surveys between reported growth was dormant January and Grijalba-Bendeck et al. (2012) reported similar findings for Caribbean 1989 and 2001 (a decline to 5% during and February and then resumed in this period)’’. The IUCN also states that March, with young attaining a size of electric rays collected in the Caribbean Sea off Colombia with annelids diver survey data from the Reef 20–29.9 cm TL by the end of their first Environmental Education Foundation year. occurring in the majority of stomachs examined. Both studies reported that (REEF) program show similar rates of Reproductive Biology arthropods constituted a larger portion decline for Caribbean electric ray of the diet than anguilliform fishes. A between 1994 and 2004 in eastern Estimates of size at reproductive Florida and the Florida Keys. The Red maturity for male Caribbean electric diet composed primarily of annelids has also been reported for the closely related List Assessment formed the basis of the rays range from 20 to 26 cm TL (Bigelow petition to list Caribbean electric ray and Schroeder 1953, Funicelli 1975, de Brazilian electric ray (Goitein et al. 1998). under the ESA. Carvalho 1999, Moreno et al. 2010). To fully evaluate the above purported Females are reported to reach a larger Dean and Motta (2004a and b) declines in abundance and rarity of the size than males at reproductive characterize Caribbean electric ray species, the SRT attempted to find any maturity. The smallest reported female feeding behavior and kinematics. The and all abundance data related to the with well-developed gonads measured Caribbean electric ray is a benthic species. This included a review of the 26 cm TL (Funicelli 1975), and the suction feeder with highly protrusible known scientific literature, internet smallest gravid female measured 27.1 jaws. The Caribbean electric ray has the searches, and communication with state cm TL (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). ability to protrude its jaws by nearly 100 and Federal resource agencies that Rudloe (1989a) observed that all the percent of its head length to excavate monitor fisheries. There are no females larger than 29 cm TL, both in buried polychaetes. population size estimates available for captivity and collected from the field off Predation and Disease Caribbean electric rays. The SRT Florida, were gravid in July. This acquired the original data sets used for indicates that the reproductive cycle is Almost nothing is known of natural the IUCN assessment and conducted an annual, and adult females in the predation on the Caribbean electric ray. independent analysis of these data. The population are capable of reproducing Presumably its electric organs deter SRT also considered a variety of other each year. Moreno et al. (2010) verified potential predators, such as sharks and smaller datasets and encounter reports it annual reproduction by mature females. dolphins. Rudloe (1989a) reported that acquired in forming its conclusions Rudloe (1989a) documents that females tagged rays released off trawlers were about the abundance and trends of the give birth off Florida in August and repeatedly observed to be actively species. While some of these other data September in the surf zone. Rudloe avoided by both sharks and dolphins were anecdotal in nature and couldn’t (1989a) also observed a peak in newborn that fed heavily on other rays and bony be used to statistically assess trends in rays at more offshore Florida locations fishes as they were culled overboard. A abundance, the SRT believed they were in November (i.e., at West Pass) and researcher reported observed useful in illustrating recent encounters December (i.e., at Cape San Blas), but consumption of Caribbean electric rays of the species. Below we provide a could not determine if these rays were by large red drum that were captured on summary of each data source considered born offshore or had immigrated from bottom longlines and dissected. It was and of the SRT’s associated findings. the beach. Rudloe (1989a) did not not clear to the researcher whether the estimate gestation period of Caribbean rays were discarded bycatch that were Gulf of Mexico SEAMAP electric rays. In the Colombian opportunistically consumed or not (M. The primary source of fishery Caribbean Sea, Moreno et al. (2010) Ajemian, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, independent data reviewed was Gulf of found that the gestation period lasts pers. comm. to Jennifer Lee, NMFS, June Mexico SEAMAP data. The NMFS approximately 4 months, with birth 19, 2015). Similarly, there is scant Southeast Fisheries Science Center occurring from February to April. information on disease within the Mississippi Laboratories have The brood size of female Caribbean species. Tao (2013) reported that conducted trawl surveys in the northern electric rays has been reported as 14 by bacteria, such as Vibrio species, are GOM dating back to the 1950s. Early Bean and Weed (1911), 4–15 by Bigelow prevalent in the blood of healthy work was exploratory and often only and Schroeder (1953), 5–13 by de Caribbean electric rays. This condition recorded catch of target species. In 1972 Carvalho (1999), and 1–14 by Moreno et is not uncommon among a standardized fall trawl survey began as al. (2010). chondrichthyan fishes. a part of a resource assessment program.

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Then in 1982 a standardized summer determined that using one continuous from 1972–2002. However, the SRT trawl survey began under the SEAMAP. time series as Shepherd and Myers identified 351 individuals recorded Finally, in 1987, the SEAMAP was (2005) did was inappropriate. Instead, from the same time period, more than adopted in the fall, thus unifying the the SRT used three separate time series: four times as many. Shepherd and two surveys. SEAMAP is a collaborative Fall SEAMAP 1972–1986, Fall SEAMAP Myers’ (2005) exclusion of data off effort between Federal, state and 1988–2013, and Summer SEAMAP Texas explains this partly, but the university programs designed to collect, 1982–2013. The Fall SEAMAP 1987 discrepancy also reflects their lack of manage and distribute fishery trawl survey was omitted from analysis understanding of how the data were independent data throughout the region. because the cruise track differed from sampled (See ‘‘sampled versus select’’ The primary objective of this trawl that of all the other surveys (counter- discussion in Carlson et al. 2016). The survey is to collect data on the clockwise around the northern GOM distribution of Caribbean electric ray abundance and distribution of demersal and missed half of the area off Texas seems to be heavily concentrated along organisms in the northern GOM. The due to weather). The SRT extended the the barrier islands around south Texas survey is conducted semi-annually analysis of these survey data 11 years and Mississippi and Louisiana. (summer and fall) and provides an beyond the analysis by Shepherd and However, off the coast of Mississippi important source of fisheries Myers (2005), to reflect the best and Louisiana the survey is conducted independent information on many available data and the most complete from the National Oceanic and commercially and recreationally representation of abundance over time Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) important species throughout the in the survey. Similar to Shepherd and Ship Oregon II, which cannot fish in northern GOM (Pollack and Ingram Myers (2005), all N. brasiliensis and waters shallower than 9 m due to the 2014, Pollack & Ingram 2015). A full Narcine (I, sp. were treated as N. vessel’s draft. Presently, efforts are being description of the historical and current bancroftii for this analysis. made to include waters as shallow as surveys can be found in Nichols (2004) The abundance index constructed for two fathoms (4 m) in the sampling and Rester (2015). Fall SEAMAP 1972–1986 was limited to universe, but there are only a few Shepherd and Myers (2005) examined NMFS statistical zones 11, 13, 14 and 15 research vessels that can sample that trends in elasmobranch abundance from (Figure 1). Sampling outside of these shallow. With the proportional SEAMAP data using the longest zones was inconsistent; therefore, the allocation of stations by NMFS continuous temporal coverage (1972– analysis was limited to this core area. In statistical zone, very few stations may 2002) for the areas between 10 and 110 addition, all stations deeper than 75 m end up in these shallow depths in future m in depth near Alabama, Mississippi were removed from the dataset since survey years. The SRT noted this could and Louisiana (i.e., statistical zones 11, there were no records of Caribbean lead to a decrease in Caribbean electric 13–16). The authors correctly noted that electric ray occurring at those depths rays captured by the survey in the future N. brasiliensis has been historically from any year of the survey. There are, because SEAMAP is no longer sampling misidentified and is not known to in actuality, only two records in the their habitat and therefore would not inhabit the GOM. Thus, all N. entire SEAMAP data set of Caribbean reflect abundance changes. Overall, the brasiliensis and Narcine species electric ray occurring beyond 36.5 m, SRT concluded the Caribbean electric identified within the trawl survey data one in 1972 at 42 m and one in 1975 at ray is a rare species to encounter during were treated as N. bancroftii during the 64 m (depths for these stations were the trawl surveys due to their shallow- analysis. Using a generalized linear verified by the NOAA National water habitat and the inability of modeling approach to correct for factors Geophysical Data Center, http:// research vessels to sample that habitat. unrelated to abundance, Shepherd and www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/coastal/ Myers (2005) reported a decline of 98 crm.html). The second index South Atlantic SEAMAP percent since the baseline abundance of constructed was Fall SEAMAP 1988– The SRT also reviewed South Atlantic Caribbean electric rays in 1972 in the 2013. Following the methods outlined SEAMAP data. A similar SEAMAP northern GOM, i.e. the number of for the Fall SEAMAP survey, data for survey occurs in the Atlantic Ocean off Caribbean electric rays documented in this index were limited to NMFS the southeastern U.S. East Coast. the survey that year. statistical zones 10–21 (excluding 12), Samples are collected by trawl from the The SRT also used a generalized and at stations shallower than 31 m. The coastal zone of the South Atlantic Bight linear model approach in its re-analysis third index constructed was Summer between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, of the Gulf SEAMAP data. In statistics, SEAMAP 1982–2013. Again following and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Multi- a covariate is a variable that is possibly the methods outlined for the previous legged cruises are conducted in spring predictive of the outcome under study. time series, data for this index were (early April–mid-May), summer (mid- Covariates considered in the analysis limited to NMFS statistical zones 10— July–early August), and fall (October– that may have affected abundance 21 (excluding 12), and at stations mid-November). Stations are randomly include year, area, water depth, and shallower than 33 m. selected from a pool of stations within time-of-day. Irrespective of statistical There were no discernable trends in each stratum. The number of stations methodology, the major difference relative abundance (CPUEs) of sampled in each stratum is determined between Shepherd and Myers (2005) Caribbean electric ray in any of the three by optimal allocation. From 1990–2000, and the analysis conducted by the SRT Gulf of Mexico SEAMAP indices. All the survey sampled 78 stations each is the former did not take into account three time series analyzed were season within 24 shallow water strata. major changes in survey design and how relatively flat with peaks in abundance Beginning in 2001, the number of they would affect the relative scattered throughout the abundance stations sampled each season in the 24 abundance of electric ray. There also trend. Within the northern Gulf of shallow water strata increased to 102, was an apparent misunderstanding of Mexico 9,876 tows were included in the and strata were delineated by the 4-m how the catch was sorted. analysis, with 624 Caribbean electric depth contour inshore and the 10-m Because there were major changes in rays captured. Most captures occurred depth contour offshore. In previous survey design and survey coverage off the coast of Louisiana and Texas. years (1990–2000), stations were between 1972–1986 and 1987–2013 Shepherd and Myers (2005) indicated sampled in deeper strata with station (Pollack and Ingram 2014), the SRT that only 78 individuals were captured depths ranging from 10 to 19 m in order

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to gather data on the reproductive to Grenada), Continental Caribbean and Port Isabel jetties in January 1986 condition of commercially important (Belize-Panama), and Netherland (sampling off Port Isabel was restricted penaeid shrimp. Those strata were Antilles. The SRT also considered skill to 48.2 km north of the Rio Grande abandoned in 2001 in order to intensify level of the diver (experienced or River) (Matlock 1992). sampling in the shallower depth-zone. novice), the bottom type, year, season, TPWD provided trawl data for the Further details are available in Eldridge water temperature and water visibility three Gulf areas that encounter (1988). as covariates. Caribbean electric rays, i.e., Aransas Neither we nor the SRT could find a In the REEF database, Caribbean Pass, Matagorda, and Santiago Pass reference or analysis to support the electric rays were observed on 476 out (Mark Fisher, TPFWD, pers. comm. to IUCN Red List assessment’s statement of 119,620 surveys (0.4 percent). Jennifer Lee, NMFS SERO, July 31, regarding high rates of decline in Caribbean electric rays were observed 2014). Data from Aransas Pass and Caribbean electric rays in U.S. coastal throughout the survey area with sighting Matagorda show increases in abundance areas between Cape Canaveral, Florida records averaging 10–18 percent of the especially since early 2000. The trend in and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The total number of fish in the Antilles, abundance for Santiago Pass increases SRT used a generalized linear modeling Bahamas, Florida and Central America. until the late 1990s, then decreases to its approach to correct for factors unrelated Positive occurrences were lowest in the original level at the start of the time to abundance to standardize the South northwest Caribbean Sea and Gulf of series. Santiago Pass Caribbean electric Atlantic SEAMAP data following Mexico. The average depth where diver ray catches were about 0.1/hour from methods similar to the GOM SEAMAP sightings occurred was about 5 meters 1985–1990, increased to 0.4/hour from data. Covariates considered in this generally over a habitat where a diver 1991–2004, then declined back to 0.1/ analysis that may have affected recorded a variety of individual hour from 2005–present. abundance include year, season, area, habitats. The final covariates included The FFWRI’s fisheries independent and sampling statistical zone. Time of in the model were year, area and bottom monitoring program uses a stratified- day was not included as a covariate as type. The trend in number of random sampling design to monitor fish data were discontinuous due to most occurrences was relatively flat and populations of specific rivers and participating vessels not conducting 24- similar to the other data series that estuaries throughout Florida. They use a hour operations. The abundance trend showed high fluctuation across years. variety of gears to sample, including for this time series was flat with peaks Due to the low encounter rate, there was small seines, large seines, and otter in abundance of different magnitudes high uncertainty in the abundance trawls. The program has long-term data found every 5–10 years. The data trend. sets for Apalachicola (since 1998), Cedar showed high inter-annual variability in The SRT found that relative Key (since 1996), Tampa Bay (since Caribbean electric ray catches in the abundance fluctuated dramatically 1989), and Charlotte Harbor (since 1989) survey, and catches were very low between years, but found no trend. The along the GOM and Tequesta (since throughout, but there was no trend in final model selected contained year, 1997) and Indian River Lagoon (since the catch rates suggestive of a decline in area and bottom type as covariates with 1990) on the Atlantic Coast. Caribbean electric rays. the trend in occurrences relatively flat Despite the large geographic area with the number of encounters rapidly sampled and the extensive sampling REEF Data fluctuating over the time series. efforts over time, the FFWRI fisheries The REEF (www.reef.org) is a dataset independent monitoring program has State Agency Data that is composed of more than 100,000 collected very few Caribbean electric visual surveys conducted by volunteer As noted earlier, the SRT sought rays to date (i.e., 34 specimens). Of divers during their daily dive activities. additional datasets that were not these, 13 Caribbean electric rays were This data set has been previously used included in the IUCN Red list collected from Apalachicola (i.e., 2 per for evaluating species abundance trends Assessment or the petition. Fishery year in 1998, 2004, and 2012; 1 per year (e.g., Ward-Paige et al. 2010 and independent data sets with Caribbean during 2000–2002 and 2006–2008, and references therein) and was referenced electric ray records were obtained from 2010), 15 were collected from Cedar Key in the petition as evidence of the low Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (1 per year during 2001–2002 and 2008, occurrence of Caribbean electric rays (TPWD) and Florida Fish and Wildlife 5 in 2004, 2 per year in 2009 and 2012, along the east coast of Florida, the GOM, Research Institute (FFWRI). The North and 3 in 2013); 4 were collected from and the northwestern Caribbean. Carolina Department of Environment Tequesta (2 in 1998, and 2 in 2009), and The IUCN had cursorily reviewed and Natural Resources (NCDENR) also 1 was collected from each of Tampa Bay 1994–2004 REEF data for apparent provided the SRT with the 6 records it (1990) and Indian River Lagoon (1994). trends, but had not conducted a had from all of its fishery-dependent The SRT determined it was not thorough analysis. Because these visual and -independent programs combined. appropriate to analyze these data points surveys vary in duration, location and The TPWD fishery-independent further due to the rarity of this species diver skill level (experience, including nearshore Gulf trawl survey is the only within their samples. experience in species identification), the TPWD program that catches Narcine The SRT also considered the NCDENR SRT applied a generalized linear model bancroftii somewhat regularly. Trawl data. The SRT determined it was not to examine standardized rates of change collections did not begin coast-wide appropriate to analyze these data points in sighting frequency as an index of until 1982 in bays and 1986 in the further due to the extreme rarity of this abundance. The SRT considered area as GOM. Trawl sampling in Sabine Lake species’ occurrence (i.e., 6 records) a covariate based on 8 major sampling began in January 1986, and in East within their samples. areas from the REEF database: Gulf of Matagorda Bay in April 1987. The trawl Mexico, east coast of Florida, the sampling program began in the Texas Shrimp Observer Program Florida Keys, the Bahamas (including Territorial Sea (within 16.7 kilometers The Southeast Fisheries Science Turks and Caicos), and the northwestern (km) of shore) in 1984 off Port Aransas Center, Galveston Laboratory, began Caribbean (including Cuba, the Cayman (24.1 km either side of each jetty) and placing at-sea observers on commercial Islands, Jamaica, Haiti/Dominican was expanded to similar areas off the shrimping vessels in 1992 in the U.S. Republic), Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico Sabine Pass, Galveston, Port O’Connor, southeastern region through a

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cooperative voluntary research effort. In south Florida, along the Atlantic coast, Threats Evaluation July 2007, a mandatory Federal observer and throughout parts of the Caribbean. A. The Present or Threatened program was implemented to A researcher at Auburn University Destruction, Modification, or characterize the U.S. Gulf of Mexico provided anecdotal accounts of Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range penaeid shrimp fishery, and in June Caribbean electric rays along the Fort 2008, the mandatory program expanded Morgan Peninsula in Alabama. The The SRT concluded that man-made to include the South Atlantic penaeid researcher observed large numbers of activities that have the potential to and rock shrimp fisheries. The program Caribbean electric rays during late impact shallow sandy habitats include was initiated to identify and minimize summer to early fall over 3 years (2011– dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline hardening projects (e.g., the impacts of shrimp trawling on 2013) of sampling in that particular area groins). These types of activities can federally managed species. The specific during that particular time of year (Dr. negatively impact Caribbean electric objectives are to (1) estimate catch rates Ash Bullard, to Jennifer Lee, NMFS, during commercial shrimping rays by removing habitat features (e.g., pers. com, August 15, 2014). The most alteration or destruction of sand bars) operations for target and non-target common anecdotal encounters are species, including protected species by and affecting prey species. For example, sightings. The sightings typically annelids that Caribbean electric rays area, season and depth; and (2) evaluate describe the number of Caribbean bycatch reduction devices designed to prey on are killed or otherwise directly electric rays observed at one time as eliminate or significantly reduce non- or indirectly affected by large dredge- very abundant (e.g., ‘‘lots,’’ targeted catch. During the voluntary and-fill projects (Greene 2002). ‘‘everywhere’’). One anecdote notes that research effort, several different projects The SRT determined that coastal were initiated. One project, referred to when you know what to look for they habitats in the United States are being as a characterization, involved can be seen everywhere. The SRT noted impacted by urbanization. Coastal identifying all species in a subsample while these reports cannot be used to habitats in the southern United States, from one randomly selected net. In the analyze trends in abundance, they including both the areas along the mandatory shrimp observer program, illustrate that people continue to Atlantic and GOM, have experienced there are approximately 30 species encounter the species in coastal areas and continue to experience losses due to (common, federally managed, etc.) that around the GOM, South Atlantic, and urbanization. For example, wetland are selected and subsampled from every Caribbean and that when they do the losses in the GOM region of the United sampled net, but other species, species appears to be locally abundant. States averaged annual net losses of 60,000 acres (24,281 hectares) of coastal including Carribbean electric rays, are Conclusion only grouped into broad categories (e.g., and freshwater habitat from 1998 to crustaceans, inverts, finfish). Based on all times series analyzed by 2004 (Stedman and Dahl 2008). Data associated with commercial the SRT, including those used to Although wetland restoration activities trawl bycatch of Caribbean electric rays support the listing petition, the SRT are ongoing in this region of the United States, the losses outweigh the gains, (recorded as Narcine brasiliensis—Ray, found no evidence of a decline in significantly (Stedman and Dahl 2008). Lesser Electric) in the eastern GOM and Caribbean electric ray. Differences in These losses have been attributed to off the east coast of the United States reported trends are related to the more commercial and residential were available from the characterization robust analysis used by the SRT in the development, port construction (e.g., project conducted in 2001, 2002, 2005, status review. Moreover, the dredging, blasting, and filling activities), and 2007. A total of 1,150 trawls were preliminary analyses in our 90-day observed, and the catch was sorted in its construction of water control structures, finding used only ratio estimators, and modification to freshwater inflows (e.g., entirety to the species level. Across all we did not have the raw data to derive years, 28 Caribbean electric rays were Rio Grande River in Texas), and oil and the confidence interval. No discernable gas related activities. captured during 4,016.6 hours of trawl trends in abundance of the Caribbean effort, with 387 and 763 trawls being The oil and gas industry may affect electric ray were detected in any of the observed off the east coast and in the marine resources in a variety of ways, three Gulf of Mexico SEAMAP indices northern GOM, respectively. Due to the including increased vessel traffic, the or the South Atlantic SEAMP index. low occurrence of Caribbean electric discharge of pollutants, noise from The SRT noted the number of rays, the SRT chose not to develop an seismic surveys, and decommissioning index of abundance for this species from encounters did dramatically fluctuate charges. Although routine oil and gas these data. The SRT believed the low over each time series, but that it was not drilling activities generally occur number of animals captured across all surprising based on the species’ outside of the known depth range of the years would make the index relatively apparent clustered but patchy species, miles of pipelines associated uninformative. These data were distribution over shallow, sandy with oil and gas activities may run evaluated in considering bycatch as a habitats as documented repeatedly in through Caribbean electric ray habitat. potential other manmade factor that the literature. As additional support for The SRT concluded that the effect or may threaten the species. this characterization, the SRT noted that magnitude of effects on Caribbean recent encounters documented through electric ray habitat from oil and gas Anecdotal Reports anecdotes indicate the Caribbean activities is unknown. The largest threat In addition to the datasets reviewed electric ray is fairly abundant in specific is the release of oil from accidental above, the SRT found anecdotal habitats while consistently absent from spills. While safety precautions are in accounts of Caribbean electric rays others. The SRT was unable to find any place to prevent the probability of spills through various other sources. Many of historical or current abundance and to decrease the duration of spills, these additional anecdotal accounts are information outside of U.S. waters for these events still occur. In the GOM, the from YouTube videos by beach goers or the Caribbean electric ray. A non- Deepwater Horizon oil spill was an forum discussions by boaters and commercial species, there are no unprecedented disaster, both in terms of fishermen who encountered the species statistics on Caribbean commercial the area affected and the duration of the along the northern Gulf Coast. There are fishery catches or on efforts that would spill. The Deepwater Horizon incident also anecdotal reports by divers around enable an assessment of the population. resulted in injuries to a wide array of

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resources and habitat across the Caribbean electric ray’s entire range. who are gigging for flounder at night are Northern Gulf of Mexico from Texas to However, the SRT could find no most likely to encounter this species. Florida, including shoreline beaches information on specific effects to the The SRT noted there are some anecdotal and sediments, organisms that live on Caribbean electric ray beyond broad reports of recreational surf fishermen and in the sand and sediment, and fish statements on the impacts to coastal capturing them in dip-nets; however, and shellfish and other invertebrates habitat resulting from development and available data indicate that captured that live in the water in nearshore oil and gas exploration. Data are lacking individuals are released. ocean-bottom habitats (NOAA 2015, on impacts to habitat features related to Scientific research on Caribbean http:// the Caribbean electric ray and/or threats electric rays has been sparse. Rudloe www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/ that result in curtailment of the (1989a) collected and studied the restoration-planning/gulf-plan/). While Caribbean electric ray’s range. In ecology of Caribbean electric rays from there has been no production of oil October 2015, NOAA published a March 1985 to March 1987, to assess the along the Atlantic coast of the United Programmatic Damage Assessment and feasibility of its use in biochemical and States to date, there remains the Restoration Plan (PDARP) and Draft neurophysiological research. Rudloe possibility of production in the future. Programmatic Environmental Impact (1989a) reported catching 3,913 rays at The SRT reported on NOAA’s Statement, which considers several stations from Cape San Blas to Restoration Center’s involvement in programmatic alternatives to restore Alligator Point, Florida, during this time ongoing coastal restoration activities natural resources, ecological services, period. Of these, 3,229 were retained, throughout the southeastern United and recreational use services injured or 455 were tagged and released, and 229 States. In 2010, NOAA funded coastal lost as a result of the Deepwater Horizon were released untagged due to small restoration activities in Texas and oil spill. The PDARP presents data on size. Funding for research was Louisiana using appropriations from impacts to nearshore habitats and discontinued after these 2 years of The American Recovery and Investment resources, but there are no data specific sampling. Act of 2009. In Louisiana, where 25 to Caribbean electric rays. The SRT uncovered only a few square miles (64.7 square kilometers) of As discussed above, anthropogenic additional studies involving the wetlands are lost per year, funding from impacts to shallow, soft bottom habitats Caribbean electric ray that post-date the the Coastal Wetlands Planning, have been occurring for decades and are Rudloe study (Dean and Motta 2004a, b; Protection and Restoration Act helps to expected to continue into the future Dean et al. 2005, 2006; Tao 2013). Dr. implement large-scale wetlands indefinitely. However, there is no Mason Dean led a study on Caribbean restoration projects, including barrier available information that indicates that electric ray husbandry (Dean et al. 2005) island restoration and terrace and the Caribbean electric ray has been and three studies on jaw morphology channel construction. adversely affected by impacts to the and feeding behavior (Dean and Motta The SRT anticipated an increase in coastal soft bottom habitats they prefer. 2004a, b; Dean et al. 2006). For these large-scale restoration projects in the Sand substrate is not limiting studies, samples were collected using a GOM to mitigate the adverse effects of throughout the Caribbean electric ray’s trawl off Cape Canaveral on the east the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and range, and the limited data available on coast of Florida (41 individuals total) foster restoration of coastal habitat, the species’ movements indicate they do and in the northeast portion of the GOM including those used by the Caribbean travel between areas with suitable (6 individuals); six individual electric ray. Numerous large coastal habitat. The SRT concluded that specimens preserved at the Florida restoration projects in the GOM are predictions of coastal habitat losses Museum of Natural History that had expected to be funded by the Resources adversely impacting the Caribbean ray been collected from Little St. George and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist in the future would be speculative. Island, Florida were also used. Tao Opportunities and Revived Economies (2013), as a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn of the Gulf Coast States Act, Natural B. Overutilization for Commercial, University, analyzed the blood vascular Resource Damage Assessment, and Recreational, Scientific, or Educational systems of ten Caribbean electric rays Clean Water Act settlement agreements Purposes captured in the northern GOM off related to the Deepwater Horizon oil The SRT details how McEachran and Alabama for bacteria. The Bullard spill. Many additional restoration Carvalho (2002) reported for the Laboratory at Auburn University projects will also be funded by the Gulf Narcinidae family that ‘‘flesh of the tail provided the samples for that study, of Mexico Energy Security Act, region may be marketed after removal of subsequently releasing them alive after beginning in Fiscal Year 2017. the electric organs in the larger species, collecting external parasites (Dr. Ash While fewer in number, restoration but is generally considered to be Bullard, Auburn University pers. comm. efforts are also expected along coastal mediocre in quality.’’ The SRT notes to J. Lee, NMFS, August 15, 2014). areas of the South Atlantic states. For that in the species-specific account for Bullard Laboratory at Auburn example, funding is expected to be Caribbean electric ray, McEachran and University sampled an unknown available to support comprehensive and Carvalho (2002) reported that ‘‘the tail number of additional Caribbean electric cooperative habitat conservation region may be consumed as food and rays in accordance with its state projects in Biscayne Bay located in considered of good quality, but it is not collection permit; no record was kept of south Florida, as one of NOAA’s three targeted regularly by fisheries in the the number of Caribbean electric rays Habitat Focus Areas. Western Central Atlantic.’’ observed in the field or the total number The SRT concluded the geographic The SRT found no evidence of of individuals examined. A few areas in which the Caribbean electric commercial or recreational harvest of researchers from the GOM expressed ray occurs are being impacted by human the species. Interest in the species by interest in studying the species in the activities. Despite ongoing and those who detect it in the surf zone is future, but the SRT did not uncover nor anticipated efforts to restore coastal largely one of curiosity. As Caribbean are we aware of any directed studies on habitats of the GOM and Atlantic off the electric rays are generally nocturnal and Caribbean electric rays at this time. Southeastern United States, coastal spend daylight hours buried under the Captive display of Caribbean electric habitat losses will continue to occur in sand, they likely go undetected by the rays in public aquaria is extremely rare. these regions as well as throughout the general public. Recreational fishermen Due to their selective food habits (i.e.,

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live polychaete worms) and feeding to the species. The SRT concluded that reported documenting a dozen or so behavior, they are not easy to keep in although there were no species-specific dead electric rays in the tidal zone of aquaria (Rudloe 1989b, Dean et al. regulations, there is no evidence that the Padre Island, Texas, after an extremely 2005). The 2008 American lack of such is having a detrimental low tide event in the fall. Showing no Elasmobranch Society International effect on the Caribbean electric ray. signs of trauma or disease, officials at Captive Elasmobranch Census the National Park Service at Padre E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors documented two male electric rays and National Seashore attributed the Affecting Its Continued Existence one female electric ray in captivity. mortalities to the extreme low tide They were recorded as Narcine There are a variety of other natural leaving them stranded. The SRT brasiliensis and were in captivity at a and manmade factors that may affect the concluded that such events have always single aquarium. The SRT was unable to Caribbean electric ray and thus the occurred occasionally and are expected determine if these animals were still in continued existence of this species. to continue to occur in the future captivity or the location of this Factors reviewed by the SRT included without affecting overall population aquarium. Nevertheless this serves as the species’ life history and habitat use, abundance. the only record of electric rays in natural events such as extreme tidal or Bycatch in Commercial Fisheries aquaria. red tide events, bycatch in commercial The Gulf Marine Specimens fisheries, and climate change. Caribbean electric rays have been incidentally captured by commercial Laboratory sells 6–24 cm wild caught Life History and Habitat Use Caribbean electric rays for $126 (http:// fisheries targeting other species, www.gulfspecimen.org/specimen/fish/ Rudloe (1989a) believed the species specifically those fisheries using trawl sharks-and-rays/). However, no more was potentially vulnerable to gear. The likelihood and frequency of than a few are sold annually, and the overharvest as a result of its low rate of exposure to bycatch in fisheries is cost of collection and delivery greatly reproduction and localized distribution. generally a function of (1) the extent of reduces the likelihood of their use as Caribbean electric rays reproduce spatial and temporal overlap of the student specimens (Jack Rudloe pers. annually (Rudloe 1989a, Moreno et al. species and fishing effort, and (2) the comm. to J. Lee, NMFS, August 15, 2010) with brood sizes ranging from 1– likelihood of an interaction resulting in 2014). 14 young (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953, capture and the extent of injury from The species has apparent fidelity for de Carvalho et al. 1999, Moreno et al. capture. specific, localized habitats, thus 2010). While it is generally believed that As stated earlier, data associated with targeting Caribbean electric rays could elasmobranchs exhibit life history traits commercial trawl bycatch of Caribbean adversely affect the population. that make them more susceptible to electric ray in the eastern GOM and off However, the SRT found no information exploitation (e.g., low fecundity, late age the east coast of the United States are to indicate that commercial, of maturity, slow growth), the limited available from the NMFS Observer recreational, scientific, or educational evidence on Caribbean electric ray life- Program. During 2001, 2002, 2005 and overutilization of Caribbean electric rays history traits and population parameters 2007, 1,150 trawls were observed and has occurred or is occurring. Further, (e.g., mature by age 2, females reproduce the catch was sorted in its entirety to the based on the information presented every year) likely place the species species level. Across all years, 28 above, the SRT did not expect among those elasmobranchs that are Caribbean electric rays were captured overutilization by any specific industry more productive. Therefore, the SRT did during 4,016.6 hours of trawl effort. in the future. not consider the species to be NMFS observed 387 trawls off the east vulnerable due to its rate of coast and 763 trawls in the northern C. Competition, Disease and Predation reproduction. The SRT did believe the GOM over this time period. Trawl The available data reviewed by the species’ patchy distribution and fidelity duration ranged from 0.1 to 11 hours SRT on competition for Caribbean for specific habitats increases (mean = 3.48 hours, S.D. = 1.41) and electric ray prey species or other vulnerability, but they did not find occurred at depths ranging from 0.6 to resources, and disease of and predation evidence of this vulnerability having 71.1 m (mean = 15.08, S.D. = 9.04). In on Caribbean electric rays, are detrimental effects on the Caribbean the combined areas there were 0.0070 summarized in the Life History, Biology, electric ray. Thus they believed there individuals caught per hour of trawling. and Ecology Section. The SRT found no was no basis to conclude these traits Examining area specific Caribbean information to indicate that competition would increase extinction risk into the electric ray catch rates, there were for Caribbean electric ray prey species future. 0.0171 and 0.0015 individuals caught or other resources (e.g., sandy substrate per hour off the east coast and in the habitat) is negatively affecting the Natural Events GOM, respectively. For trawls with Caribbean electric ray abundance or Red tide (Karenia brevis) impacts positive catch, there was no significant survival. The SRT also found no many species of fish and wildlife in the relationship between trawl duration and information indicating that predation or GOM and along the Florida coast. the number of individuals captured (F = disease is impacting Caribbean electric Karenia brevis produces brevetoxins 0.01, P = 0.92), consistent with what ray abundance and survival. Given the capable of killing fish, birds, and other would be expected for a species with a lack of data, the SRT concluded that marine animals. While red tide events patchy distribution. Based on the predictions of whether competition, can cause deaths of aquatic species, the number of trawls associated with predation, or disease, may impact the SRT has no information on the extent to Caribbean electric ray captures (n = 10) Caribbean electric ray in the future which red tides may be affecting the and the total number of trawls observed would be entirely speculative. Caribbean electric ray. The SRT did not (n = 1150), the probability of capturing find any reports of red tide resulting in Caribbean electric rays off the east coast D. Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Caribbean electric ray mortalities. and in the GOM is 0.0087 (C.V. = Mechanisms There are a couple of reports of mass 0.3148). The SRT evaluated this factor in terms strandings of electric rays resulting from Acevedo et al. (2007) reported on 99 of whether existing regulations may be extremely low tides. The National Park shrimp trawls in the Caribbean Sea off inadequate to address potential threats Service at Padre National Seashore the northern coast of Colombia from

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August to November 2004. These trawls #understandingClimate). The EPA’s largely sparse and non-quantitative, the were conducted at depths ranging from climate change Web page also provides SRT used qualitative reference levels for 14–72 m. Elasmobranch fishes were basic background information on these its analysis to the extent consistent with captured in 30 of the 99 trawls, and other measured or anticipated the best available information. The three including 6 Caribbean electric rays. The effects (http://www.epa.gov/ qualitative ‘reference levels’ of six specimens were reported for the climatechange/index.html). extinction risk relative to the months of August and September, the The SRT concluded that climate demographic criteria used were high only months in which the species was change impacts on Caribbean electric risk, moderate risk, and low risk as taken. rays cannot currently be predicted with defined in NMFS’ Guidance on The SRT believes the capture of six any degree of certainty. Climate change Responding to Petitions and Conducting Caribbean electric rays is likely the can potentially affect the distribution Status Reviews under the ESA. A result of their patchy distribution and and abundance of marine fish species. species or distinct population segment not reflective of overall Colombian fleet Distributional changes are believed to be (DPS) with a high risk of extinction was annual catch per unit of effort levels. highly dependent on the biogeography defined as being at or near a level of The SRT noted that there are few areas of each species, but changes in ocean abundance, productivity, spatial of suitable habitat for the species off temperature are believed likely to drive structure, and/or diversity that places its northern Colombia because the bottoms poleward movement of ranges for continued persistence in question. The are rocky or coralline, and that this also tropical and lower latitude organisms demographics of a species or DPS at makes most areas in that area unsuitable (Nye et al. 2009). Evidence of climate such a high level of risk may be highly for trawling. Based on that information, change-induced shifts in distribution of uncertain and strongly influenced by the SRT concluded that it did not marine fish has been recorded in the stochastic or depensatory processes. believe the documented bycatch is western Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, Similarly, a species or DPS may be at particularly notable or cause for and in the Northeastern Atlantic (Fodrie high risk of extinction if it faces clear concern. et al. 2010, Murawski 1993, Nye et al. and present threats (e.g., confinement to The lack of sandy bottom habitat in 2009). The SRT predicts that increased a small geographic area; imminent northern Colombia could also mean that water levels and warmer water destruction, modification, or Caribbean electric rays and trawling temperatures will have little impact on curtailment of its habitat; or disease effort may overlap more in that the species and, if anything, could epidemic) that are likely to create particular area. However, the SRT did possibly expand its range off the U.S. present and substantial demographic not conclude that documented bycatch east coast. Given what the SRT knows risks. in Colombia raises concerns about the about the species’ current depth A species or DPS was defined as being status of the species. distribution, the SRT concluded it is at moderate risk of extinction if it is on Overall, the SRT concluded there is unlikely that sea level rise will have a trajectory that puts it at a high level no evidence that the bycatch of adverse effects. Similarly, because the of extinction risk in the foreseeable Caribbean electric ray occurring in U.S. range of the Caribbean electric ray future (see description of ‘‘High risk’’ or foreign fisheries, including the seems to be restricted to warm above). A species or DPS may be at Colombia trawl fisheries, has had any temperate to tropical water temperature, moderate risk of extinction due to past impact on Caribbean electric rays. the SRT concluded increased water projected threats or declining trends in Given that declines have not been temperatures are unlikely to negatively abundance, productivity, spatial documented in U.S. waters where data influence the species and could possibly structure, or diversity. are available, there is no reason to expand their northern range in the A species or DPS was defined as being suspect that declines are occurring future. at low risk of extinction if it is not at elsewhere in the species’ range. The moderate or high level of extinction risk SRT further found there is no basis to Extinction Risk Analysis (see ‘‘Moderate risk’’ and ‘‘High risk’’ conclude that operations of these In addition to reviewing the best above). A species or DPS may be at low fisheries indefinitely into the future available data on potential threats to risk of extinction if it is not facing would result in a decline in Caribbean Caribbean electric rays, the SRT threats that result in declining trends in electric ray abundance. considered demographic risks to the abundance, productivity, spatial species similar to approaches described structure, or diversity. A species or DPS Climate Change by Wainwright and Kope (1999) and at low risk of extinction is likely to The Intergovernmental Panel on McElhany et al. (2000). The approach of show stable or increasing trends in Climate Change has stated that global considering demographic risk factors to abundance and productivity with climate change is unequivocal (IPCC help frame the discussion of extinction connected, diverse populations. 2007) and its impacts to coastal risk has been used in many status The SRT evaluated the current extent resources may be significant. There is a reviews (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ of extinction risk based on Caribbean large and growing body of literature on species). In this approach, the collective electric ray relative abundance trends past, present, and future impacts of condition of individual populations is data and the likelihood the species will global climate change induced by considered at the species level, typically respond negatively in the future to human activities, i.e., global warming according to four demographic viability potential threats. The foreseeable future mostly driven by the burning of fossil risk criteria: Abundance, population is linked to the ability to forecast fuels. Some of the likely effects growth, spatial structure/connectivity, population trends. The SRT considered commonly mentioned are sea level rise, and diversity/resilience. These viability the degree of certainty and foreseeability increased frequency of severe weather criteria reflect concepts that are well- that could be gleaned concerning each events, and change in air and water founded in conservation biology and potential threat, whether the threat was temperatures. NOAA’s climate change that individually and collectively temporary or permanent in nature, how web portal provides information on the provide strong indicators of extinction the various threats affect the life history climate-related variability and changes risk. of the species, and whether observations that are exacerbated by human activities Because the information on Caribbean concerning the species’ response to the (http://www.climate.gov/ electric ray demographics and threats is threat are adequate to establish a trend.

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In evaluating the foreseeable future, it is Caribbean electric rays are estimated to reefs and mangrove ecosystems, rather not just the foreseeability of the threats, reach reproductive size by the end of than sand bottom habitats. For these but also the foreseeability of the impacts their first year, and the reproductive reasons, the SRT concluded that the of the threats on the species that must cycle is annual (Rudloe 1989a). The Caribbean electric ray is at low risk of be considered. Thus, the nature of the brood size ranges from 1–14 depending extinction due to destruction and data concerning each threat and the on the study. While it is generally modification of habitat currently and in degree to which reliable predictions regarded that elasmobranchs exhibit life the future. about their impacts on the species could history traits (e.g., low fecundity, late The SRT determined impacts from be made were assessed. There are no age of maturity, slow growth) that make overutilization are unlikely to cause the data documenting discernable decreases them more susceptible to exploitation, species to be at heightened risk of in relative abundance trends or other the limited evidence on Caribbean extinction. There is little to no direct data showing that Caribbean electric ray electric ray life-history traits and harvest for the species. The SRT populations have been impacted by population parameters likely place the considered bycatch in commercial identified potential threats. The species among those elasmobranchs that fisheries as one of the natural or magnitude of potential threats and are more productive. Thus, the SRT manmade factors it reviewed. Caribbean factors described above were generally believed that the species likely will be electric rays are very uncommon as expected to remain unchanged. Thus, able to withstand moderate bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. the SRT determined it was unable to anthropogenic mortality levels and have Moreover, many states throughout their specify a definitive time frame to define a higher potential to recover from U.S. range (e.g., Florida, Texas, and the foreseeable future for evaluating the exploitation and stochastic events. The Georgia) have banned gillnet fishing in degree to which demographic factors SRT concluded that available state waters which will further reduce and potential threats contribute to the information on the species’ the likelihood of bycatch as a negative species’ risk of extinction. demographic characteristics currently impact on the continued existence of represent a low risk of extinction, and Caribbean electric rays. The level of Qualitative Risk Analysis of risks are unlikely to increase into the bycatch from U.S. shrimp trawl fisheries Demographics future. is believed to be low primarily because The SRT’s ability to analyze many of The SRT found no evidence that they operate mainly in areas where the specific criteria embedded in the Caribbean electric rays are at risk of Caribbean electric rays are not found. risk definitions for demographic factors extinction due to a change or loss of The SRT concluded that overutilization was limited. There are no data available variation in genetic characteristics or presented a low risk of extinction. The on age-at maturity or natural mortality gene flow among populations currently risk associated with the level of bycatch that would be necessary to determine or into the future. This species is found from U.S. shrimp trawl fisheries is population growth rates. Population over a broad range and appears to be unlikely to change in the future given structure and levels of genetic diversity opportunistic and well adapted to its the areas where the fishery mainly in Caribbean electric rays are environment. In addition, the risk of operates are also unlikely to change. completely unknown, with no genetic extinction due to the loss of spatial Since 2001, there has been a dramatic studies ever conducted, even for the structure and connectivity for the decrease in otter trawl effort in species’ taxonomy. Caribbean electric ray is low. Caribbean southeast U.S. shrimp fisheries, which The SRT determined that the relative electric rays have a relatively broad has been attributed to low shrimp abundance trend information for distribution in the western Atlantic prices, rising fuel costs, competition Caribbean electric rays represents a low Ocean generally in habitats dominated with imported products, and the risk to the species’ continued existence by sand bottom substrate. Sand impacts of 2005 and 2006 hurricanes in now and into the future. The Caribbean substrate is not limiting throughout the the Gulf of Mexico. Although otter trawl electric ray has a broad range in warm range, and the limited data available on effort from year to year may fluctuate temperate to tropical waters of the species movements indicate individuals some, there are no data to indicate that western Atlantic from North Carolina to do travel between areas with suitable otter trawl effort levels will increase in Florida (its presence in the Bahamas is habitat. the future from recent levels. Also, the unknown, however), the Gulf of Mexico species has been subject to bycatch for Qualitative Risk Analysis of Threats and the Caribbean Sea to the northern centuries and does not appear to have coast of South America. Within its Regarding habitat threats to the experienced any measurable decline range, it has a patchy distribution species, the SRT concluded that man- during those earlier periods, based on within relatively shallow waters, often made activities that have the potential the relative abundance trends data within the surf zone. There are no to impact shallow sandy habitats available. The SRT also determined the estimates of absolute population size include dredging, oil and gas pipelines risk to Caribbean electric ray from over the species’ range; however, and pipeline development, beach disease or predation is also low now; in analyses of available long-term datasets nourishment, and shoreline hardening the absence of data on past or current indicate that the trend in relative projects (e.g., groins). These types of impacts to the species, the SRT abundance is relatively flat with activities could negatively impact concluded that no impacts can be abundance dramatically fluctuating over Caribbean electric rays by removing foreseen into the future. each time series. The SRT did not find habitat features they require. Although this surprising given the patchy specific data are lacking on impacts to Overall Risk of Extinction Throughout distribution over specific habitat types. the Caribbean electric ray, it is Its Range Analysis The SRT found very little information reasonable to anticipate that coastal In this section we evaluate the overall available on the life history of Caribbean development will continue perpetually risk of extinction to the Caribbean electric ray. There are no age and and may damage habitat within the electric ray throughout its range. In growth studies for this species but species’ range. However, the species determining the overall risk of anecdotal studies suggest rapid growth. does occur over a broad range and most extinction to the species throughout its Size at maturity for females is estimated impacts to the coastal zone have more range, we considered available data on at about 26 cm TL (Funicelli 1975). significantly occurred to wetlands, coral the specific life history and ecology of

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the species, the nature of potential habitats. Anecdotal accounts of recent elevated risks to the species when threats, any known responses of the encounters indicate they are abundant considered cumulatively. With no species to those threats, and population in specific habitats while consistently evidence of any decline in the species abundance trends. We considered the absent from others. Our 90-day or other negative impacts to life history information summarized in the status determination that the petitioned action characteristics, there is no evidence to review report (Carlson et al. 2015). may be warranted due to impacts from suggest that potential threats and The SRT determined it could not incidental take in fisheries was based on demographic factors cumulatively are define a foreseeable future for their one study (Shepherd and Myers 2005) currently elevating the species’ risk of extinction risk. However, we think the indicating that nearshore shrimp trawl extinction, or will elevate extinction available information on abundance fisheries operating in the northern Gulf risk throughout its range over the trends can provide an appropriate of Mexico may be negatively impacting foreseeable future. horizon over which to consider how the the species in that region. However, Significant Portion of Its Range (SPOIR) species may respond to potential further examination of the dataset by the impacts into the future. The fisheries- SRT revealed that Shepherd and Myers Because we found that listing the independent datasets from which we (2005) did not take into account major species as endangered or threatened evaluated abundance trends span time changes in survey design and how they throughout its range was not warranted, periods of 11 to 34 years, during which would affect the relative abundance of we then conducted a ‘‘significant abundance trends were flat, with Caribbean electric rays, and did not portion of its range analysis.’’ The U.S. scattered and varied peaks in understand how the catch was sorted, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and abundance. All of the potential threats thus Shepherd and Myers (2005) NMFS—together, ‘‘the Services’’—have evaluated by the SRT were occurring at underestimated the number of jointly finalized a policy interpreting the same time that the fishery individual reports in the data. The the phrase ‘‘significant portion of its independent surveys were performed. SRT’s analysis showed no discernable range’’ (SPOIR) (79 FR 37578; July 1, All of the activities that constitute trends in abundance of Caribbean 2014). The SPOIR policy provides that: potential threats were also projected by electric ray in any of the three Gulf of (1) If a species is found to be the SRT to continue at their current Mexico Southeast Area Monitoring and endangered or threatened in only a levels into the future. Therefore, we feel Assessment Program indices. significant portion of its range, the it is appropriate to consider the There is no evidence that potential entire species is listed as endangered or foreseeable future to be the next few threats comprising ESA section (4)(a)(1) threatened, respectively, and the Act’s decades, or 20 to 30 years, for Caribbean factors (A)–(C) or (E) have contributed to protections apply across the species’ electric ray. Although the lifespan of heightened extinction risk and entire range; (2) a portion of the range Caribbean electric ray is not known, endangerment of the species. Incidental of a species is ‘‘significant’’ if the based on their early size of maturity and take in fisheries was the only activity species is not currently endangered or apparent annual reproduction, 20 to 30 we initially believed might be resulting threatened throughout its range, but the years would encompass several in adverse impacts to the species due to portion’s contribution to the viability of generations of the species and thus any the decline presented in Shepherd and the species is so important that, without adverse responses to threats would be Myers (2005). However, after further the members in that portion, the species discernible over this timeframe. review we believe there is no evidence would be in danger of extinction or We concur with the SRT’s analysis indicating that nearshore shrimp trawl likely to become so in the foreseeable and risk conclusions for potential fisheries operating in the northern Gulf future, throughout all of its range; and threats and for demographic factors. The of Mexico or in foreign waters (e.g., (3) the range of a species is considered threat and demographic factors Colombia shrimp trawls) are negatively to be the general geographical area identified present either no risk or at impacting the species in those areas. within which that species can be found most low risk to Caribbean electric ray, Neither we nor the SRT identified any at the time we make any particular now and over the foreseeable future. threats under the other Section 4(a)(1) status determination. There is no information indicating that factors that may be causing or We evaluated whether substantial any potential threats have adversely contributing to heightened extinction information indicated that (i) portions of impacted Caribbean electric ray in the risk of this species. Therefore, we the Caribbean electric ray’s range are past, and there is no basis to predict that conclude that inadequate regulatory significant and (ii) the species potential threats will adversely impact mechanisms (Section (4)(a)(1)(D)) are occupying those portions is in danger of the species over the next 20 to 30 years. also not a factor affecting the status of extinction or likely to become so within The species has not faced threats in the Caribbean electric ray. the foreseeable future (79 FR 37578; July past, and is not expected to face any So to summarize, we did not find that 1, 2014). Under the SPOIR policy, both over the foreseeable future, that would any of the demographic factors or considerations must apply to warrant result in declining trends in abundance, Section 4(a)(1) factors contribute listing a species as threatened or spatial structure, or diversity. significantly to the extinction risk of endangered throughout its range based Based on all time series of data this species throughout its range, now or upon its status within a portion of the analyzed by the SRT, including those in the foreseeable future. Based on our range. used to support the listing petition, consideration of the best available data, The historical range of the Caribbean there is no evidence of a decline in as summarized here and in Carlson et al. electric ray is in western Atlantic relative abundance of Caribbean electric (2016), we determine that the present shallow coastal waters, from North rays. No discernable trends in overall risk of extinction to the Carolina through the northern coast of abundance of Caribbean electric ray Caribbean electric ray throughout its Brazil (Carvalho et al. 2007). Individual were detected in any of the available range is low, and will remain low over populations are localized and do not datasets. Number of encounters did the foreseeable future, and thus listing migrate extensively, but do move dramatically fluctuate over each time as threatened or endangered under the onshore and offshore at least seasonally, series, but we believe this reflects the ESA throughout its range is not crossing between barrier beach surf species’ apparent clustered but patchy warranted. We also considered whether zones and sandbars adjacent to passes distribution over shallow, sandy any threats or demographic factors associated with estuarine barrier islands

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(Rudloe 1989a). Movements also that the Caribbean electric ray does not Monday, August 8, 2016 include travel east and west between warrant listing as threatened or sand bar habitats (Rudloe 1989a). endangered at this time. Executive Committee Geographically as well as quantitatively, References The Executive Committee will hold a those parts of the electric ray’s range closed session and then open to review A complete list of all references cited that are within U.S. waters (Gulf of the letter regarding governance of Mexico, South Atlantic) may each herein is available upon request (see FOR summer flounder, scup, and black sea constitute a significant portion of the FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). bass and coordination of research with Caribbean electric ray’s range because if Authority the population were to disappear from SAFMC. either portion, it could result in the rest The authority for this action is the Unmanaged Forage Amendment Final Endangered Species Act of 1973, as of the species being threatened or Action endangered. However, there is no amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). information to indicate that the Dated: July 18, 2016. Review comments received during members of the species in either the Samuel R. Rauch, III, public hearings, review Ecosystem and Gulf of Mexico or the South Atlantic Deputy Assistant Administrator for Ocean Planning Advisory Panel and have different demographic viability or Regulatory Programs, National Marine Committee recommendations for final are facing different or more intense Fisheries Service. action, and select preferred alternatives. threats to the point where they would be [FR Doc. 2016–17397 Filed 7–21–16; 8:45 am] Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries threatened or endangered in these BILLING CODE 3510–22–P portions. Because a portion must be Management (EAFM) Guidance both significant and threatened or Document endangered before we can list a species DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE based on its status in a significant Review, finalize, and approve EAFM portion of its range, we do not find that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Guidance Document and review and listing the Caribbean electric ray is Administration discuss potential framework for threatened or endangered based on its integrating ecosystem interactions into RIN 0648–XE750 status in a significant portion of its fisheries assessment and management. range is warranted. Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Tuesday, August 9, 2016 Final Listing Determination Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings Demersal Committee Meeting as a Section 4(b)(1) of the ESA requires AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Committee of the Whole With the that NMFS make listing determinations Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries based solely on the best scientific and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup commercial data available after Commerce. and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Boards conducting a review of the status of the ACTION: Notice of public meetings. species and taking into account those Summer Flounder Allocation Project efforts, if any, being made by any state SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Report or foreign nation, or political Management Council (Council) will subdivisions thereof, to protect and hold public meetings of the Council and A presentation will be received on the conserve the species. We have its Committees. summer flounder allocation model and independently reviewed the best DATES: The meetings will be held initial findings. available scientific and commercial Monday, August 8, 2016 through Summer Flounder Amendment information including the petitions, Thursday, August 11, 2016. For agenda Alternatives public comments submitted on the 90- details, see SUPPLEMENTARY day finding (79 FR 4877; January 30, INFORMATION. Review and provide feedback on the 2014), the status review report (Carlson ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at: list of amendment issues and Fishery et al. 2015), and other published and Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001 Management Action Team unpublished information. We Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA recommendations. considered each of the statutory factors 23451, telephone: (757) 213–3000. to determine whether it contributed Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Summer Flounder Specifications significantly to the extinction risk of the Management Council, 800 N. State St., species. As previously explained, we Review SSC, Monitoring Committee, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: Advisory Panel, and staff could not identify a significant portion (302) 674–2331. of the species’ range that is threatened recommendations regarding 2017–2018 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: or endangered. Therefore, our specifications and recommend any determination is based on a synthesis Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive changes if necessary. and integration of the foregoing Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Black Sea Bass Specifications information, factors and considerations, Management Council; telephone: (302) and their effects on the status of the 526–5255. The Council’s Web site, www.mafmc.org also has details on the Review SSC, Monitoring Committee, species throughout its entire range. Advisory Panel, and staff We conclude that the Caribbean meeting location, proposed agenda, webinar listen-in access, and briefing recommendations regarding 2017 electric ray is not presently in danger of specifications and recommend any extinction, nor is it likely to become so materials. changes if necessary. in the foreseeable future throughout all SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The of its range. Accordingly, the Caribbean following items are on the agenda, electric ray does not meet the definition though agenda items may be addressed of a threatened species or an endangered out of order (changes will be noted on species and our listing determination is the Council’s Web site when possible.)

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