Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 107 / Tuesday, June 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 33255

■ 12. Remove and reserve Table 50 to Magnuson-Stevens Act by regulations at consistent with the Council’s intent for part 679. 50 CFR part 622. the specification of these Caribbean [FR Doc. 2013–13196 Filed 6–3–13; 8:45 am] On February 25, 2013, NMFS island management areas. Additionally, BILLING CODE 3510–22–P published a notice of availability for NMFS has determined that two Amendment 4 and requested comments boundary lines, one in the St. Croix (78 FR 12703). On March 6, 2013, NMFS Management Area (in Table 2) and one DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE published a proposed rule for in the St. Thomas/St. John Management Amendment 4 to the FMP and Area (in Table 3), were incorrectly National Oceanic and Atmospheric requested public comments (78 FR described as the ‘‘EEZ/Territorial Administration 14503). The proposed rule and boundary’’ and are revised to Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP outline ‘‘International/EEZ boundary.’’ These 50 CFR Part 622 the rationale for the actions contained in revisions are consistent with the this final rule. Amendment 4 to the Council’s intent for the specification of [Docket No. 120718255–3500–02] Coral FMP was approved by the these Caribbean island management Secretary of Commerce on May 23, areas. RIN 0648–BC38 2013. A summary of the actions implemented by this final rule is Comments and Responses Amendment 4 to the and Reef provided below. NMFS received a total of three Associated Plants and Invertebrates This final rule removes seagrass comments on Amendment 4 to the Coral Fishery Management Plan of Puerto from the Coral FMP. The FMP and the proposed rule. A Federal Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Council determined that Federal agency had no comments on the actions Seagrass Management management of these seagrass species is in Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP. One AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries unnecessary because there is no known comment was unrelated to the actions in Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and harvest of seagrasses, and these species Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP. The Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), occur predominantly in Puerto Rico specific comment related to the actions Commerce. commonwealth and USVI territorial contained in the amendment or the waters (state waters). In addition, proposed rule is summarized and ACTION: Final rule. seagrasses are designated as essential responded to below. SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to fish habitat (EFH) for stocks within the Comment: Seagrasses are important implement Amendment 4 to the Corals four Council FMPs (Queen Conch fish breeding habitat and in addition to and Reef Associated Plants and Resources of Puerto Rico and the USVI, being protected from harvest, they Invertebrates Fishery Management Plan Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the should also be protected from physical (FMP) of Puerto Rico and the U.S. USVI, Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto damage (e.g., sand harvesting, Virgin Islands (USVI) (Coral FMP), as Rico and the USVI, and Coral) and as anchoring, mooring, traps). Response: NMFS agrees that prepared and submitted by the habitat areas of particular concern seagrasses are important fish habitats. Caribbean Fishery Management Council (HAPC) within special areas in state However, because there is no known (Council). This final rule removes waters, and will continue to be direct harvest of seagrasses and these seagrass species from the Coral FMP. protected by these designations. species occur predominately in state The purpose of this rule and Other Changes Contained in This Final waters, the Council determined that Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP is to Rule Federal management of these species address the future management of In 50 CFR part 622, Appendix A, would serve no useful purpose. That seagrasses in the U.S. Caribbean NMFS removes the text regarding decision does not mean that seagrasses exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in aquarium trade species as being in the are unprotected. Seagrass habitat is accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens ‘‘data collection’’ category in the Coral already protected by EFH and HAPC Fishery Conservation and Management FMP and the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto designations in the four Caribbean Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Rico and the USVI FMP (Table 1 and Fishery Management Council FMPs DATES: This rule is effective July 5, Table 2). (Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico 2013. NMFS has also determined that the and the USVI, Reef Fish Fishery of ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of description of waypoints B and C in the Puerto Rico and the USVI, Spiny Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP, which Puerto Rico Management Area (in Table Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the include an Environmental Assessment, 1) and waypoints B and C in the St. USVI, and Coral). This rule will not a Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis, a Thomas/St. John Management Area (in affect those EFH and HAPC regulatory impact review, and a fishery Table 3), as well as the boundary line designations. To the extent that impact statement, may be obtained from that connects these two waypoints, were seagrasses are present in Federal waters, the Southeast Regional Office Web site incorrectly described in the final rule this habitat is protected by anchoring at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/ for the 2010 Caribbean ACL restrictions in some areas and year- index.html. Amendment. NMFS removes the round prohibitions on the use of pots, description for points B and C in traps, bottom longlines, gillnets, or FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Appendix E, and maintains just the trammel nets in Federal closed areas. Maria del Mar Lopez, Southeast waypoints because they are sufficient Other management measures, such as Regional Office, NMFS, telephone: 727– descriptions of the boundary in those the prohibition on the use of chemicals, 824–5305, or email: instances. NMFS also revises the plant or plant-derived toxins, and [email protected]. description of the boundary line that explosives to harvest reef-associated SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Seagrasses connects waypoints B and C in species, as well as restricting to hand- in the U.S. Caribbean EEZ are managed Appendix E to be ‘‘the 3-nautical mile held dip nets and slurp guns the under the Coral FMP. The Coral FMP Territorial boundary of the St. Thomas/ allowable gear for collecting marine was prepared by the Council and is St. John island group’’ instead of ‘‘the aquarium fishes, provide direct and implemented under the authority of the EEZ/Territorial boundary,’’ to be indirect physical benefits to the seagrass

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habitat by protecting it from the adverse Appendix A to Part 622—Species Leptoseris cucullata, Sunray lettuce effects of specific fishing gear. Tables Family Astrocoeniidae Stephanocoenia michelinii, Blushing star Changes From the Proposed Rule Table 1 of Appendix A to Part 622— Family Caryophylliidae Caribbean Resources Eusmilia fastigiata, Flower coral In 50 CFR Part 622 Appendix A Tubastrea aurea, Cup coral Tables 1 and 2, NMFS has identified I. Coelenterates—Phylum Coelenterata Family Faviidae A. Hydrocorals—Class Hydrozoa Cladocora arbuscula, Tube coral several species names that contained 1. Hydroids—Order Anthoathecata misspellings. These misspellings are Colpophyllia natans, Boulder coral Family Milleporidae Diploria clivosa, Knobby brain coral corrected in this final rule. Millepora spp., Fire corals D. labyrinthiformis, Grooved brain Family Stylasteridae Classification D. strigosa, Symmetrical brain Stylaster roseus, Rose lace corals Favia fragum, Golfball coral B. Anthozoans—Class The Regional Administrator, Manicina areolata, Rose coral 1. Soft corals—Order Alcyonacea M. mayori, Tortugas rose coral Southeast Region, NMFS, has Family Anthothelidae Montastrea annularis, Boulder star coral determined that the actions contained in Erythropodium caribaeorum, Encrusting M. cavernosa, Great star coral this final rule are consistent with gorgonian Solenastrea bournoni, Smooth star coral Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP, the Iciligorgia schrammi, Deepwater sea fan Family Meandrinidae Magnuson-Stevens Act and other Family Briareidae Dendrogyra cylindrus, Pillar coral Briareum asbestinum, Corky sea finger applicable law. Dichocoenia stellaris, Pancake star Family Clavulariidae D. stokesi, Elliptical star This final rule has been determined to Carijoa riisei Meandrina meandrites, Maze coral be not significant for purposes of Telesto spp. Family Mussidae Executive Order 12866. 2. Gorgonian corals—Order Gorgonacea Isophyllastrea rigida, Rough star coral Family Ellisellidae Isophyllia sinuosa, Sinuous cactus The Chief Counsel for Regulation of Ellisella spp., Sea whips Mussa angulosa, Large flower coral the Department of Commerce certified Family Gorgoniidae Mycetophyllia aliciae, Thin fungus coral to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Gorgonia flabellum, Venus sea fan M. danae, Fat fungus coral Small Business Administration during G. mariae, Wide-mesh sea fan M. ferox, Grooved fungus the proposed rule stage that this action G. ventalina, Common sea fan M. lamarckiana, Fungus coral would not have a significant economic Pseudopterogorgia acerosa, Sea plume Scolymia cubensis, Artichoke coral P. albatrossae S. lacera, Solitary disk impact on a substantial number of small P. americana, Slimy sea plume Family Oculinidae entities. The factual basis for this P. bipinnata, Bipinnate plume Oculina diffusa, Ivory bush coral certification was published in the P. rigida Family Pocilloporidae proposed rule and is not repeated here. Pterogorgia anceps, Angular sea whip Madracis decactis, Ten-ray star coral No comments were received regarding P. citrina, Yellow sea whip M. mirabilis, Yellow pencil the certification and NMFS has not Family Plexauridae Family Poritidae Eunicea calyculata, Warty sea rod Porites astreoides, Mustard hill coral received any new information that E. clavigera P. branneri, Blue crust coral would affect its determination. No E. fusca, Doughnut sea rod P. divaricata, Small finger coral changes to the final rule were made in E. knighti P. porites, Finger coral response to public comments. As a E. laciniata Family Rhizangiidae result, a regulatory flexibility analysis E. laxispica Astrangia solitaria, Dwarf cup coral was not required and none was E. mammosa, Swollen-knob Phyllangia americana, Hidden cup coral prepared. E. succinea, Shelf-knob sea rod Family Siderastreidae E. touneforti Siderastrea radians, Lesser starlet List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Muricea atlantica S. siderea, Massive starlet M. elongata, Orange spiny rod 4. Black Corals—Order Antipatharia Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, M. laxa, Delicate spiny rod Antipathes spp., Bushy black coral Seagrass, Virgin Islands. M. muricata, Spiny sea fan Stichopathes spp., Wire coral M. pinnata, Long spine sea fan II. [Reserved] Dated: May 30, 2013. Muriceopsis spp. Aquarium Trade Species in the Caribbean Alan D. Risenhoover, M. flavida, Rough sea plume Coral FMP Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, M. sulphurea I. Sponges—Phylum Porifera Plexaura flexuosa, Bent sea rod performing the functions and duties of the A. Demosponges—Class Demospongiae P. homomalla, Black sea rod Amphimedon compressa, Erect rope Deputy Assistant Administrator for Plexaurella dichotoma, Slit-pore sea rod sponge Regulatory Programs, National Marine P. fusifera Chondrilla nucula, Chicken liver sponge Fisheries Service. P. grandiflora Cinachyrella alloclada For the reasons set out in the P. grisea Geodia neptuni, Potato sponge P. nutans, Giant slit-pore Haliclona spp., Finger sponge preamble, 50 CFR Part 622 is amended Pseudoplexaura crucis Myriastra spp. as follows: P. flagellosa Niphates digitalis, Pink vase sponge P. porosa, Porous sea rod N. erecta, Lavender rope sponge PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE P. wagenaari Spinosella plicifera CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH 3. Hard Corals—Order S. vaginalis ATLANTIC Family Acroporidae Tethya crypta Acropora cervicornis, Staghorn coral II. Coelenterates—Phylum Coelenterata ■ 1. The authority citation for part 622 A. palmata, Elkhorn coral A. Anthozoans—Class Anthozoa A. prolifera, Fused staghorn 1. Anemones—Order Actiniaria continues to read as follows: Family Agaricidae Aiptasia tagetes, Pale anemone Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Agaricia agaricites, Lettuce leaf coral Bartholomea annulata, Corkscrew A. fragilis, Fragile saucer anemone ■ 2. In Appendix A to part 622, Tables A. lamarcki, Lamarck’s sheet Condylactis gigantea, Giant pink-tipped 1 and 2 are revised to read as follows: A. tenuifolia, Thin leaf lettuce anemone

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Heteractis lucida, Knobby anemone Astrophyton muricatum, Giant basket star Malacanthidae—Tilefishes Lebrunia spp., Staghorn anemone Ophiocoma spp., Brittlestars Blackline tilefish, Caulolatilus cyanops Stichodactyla helianthus, Sun anemone Ophioderma spp., Brittlestars Sand tilefish, Malacanthus plumieri 2. Colonial Anemones—Order Zoanthidea O. rubicundum, Ruby brittlestar Carangidae—Jacks Zoanthus spp., Sea mat D. Sea Urchins—Class Echinoidea Blue runner, Caranx crysos 3. False Corals—Order Diadema antillarum, Long-spined urchin Horse-eye jack, Caranx latus Discosoma spp. (formerly Rhodactis), False Echinometra spp., Purple urchin Black jack, Caranx lugubris coral Eucidaris tribuloides, Pencil urchin Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana florida, Florida false coral Lytechinus spp., Pin cushion urchin Bar jack, Caranx ruber III. Annelid Worms—Phylum Annelida Tripneustes ventricosus, Sea egg Greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili A. Polychaetes—Class Polychaeta E. Sea Cucumbers—Class Holothuroidea Yellow jack, Caranx bartholomaei Family Sabellidae, Feather duster worms Holothuria spp., Sea cucumbers Scaridae—Parrotfishes Sabellastarte spp., Tube worms VII. —Phylum Chordata Blue parrotfish, Scarus coeruleus S. magnifica, Magnificent duster A. Tunicates—Subphylum Urochordata Midnight parrotfish, Scarus coelestinus Family Serpulidae Princess parrotfish, Scarus taeniopterus Spirobranchus giganteus, Christmas tree Table 2 of Appendix A to Part 622— Queen parrotfish, Scarus vetula worm Caribbean Reef Fish Rainbow parrotfish, Scarus guacamaia IV. Mollusks—Phylum Mollusca Lutjanidae—Snappers Redfin parrotfish, Sparisoma rubripinne A. Gastropods—Class Gastropoda Unit 1 Redtail parrotfish, Sparisoma Family Elysiidae Black snapper, Apsilus dentatus chrysopterum Tridachia crispata, Lettuce sea slug Blackfin snapper, Lutjanus buccanella Stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride Family Olividae Silk snapper, Lutjanus vivanus Redband parrotfish, Sparisoma Oliva reticularis, Netted olive Vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurofrenatum Family Ovulidae aurorubens Striped parrotfish, Scarus croicensis Cyphoma gibbosum, Flamingo tongue Wenchman, Pristipomoides aquilonaris Acanthuridae—Surgeonfishes B. Bivalves—Class Bivalvia Unit 2 Blue tang, Acanthurus coeruleus Family Limidae Cardinal, Pristipomoides macrophthalmus Ocean surgeonfish, Acanthurus bahianus Lima spp., Fileclams Queen snapper, Etelis oculatus Doctorfish, Acanthurus chirurgus L. scabra, Rough fileclam Unit 3 Balistidae—Triggerfishes Family Spondylidae Gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus Ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen Spondylus americanus, Atlantic thorny Lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris Queen triggerfish, Balistes vetula oyster Mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis Sargassum triggerfish, Xanthichthys C. Cephalopods—Class Cephalopoda Dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu ringens 1. Octopuses—Order Octopoda Schoolmaster, Lutjanus apodus Monacanthidae—Filefishes Family Octopodidae Mahogany snapper, Lutjanus mahogoni Scrawled filefish, Aluterus scriptus Octopus spp. (except the Common octopus, Unit 4 Whitespotted filefish, Cantherhines O. vulgaris) Yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus macrocerus V. Arthropods—Phylum Arthropoda Serranidae—Sea basses and Groupers Black durgon, Melichthys niger A. Crustaceans—Subphylum Crustacea Unit 1 Ostraciidae—Boxfishes 1. Decapods—Order Decapoda Nassau Grouper, Epinephelus striatus Honeycomb cowfish, Lactophrys polygonia Family Alpheidae Unit 2 Scrawled cowfish, Lactophrys quadricornis Alpheus armatus, Snapping shrimp Goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara Trunkfish, Lactophrys trigonus Family Diogenidae Unit 3 Spotted trunkfish, Lactophrys bicaudalis Paguristes spp., Hermit Coney, Epinephelus fulvus Smooth trunkfish, Lactophrys triqueter P. cadenati, Red reef hermit Graysby, Epinephelus cruentatus Labridae—Wrasses Family Grapsidae Red hind, Epinephelus guttatus Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus Percnon gibbesi, Nimble spray Rock hind, Epinephelus adscensionis Puddingwife, Halichoeres radiatus Family Hippolytidae Unit 4 Spanish hogfish, Bodianus rufus Lysmata spp., Peppermint shrimp Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci Pomacanthidae—Angelfishes Thor amboinensis, Anemone shrimp Red grouper, Epinephelus morio Queen angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris Family Majidae, Coral crabs Tiger grouper, Mycteroperca tigris Gray angelfish, Pomacanthus arcuatus Mithrax spp., Clinging crabs Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa French angelfish, Pomacanthus paru M. cinctimanus, Banded clinging Unit 5 Aquarium Trade Species in the Caribbean M. sculptus, Green clinging Misty grouper, Epinephelus mystacinus Reef Fish FMP: Stenorhynchus seticornis, Yellowline Yellowedge grouper, Epinephelus Frogfish, Antennarius spp. arrow flavolimbatus Flamefish, Apogon maculatus Family Palaemonida Haemulidae—Grunts Conchfish, Astrapogon stellatus Periclimenes spp., Cleaner shrimp White grunt, Haemulon plumierii Redlip blenny, Ophioblennius atlanticus Family Squillidae, Mantis crabs Margate, Haemulon album Peacock flounder, Bothus lunatus Gonodactylus spp. Tomtate, Haemulon aurolineatum Longsnout butterflyfish, Chaetodon Lysiosquilla spp. Bluestriped grunt, Haemulon sciurus aculeatus Family Stenopodidae, Coral shrimp French grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum Foureye butterflyfish, Chaetodon Stenopus hispidus, Banded shrimp Porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus capistratus S. scutellatus, Golden shrimp Mullidae—Goatfishes Spotfin butterflyfish, Chaetodon ocellatus VI. —Phylum Echinodermata Spotted goatfish, Pseudupeneus maculatus Banded butterflyfish, Chaetodon striatus A. Feather stars—Class Crinoidea Yellow goatfish, Mulloidichthys martinicus Redspotted hawkfish, Amblycirrhitus pinos Analcidometra armata, Swimming crinoid Sparidae—Porgies Flying gurnard, Dactylopterus volitans Davidaster spp., Crinoids Jolthead porgy, Calamus bajonado Atlantic spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber Nemaster spp., Crinoids Sea bream, Archosargus rhomboidalis Neon goby, Gobiosoma oceanops B. Sea stars—Class Asteroidea Sheepshead porgy, Calamus penna Rusty goby, Priolepis hipoliti Astropecten spp., Sand stars Pluma, Calamus pennatula Royal gramma, Gramma loreto Linckia guildingii, Common comet star Holocentridae—Squirrelfishes Creole wrasse, Clepticus parrae Ophidiaster guildingii, Comet star Blackbar soldierfish, Myripristis jacobus Yellowcheek wrasse, Halichoeres Oreaster reticulatus, Cushion sea star Bigeye, Priacanthus arenatus cyanocephalus C. Brittle and basket stars—Class Longspine squirrelfish, Holocentrus rufus Yellowhead wrasse, Halichoeres garnoti Ophiuroidea Squirrelfish, Holocentrus adscensionis Clown wrasse, Halichoeres maculipinna

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Pearly razorfish, Hemipteronotus novacula Beaugregory, Pomacentrus leucostictus Pipefishes, Syngnathus spp. Green razorfish, Hemipteronotus splendens Bicolor damselfish, Pomacentrus partitus Sand diver, Synodus intermedius Bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum Threespot damselfish, Pomacentrus Sharpnose puffer, Canthigaster rostrata Chain moray, Echidna catenata planifrons Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix Green moray, Gymnothorax funebris Glasseye snapper, Priacanthus cruentatus * * * * * Goldentail moray, Gymnothorax miliaris High-hat, Equetus acuminatus ■ Batfish, Ogcocephalus spp. Jackknife-fish, Equetus lanceolatus 3. Appendix E to part 622 is revised Goldspotted , ocellatus Spotted drum, Equetus punctatus to read as follows: Yellowhead jawfish, Opistognathus Scorpaenidae—Scorpionfishes Appendix E to Part 622—Caribbean aurifrons Butter hamlet, Hypoplectrus unicolor Island/Island Group Management Dusky jawfish, Opistognathus whitehursti Swissguard basslet, Liopropoma rubre Areas Cherubfish, Centropyge argi Greater soapfish, Rypticus saponaceus Rock beauty, Holacanthus tricolor Orangeback bass, Serranus annularis Table 1 of Appendix E to Part 622— Sergeant major, Abudefduf saxatilis Lantern bass, Serranus baldwini Coordinates of the Puerto Rico Blue chromis, Chromis cyanea Tobaccofish, Serranus tabacarius Management Area. Sunshinefish, Chromis insolata Harlequin bass, Serranus tigrinus Yellowtail damselfish, Microspathodon Chalk bass, Serranus tortugarum The Puerto Rico management area is chrysurus Caribbean tonguefish, Symphurus arawak bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in Dusky damselfish, Pomacentrus fuscus Seahorses, Hippocampus spp. order, the following points.

Point North latitude West longitude

A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) ...... 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ B ...... 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ From Point B, proceed southerly along the 3-nautical mile Territorial boundary of the St. Thomas/St. John island group to Point C. C ...... 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ D ...... 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ E ...... 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ F ...... 16°02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″’ From Point F, proceed southwesterly, then northerly, then easterly, and finally southerly along the Inter- national/EEZ boundary to Point A. A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) ...... 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″

Table 2 of Appendix E to Part 622— Coordinates of the St. Croix Management Area. The St. Croix management area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points.

Point North latitude West longitude

G ...... 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ From Point G, proceed easterly, then southerly, then southwesterly along the International/EEZ boundary to Point F. F ...... 16°02′53.5812″ 65°20′00.1716″ E ...... 17°30′00.000″ 65°20′00.1716″ D ...... 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ G ...... 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″

Table 3 of Appendix E to Part 622— connecting, in order, the following Coordinates of the St. Thomas/St. points. John Management Area. The St. Thomas/St. John management area is bounded by rhumb lines

Point North latitude West longitude

A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) ...... 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″ From Point A, proceed southeasterly along the International/EEZ boundary to Point G. G ...... 18°03′03″ 64°38′03″ D ...... 18°01′16.9636″ 64°57′38.817″ C ...... 18°13′59.0606″ 65°05′33.058″ From Point C, proceed northerly along the 3-nautical mile Territorial boundary of the St. Thomas/St. John island group to Point B. B ...... 18°25′46.3015″ 65°06′31.866″ A (intersects with the International/EEZ boundary) ...... 19°37′29″ 65°20′57″

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[FR Doc. 2013–13194 Filed 6–3–13; 8:45 am] the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery season for Federal waters. Therefore, the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Conservation and Management Act effect of these inconsistent seasons on (Magnuson-Stevens Act). gag harvest has been factored into On February 21, 2013, NMFS projections of how long the Federal DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE published a proposed rule for the season may remain open based on the framework action and requested public ACT. National Oceanic and Atmospheric comments (78 FR 12012). The proposed Using updated landings data, NMFS Administration rule and the framework action outline now projects the ACT for the the rationale for the actions contained in recreational sector for gag will be 50 CFR Part 622 this final rule. A summary of the actions reached on December 3, 2013. [Docket No. 121004516–3498–02] implemented by this final rule are Therefore, the recreational sector for gag provided below. will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on RIN 0648–BC64 This final rule: (1) Establishes a July 1, 2013, and close at 12:01 a.m., closure date for the recreational sector local time, December 3, 2013, unless Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of for the harvest of gag based on when the NMFS determines, using in-season Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish ACT is projected to be reached, rather landings data, that the ACL will be Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gag than closing on November 1, 2013, as reached before December 3, 2013, at Management Measures prescribed under current regulations; which time NMFS will publish a new AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries and (2) modifies the geographic extent closure date in the Federal Register. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and of the recreational SWG fixed seasonal During the closure, the bag and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), closure, which occurs from February 1 possession limit of gag in or from the Commerce. through March 31, each year, to allow Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is zero. For persons in the Gulf on board ACTION: Final rule. recreational SWG fishing within Federal waters shoreward of the 20-fathom a vessel for which a valid Federal SUMMARY: NMFS implements boundary during the closure. Both charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf management measures described in a measures are intended to prevent reef fish has been issued, this bag and framework action to the Fishery overfishing of gag. However, while the possession limit applies without regard Management Plan for the Reef Fish second measure will reduce restrictions to where such species were harvested, Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), on fishermen wanting to harvest SWG in i.e. in state or Federal waters. The as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico nearshore waters during the closure, the recreational sector for gag will reopen Fishery Management Council (Council). reduction in the geographic extent of the on July 1, 2014, the start of the 2014 This final rule establishes a closure date closure still provides some spawning recreational fishing season. for the 2013 recreational sector for the season protection for several SWG Recreational SWG Fixed Seasonal harvest of gag based on the projected species, but provides a better Closure opportunity for the recreational sector to annual catch target (ACT), and reduces This final rule modifies the achieve OY from the stocks in the SWG the geographic extent of the recreational geographic extent of the February 1 complex in the Gulf. shallow-water grouper (SWG) fixed through March 31 recreational SWG seasonal closure. In the Gulf of Mexico Management Measures Contained in fixed seasonal closure, so that it applies (Gulf), SWG consists of gag, red grouper, This Final Rule only to Federal waters seaward of the black grouper, scamp, yellowfin 20-fathom boundary as established by Recreational Gag Fishing Season grouper, and yellowmouth grouper. the coordinates in 50 CFR 622.34(d). The purpose of this rule is to help The recreational gag fishing season This modification will continue to achieve optimum yield (OY) for the Gulf opens on July 1, each year. Currently, provide protection for spawning gag as gag and other SWG resources and the season closes on November 1, each well as for other SWG species that prevent overfishing from the stocks in year, and remains closed until the spawn in waters deeper than 20 fathoms the SWG complex. following July. This final rule sets the in February and March, while allowing DATES: This rule is effective July 5, closure date of the recreational sector fishermen to harvest SWG shoreward of 2013. for gag based on when the ACT is the 20-fathom contour. The coordinates ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the projected to be reached. NMFS will of the boundary follow the 20-fathom framework action, which includes an monitor recreational gag landings in- reef fish bottom longline boundary from environmental assessment, regulatory season and if NMFS projects the the Florida Keys north and west to Cape impact review, and Regulatory recreational gag ACL will be reached San Blas, as specified in Table 1 of Flexibility Act analysis, may be before the expected ACT closure date, Appendix B to 50 CFR Part 622. obtained from the Southeast Regional NMFS may publish a different closure However, where the longline boundary Office Web site at http:// date in the Federal Register. moves out to 50 fathoms west of Cape sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/ Given a 2013 ACT of 1.287 million lb San Blas, this rule establishes new 20- GrouperSnapperandReefFish.htm. (0.584 million kg), gutted weight, and fathom boundary coordinates for waters assuming compatible state regulations, off Cape San Blas to the U.S. and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: NMFS projected at the time of the Mexico border. Peter Hood, Southeast Regional Office, proposed rule that the recreational gag NMFS, telephone 727–824–5305; email: fishing season would remain open until Comments and Reponses [email protected]. sometime between November 11 and NMFS received a total of 23 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The reef December 3, 2013. In 2013, four Gulf individual comments on the framework fish fishery of the Gulf includes SWG coast counties in Florida established action and the proposed rule. Seven and is managed under the FMP. The recreational gag fishing seasons in state individual comments supported all or a FMP was prepared by the Council and waters that are inconsistent with the part of the rule. One Federal agency is implemented through regulations at 2013 Federal season. All other Gulf indicated they had no objection to the 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of coast counties are consistent with the framework action or the rule. The

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