[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8674-8677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3806]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN: 0648-XU58
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings and hearings.
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SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will
hold the following meetings in the Mariana islands: Rota Community
Meeting; Tinian Community Meeting, Saipan Community Meeting,
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Student Symposium,
Mariana Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team (PT) Meeting, CNMI
Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC), Guam REAC, Mariana
Archipelago Advisory Panel (AP) Meeting, Guam Student Symposium, 103rd
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and 147th Council meetings
to take recommendations and action on fishery management issues in the
Western Pacific Region.
DATES: The Rota Community meeting to be held March 11, 2010, Tinian
Community Meeting to be held March 12, 2010, Saipan Community Meeting
and CNMI Student Symposium to be held March 13, 2010, Mariana
Archipelago Ecosystem PT to be held March 15, 2010, the CNMI REAC to be
held March 16, 2010, the Guam REAC to be held March 18, 2010, the 103rd
SSC Meeting to be held March 17-19 2010, Mariana Archipelago AP and
Guam Student Symposium to be held March 20, 2010, and the 147th Council
meeting to be held March 21-26, 2010. For specific times and agendas,
see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: The CNMI Community Meetings will be held at the Rota Social
Hall, Tinian Elementary School Cafeteria and the Fiesta Resort and Spa,
Saipan.
The Marianas PT and CNMI REAC meetings will be held at the
Multipurpose Center, Saipan. The Marianas AP and Guam REAC meeting will
be held at the Guam Hilton.
The CNMI Student Symposium will be held at the Fiesta Resort and
Spa, Saipan, and the Guam Student Symposium will be held at the Guam
Hilton, Guam.
The 103rd SSC will be held at the Guam Hilton.
The 147th Council meeting will be held at the Fiesta Resort and
Spa, Saipan and at the Guam Hilton on Guam.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director;
telephone: (808) 522-8220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In addition to the agenda items listed here,
the SSC and Council will hear recommendations from Council advisory
groups. Public comment periods will be provided throughout the agendas.
The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The meetings
will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business.
Schedule and Agenda for Rota, Tinian and Saipan Community Meetings
Rota 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010; Tinian 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, March 12, 2010; Saipan 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Rota, Tinian and Saipan community meetings will feature a
traditional fishing demonstration and discussion of traditional fishing
practices from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The remainder of the meeting will
include presentations and discussions on the Mariana Archipelago Lunar
Calendar, CNMI Bottomfish Permit Requirement, CNMI Division of Fish and
Wildlife Biosampling Program and Community Grant Opportunities. The
Council will seek public comment on proposed Management Measures for
Non-commercial Fishing in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.
Schedule and Agenda for CNMI Student Symposium
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Student Symposium will include presentations on the High School
Summer Courses in the Marianas and highlights of the Hawaii and
American Samoa courses and videos. Students will be able to participate
in an ``open house'' session to feature information on the Council,
traditional fisheries in the Marianas, local fishery agency programs,
educational opportunities for students, and fisheries role in the
community.
Schedule and Agenda for the Mariana Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan
Team Meeting
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010
The PT will review the status of 2009 PT recommendations. The PT
will discuss and may make recommendations on the Mariana Archipelago
Annual Report Modules for bottomfish, coral reef, and crustacean
fisheries and on the separation of Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Unit
Species and Bottomfish Management Unit Species complexes. Reports will
be provided on monitoring activities and projects including, the
November 2009 Fishery Data Workshop, NMFS biosampling program, Guam
bottomfish biosampling project, CNMI bottomfish regulations and
compliance, Mariana Humphead Wrasse Study and coral reef priority
setting. The PT will review and make recommendations on the following
Council actions:
A. Marianas Trench Monument Non-Commercial Fishing Management
Measures
B. Recommendations on a Process for Establishing Annual Catch
Limits
C. Recommendations on Framework Measures for Fishery Ecosystem
Plans of the Western Pacific
D. Recommendations on Management Measures for Aquaculture in the
Western Pacific
E. Recommendations on Options for Exemptions from Federal Fishery
Permits
F. Recommendations on Cooperative Research Projects
Schedule and Agenda for Marianas Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan
Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (CNMI REAC)
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The CNMI REAC will meet to review progress on the 2009 REAC
recommendations and to hear reports on, discuss and consider developing
recommendations on the following upcoming 147th Council Meeting
Actions:
A. Management Measures for Non-Commercial Fishing in the Marianas
Trench Marine National Monument
B. Recommendations on Management Measures for Aquaculture in the
Western Pacific
C. Recommendations on Cooperative Research Projects
In addition, the CNMI REAC will hear reports on, discuss and
consider developing recommendations on CNMI Coral Reef Priority Setting
Document,
[[Page 8675]]
Micronesian Challenge meeting, Division of Fish and Wildlife
biosampling program, tangison and atuhong in the Marianas, Mariana
Archipelago lunar calendar and the status of the sea turtle recovery
plan and funding. The REAC will also hear reports on the status of the
CNMI bottomfish regulations and compliance, marine education and
training program, Community Demonstration Projects Program, sanctuary
scoping and outreach funding and other local issues.
Schedule and Agenda for SSC Meeting
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010
1. Introductions
2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs
3. Status of the 102nd SSC Meeting Recommendations
4. Report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
Director
5. Program Planning
A. ACLs Process-Ongoing Action
B. Data Workshop Report
C. Second National SSC Meeting Report
1. Catch Data Work Group Report
D. NOAA National Catch Shares Guidelines
E. Public Comment
F. Discussion and Recommendations
6. Insular Fisheries
A. Mariana Archipelago
1. Draft omnibus FEP amendment for non commercial fishing in the
Marianas Trench, Rose Atoll, Pacific Remote Island Area Monuments
2. History of the Pelagic Fishing in the Marianas
B. Mariana Division of Fish & Wildlife reef fish life history
investigations
C. American Samoa Archipelago
1. Tsunami Impacts on Nearshore Ecosystems
D. Hawaii Archipelago
1. Options for Refining Essential Fish Habitat for Main Hawaiian
Islands Bottomfish
E. Insular Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team Recommendations
F. Public Comment
G. Discussion and Recommendations
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010
7. Pelagic Fisheries
A. Hawaii Longline Bigeye Tuna Management Under a Catch Limit
B. Options to modify Hawaii deep set tuna longline swordfish catch
limit
C. Monitoring the dynamic changes of economic performance of the
Hawaii Longline Fisheries
D. Addressing Hawaii Bigeye and Yellowfin Insular Populations
E. American Samoa and Hawaii Longline Quarterly Reports
F. Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit Monitoring
G. Bigeye Tuna Stock Assessment Review
H. International Fisheries/Meetings
1. Sixth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fishery
Commission
2. Eighth meeting to establish a North Pacific Regional Fishery
Management Arrangement
I. Pelagic Plan Team Recommendations
J. Public Comment
K. Discussion and Recommendations
8. Protected Species
A. False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team Report
B. Monk Seal Recovery Team Meeting Report
C. Public Comment
D. Discussion and Recommendations
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday March 19, 2010
9. Other Business
A. Coral Reef Fisheries Workshop
B. 104th SSC Meeting
10. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council
Schedule and Agenda for the Guam REAC Meeting
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday March 18, 2010
The Guam REAC will meet to hear reports on, discuss and consider
developing recommendations on the following upcoming 147th Council
Meeting Actions:
A. Management Measures for Non-Commercial Fishing in the Marianas
Trench Marine National Monument
B. Recommendations on Management Measures for Aquaculture in the
Western Pacific
C. Recommendations on Cooperative Research Projects
In addition, the Guam REAC will hear reports on and discuss Council
comments on the Military buildup Draft Environmental Impact Statement,
recommendations to the US Department of Defense on Military Activities,
Green Sea Turtle Recovery Plan, Marine Spatial Planning, coral reef
ecosystem threats, truth in science, Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries Commission, indigenous Fishing Rights -- access to safe,
healthy habitat for sustainable fishing, developing a community
consultation process and community opportunities.
Schedule and Agenda for Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel Meeting
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday March 20, 2010
The Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel members will meet to review,
discuss and consider recommendations on the following upcoming 147th
Council Meeting Actions:
A. Management of Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Non-
Commercial Fishing Measures
B. Recommendations on a Process for Establishing Annual Catch
Limits
C. Recommendations on Management Measures for Aquaculture in the
Western Pacific
D. Recommendations on Cooperative Research Projects
In addition, the AP will hear reports on the status of past fishery
management actions, including purse seine Fish Aggregation Device (FAD)
amendment, longline and purse seine area closure and CNMI Bottomfish
permit and reporting. Other issues to be discussed will include
military activities in the Mariana archipelago, coral reef Local Action
Strategy (LAS) priority setting, indigenous fishing rights, NMFS
biosampling program, UOG fish life history studies, fishery agency
reports, green sea turtle Endangered Species Act recovery criteria and
emerging fishery issues.
Schedule and Agenda for Guam Student Symposium
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday March 20, 2010
The Student Symposium will include presentations on the High School
Summer Courses in the Marianas and highlights of the Hawaii and
American Samoa courses and videos. Students will be able to participate
in an ``open house'' booth session that will feature information on the
Council, traditional fisheries in the Marianas, local fishery agency
programs, educational opportunities for students, and fisheries role in
the community.
Schedule and Agenda for 147th Council Meeting
147th Council Meeting, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Saipan
Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Executive and Budget Standing Committee Meeting
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 8:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Introductions
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of the 146th Meeting Minutes
5. Executive Director's Report
6. Agency Reports
A. National Marine Fisheries Service
1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
[[Page 8676]]
B. NOAA Regional Counsel
C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
D. Enforcement
1. U.S. Coast Guard
2. NMFS Office for Law Enforcement
3. NOAA GC for Enforcement and Litigation
4. National Marine Sanctuaries Program
7. Marianas Archipelago
A. Arongo flaeey
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Action Items
1. Recommendations on Management Measures for Non-Commercial
Fishing in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument
E. Community Activities and Issues
1. Economic Stimulus
2. Report on Student Symposium
3. Report on Marianas Community Workshop
F. Update on Military Activities
1. Marianas Islands Range Complex
2. Military Build up
G. NMFS PIRO CNMI Sea Turtle Coordinator Report
H. Education and Outreach Initiatives
I. Marianas Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP)-CNMI Advisory Panel
Recommendations
J. Marianas FEP-CNMI Plan Team Recommendations
K. Marianas FEP-CNMI REAC Recommendations
L. SSC Recommendations
M. Public Hearing
N. Council Discussion and Action
8. American Samoa Archipelago
A. Motu Lipoti
B. Fono Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Action Items
1. Recommendations on Management Measures for Non-Commercial
Fishing in the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
E. Community Activities and Issues
1. Economic Recovery and Stimulus
2. Disaster Relief
F. Education and Outreach Initiatives
G. American Samoa Plan Team Recommendations
H. SSC Recommendations
I. Public Hearing
J. Council Discussion and Action
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fishers Forum - Fishermen as Scientists
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
9. Program Planning and Research
A. Action Items
1. Recommendations on a Process for Establishing Annual Catch
Limits
2. Recommendations on Management Measures for Non-commercial
Fishing in the PRI Marine National Monument
3. Recommendation on Framework Measures for Fishery Ecosystem Plans
of the Western Pacific
4. Recommendations on Management Measures for Aquaculture in the
Western Pacific
5. Recommendations on Management Measures for Hancock Seamount
6. Recommendations on Options for Exemptions from Federal Fishery
Permits
B. Report on Western Pacific Fishery Data Workshop
C. Report on Joint AP Meeting
D. NOAA Draft Catch Shares Policy
E. National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning
F. Local, National & International Education and Outreach
Initiatives
G. Hawaii Plan Team Recommendations on PRIA Monument
H. SSC Recommendations
I. Public Hearing
J. Council Discussion and Action
10. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
147th Council Meeting, Guam Hilton, Guam
Thursday, March 25, 2010 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
11. Opening Ceremony
12. Introductions
Guest Speaker: TBA
13. Marianas Archipelago - Guam
A. Isla Informe
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Action Items
1. Recommendations on Management Measures for Non-Commercial
Fishing in the Marianas Trench Monument
E. Community Activities and Issues
1. Report on Student Symposium
2. Report on Marianas Community Workshop
F. Education and Outreach Initiatives
G. Marianas FEP-Guam Advisory Panel Recommendations
H. Marianas FEP-Guam Plan Team Recommendations
I. Marianas FEP-Guam REAC Recommendations
J. SSC Recommendations
K. Public Hearing
L. Council Discussion and Action
14. Pelagic & International Fisheries
A. Action Items
1. Recommendations on Hawaii Longline Bigeye Tuna Management Under
a Catch Limit
2. Recommendations on Options to Modify the Hawaii Deep-set Tuna
Longline Swordfish Fishery Catch Limit
3. Recommendations on Modifications to the American Samoa Longline
Limited Entry Program
B. Review of Pacific Bigeye Tuna Stock Assessment
C. International Fisheries
1. 5th International Fishers Forum (IFF5)
2. Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
D. Protected Species
1. Japan Sea Turtle Community Network
2. False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team Workshop Report
3. Monk Seal Recovery Team Meeting Report
E. Pacific Pelagic Advisory Panel Recommendations for the Marianas
F. Pelagic Plan Team Recommendations
G. SSC Recommendations
H. Public Hearing
I. Council Discussion and Action
15. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Fishers Forum
Friday, March 26, 2010 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
16. Hawaii Archipelago
A. Moku Pepa
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Action Items
1. Recommendations on Options for Refining Essential Fish Habitat
for the MHI Bottomfish Fishery
E. Community Activities and Issues
1. Economic Stimulus
F. SSC Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
17. Administrative Matters
A. Financial Reports
B. Administrative Reports
C. Standard Operating Procedures and Practices Review and Changes
D. Meetings and Workshops
E. Other Business
F. Standing Committee Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
18. Other Business
Non-Emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before
the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 147th
meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be
restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any
regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that
requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to
take action to address the emergency.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically accessible to people with
disabilities. Requests for sign language
[[Page 8677]]
interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M.
Simonds, (808) 522-8220 (voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax), at least 5
days prior to the meeting date.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 22, 2010.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-3806 Filed 2-24-10; 8:45 am]
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