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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AX60 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: ●Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Implementation of Decisions of the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for Purse Seine Fisheries 
Abstract: This rule would implement the decisions adopted at the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (Commission) to reduce or otherwise control the fishing mortality rate of bigeye tuna and potentially other highly migratory fish species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean from purse seine and other commercial fishing and to mitigate the impacts of fishing on non-target species such as turtles. Pursuant to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to implement regulations to carry out the obligations of the United States under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (Convention), including the implementation of Commission decisions. At its Fifth Regular Session, in December 2008, the Commission adopted specific provisions for purse seine and other commercial fisheries that target highly migratory fish species in the Convention’s area of application for 2009, 2010, and 2011. The U.S. implementation of these provisions could include (but is not limited to) the following: (1) time-area closures for fishing on fish aggregating devices; (2) requirements regarding observers on vessels; (3) closure of specific areas of high seas; (4) limits on fishing effort and/or catches; and (5) requirements aimed at reducing the capture, injury, and mortality of sea turtles. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 300   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 6901 et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Dr. Charles Karnella
Pacific Islands Area Office
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Suite 1110, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard,
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700
Phone:808 973-2985
Fax:808 973-2941
Email: charles.karnella@noaa.gov