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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BK84 Publication ID: Fall 2021 
Title: ●Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2022 and Beyond 
Abstract:

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) is expected to adopt by consensus a Resolution for Conservation Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in October 2021. The Resolution is binding for IATTC member nations, and under the Tuna Conventions Act, 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq. NMFS must implement the Resolution domestically. This proposed rule would implement the provisions for tropical tuna for 2022 and beyond. In addition to rolling over measures from the 2021 Resolution, this Resolution may include an increase in purse seine closure days, changes to force majeure provisions, updates to fish aggregating device measures. The Resolution is intended to prevent overfishing of tropical tuna (bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The following provisions that would be included in the proposed rule were also in the regulations implemented for 2021. The rule will continue to prohibit purse seine vessels of class sizes 4-6 (carrying capacity greater than 182 mt) from fishing for tropical tuna in the EPO for a period of at least 72 days. The rule would continue to require a closure of the fishery for yellowfin, bigeye, and skipjack tunas by purse-seine vessels within the area of 96W and 110W and between 4°N and 3°S from 0000 hours on 9 October to 2400 hours on 8 November. The rule would carry over all provisions included in the Measures of the Longline Fishery and Other Provisions section of the Resolution. As of August 23, 2021, 17 U.S. purse seine vessels of class size 4-6 are registered to fish in the IATTC Convention Area that would be impacted by these measures. Owners and operators of these vessels are familiar with these measures. In addition to sending professional representatives and lobbyists, many personally attended the June and August IATTC Meetings and were closely involved in briefings and discussions with State Department and NMFS leadership and staff. The action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its international obligations as a Member of the IATTC. This rule is not expected to trigger either opposition from any sector of the public or congressional interest.  NMFS has considered this action under E.O. 12866. Based on that review, this action is not expected to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or have an adverse effect in a material way on the economy. Furthermore, this action would not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; or materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or raise novel or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President’s priorities, or the principles set forth in this E.O.

 
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 U.S.C. 951    16 U.S.C. 952    16 U.S.C. 953    16 U.S.C. 954    ...   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  11/00/2021 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest.
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Barry Thom
Regional Administrator, West Coast Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1201 NE Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100,
Portland, OR 97232
Phone:503 231-6266
Email: barry.thom@noaa.gov