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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BI10 Publication ID: Fall 2023 
Title: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Research and Data Collection in Support of Spatial Fisheries Management 
Abstract:

This rulemaking would address conducting research in areas currently closed to fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS)--during various times or by certain gear-- to collect fishery-dependent data. A number of time/area closures or gear-restricted areas have been implemented over the years through various rulemakings, limiting fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species in those areas for a variety of reasons including reducing bycatch. These time/area closures have been implemented in consultation with the HMS Advisory Panel to protect species consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (e.g., to reduce bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery off the east coast of Florida), the Endangered Species Act (e.g., to protect sea turtles in the North Atlantic), and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (e.g., to protect spawning bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico). Fishery-dependent data supports effective fisheries management, and areas that restrict fishing effort often have a commensurate decrease in fishery-dependent data collection. Programs to facilitate research and data collection, such as those that would be covered by this rulemaking, could assess the efficacy of closed areas, improve sustainable management of highly migratory species, and may provide benefits to commercial and recreational fishermen. The Agency's final actions for this rule will be based in part on feedback and public comments on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement, regulatory impact review (RIR), and initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA). The comment period ends in September 2023. The comments received to date provide helpful feedback on the potential issues and ways forward.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/05/2023  88 FR 29050   
NPRM Comment Period Extension  09/08/2023  88 FR 62044   
NPRM Comment Period End  09/15/2023 
NPRM Comment Period Extension End  10/02/2023 
Final Action  08/00/2024 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Kelly Denit
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362,
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Phone:301 427-8500
Email: kelly.denit@noaa.gov