AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Proposed temporary rule; interim measures; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

NMFS proposes this temporary rule for an interim catch limit (ICL) of 13,000 lb of American Samoa bottomfish for fishing year 2020. NMFS would monitor 2020 catches, and if the fishery reaches the ICL, we would close the fishery in Federal waters for the remainder of the calendar year. This temporary action is necessary to reduce overfishing of American Samoa bottomfish while minimizing socio-economic impacts to fishing communities. This proposed rule supports the long-term sustainability of American Samoa bottomfish.

DATES:

NMFS must receive comments by September 28, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments on this proposed temporary rule, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2020-0099, by either of the following methods:

•  Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/​docket?​D=​NOAA-NMFS-2020-0099, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
•  Mail: Send written comments to Michael D. Tosatto, Regional Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.

Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the American Samoa Archipelago (FEP) is available from the Council, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, tel 808-522-8220, or www.wpcouncil.org.

NMFS prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) that describes the potential impacts on the human environment that could result from this temporary rule. The draft EA and other supporting documents are available from www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brett Schumacher, NMFS PIR Sustainable Fisheries, 808-725-5185.

Click here for complete FR Notice