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

ACTION:
Temporary rule; interim measures.

SUMMARY:
This temporary rule implements an interim catch limit (ICL) of 13,000 lb (5,897 kg) of American Samoa bottomfish during the effective period of the rule in fishing year 2021. NMFS will monitor catches, and if the fishery reaches the ICL within the fishing year, we will close the fishery in Federal waters through the end of the effective period of this rule. These interim management measures are necessary to reduce overfishing of American Samoa bottomfish while minimizing socio-economic impacts to fishing communities. This temporary rule supports the long-term sustainability of American Samoa bottomfish.

DATES:
Effective June 21, 2021 through
November 18, 2021.

NMFS prepared an environmental assessment (EA) that describes the potential impacts on the human environment that could result from this temporary rule. The EA and other supporting documents are available from www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2020-0099.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brett Schumacher, NMFS PIR Sustainable Fisheries, 808–725–5185.

To read the complete FR Notice click here