AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Proposed rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

This proposed rule would establish annual catch limits (ACLs) of 30,802 pound (lb) and annual catch targets (ACTs) of 25,491 lb of main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Kona crab in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The proposed rule would also establish in-season and post-season accountability measures (AMs). The proposed action supports the long-term sustainability of the Hawaii Kona crab fishery.

DATES:

NMFS must receive comments by November 5, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2020-0091, by either of the following methods:

• Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/​docket?​D=​NOAA-NMFS-2020-0091, 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: NMFS may not consider comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on https://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).

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kate Taylor, NMFS PIRO Sustainable Fisheries, 808-725-5182.

Click here for complete FR Notice.