National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
Temporary rule; inseason adjustment.
NMFS adjusts the 2006 Winter II commercial scup quota and possession limit. This action complies with Framework Adjustment 3 (Framework 3) to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, which established a process to allow the rollover of unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I period to the Winter II period.
This rule is effective November 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006.
Sarah McLaughlin, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281–9279.
NMFS published a final rule in the
For 2006, the Winter II quota is 1,901,983 lb (862,725 kg), and the best available landings information indicates that 1,827,598 lb (828,985 kg) remain of the Winter I quota of 5,382,589 lb (2,441,501 kg). Consistent with the intent of Framework 3, the full amount of unused 2006 Winter I quota is transferred to Winter II, resulting in a revised 2006 Winter II quota of 3,729,581 lb (1,691,709 kg). In addition to the quota transfer, the 2006 Winter II possession limit is increased, consistent with the rollover specifications established in the 2006 final rule (70 FR 77060), to 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) per trip to provide an appropriate opportunity for fishing vessels to obtain the increased Winter II quota.
This action is required by 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
16 U.S.C. 1801