National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
Temporary rule; inseason adjustment.
NMFS adjusts the 2007 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.
Effective July 24, 2007, through December 31, 2007.
Michael Ruccio, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281–9104.
NMFS published a final rule in the
For 2007, the Winter II quota is 1,417,991 lb (643,201 kg), and the best available landings information indicates that 644,155 lb (292,184 kg) remain of the Winter I quota of 4,012,895 lb (1,820,249 kg). Consistent with the intent of Framework 3, the full amount of unused 2007 Winter I quota is transferred to Winter II, resulting in a revised 2007 Winter II quota of 2,062,146 lb (935,374 kg). In addition to the quota transfer, the 2007 Winter II possession limit is increased, consistent with the rollover specifications established in the 2007 final rule, to 3,500 lb (1,588 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