Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Scoping Document; Extension of Comment Period

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 285, 630, 644, and 678

[I.D. 100897B]

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Scoping Document; Extension of

Comment Period

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments; extension of

comment period.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the extension of the public comment period on

the scoping document for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fishery

management. The public comment period is hereby extended from December

1, 1997, to January 9, 1998, to give members of the public additional

time to review and comment on the issues and options that are discussed

in the scoping document. Any written comments received by that date

will be considered by NMFS in developing a set of alternatives for

management measures.

DATES: Acceptance of written comments is extended from December 1,

1997, to January 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and requests for copies of the scoping

document should be directed to the Highly Migratory Species Management

Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD. 20910.

PHONE:(301)713-2347. FAX: (301)713-1917. The scoping document is also

available on the Internet at http://kingfish.ssp.nmfs.gov/sfa/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz Lauck or Jill Stevenson, (301)

713-2347.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS is considering management measures for

the fisheries for Atlantic tunas, Atlantic swordfish, Atlantic shark,

and Atlantic billfish to be included in a comprehensive Fishery

Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks, and an

amendment to the Billfish FMP. Options for management may include long-

term rebuilding programs, reallocation of quotas, recreational bag

limits, commercial trip limits, minimum size restrictions, time/area

closures, regional quotas, consistency between state and Federal

regulations, gear restrictions, limited access, identification and

protection of essential fish habitat, and permitting and reporting

requirements.

Consistent with the new requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens

Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NMFS established an HMS

Advisory Panel (AP) and a Billfish AP to assist in developing and

amending FMPs for HMS species. In the case of any species identified as

overfished, the APs will also assist in developing rebuilding programs.

The scoping document, developed with input from the APs, outlines major

issues and options under consideration.

NMFS has held a series of scoping meetings to gather public input

on a broad range of issues and options that may be considered in

addressing HMS issues (62 FR 54035, October 17, 1997). Public input is

also sought through written comments that may be mailed or faxed to the

Highly Migratory Species Management Division (see ADDRESSES). Based

upon several requests from the

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public as well as the fact that extension of the comment period is not

anticipated to delay development of the FMP, NMFS is extending the

comment period on this scoping document from December 1, 1997 to

January 9. 1998.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

Dated: November 20, 1997.

Gary C. Matlock,

Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries

Service.

[FR Doc. 97-31190 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]

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