NOAA
Fisheries Announces Emergency Regulations to Address Overfishing of North
Atlantic Shortfin Mako Sharks
NOAA’s
National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) announces an interim final
rule to adopt internationally recommended management measures in the Atlantic
highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries.
The emergency rule implements
management measures to address overfishing of North Atlantic shortfin mako
sharks. These measures are based on the
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna's (ICCAT’s)
Standing Committee for Research and Statistics (SCRS) benchmark stock
assessment for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks, which found the stock to be
overfished with overfishing occurring.
Who is affected?
- Any commercial fishermen with HMS permits
who interacts with shortfin mako sharks.
- Any recreational fishermen who catches
or targets shortfin mako sharks.
- Any tournament that has a prize
category for shortfin mako sharks.
- Any dealers who buys or sells shortfin
mako sharks or products.
What are the measures?
 NOAA Fisheries has been
promoting the live release of shortfin mako sharks since 2013 through the "Release Mako" app. It is a free app for
mobile devices that allows fishermen to share information about
releasing North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks.
Download the free Release Mako app.
When will this happen?
Measures are immediately effective on March
2, 2018. These measures are effective
for up to 180 days from publication of the emergency rule, with a possible
extension of up to 186 days, but are expected to be replaced by measures being
considered in a proposed and final regulatory amendment currently under
development.
Is there an Environmental Assessment for this emergency rule?
Yes. The
Environmental Assessment for the emergency rule is available on the HMS website.
Can I comment on this emergency rule?
Yes.
Written comments may be submitted by May 7, 2018, to the HMS Management
Division by either of the following methods:
- Electronic
Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal
e-Rulemaking portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0010,
click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
- Mail:
Submit written comments to NMFS, Highly Migratory Species Management
Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mark the outside of the envelope
‘‘Comments on Atlantic Shortfin Mako Emergency Rule.’’
Comments sent by any other method, to
any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment
period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
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.
NOAA Fisheries will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the
required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
During the comment period, NOAA
Fisheries will hold one public hearing for this interim final rule.
Public Hearing – March 7, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
HMS Advisory Panel Meeting
Sheraton Silver
Spring
8777
Georgia Avenue
Silver
Spring, MD 20910
This
notice is a courtesy to Atlantic HMS fishery participants to help keep you
informed about the fisheries. For
further information on these emergency measures, contact the HMS Management
Division at (301) 427-8503 or visit the HMS website.
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