February 4, 2016— The following is a release From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to set a control date of June 30, 2015, for the Atlantic dolphin commercial sector of the dolphin and wahoo fishery. This notice informs current and potential future participants that the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is considering restrictions limiting participation in the dolphin commercial sector. Participants who enter the sector after June 30, 2015, will not be assured of future access should a management regime that limits participation in the sector be prepared and implemented.
The establishment of a control date does not commit the Council or NOAA Fisheries to any particular management regime. The Council may or may not make use of this control date as part of the requirements for participation in the Atlantic dolphin commercial sector. Fishermen are not guaranteed future participation in the sector, regardless of their entry date. The Council may take action that would affect participants who were in the fishery prior to the control date, or the Council may choose to take no further action to control entry or access to the Atlantic dolphin commercial sector.
Request for Comments
Comments on this control date must be received no later than March 7, 2016, to be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
You may submit comments by the following methods:
- Electronic Submission:
Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0001, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
- Mail:
Nikhil Mehta
NOAA Fisheries
Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on the www.regulations.gov Website 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).