[Federal Register: December 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 232)] [Notices] [Page 67882] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr03de99-69] [[Page 67882]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 112699D] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene public meetings of the Ad Hoc Charter Vessel/Headboat Advisory Panel (AP) and Standing Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). DATES: The AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on January 4, 2000 and will conclude by 3:00 p.m. The SSC meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on January 12, 2000 and will conclude by 12:00 noon. ADDRESSES: The AP meeting will be held at the at the New Orleans Airport Hilton Hotel, 901 Airline Highway, Kenner, LA; telephone: 504- 469-5000. The SSC meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 300 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA; telephone: 504-581-1300. Council address: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 3018 U.S. Highway 301 North, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33619. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wayne Swingle, Executive Director; telephone: 813-228-2815. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council is considering implementation of a temporary moratorium on the issuance of charter vessel/headboat permits to fish the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for reef fish and coastal migratory pelagics (mackerel) fish. A moratorium, if adopted, would provide a basis for the development of a more comprehensive effort limitation program for this segment of the recreational fishery that could provide better long-term control of fishing effort. The moratorium proposed in this amendment considers 8 features: 1) the duration of the moratorium; 2) initial eligibility requirements for permit; 3) a new Gulf permit for coastal migratory pelagics fisheries; 4) permit transfers during the moratorium; 5) vessel size for permit transfer; 6) the reissuance of permits not renewed; 7) an appeal process; and, 8) vessel reporting. At present, the Council has suggested as preferred alternatives: Establish a 3-year moratorium; That initial eligibility requirements be all persons holding permits on September 16, 1999 are eligible; Permit transfers during the moratorium be allowed between (1) vessels owned by the permit holder and (2) individuals without transfer of the vessel; and, Reissuance of permits not renewed (or permanently revoked) will not be reissued by NMFS during the moratorium. The Council did not select preferred alternatives for: (1) a new Gulf permit for coastal migratory pelagics fisheries; (2) vessel size restriction on permit transfers; (3) the appeals process under moratorium; or (4) vessel reporting requirements. The Draft Charter Vessel/Headboat Permit Moratorium Amendment will be reviewed by the Ad Hoc Charter Vessel/Headboat AP and by the SSC at their respective meetings, times, and dates. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agendas may come before the AP/SSC for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the AP/SSC will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agendas and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson- Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. Written comments will be accepted on the draft amendment if received by January 3, 2000. A copy of the draft amendment can be obtained by calling 813-228-2815. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling 813-228-2815. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Anne Alford at the Council (see ADDRESSES) by December 28, 1999. Dated: November 29, 1999. Bruce C. Morehead, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 99-31385 Filed 12-2-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F