Coral Reef Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Initial Regulations; OMB Control Numbers

Résumé

NMFS issues this final rule to implement the approved measures of the Fishery Management Plan for Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (FMP). This rule restricts the taking of coral reef resources in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NMFS disapproved two measures of the FMP that would have adopted state permit and reporting requirements, because the state permit systems are not yet fully developed, and the state regulations authorizing these permits, where they exist, do not satisfy the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act), and other applicable laws. In addition, NMFS informs the public of the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this rule and publishes the OMB control numbers for these collections. The intended effect of this rule is to protect important marine resources.