80_FR_18619 80 FR 18553 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

80 FR 18553 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 66 (April 7, 2015)

Page Range18553-18554
FR Document2015-07942

NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern rockfish in the BSAI.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 66 (Tuesday, April 7, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 7, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18553-18554]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07942]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 141021887-5172-02]
RIN 0648-XD844


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern 
Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is 
necessary to fully use the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern 
rockfish in the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 2, 2015, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2015. Comments must be received 
at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., April 17, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2014-0134'' by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0134, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.

[[Page 18554]]

     Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant 
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region 
NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, 
AK 99802-1668.
    Instructions: 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 NMFS. 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), confidential business information, 
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender 
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter 
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). 
Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, 
Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations 
governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at 
subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    Pursuant to the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for 
groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015), NMFS closed the 
directed fishery for northern rockfish under Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii).
    As of April 1, 2015, NMFS has determined that approximately 2,300 
metric tons of northern rockfish initial TAC remains unharvested in the 
BSAI. Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  679.25(a)(1)(i), 
(a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the 2015 TAC of 
northern rockfish in the BSAI, NMFS is terminating the previous closure 
and is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the BSAI. This 
will enhance the socioeconomic well-being of harvesters in this area. 
The Administrator, Alaska Region (Regional Administrator) considered 
the following factors in reaching this decision: (1) The current catch 
of northern rockfish in the BSAI and, (2) the harvest capacity and 
stated intent on future harvesting patterns of vessels in participating 
in this fishery.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Acting Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to 
provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the 
authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and Sec.  679.25(c)(1)(ii) as 
such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. 
This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest 
as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries 
data in a timely fashion and would delay the opening of northern 
rockfish in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing 
time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only 
became available as of April 1, 2015.
    The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the 
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is 
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment.
    Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery 
for northern rockfish in the BSAI to be harvested in an expedient 
manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under Sec.  
679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
on this action to the above address until April 17, 2015.
    This action is required by Sec.  679.20 and Sec.  679.25 and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: April 2, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-07942 Filed 4-2-15; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 18553 undergoing overfishing. However, the Small Business Administration during third sentence in the same paragraph is Council’s decision to reduce the bag the proposed rule stage that this rule removed to read as follows: limit was not based on a need to limit would not have a significant economic the harvest of red grouper. This action impact on a substantial number of small § 622.41 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and is intended to extend the length of the entities. The factual basis for this accountability measures (AMs). open season and avoid in-season determination was published in the recreational closures. proposed rule and is not repeated here. * * * * * Comment 3: A longer recreational No comments were received regarding (e) * * * closed season is preferred rather than a the certification to the Small Business (2) * * * reduction in the bag limit. Reducing the Administration. Comments regarding (ii) * * * In addition, the notification red grouper bag limit to two fish would the general net economic effects of the will reduce the length of the reduce the incentive to fish so that, even action are addressed in the comments recreational red grouper fishing season with a longer open season, the net and responses section of this final rule. the following fishing year by the amount economic effects of the action would be No changes to the final rule were made necessary to ensure red grouper negative. Fishermen usually harvest two in response to these comments. As a recreational landings do not exceed the or three red grouper per angler, but result, a final regulatory flexibility recreational ACT in the following having the opportunity to harvest four analysis was not required and none was fishing year. fish is an incentive for the trip. Offshore prepared. * * * * * harvest levels should be at least three [FR Doc. 2015–08001 Filed 4–6–15; 8:45 am] fish per angler. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 BILLING CODE CODE 3510–22–P Response: NMFS disagrees that it is Fisheries, Fishing, Gulf, Recreational, preferable to have a longer closed Red grouper. season rather than a lower bag limit. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Dated: April 1, 2015. Although it is not possible to reliably forecast changes in fishing effort or the Eileen Sobeck, National Oceanic and Atmospheric associated economic impacts of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Administration reduction in the red grouper bag limit National Marine Fisheries Service. with available data, public comments on For the reasons set out in the 50 CFR Part 679 this and similar rules indicate the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is amended [Docket No. 141021887–5172–02] majority of anglers prefer a longer open as follows: season. Longer open seasons provide RIN 0648–XD844 greater flexibility to schedule trips and PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE although some fishermen may harvest CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic more than two fish per trip, and SOUTH ATLANTIC Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in therefore choose to not fish under the the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands lower limit, most anglers do not. The ■ 1. The authority citation for part 622 Management Area economic analysis in the framework continues to read as follows: AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries document explains that in 2011–2012, Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and when the red grouper bag limit was 4 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ■ 2. In § 622.22, the last sentence in fish, more than 90 percent of trips taken Commerce. paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(B) is revised to read by anglers fishing from private vessels as follows: ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of or charter vessels, and more than 98 percent of headboat trips, harvested 1 or closure. § 622.22 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) 2 red grouper per trip. As a result, program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed lowering the limit to two fish is not (a) * * * fishing for northern rockfish in the expected to adversely affect the harvest (5) * * * Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands of most anglers, or their decision to fish. (ii) * * * Management Area (BSAI). This action is A longer open season with a reduced (B) * * * However, if red grouper is necessary to fully use the 2015 total bag limit is expected to create more trips under a rebuilding plan, the percentage allowable catch (TAC) of northern and result in greater economic benefits of gag multi-use allocation is equal to rockfish in the BSAI. than a shorter season with a higher bag zero. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local limit, which reduces the overall number * * * * * time (A.l.t.), April 2, 2015, through 2400 of trips. ■ 3. In § 622.38, the first sentence in hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2015. Classification paragraph (b)(2) is revised to read as Comments must be received at the The Regional Administrator, follows: following address no later than 4:30 Southeast Region, NMFS, has p.m., A.l.t., April 17, 2015. § 622.38 Bag and possession limits. determined that this final rule is ADDRESSES: You may submit comments * * * * * on this document, identified by necessary for the conservation and (b) * * * ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2014–0134’’ by any of management of Gulf red grouper and is (2) Groupers, combined, excluding the following methods: consistent with the framework action, goliath grouper—4 per person per day, • Electronic Submission: Submit all the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act but not to exceed 1 speckled hind or 1 rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES and other applicable law. This final rule electronic public comments via the warsaw grouper per vessel per day, or Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to has been determined to be not 2 gag or 2 red grouper per person per http://www.regulations.gov/ significant for purposes of Executive day. * * * #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014- Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of * * * * * 0134, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, the Department of Commerce certified ■ 4. In § 622.41, the second sentence in complete the required fields, and enter to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the paragraph (e)(2)(ii) is revised and the or attach your comments. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:31 Apr 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1

18554 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 66 / Tuesday, April 7, 2015 / Rules and Regulations • Mail: Submit written comments to patterns of vessels in participating in DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional this fishery. Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Classification Administration Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. This action responds to the best Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. 50 CFR Part 679 available information recently obtained Instructions: Comments sent by any from the fishery. The Acting Assistant [Docket No. 140918791–4999–02] other method, to any other address or Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA individual, or received after the end of RIN 0648–XD876 (AA), finds good cause to waive the the comment period, may not be requirement to provide prior notice and Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic considered by NMFS. All comments opportunity for public comment Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by received are a part of the public record Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and- pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 and will generally be posted for public Line Gear in the Western Regulatory U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and § 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as viewing on www.regulations.gov Area of the Gulf of Alaska such requirement is impracticable and without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), contrary to the public interest. This AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries confidential business information, or requirement is impracticable and Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and otherwise sensitive information contrary to the public interest as it Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), submitted voluntarily by the sender will would prevent NMFS from responding Commerce. be publicly accessible. NMFS will to the most recent fisheries data in a ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ timely fashion and would delay the A’’ in the required fields if you wish to opening of northern rockfish in the SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed remain anonymous). Attachments to BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/ electronic comments will be accepted in notice providing time for public processors using hook-and-line gear in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF comment because the most recent, the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf file formats only. relevant data only became available as of Alaska (GOA). This action is of April 1, 2015. necessary to prevent exceeding the A FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: season allowance of the 2015 Pacific Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. The AA also finds good cause to cod total allowable catch apportioned to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS waive the 30-day delay in the effective catcher/processors using hook-and-line manages the groundfish fishery in the date of this action under 5 U.S.C. gear in the Western Regulatory Area of BSAI according to the Fishery 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the GOA. Management Plan for Groundfish of the the reasons provided above for waiver of DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands prior notice and opportunity for public local time (A.l.t.), April 2, 2015, through Management Area (FMP) prepared by comment. 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2015. the North Pacific Fishery Management Without this inseason adjustment, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Council under authority of the NMFS could not allow the fishery for Obren Davis, 907–586–7228. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery northern rockfish in the BSAI to be SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS Conservation and Management Act. harvested in an expedient manner and manages the groundfish fishery in the Regulations governing fishing by U.S. in accordance with the regulatory GOA exclusive economic zone vessels in accordance with the FMP schedule. Under § 679.25(c)(2), according to the Fishery Management appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 interested persons are invited to submit Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of and 50 CFR part 679. Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North written comments on this action to the Pursuant to the final 2015 and 2016 above address until April 17, 2015. Pacific Fishery Management Council harvest specifications for groundfish in under authority of the Magnuson- the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015), This action is required by § 679.20 and § 679.25 and is exempt from review Stevens Fishery Conservation and NMFS closed the directed fishery for Management Act. Regulations governing northern rockfish under under Executive Order 12866. fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance § 679.20(d)(1)(iii). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 As of April 1, 2015, NMFS has Dated: April 2, 2015. CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. determined that approximately 2,300 Regulations governing sideboard Emily H. Menashes, metric tons of northern rockfish initial protections for GOA groundfish TAC remains unharvested in the BSAI. Acting Director, Office of Sustainable fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR Therefore, in accordance with Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. part 680. § 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and [FR Doc. 2015–07942 Filed 4–2–15; 4:15 pm] The A season allowance of the 2015 (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the BILLING CODE CODE 3510–22–P Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) 2015 TAC of northern rockfish in the apportioned to catcher/processors using BSAI, NMFS is terminating the previous hook-and-line gear in the Western closure and is opening directed fishing Regulatory Area of the GOA is 2,850 for northern rockfish in the BSAI. This metric tons (mt), as established by the will enhance the socioeconomic well- final 2015 and 2016 harvest rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES being of harvesters in this area. The specifications for groundfish of the GOA Administrator, Alaska Region (Regional (80 FR 10250, February 25, 2015). Administrator) considered the following In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), factors in reaching this decision: (1) The the Administrator, Alaska Region, current catch of northern rockfish in the NMFS (Regional Administrator) has BSAI and, (2) the harvest capacity and determined that the A season allowance stated intent on future harvesting of the 2015 Pacific cod TAC VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:31 Apr 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07APR1.SGM 07APR1


Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:04:53
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:04:53
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary rule; modification of closure.
DatesEffective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 2, 2015, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2015. Comments must be received
ContactSteve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation80 FR 18553 
RIN Number0648-XD84
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