80 FR 25625 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Small Vessel Exemptions; License Limitation Program
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 86 (May 5, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 86 (May 5, 2015)
| Page Range | 25625-25626 | |
| FR Document | 2015-10413 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 25625-25626] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-10413] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 RIN 0648-XD682 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Small Vessel Exemptions; License Limitation Program AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Agency decision. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the approval of Amendment 108 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), Amendment 100 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP), and Amendment 46 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP). These amendments correct text omissions in the BSAI FMP, the GOA FMP, and the Crab FMP. These amendments make the fishery management plan (FMP) texts that establish vessel length limits for small vessels exempted from the license limitation program (LLP) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) groundfish and king and Tanner crab fisheries, and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fisheries, consistent with the original intent of the LLP, current operations in the fisheries, and Federal regulations. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws. DATES: The amendment was approved on April 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP, and the analysis prepared for this action are available from the Alaska Region NMFS Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Baker, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires that each regional fishery management council submit proposed amendments to a fishery management plan to NMFS for review and approval, disapproval, or partial approval by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The Magnuson-Stevens Act also requires that, upon receiving a fishery management plan amendment, NMFS immediately publish in the Federal Register a notice that the amendment is available for public review and comment. The notice of availability for Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP was published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2015 (80 FR 7816), with a 60-day comment period that ended on April 13, 2015. NMFS received no comments on Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP. NMFS determined that Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP are consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws, and the Secretary approved Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP on April 27, 2015. The February 12, 2015, notice of availability contains additional information on this action. No changes to Federal regulations are necessary to implement Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP. Amendment 108 amends Table ES-2 and Section 3.3.1 of the BSAI FMP; Amendment 100 amends Table ES-2 and Section 3.3.1 of the GOA FMP; and Amendment 46 amends Section 8.1.4.2 of the Crab FMP. Specifically, these FMP amendments add ``or equal to'' to the vessel length limits for small vessels that are exempt from the LLP in the BSAI groundfish and king and Tanner crab fisheries and GOA groundfish fisheries. The amendments have the effect of adding vessels 26 ft (7.9 m) LOA in the GOA and vessels 32 ft (9.8 m) LOA in the BSAI, including BSAI Crab, to the LLP exemption. These additions are necessary for consistency with Federal regulations that exempt from the LLP vessels that do ``not exceed 26 ft (7.9 m) LOA'' in the GOA and vessels that do ``not exceed 32 ft (9.8 m) LOA'' in the BSAI. Additional information can be found in the notice of availability for Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP (80 FR 7816, February 12, 2015) and the analysis prepared for this action (see ADDRESSES). Since the implementation of the LLP by Amendment 39 to the BSAI FMP, [[Page 25626]] Amendment 41 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 5 to the Crab FMP, which were implemented by NMFS on October 1, 1998 (63 FR 52642), fisheries in the BSAI and GOA have been conducted according to Federal regulations and not the FMP texts; therefore, approval of Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP does not impact LLP license holders, fishing behavior or fisheries management in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska. These amendments make the three FMPs consistent with the original intent of the Council and Secretary, current operations in the fisheries, and Federal regulations. Response to Comments NMFS did not receive any comments on Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 29, 2015. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015-10413 Filed 5-4-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 25625
sources, gathering and maintaining the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE to a fishery management plan to NMFS
data needed, and completing and for review and approval, disapproval, or
reviewing the collection of information. National Oceanic and Atmospheric partial approval by the Secretary of
Administration Commerce (Secretary). The Magnuson-
Notwithstanding any other provision
Stevens Act also requires that, upon
of the law, no person is required to
50 CFR Part 679 receiving a fishery management plan
respond to, nor shall any person be
RIN 0648–XD682
amendment, NMFS immediately
subject to a penalty for failure to comply publish in the Federal Register a notice
with, a collection of information subject that the amendment is available for
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
to the requirements of the PRA, unless public review and comment.
Zone Off Alaska; Small Vessel
that collection of information displays a The notice of availability for
Exemptions; License Limitation
currently valid OMB control number. Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP,
Program
NMFS has current ESA biological Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and
opinions that cover fishing under these AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP was
regulations on all listed salmon species. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and published in the Federal Register on
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), February 12, 2015 (80 FR 7816), with a
NMFS reiterated their consultation
Commerce. 60-day comment period that ended on
standards for all ESA listed salmon and
steelhead species in their annual ACTION: Notice of Agency decision. April 13, 2015. NMFS received no
comments on Amendment 108 to the
Guidance letter to the Council dated SUMMARY: The National Marine BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA
March 3, 2015. Some of NMFS past Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the FMP, and Amendment 46 to the Crab
biological opinions have found no approval of Amendment 108 to the FMP.
jeopardy, and others have found Fishery Management Plan for NMFS determined that Amendment
jeopardy, but provided reasonable and Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 108 to the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100
prudent alternatives to avoid jeopardy. Aleutian Islands Management Area to the GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to
The management measures for 2015 are (BSAI FMP), Amendment 100 to the the Crab FMP are consistent with the
consistent with the biological opinions Fishery Management Plan for Magnuson-Stevens Act and other
that found no jeopardy, and with the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA applicable laws, and the Secretary
reasonable and prudent alternatives in FMP), and Amendment 46 to the approved Amendment 108 to the BSAI
the jeopardy biological opinions. The Fishery Management Plan for Bering FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP,
Council’s recommended management Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP on
measures therefore comply with NMFS’ Crabs (Crab FMP). These amendments April 27, 2015. The February 12, 2015,
consultation standards and guidance for correct text omissions in the BSAI FMP, notice of availability contains additional
all listed salmon species which may be the GOA FMP, and the Crab FMP. These information on this action. No changes
affected by Council fisheries. In some amendments make the fishery to Federal regulations are necessary to
cases, the recommended measures are management plan (FMP) texts that implement Amendment 108 to the BSAI
establish vessel length limits for small FMP, Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP,
more restrictive than NMFS’ ESA
vessels exempted from the license and Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP.
requirements. Amendment 108 amends Table ES–2
limitation program (LLP) in the Bering
In 2009, NMFS consulted on the Sea and Aleutian Islands Management and Section 3.3.1 of the BSAI FMP;
effects of fishing under the Salmon FMP Area (BSAI) groundfish and king and Amendment 100 amends Table ES–2
on the endangered Southern Resident Tanner crab fisheries, and the Gulf of and Section 3.3.1 of the GOA FMP; and
Killer Whale Distinct Population Alaska (GOA) groundfish fisheries, Amendment 46 amends Section 8.1.4.2
Segment (SRKW) and concluded the consistent with the original intent of the of the Crab FMP. Specifically, these
salmon fisheries were not likely to LLP, current operations in the fisheries, FMP amendments add ‘‘or equal to’’ to
jeopardize SRKW. The 2015 salmon and Federal regulations. This action the vessel length limits for small vessels
management measures are consistent promotes the goals and objectives of the that are exempt from the LLP in the
with the terms of that biological Magnuson-Stevens Fishery BSAI groundfish and king and Tanner
opinion. Conservation and Management Act, the crab fisheries and GOA groundfish
FMP, and other applicable laws. fisheries. The amendments have the
This final rule was developed after effect of adding vessels 26 ft (7.9 m)
DATES: The amendment was approved
meaningful and collaboration with the LOA in the GOA and vessels 32 ft
on April 27, 2015.
affected tribes. The tribal representative (9.8 m) LOA in the BSAI, including
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of
on the Council made the motion for the BSAI Crab, to the LLP exemption. These
regulations that apply to the tribal Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP,
Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, additions are necessary for consistency
fisheries. with Federal regulations that exempt
Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP, and
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773–773k; 1801 et the analysis prepared for this action are from the LLP vessels that do ‘‘not
seq. available from the Alaska Region NMFS exceed 26 ft (7.9 m) LOA’’ in the GOA
Web site at http:// and vessels that do ‘‘not exceed 32 ft
Dated: April 29, 2015. (9.8 m) LOA’’ in the BSAI. Additional
Samuel D. Rauch III, alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
information can be found in the notice
Deputy Assistant Administrator for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: of availability for Amendment 108 to
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Regulatory Programs, National Marine Rachel Baker, 907–586–7228. the BSAI FMP, Amendment 100 to the
Fisheries Service. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The GOA FMP, and Amendment 46 to the
[FR Doc. 2015–10421 Filed 5–1–15; 8:45 am] Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Crab FMP (80 FR 7816, February 12,
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Conservation and Management Act 2015) and the analysis prepared for this
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires that action (see ADDRESSES).
each regional fishery management Since the implementation of the LLP
council submit proposed amendments by Amendment 39 to the BSAI FMP,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 May 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05MYR1.SGM 05MYR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_25711/page/1.svg)
![25626 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Amendment 41 to the GOA FMP, and behavior or fisheries management in the Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and
Amendment 5 to the Crab FMP, which U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP.
were implemented by NMFS on October Alaska. These amendments make the Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
1, 1998 (63 FR 52642), fisheries in the three FMPs consistent with the original
BSAI and GOA have been conducted intent of the Council and Secretary, Dated: April 29, 2015.
according to Federal regulations and not current operations in the fisheries, and Samuel D. Rauch III,
the FMP texts; therefore, approval of Federal regulations. Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Response to Comments Fisheries Service.
Amendment 100 to the GOA FMP, and
Amendment 46 to the Crab FMP does NMFS did not receive any comments [FR Doc. 2015–10413 Filed 5–4–15; 8:45 am]
not impact LLP license holders, fishing on Amendment 108 to the BSAI FMP, BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 May 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\05MYR1.SGM 05MYR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_25711/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-16 07:53:29
Document Modified: 2015-12-16 07:53:29
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Notice of Agency decision. | |
| Dates | The amendment was approved on April 27, 2015. | |
| Contact | Rachel Baker, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 25625 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XD68 |
2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR