80_FR_50372 80 FR 50212 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments

80 FR 50212 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 160 (August 19, 2015)

Page Range50212-50224
FR Document2015-20491

This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. This action, which is authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP), is intended to protect overfished and depleted stocks while allowing fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 160 (Wednesday, August 19, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 160 (Wednesday, August 19, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50212-50224]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20491]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 140904754-5188-02]
RIN 0648-BF27


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and 
Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments

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

ACTION: Final rule; inseason adjustments to biennial groundfish 
management measures.

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SUMMARY: This final rule announces inseason changes to management 
measures in the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. This action, which 
is authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan 
(PCGFMP), is intended to protect overfished and depleted stocks while 
allowing fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks.

DATES: This final rule is effective August 14, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gretchen Hanshew, phone: 206-526-6147, 
fax: 206-526-6736, or email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    This rule is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the 
Federal Register Web site at https://www.federalregister.gov. 
Background information and documents are available at the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council's Web site at http://www.pcouncil.org/. 
Copies of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the 
Groundfish Specifications and Management Measures for 2015-2016 and 
Biennial Periods Thereafter are available from Donald McIsaac, 
Executive Director, Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), 7700 
NE Ambassador Place, Portland, OR 97220, phone: 503-820-2280.

Background

    The PCGFMP and its implementing regulations at title 50 in the Code 
of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 660, subparts C through G, regulate 
fishing for over 90 species of groundfish off the coasts of Washington, 
Oregon, and California. Groundfish specifications

[[Page 50213]]

and management measures are developed by the Pacific Fishery Management 
Council (Council), and are implemented by NMFS.
    The final rule to implement the 2015-2016 harvest specifications 
and management measures for most species of the Pacific coast 
groundfish fishery was published on March 10, 2015 (80 FR 12567).
    The Council--in coordination with Pacific Coast Treaty Indian 
Tribes and the States of Washington, Oregon, and California--
recommended changes to current groundfish management measures at its 
June 10-16, 2015, meeting. Specifically, the Council recommended an 
increase to commercial fishery trip limits for sablefish, blackgill 
rockfish, big skate, Minor Shelf Rockfish, and California scorpionfish. 
The Council also recommended a decrease to commercial fishery trip 
limits for black rockfish. NMFS has determined that good cause exists 
to waive notice and comment for trip limit changes for sablefish, 
blackgill rockfish, black rockfish and big skate and this action 
implements those changes. However, NMFS has determined that the 
Council-recommended increases to trip limits for Minor Shelf Rockfish 
and California scorpionfish cannot be implemented without a two-meeting 
process and notice and comment rulemaking. Therefore, those changes are 
not included in this action.

Fishery Management Measures for the Limited Entry Fixed Gear (LEFG) and 
Open Access (OA) Sablefish Daily Trip Limit (DTL) Fisheries North of 
36[deg] N. lat.

    To increase harvest opportunities for the LEFG and OA fixed gear 
sablefish DTL fisheries north of 36[deg] N. lat., the Council 
considered increases to trip limits. The Council's Groundfish 
Management Team (GMT) made model-based landings projections for the 
LEFG and OA fixed gear sablefish DTL fisheries north of 36[deg] N. lat. 
for the remainder of the year. These projections were based on the most 
recent information available. The model predicted harvest of 83 percent 
(196 mt) of the LEFG harvest guideline (HG) (236 mt) and 62 percent 
(242 mt) of the OA HG (388 mt) under current trip limits. This 
indicates that projected catch in both the LEFG and OA fisheries was 
lower than anticipated when the trip limits were initially established 
(93 percent (220 mt) of the LEFG HG and 92 percent (358 mt) of the OA 
HG). With the increase in trip limits, predicted harvest assuming 
medium ex-vessel price curves is 90 percent (212 mt) of the LEFG HG 
(236 mt) and 83 percent (323 mt) of the OA HG (388 mt). Projections for 
the fixed gear sablefish fisheries south of 36[deg] N. lat. were 
similar to what they were anticipated to be in the biennial harvest 
specifications and management measures, and no requests were made by 
industry for changes; therefore, and no inseason actions were 
considered.
    Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is implementing trip 
limit changes for the LEFG and the OA sablefish DTL fisheries north of 
36[deg] N. lat. The trip limits for sablefish in the LEFG fishery north 
of 36[deg] N. lat. increase from ``1,025 lb (465 kg) per week, not to 
exceed 3,075 lb (1,394 kg) per two months'' to ``1,125 lb (510.3 kg) 
per week, not to exceed 3,375 lb (1,530 kg) per two months'' beginning 
during period 4 through the end of the year.
    The trip limits for sablefish in the OA sablefish DTL fishery north 
of 36[deg] N. lat. are increased from ``300 lb (136 kg) per day, or one 
landing per week of up to 900 lb (408 kg), not to exceed 1,800 lb (817 
kg) per two months'' to ``350 lb (159 kg) per day, or one landing per 
week of up to 1,600 lb (726 kg), not to exceed 3,200 lb (1,452 kg) per 
two months'' during period 4 through the end of the year.

Fishery Management Measures for Blackgill Rockfish in the Limited Entry 
Fixed Gear (LEFG) and Open Access (OA) Fisheries South of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat.

    Blackgill rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. was assessed in 
2011. The 2011 assessment indicated the stock was in the precautionary 
zone with spawning biomass depletion estimated to be 30 percent of its 
unfished biomass at the start of 2011. The Council chose to leave 
blackgill rockfish as a stock within the Minor Slope Rockfish south 
complex. Beginning in 2013, the Council recommended, and NMFS 
established, annual HGs and management measures to keep anticipated 
catch of blackgill rockfish within its HG, including a species-specific 
sorting requirement and species-specific sub-limits. Annual HGs and 
trip limit management in non-IFQ fisheries continue to be utilized for 
management of blackgill rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    The most recently available information (2013) indicates that the 
Minor Slope Rockfish trip limit and the blackgill rockfish sub-limit 
set in 2013 kept catch of Minor Slope Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. at 148 mt, which is less than 25 percent of the 2013 ACL (618 mt). 
Additionally, catch of blackgill was 18.5 mt, 42 percent of the 44 mt 
HG (LEFG HG of 26.4 mt and OA HG of 17.6 mt, combined). The same trip 
limits were in place in 2014, and 2014 inseason estimates indicate that 
similar catch patters are likely to be seen in the completed 2014 total 
mortality report. The best available 2015 inseason information at the 
June Council meeting indicated that catch of blackgill rockfish was 
approximately half of the amount of catch during that same time period 
in 2014. The Council recommended that the blackgill rockfish sub-limit 
be increased modestly to reduce regulatory discards since catch was 
well below the HG in 2013 and was likely similar in scale in 2014 and 
because catch in 2015 is below the levels observed in 2014. In 
addition, a modest increase in the sub-limit will likely reduce 
regulatory discards of blackgill rockfish when caught incidentally with 
co-occurring species in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex.
    Therefore, the Council recommended, and NMFS is implementing, an 
increase to blackgill rockfish sub-limits for the LEFG and the OA 
fisheries south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The blackgill rockfish sub-limit, 
within the overall trip limit for Minor Slope Rockfish complex south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat., is increased in the LEFG fishery from ``40,000 lb 
(18,144 kg) per two months, of which no more than 1,375 lb (624 kg) may 
be blackgill rockfish'' to ``40,000 lb (18,144 kg) per two months, of 
which no more than 1,600 lb (726 kg) may be blackgill rockfish'' 
beginning during period 4 through the end of the year.
    The blackgill rockfish sub-limit, within the overall trip limit for 
Minor Slope Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., is increased 
in the OA fishery from ``10,000 lb (4,536 kg) per two months, of which 
no more than 475 lb (216 kg) may be blackgill rockfish'' to ``10,000 lb 
(4,536 kg) per two months, of which no more than 550 lb (250 kg) may be 
blackgill rockfish'' beginning during period 4 through the end of the 
year.

Fishery Management Measures for Black Rockfish in the Limited Entry 
Fixed Gear (LEFG) and Open Access (OA) Fisheries Between 42[deg] N. 
lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat.

    Black rockfish are caught in nearshore commercial and recreational 
fisheries. Black rockfish is a healthy stock that co-occurs with 
nearshore overfished rockfish species (e.g., canary rockfish and 
yelloweye rockfish). Catch of black rockfish is managed, in part, to 
keep catch of co-occurring overfished species within the management 
targets for the nearshore fishery and the state of California. The best 
available information on commercial black rockfish catch in northern 
California through June 12, 2015, indicates that harvest so far in 2015 
(58 mt) is much

[[Page 50214]]

higher than what it was in this area for the entire year of 2014 (34 
mt).
    In 2014, the shoreward boundary of the non-trawl rockfish 
conservation area (RCA) in this area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 
40[deg]10' N. lat. was the boundary line approximating the 20 fm depth 
contour. For 2015, the boundary line off northern California was 
shifted seaward to the boundary line approximating the 30 fm depth 
contour, opening the area to nearshore fishing between 20 fm line and 
the 30 fm line for the first time since 2009 (80 FR 12567, March 10, 
2015). This change in the depth restriction in the non-trawl commercial 
fisheries is providing additional access to nearshore stocks, and may 
be part of the reason for the increased black rockfish landings in 2015 
compared to 2014. Additionally, the change in depth restriction may be 
changing bycatch rates of co-occurring overfished species in the 
nearshore fishery, but little information is available to inform 
bycatch rates inseason.
    Based on the best available information, catch of black rockfish is 
much higher in 2015 compared to 2014. To reduce projected catch of co-
occurring overfished species and reduce the risk of exceeding HGs for 
those overfished species, the Council considered reductions to black 
rockfish trip limits between 42[deg] N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat. The 
Council recommended decreasing the black rockfish trip limit to the 
same limit that was in effect when the northern California non-trawl 
RCA shoreward boundary was at the 30 fm line, as it is in 2015.
    Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is implementing 
decreased black rockfish trip limits for the LEFG and the OA fisheries 
between 42[deg] N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat. The black rockfish trip 
limit, within the overall trip limit for Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex, is decreased in the LEFG and OA fisheries from ``8,500 lb 
(3,856 kg) per two months of which no more than 1,200 lb (544 kg) may 
be species other than black rockfish'' to ``6,000 lb (2,722 kg) per two 
months of which no more than 1,200 lb (544 kg) may be species other 
than black rockfish'' beginning during period 4 through the end of the 
year.

Fishery Management Measures for Big Skate in the Shorebased IFQ Program

    Before 2015, big skate was managed as a component stock within the 
Other Fish complex. The big skate OFL estimate, along with the 
estimated OFLs for the other species in the complex, contributed to the 
OFL specified in regulation for the Other Fish complex. Species managed 
in complexes do not have OFLs specified in regulation. Therefore, the 
best estimate of a sustainable harvest for a single species that is 
managed in a complex is referred to as an ``OFL contribution,'' since 
the OFL for the complex is the sum of the contributing OFLs for all the 
component species.
    During development of the 2015-2016 harvest specifications and 
management measures, best estimates of mortality indicated that harvest 
of big skate was 18 percent of the big skate OFL contribution and that 
it was not in need of conservation and management. Big skate was 
removed from the Other Fish complex and designated as an ecosystem 
component (EC) species (80 FR 12567, March 10, 2015). If the Council 
had chosen to keep big skate in the fishery, with species specific 
harvest specifications, the 2015 big skate OFL endorsed by the 
Scientific Statistical Committee (SSC) would have been 541 mt. Since 
the Council chose to designate this species as an EC species, the big 
skate OFL estimate became unnecessary. Since development and 
implementation of the 2015-2016 harvest specifications and management 
measures, new information indicated that mortality of big skate is 
approaching or exceeding the 2014 big skate OFL contribution.
    At its April 2015 meeting, the Council recommended management 
measures to reduce mortality of big skate and reduce the risk of 
overfishing the stock. At that time, the best estimate of sustainable 
harvest for big skate was thought to be the 2014 OFL contribution. The 
Council recommended and NMFS implemented a trip limit reduction for big 
skate in the Shorebased IFQ Program and best estimates at that time 
indicated that total mortality of big skate through the end of 2015 
under that trip limit structure would be 441 mt, 17 mt lower than the 
2014 OFL contribution of 458 mt (80 FR 31858, June 4, 2015).
    The analysis by the Council's GMT assumed 100 percent mortality of 
discarded big skate and assumed that, once a trip limit was reached, 
encounters of big skate would cease and no additional landings or 
discards would occur. The GMT acknowledged several issues with these 
assumptions, but noted that the April analysis was limited in scope due 
to time constraints. The Council acknowledged that the mortality 
estimates and the OFL contribution both have high degrees of 
uncertainty, and recommended precautionary management measures for 
conservation of big skate. The Council also acknowledged that 
additional information and analyses would likely become available, and 
that management measures for big skate would be considered in light of 
emerging and improving information.
    At its June 2015 meeting, the Council considered additional 
analysis by the GMT, recommendations of its SSC, as well as updated 
fishery information, regarding big skate mortality and management 
measures. The West Coast Observer Program estimates that almost 80 
percent of big skate caught in groundfish fisheries are discarded. 
Following a literature review, the SSC recommended that a 50 percent 
discard mortality rate for big skate caught with commercial trawl gear 
was more appropriate. This is consistent with the assumed discard 
mortality for another skate species for which trip limits are in place 
(longnose skate). In addition, projected estimates of big skate catch 
through the end of the year decreased because of reduced inseason 
estimates. This reduction likely resulted from an increased awareness 
and avoidance by the fishing fleet, and harvest projection changes 
resulting from the Council's improved understanding of big skate 
discard mortality rate.
    At its June 2015 meeting, the Council also considered information 
regarding the best available estimate for a sustainable harvest level 
of big skate in 2015. In April 2015, the Council aimed to keep 
mortality of big skate below the 2014 OFL contribution, the best 
estimate available at that time. In June, the Council was reminded that 
the SSC endorsed a 2015 big skate OFL in November 2013. Since the 
Council recommended big skate be designated as an EC species, no 
harvest specifications were adopted for the 2015-2016 biennial cycle. 
However, in light of the need to better estimate big skate mortality, 
as it is approaching the best OFL contribution estimates, the SSC-
endorsed estimated 2015 OFL is the best available estimate of 
sustainable harvest. Therefore, the Council considered projected big 
skate mortality in 2015 compared to the estimated 2015 OFL, rather than 
the 2014 OFL contribution. The 541 mt estimated 2015 OFL for big skate 
is 83 mt higher than the 2014 OFL contribution that was used in the 
April 2015 GMT analyses. Therefore, the Council considered higher trip 
limits for big skate than those adopted in April 2015. June 2015 GMT 
estimates indicate that with higher trip limits for big skate of 35,000 
pounds per two months, through the remainder of the year, big skate 
total mortality will still be below the currently available best 
estimate of the 2015 OFL (541 mt).
    As discussed above, the best estimate of the discard mortality rate 
decreased from 100 percent to 50 percent and the estimated 2015 OFL 
that is higher than

[[Page 50215]]

the 2014 OFL contribution. Therefore, increases to the big skate trip 
limits in the IFQ fishery are warranted. The Council considered 
increasing the trip limit for big skate in the Shorebased IFQ Program, 
beginning in Period 4 (July-August). A range of trip limits was 
considered: 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) per two months, 30,000 lb (13,608 kg) 
per two months, and 35,000 lb (15,876 kg) per two months for Periods 4-
6 (July-December). All alternative trip limits are anticipated to bring 
total mortality below the estimated 2015 OFL of 541 mt, and the 
estimated 2015 Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) (assuming the same P* 
as 2014 of 0.40) of 451 mt.
    The Council recommended, and NMFS is implementing, an increase in 
the big skate trip limit in the Shorebased IFQ Program from ``20,000 
lbs (9,072 kg) per two months'' to ``35,000 lb (15,876 kg) per two 
months'' in periods 4-6 (from July through December). Best estimates 
indicate that total mortality of big skate through the end of 2015 
under this trip limit structure would be between 414 mt and 420 mt, 
121-127 mt lower than the estimated 2015 OFL contribution of 541 mt and 
21-27 mt lower than the estimated 2015 ABC contribution of 441 mt. The 
estimated total mortality is considered as a range to account for 
uncertainty in how fishing behavior will change after the big skate 
trip limit is reached. The Council recommended a trip limit that would 
allow approximately a 5 percent increase in total mortality, but would 
still be below the estimated 2015 ABC. The increase in trip limit is 
intended to allow vessels opportunistically targeting big skate to 
continue to do so, while keeping total mortality below the estimated 
2015 ABC. The Council-recommended trip limits are codified in Tables 1 
(North) and 1 (South) to Subpart C.

Classification

    This final rule makes routine inseason adjustments to groundfish 
fishery management measures, based on the best available information, 
consistent with the PCGFMP and its implementing regulations.
    This action is taken under the authority of 50 CFR 660.60(c) and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
    The aggregate data upon which these actions are based are available 
for public inspection at the Office of the Administrator, West Coast 
Region, NMFS, during business hours.
    NMFS finds good cause to waive prior public notice and comment on 
the revisions to groundfish management measures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) 
because notice and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the 
public interest. Also, for the same reasons, NMFS finds good cause to 
waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), 
so that this final rule may become effective August 14, 2015.
    At the June Council meeting, the Council recommended that these 
changes be implemented as quickly as possible during the two-month 
cumulative limit period. There was not sufficient time after that 
meeting to draft this document and undergo proposed and final 
rulemaking before these actions need to be in effect. For the actions 
to be implemented in this final rule, affording the time necessary for 
prior notice and opportunity for public comment would prevent NMFS from 
managing fisheries using the best available science to approach, 
without exceeding, the ACLs for federally managed species in accordance 
with the PCGFMP and applicable law. The adjustments to management 
measures in this document affect commercial fisheries in Washington, 
Oregon and California. These increases to trip limits must be 
implemented as quickly as possible during the two-month cumulative 
limit period to allow LEFG and OA fixed gear fishermen an opportunity 
to harvest higher limits for: Sablefish without exceeding the ACL north 
of 36[deg] N. lat.; big skate without exceeding the estimated 2015 OFL; 
and blackgill rockfish without exceeding the HG south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. The decrease to the black rockfish trip limit must be implemented 
by the start of the next two-month cumulative limit period, September 
1, to keep catch of co-occurring overfished species within their HGs 
and rebuilding ACLs. It would be contrary to the public interest to 
delay implementation of these changes until after public notice and 
comment, because making this regulatory change by August 14, 2015, 
allows harvest as intended by the Council, consistent with the best 
scientific information available. These changes allow additional 
harvest in fisheries that are important to coastal communities while 
continuing to prevent ACLs of overfished and target species from being 
exceeded.
    No aspect of this action is controversial, and changes of this 
nature were anticipated in the biennial harvest specifications and 
management measures established for 2015-2016.
    Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, NMFS finds good cause to 
waive prior notice and comment and to waive the delay in effectiveness.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660

    Fisheries, Fishing, and Indian fisheries.

    Dated: August 14, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended 
as follows:

PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16 
U.S.C. 7001 et seq.


0
2. Table 1 (North) and 1 (South) to part 660, subpart D, are revised to 
read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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3. Table 2 (North) and 2 (South) to part 660, subpart E, are revised to 
read as follows:
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4. Table 3 (North) and 3 (South) to part 660, subpart F, are revised to 
read as follows:
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[FR Doc. 2015-20491 Filed 8-14-15; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

50212 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations * * * * * List of Subject in 48 CFR Parts 1837 and DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE [FR Doc. 2015–20252 Filed 8–18–15; 8:45 am] 1852 BILLING CODE 6560–50–P National Oceanic and Atmospheric Government procurement. Administration Manuel Quinones, NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND Federal Register Liaison. 50 CFR Part 660 SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. 140904754–5188–02] Accordingly, 48 CFR part 1852 is 48 CFR Parts 1837 and 1852 amended as follows: RIN 0648–BF27 RIN 2700–AE01 and 2700–AE09 PART 1852—SOLICITATION Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT Fisheries Off West Coast States; NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation CLAUSES Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Supplement; Correction 2015–2016 Biennial Specifications and AGENCY: National Aeronautics and ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1852 Management Measures; Inseason Space Administration. continues to read as follows: Adjustments ACTION: Correcting amendments. Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a) and 48 CFR AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries chapter 1. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and SUMMARY: The National Aeronautics and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Space Administration (NASA) 1852.215–77, 1852.219–11, 1852.219–18, 1852.219–75, 252.219–77, 1852.219–79, Commerce. published a final rule in the Federal 1852.223–71, 1852.223–73, 1852.227–70, ACTION: Final rule; inseason adjustments Register on Thursday, March 12, 2015 1852.227–71, 1852.227–72, 1852.227–84, to biennial groundfish management (80 FR 12935), as part of the NASA 1852.227–85, 1852.227–86, and 1852.227–88 Federal Acquisition Regulation measures. [Amended] Supplement (NFS) regulatory review. SUMMARY: This final rule announces That final rule became effective on April ■ 2. Amend sections 1852.215–77, inseason changes to management 13, 2015, however the date of effectivity 1852.219–11, 1852.219–18, 1852.219– measures in the Pacific Coast groundfish for the affected clauses was 75, 252.219–77, 1852.219–79, 1852.223– fisheries. This action, which is inadvertently omitted. This document 71, 1852.223–73, 1852.227–70, authorized by the Pacific Coast corrects the final rule by adding the 1852.227–71, 1852.227–72, 1852.227– Groundfish Fishery Management Plan missing clause dates and makes other 84, 1852.227–85, 1852.227–86, and (PCGFMP), is intended to protect minor editorial changes. 1852.227–88 by removing ‘‘MONTH/ overfished and depleted stocks while DATES: Effective: August 19, 2015. YEAR’’ and adding ‘‘APR 2015’’ in its allowing fisheries to access more place. abundant groundfish stocks. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Manuel Quinones, NASA, Office of 1852.209–70 [Removed and Reserved] DATES: This final rule is effective August Procurement, Contract and Grant Policy 14, 2015. Division, via email at ■ 3. Remove and reserve section FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: manuel.quinones@nasa.gov, or 1852.209–70. Gretchen Hanshew, phone: 206–526– telephone (202) 358–2143. ■ 4. Amend section 1852.216–88: 6147, fax: 206–526–6736, or email: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ■ a. By removing clause date of ‘‘JAN gretchen.hanshew@noaa.gov. I. Background 1997’’ and adding ‘‘APR 2015’’ in its SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: place. Electronic Access NASA published a final rule in the Federal Register on March 12, 2015, ■ b. By revising the second sentence in This rule is accessible via the Internet which became effective April 13, 2015. paragraph (a)(1). The revision reads as at the Office of the Federal Register Web This rule is part of the NASA FAR follows: site at https://www.federalregister.gov. Supplement regulatory review. As 1852.216–88 Performance incentive. Background information and documents published, the rule contains errors due are available at the Pacific Fishery * * * * * to inadvertent omission of affected Management Council’s Web site at clause dates and other errors that need (a) * * * http://www.pcouncil.org/. Copies of the to be corrected. Specifically, clause date (1) * * * The performance incentive final environmental impact statement of ‘‘APR 2015’’ is to be added to NFS becomes effective when the item is put (FEIS) for the Groundfish Specifications 1852.215–77, 1852.219–11, 1852.219– into service. * * * and Management Measures for 2015– 18, 1852.219–75, 252.219–77, 1852.219– * * * * * 2016 and Biennial Periods Thereafter 79, 1852.223–71, 1852.223–73, are available from Donald McIsaac, 1852.227–11, 1852.227–14, 1852.227– 1852.223–76 [Amended] Executive Director, Pacific Fishery 70, 1852.227–71, 1852.227–72, Management Council (Council), 7700 ■ 5. Amend section 1852.223–76 by 1852.227–84, 1852.227–85, 1852.227– NE Ambassador Place, Portland, OR removing ‘‘http://fastweb.inel.gov/’’ and 86, and 1852.227–88. NASA is not 97220, phone: 503–820–2280. adding ‘‘https://fastweb.inel.gov/’’ in its altering the text of these NFS clauses, place. Background but merely adding the missing clause dates. Additionally, NFS clause The PCGFMP and its implementing rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES 1852.227–11 and 1852.227–14 [Amended] prescription at 1809.206–71 was regulations at title 50 in the Code of correctly removed. However, the ■ 6. Amend in sections 1852.227–11 Federal Regulations (CFR), part 660, corresponding clause at 1852.209–70 and 1852.227–14 by removing ‘‘DATE’’ subparts C through G, regulate fishing should also have been removed and and adding ‘‘APR 2015’’ in its place. for over 90 species of groundfish off the reserved at amendatory instruction no. [FR Doc. 2015–20418 Filed 8–18–15; 8:45 am] coasts of Washington, Oregon, and 66 on page 12945 (80 FR 12945). BILLING CODE 7510–13–P California. Groundfish specifications VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 50213 and management measures are (323 mt) of the OA HG (388 mt). inseason estimates indicate that similar developed by the Pacific Fishery Projections for the fixed gear sablefish catch patters are likely to be seen in the Management Council (Council), and are fisheries south of 36° N. lat. were completed 2014 total mortality report. implemented by NMFS. similar to what they were anticipated to The best available 2015 inseason The final rule to implement the 2015– be in the biennial harvest specifications information at the June Council meeting 2016 harvest specifications and and management measures, and no indicated that catch of blackgill rockfish management measures for most species requests were made by industry for was approximately half of the amount of of the Pacific coast groundfish fishery changes; therefore, and no inseason catch during that same time period in was published on March 10, 2015 (80 actions were considered. 2014. The Council recommended that FR 12567). Therefore, the Council recommended the blackgill rockfish sub-limit be The Council—in coordination with and NMFS is implementing trip limit increased modestly to reduce regulatory Pacific Coast Treaty Indian Tribes and changes for the LEFG and the OA discards since catch was well below the the States of Washington, Oregon, and sablefish DTL fisheries north of 36° N. HG in 2013 and was likely similar in California—recommended changes to lat. The trip limits for sablefish in the scale in 2014 and because catch in 2015 current groundfish management LEFG fishery north of 36° N. lat. is below the levels observed in 2014. In measures at its June 10–16, 2015, increase from ‘‘1,025 lb (465 kg) per addition, a modest increase in the sub- meeting. Specifically, the Council week, not to exceed 3,075 lb (1,394 kg) limit will likely reduce regulatory recommended an increase to per two months’’ to ‘‘1,125 lb (510.3 kg) discards of blackgill rockfish when commercial fishery trip limits for per week, not to exceed 3,375 lb (1,530 caught incidentally with co-occurring sablefish, blackgill rockfish, big skate, kg) per two months’’ beginning during species in the Minor Slope Rockfish Minor Shelf Rockfish, and California period 4 through the end of the year. complex. scorpionfish. The Council also The trip limits for sablefish in the OA Therefore, the Council recommended, recommended a decrease to commercial sablefish DTL fishery north of 36° N. lat. and NMFS is implementing, an increase fishery trip limits for black rockfish. are increased from ‘‘300 lb (136 kg) per to blackgill rockfish sub-limits for the NMFS has determined that good cause day, or one landing per week of up to LEFG and the OA fisheries south of exists to waive notice and comment for 900 lb (408 kg), not to exceed 1,800 lb 40°10′ N. lat. The blackgill rockfish sub- trip limit changes for sablefish, blackgill (817 kg) per two months’’ to ‘‘350 lb limit, within the overall trip limit for rockfish, black rockfish and big skate (159 kg) per day, or one landing per Minor Slope Rockfish complex south of and this action implements those week of up to 1,600 lb (726 kg), not to 40°10′ N. lat., is increased in the LEFG changes. However, NMFS has exceed 3,200 lb (1,452 kg) per two fishery from ‘‘40,000 lb (18,144 kg) per determined that the Council- months’’ during period 4 through the two months, of which no more than recommended increases to trip limits for end of the year. 1,375 lb (624 kg) may be blackgill Minor Shelf Rockfish and California rockfish’’ to ‘‘40,000 lb (18,144 kg) per Fishery Management Measures for scorpionfish cannot be implemented two months, of which no more than Blackgill Rockfish in the Limited Entry without a two-meeting process and 1,600 lb (726 kg) may be blackgill Fixed Gear (LEFG) and Open Access notice and comment rulemaking. rockfish’’ beginning during period 4 (OA) Fisheries South of 40°10′ N. lat. Therefore, those changes are not through the end of the year. included in this action. Blackgill rockfish south of 40°10′ N. The blackgill rockfish sub-limit, lat. was assessed in 2011. The 2011 within the overall trip limit for Minor Fishery Management Measures for the assessment indicated the stock was in Slope Rockfish complex south of 40°10′ Limited Entry Fixed Gear (LEFG) and the precautionary zone with spawning N. lat., is increased in the OA fishery Open Access (OA) Sablefish Daily Trip biomass depletion estimated to be 30 from ‘‘10,000 lb (4,536 kg) per two Limit (DTL) Fisheries North of 36° N. lat. percent of its unfished biomass at the months, of which no more than 475 lb To increase harvest opportunities for start of 2011. The Council chose to leave (216 kg) may be blackgill rockfish’’ to the LEFG and OA fixed gear sablefish blackgill rockfish as a stock within the ‘‘10,000 lb (4,536 kg) per two months, of DTL fisheries north of 36° N. lat., the Minor Slope Rockfish south complex. which no more than 550 lb (250 kg) may Council considered increases to trip Beginning in 2013, the Council be blackgill rockfish’’ beginning during limits. The Council’s Groundfish recommended, and NMFS established, period 4 through the end of the year. Management Team (GMT) made model- annual HGs and management measures based landings projections for the LEFG to keep anticipated catch of blackgill Fishery Management Measures for Black and OA fixed gear sablefish DTL rockfish within its HG, including a Rockfish in the Limited Entry Fixed fisheries north of 36° N. lat. for the species-specific sorting requirement and Gear (LEFG) and Open Access (OA) remainder of the year. These projections species-specific sub-limits. Annual HGs Fisheries Between 42° N. lat. and 40°10′ were based on the most recent and trip limit management in non-IFQ N. lat. information available. The model fisheries continue to be utilized for Black rockfish are caught in nearshore predicted harvest of 83 percent (196 mt) management of blackgill rockfish south commercial and recreational fisheries. of the LEFG harvest guideline (HG) (236 of 40°10′ N. lat. Black rockfish is a healthy stock that co- mt) and 62 percent (242 mt) of the OA The most recently available occurs with nearshore overfished HG (388 mt) under current trip limits. information (2013) indicates that the rockfish species (e.g., canary rockfish This indicates that projected catch in Minor Slope Rockfish trip limit and the and yelloweye rockfish). Catch of black both the LEFG and OA fisheries was blackgill rockfish sub-limit set in 2013 rockfish is managed, in part, to keep lower than anticipated when the trip kept catch of Minor Slope Rockfish catch of co-occurring overfished species limits were initially established (93 south of 40°10′ N. lat. at 148 mt, which within the management targets for the rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES percent (220 mt) of the LEFG HG and 92 is less than 25 percent of the 2013 ACL nearshore fishery and the state of percent (358 mt) of the OA HG). With (618 mt). Additionally, catch of blackgill California. The best available the increase in trip limits, predicted was 18.5 mt, 42 percent of the 44 mt HG information on commercial black harvest assuming medium ex-vessel (LEFG HG of 26.4 mt and OA HG of 17.6 rockfish catch in northern California price curves is 90 percent (212 mt) of mt, combined). The same trip limits through June 12, 2015, indicates that the LEFG HG (236 mt) and 83 percent were in place in 2014, and 2014 harvest so far in 2015 (58 mt) is much VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

50214 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations higher than what it was in this area for have OFLs specified in regulation. considered in light of emerging and the entire year of 2014 (34 mt). Therefore, the best estimate of a improving information. In 2014, the shoreward boundary of sustainable harvest for a single species At its June 2015 meeting, the Council the non-trawl rockfish conservation area that is managed in a complex is referred considered additional analysis by the (RCA) in this area between 42° N. lat. to as an ‘‘OFL contribution,’’ since the GMT, recommendations of its SSC, as and 40°10′ N. lat. was the boundary line OFL for the complex is the sum of the well as updated fishery information, approximating the 20 fm depth contour. contributing OFLs for all the component regarding big skate mortality and For 2015, the boundary line off northern species. management measures. The West Coast California was shifted seaward to the During development of the 2015–2016 Observer Program estimates that almost boundary line approximating the 30 fm harvest specifications and management 80 percent of big skate caught in depth contour, opening the area to measures, best estimates of mortality groundfish fisheries are discarded. nearshore fishing between 20 fm line indicated that harvest of big skate was Following a literature review, the SSC and the 30 fm line for the first time 18 percent of the big skate OFL recommended that a 50 percent discard since 2009 (80 FR 12567, March 10, contribution and that it was not in need mortality rate for big skate caught with 2015). This change in the depth of conservation and management. Big commercial trawl gear was more restriction in the non-trawl commercial skate was removed from the Other Fish appropriate. This is consistent with the fisheries is providing additional access complex and designated as an assumed discard mortality for another to nearshore stocks, and may be part of ecosystem component (EC) species (80 skate species for which trip limits are in the reason for the increased black FR 12567, March 10, 2015). If the place (longnose skate). In addition, rockfish landings in 2015 compared to Council had chosen to keep big skate in projected estimates of big skate catch 2014. Additionally, the change in depth the fishery, with species specific harvest through the end of the year decreased restriction may be changing bycatch specifications, the 2015 big skate OFL because of reduced inseason estimates. rates of co-occurring overfished species endorsed by the Scientific Statistical This reduction likely resulted from an in the nearshore fishery, but little Committee (SSC) would have been 541 increased awareness and avoidance by information is available to inform mt. Since the Council chose to designate the fishing fleet, and harvest projection bycatch rates inseason. this species as an EC species, the big changes resulting from the Council’s Based on the best available skate OFL estimate became unnecessary. improved understanding of big skate information, catch of black rockfish is Since development and implementation discard mortality rate. much higher in 2015 compared to 2014. of the 2015–2016 harvest specifications At its June 2015 meeting, the Council To reduce projected catch of co- and management measures, new also considered information regarding occurring overfished species and reduce information indicated that mortality of the best available estimate for a the risk of exceeding HGs for those big skate is approaching or exceeding sustainable harvest level of big skate in overfished species, the Council the 2014 big skate OFL contribution. 2015. In April 2015, the Council aimed considered reductions to black rockfish At its April 2015 meeting, the Council to keep mortality of big skate below the trip limits between 42° N. lat. and recommended management measures to 2014 OFL contribution, the best 40°10′ N. lat. The Council reduce mortality of big skate and reduce estimate available at that time. In June, recommended decreasing the black the risk of overfishing the stock. At that the Council was reminded that the SSC rockfish trip limit to the same limit that time, the best estimate of sustainable endorsed a 2015 big skate OFL in was in effect when the northern harvest for big skate was thought to be November 2013. Since the Council California non-trawl RCA shoreward the 2014 OFL contribution. The Council recommended big skate be designated as boundary was at the 30 fm line, as it is recommended and NMFS implemented an EC species, no harvest specifications in 2015. a trip limit reduction for big skate in the were adopted for the 2015–2016 Therefore, the Council recommended Shorebased IFQ Program and best biennial cycle. However, in light of the and NMFS is implementing decreased estimates at that time indicated that need to better estimate big skate black rockfish trip limits for the LEFG total mortality of big skate through the mortality, as it is approaching the best and the OA fisheries between 42° N. lat. end of 2015 under that trip limit OFL contribution estimates, the SSC- and 40°10′ N. lat. The black rockfish trip structure would be 441 mt, 17 mt lower endorsed estimated 2015 OFL is the best limit, within the overall trip limit for than the 2014 OFL contribution of 458 available estimate of sustainable Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex, is mt (80 FR 31858, June 4, 2015). harvest. Therefore, the Council decreased in the LEFG and OA fisheries The analysis by the Council’s GMT considered projected big skate mortality from ‘‘8,500 lb (3,856 kg) per two assumed 100 percent mortality of in 2015 compared to the estimated 2015 months of which no more than 1,200 lb discarded big skate and assumed that, OFL, rather than the 2014 OFL (544 kg) may be species other than black once a trip limit was reached, contribution. The 541 mt estimated rockfish’’ to ‘‘6,000 lb (2,722 kg) per two encounters of big skate would cease and 2015 OFL for big skate is 83 mt higher months of which no more than 1,200 lb no additional landings or discards than the 2014 OFL contribution that was (544 kg) may be species other than black would occur. The GMT acknowledged used in the April 2015 GMT analyses. rockfish’’ beginning during period 4 several issues with these assumptions, Therefore, the Council considered through the end of the year. but noted that the April analysis was higher trip limits for big skate than limited in scope due to time constraints. those adopted in April 2015. June 2015 Fishery Management Measures for Big The Council acknowledged that the GMT estimates indicate that with higher Skate in the Shorebased IFQ Program mortality estimates and the OFL trip limits for big skate of 35,000 pounds Before 2015, big skate was managed as contribution both have high degrees of per two months, through the remainder a component stock within the Other uncertainty, and recommended rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES of the year, big skate total mortality will Fish complex. The big skate OFL precautionary management measures for still be below the currently available estimate, along with the estimated OFLs conservation of big skate. The Council best estimate of the 2015 OFL (541 mt). for the other species in the complex, also acknowledged that additional As discussed above, the best estimate contributed to the OFL specified in information and analyses would likely of the discard mortality rate decreased regulation for the Other Fish complex. become available, and that management from 100 percent to 50 percent and the Species managed in complexes do not measures for big skate would be estimated 2015 OFL that is higher than VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 50215 the 2014 OFL contribution. Therefore, best available information, consistent HG south of 40°10′ N. lat. The decrease increases to the big skate trip limits in with the PCGFMP and its implementing to the black rockfish trip limit must be the IFQ fishery are warranted. The regulations. implemented by the start of the next Council considered increasing the trip This action is taken under the two-month cumulative limit period, limit for big skate in the Shorebased IFQ authority of 50 CFR 660.60(c) and is September 1, to keep catch of co- Program, beginning in Period 4 (July- exempt from review under Executive occurring overfished species within August). A range of trip limits was Order 12866. their HGs and rebuilding ACLs. It would considered: 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) per The aggregate data upon which these be contrary to the public interest to two months, 30,000 lb (13,608 kg) per actions are based are available for public delay implementation of these changes two months, and 35,000 lb (15,876 kg) inspection at the Office of the until after public notice and comment, per two months for Periods 4–6 (July- Administrator, West Coast Region, because making this regulatory change December). All alternative trip limits are NMFS, during business hours. by August 14, 2015, allows harvest as anticipated to bring total mortality NMFS finds good cause to waive prior intended by the Council, consistent below the estimated 2015 OFL of 541 public notice and comment on the with the best scientific information mt, and the estimated 2015 Acceptable revisions to groundfish management available. These changes allow Biological Catch (ABC) (assuming the measures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) because additional harvest in fisheries that are same P* as 2014 of 0.40) of 451 mt. notice and comment would be important to coastal communities while impracticable and contrary to the public continuing to prevent ACLs of The Council recommended, and interest. Also, for the same reasons, overfished and target species from being NMFS is implementing, an increase in NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30- the big skate trip limit in the Shorebased exceeded. day delay in effectiveness pursuant to 5 IFQ Program from ‘‘20,000 lbs (9,072 kg) No aspect of this action is U.S.C. 553(d)(3), so that this final rule per two months’’ to ‘‘35,000 lb (15,876 controversial, and changes of this nature may become effective August 14, 2015. kg) per two months’’ in periods 4–6 At the June Council meeting, the were anticipated in the biennial harvest (from July through December). Best Council recommended that these specifications and management estimates indicate that total mortality of changes be implemented as quickly as measures established for 2015–2016. big skate through the end of 2015 under possible during the two-month Accordingly, for the reasons stated this trip limit structure would be cumulative limit period. There was not above, NMFS finds good cause to waive between 414 mt and 420 mt, 121–127 mt sufficient time after that meeting to draft prior notice and comment and to waive lower than the estimated 2015 OFL this document and undergo proposed the delay in effectiveness. contribution of 541 mt and 21–27 mt and final rulemaking before these List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660 lower than the estimated 2015 ABC actions need to be in effect. For the contribution of 441 mt. The estimated actions to be implemented in this final Fisheries, Fishing, and Indian total mortality is considered as a range rule, affording the time necessary for fisheries. to account for uncertainty in how prior notice and opportunity for public Dated: August 14, 2015. fishing behavior will change after the comment would prevent NMFS from Emily H. Menashes, big skate trip limit is reached. The managing fisheries using the best Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Council recommended a trip limit that available science to approach, without Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. would allow approximately a 5 percent exceeding, the ACLs for federally increase in total mortality, but would managed species in accordance with the For the reasons set out in the still be below the estimated 2015 ABC. PCGFMP and applicable law. The preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended The increase in trip limit is intended to adjustments to management measures in as follows: allow vessels opportunistically targeting this document affect commercial big skate to continue to do so, while PART 660—FISHERIES OFF WEST fisheries in Washington, Oregon and COAST STATES keeping total mortality below the California. These increases to trip limits estimated 2015 ABC. The Council- must be implemented as quickly as ■ 1. The authority citation for part 660 recommended trip limits are codified in possible during the two-month continues to read as follows: Tables 1 (North) and 1 (South) to cumulative limit period to allow LEFG Subpart C. and OA fixed gear fishermen an Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq. Classification opportunity to harvest higher limits for: Sablefish without exceeding the ACL ■ 2. Table 1 (North) and 1 (South) to This final rule makes routine inseason north of 36° N. lat.; big skate without part 660, subpart D, are revised to read adjustments to groundfish fishery exceeding the estimated 2015 OFL; and as follows: management measures, based on the blackgill rockfish without exceeding the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

50216 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Table 1 (North) to Part 660, Subpart D -- Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Landing Allowances for non-IFQ Species and Pacific Whiting North of 40°1 0' N. Lat. This table describes Rockfish Conservation Areas for vessels using groundfish trawl gear. This table describes incidental landing allowances for vessels registered to a Federal limited entry trawl permit and using groundfish trawl or groundfish non-trawl gears to harvest individual fishing quota (IFQ) species. Other Limits and Requirements Apply-- Read§ 660.10- § 660.399 before using this table I 08012015 JAN-FEB MAR-APR MAY-JUN JUL-AUG SEP-OCT NOV-DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)1/: shore- I I I I I I shore- shore- 200 fm shore - 200 fm 1 North of 48'1 0' N. lat. m odified 21 200 shore- 150 fm line11 modified21 200 line 11 line 11 fm line 11 fm line11 2 48'10' N. lat.- 45'46' N. lat. 100 fm line 11 - 150 fm line 11 3 45'46' N. lat.- 40'10' N. lat. 100 fm line11 - modified21 200 fm line11 Selective flatfish trawl gear is required shoreward of the RCA; all bottom trawl gear (large footrope, selective flatfish trawl, and small footrope trawl gear) is permitted seaward of the RCA Large footrope and small footrope trawl gears (except for selective flatfish trawl gear) are prohibited shoreward of the RCA Midwater trawl gear is permitted only for vessels participating in the primary whiting season. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at § 660.140, are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing allowances in this table, regardless of the type of fishing gear used. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl -1 gears, under gear switching provisions at§ 660.140, are subject to the limited entry fixed gear non-trawl RCA, as described in Tables 2 (North) and )> 2 (South) to Part 660, Subpart E. See§ 660.60, § 660.130, and§ 660.140 for Additional Gear, Trip Limit, and Conservation Area Requirements and Restrictions. See§§ 660.70-660.74 m and§§ 660.76-660.79 for Conservation Area Descriptions and Coordinates (including RCAs, YRCA, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and r EFHCAs). m State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than federal trip limits, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. ....Jo. - 4 Minor Nearshore Rockfish & Black rockfish 5 Whiting 31 300 lb/ month -·-·-· ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-----------------------------------------·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· - z 0 -- 6 midwater trawl Before the primary whiling season: CLOSED.-- During the primary season: mid-water trawl permitted in the RCA See §660.131 for season and trip limit details. -- Mer the primary whiting season: CLOSED. ""' -··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··- -··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-····· ::::r Before the primary whiting season: 20,000 lb/trip. -- During the primary season: 10,000 lbltrip. -- Mer the 7 large & small footrope gear primary whiling season: 10,000 lbltrip. B Cabezon41 ···---r·----r r T r T r T r r·-----r·----- 9 North of 46'16' N. lat. Unlimited 10 46'16' N. lat.- 40'10' N. lat. 50 lb/month 11 Shortbelly Unlimited 12 Spiny dogfish 60,000 lb/ month 115,000 13 Big skate Unlimited lb/ 35,000 lb/ 2 months month 14 Longnose skate Unlimited 15 Other Fish 41 Unlimited I I I I I I I I 1/ The Rockfish Conservation kea is an area closed to fishino bv particular oear tvoes, bounded bv lines specificallv defined bv latitude and lonoitude !coordinates set out at§§ 660.71-660.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contours, and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas ithat are deeper or shallower than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to the RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA or operate in the IRCA for anv purpose other than transitino. 2/ The "modified" fathom lines are modified to exclude certain petrale sole areas from the RCA 3/ M. specificed at §660.131(d), when fishing in the Eureka kea, no more than 10,000 lb of whiling may be taken and retained, possessed, or landed by a vessel that, at any lime during the fishing trip, fished in the fishery management area shoreward of 100 fm contour. 41 "Other Fish" are defined at§ 660.11 and include kelp greenling, leopard shark, and cabezon in Washington To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the number of pounds in one kilogram. rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES ER19AU15.009</GPH> VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 160 /Wednesday, August 19, 2015 /Rules and Regulations 50217 Table 1 (South) to Part 660, Subpart D —— Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Landing Allowances for non—IFQ Species and Pacific Whiting South of 4010‘ N. Lat. This table describes Rockfish Conservation Areas for vessels using groundfish trawl gear. This table describes incidental landing allowances for vessels registered to a Federal limited entry trawl permit and using groundfish trawl or groundfish non—trawl gears to harvest individual fishing quota (IFQ) species. Other Limits and Requirements Apply —— Read § 660.10 — § 660.399 before using this table 08012015 JAN—FEB MAR—APR MAY—JUN JUL—AUG SEP—OCT NOV—DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)1/: 1 South of 40°10° N. lat. 100 fm line"‘ — 150 fm line * * Small footrope traw| gear is required shoreward of the RCA; all trawl gear (large footrope, selective flatfish trawl, midwater trawl, and small footrope trawl gear) is permitted seaward of the RCA. Large footrope trawl gear and midwater trawl gear are prohibited shoreward of the RCA. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non—trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at § 660.140, are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing allowances in this table, regardless of the type of fishing gear used. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non—trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at § 660.140, are subject to the limited entry fixed gear non—trawl RCA, as described in Tables 2 (North) and 2 (South) to Part 660, Subpart E. See § 660.60, § 660.130, and § 660.140 for Additional Gear, Trip Limit, and Conservation Area Requirements and Restrictions. See §§ 660.70—660.74 and §§ 660.76—660.79 for Conservation Area Descriptions and Coordinates (including RCAs, YRCA, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and EFHCAs). State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than federal trip limits, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. 2 Longspine thornyhead w 3 South of 34°27" N. lat. 24,000 Ib/ 2 months TT Minor Nearshore Rockfish & Black rockfish 300 Ib/ month muach 5 Whiting 6 midwater trawl Before the primary whiting season: CLOSED. —— During the primary season: mid—water trawl permitted in M the RCA. See §660.131 for season and trip limit details. —— After the primary whiting season: CLOSED. O hm Cb 7 large & small footrope gear Before the primary whiting season: .20,000 It.)/.trlp. —— Durlr.19 the prlmar}/ season: 10,000 Ib/trip. —— After the a» primary whiting season: 10,000 lb/trip. \ergs 8 Cabezon 50 Ib/ month 9 Shortbelly Unlimited 10 Spiny dogfish 60,000 Ib/ month 15,000 11 Big skate Unlimited lb/ 35,000 Ib/ 2 months month 12 Longnose skate Unlimited 13 California scorpionfish Unlimited 14 Other Fish * Unlimited 1/ The Rockfish Conservation Area is an area closed to fishing by particular gear types, bounded by lines specifically defined by latitude and longitude coordinates set out at §§ 660.71—660.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contours, and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas that are deeper or shallower than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to the RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA, or operate in the RCA for any purpose other than transiting. 2/ South of 34°27‘ N. lat., the RCA is 100 fm line — 150 fm line along the mainland coast; shoreline — 150 fm line around islands. 3/ "Other Fish" are defined at § 660.11 and include kelp greenling, leopard shark, and cabezon in Washington To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the number of pounds in one kilogram.

50218 Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 160 /Wednesday, August 19, 2015 /Rules and Regulations ® 3. Table 2 (North) and 2 (South) to as follows: part 660, subpart E, are revised to read Table 2 (North) to Part 660, Subpart E —— Non—Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear North of 40910‘ N. lat. Other limits and requirements apply —— Read §§660.10 through 660.399 before using this table HHHHHHHHHHH JAN—FEB MAR—APR MAY—JUN JUL—AUG SEP—OCT NOV—DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)": 1 North of 4616‘ N. lat. shoreline — 100 fm line"‘ 2 4616‘ N. lat. — 4200‘ N. lat. 30 fm line‘ — 100 fm line"‘ 3 4200‘ N. lat. — 4010‘ N. lat. 30 fm line‘ — 100 fm line"‘ See §§660.60 and 660.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70—660.74 and §§660.76—660.79 for conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and EFHCAs). State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than Federal trip limits or seasons, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. Minor Slope Rockfish*‘ & 4,000 Ib/ 2 th * Darkblotched rockfish ‘ mons 5 Pacific ocean perch 1,800 Ib/ 2 months 6 Sablefish"‘ 1,025 Ib/ week, not to exceed 3,075 lb/ 2 months | 1,125 lb/ week, not to exceed 3,375 lb/ 2 months 7 Longspine thornyhead 10,000 Ib/ 2 months _I 8 Shortspine thornyhead 2,000 Ib/ 2 months | 2,500 Ib/ 2 months > 9 10 Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 5,000 tb/ month w 11 petrale sole, English sole, starry South of 4'..2° N. Igt., when fishing for "other flatfish," vessels usiryg hook—and—line ggar with no mc?re than 12 C 12 flounder. Other Flatfish®‘ hooks per line, using hooks no larger than "Number 2" hooks, which measure 0.44 in (11 mm) point to shank, 13 f and up to two 1 lb (0.45 kg) weights per line, are not subject to the RCAs. M 14 15 Whiting 10,000 Ib/ trip "C a ‘ech2! 16 M!nor Shelf ROCkf-ISh f S_hortbelly, 200 Ib/ month Widow & Yellowtail rockfish oi 17— Canary rockfish CLOSED Z 18 Yelloweye rockfish CLOSED 0 Minor Nearshore Rockfish & Black 19 . ""% rockfish —p , mad 20 North of 42 00‘ N. lat.| 5,000 Ib/ 2 months, no more than 1,200 lb of which may be species other than black rockfish or blue rockfish*‘ Sapg . . 6,000 Ib/ 2 months, of which no faa baa 8,500 Ib/ 2 months, of which no more than 1,200 lb of which may be ‘ s 21 42 00‘ N. lat. — 40 10‘ N. lat. species other than black rockfish more than 1,200 ib of which may be species other than black rockfish 22 Lingcod"‘ 200 Ib/2 months 1,200 lb/ 2 months 600 tb/ 200 ID/ month month 23 Pacific cod 1,000 Ib/ 2 months 24 Spiny dogfish 200,000 Ib/ 2 months 150,000 tb/ 2 100,000 Ib/ 2 months months 25 Longnose skate Unlimited _1 6/ & 26 Other Fish" & Cabezon in Oregon Unlimited and California 1/ The Rockfish Conservation Area is an area closed to fishing by particular gear types, bounded by lines specifically defined by latitude and longitude coordinates set out at §§ 660.71—660.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contours (with the exception of the 20—fm depth contour boundary south of 42 N. lat.), and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas that are deeper or shallower than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA, or operate in the RCA for any purpose other than transiting. 2/ Bocaccio, chilipepper and cowcod are included in the trip limits for Minor Shelf Rockfish and splitnose rockfish is included in the trip limits for Minor Slope Rockfish. 3/ "Other flatfish" are defined at § 660.11 and include butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole. 4/ For black rockfish north of Cape Alava (48°09.50° N. lat.), and between Destruction Is. (47°40° N. lat.) and Leadbetter Pnt. (46°38.17‘ N. lat.), there is an additional limit of 100 lb or 30 percent by weight of all fish on board, whichever is greater, per vessel, per fishing trip. 5/ The minimum size limit for lingcod is 22 inches (56 cm) total length North of 42 N. lat. and 24 inches (61 cm) total length South of 42 N. lat. 6/ "Other Fish" are defined at § 660.11 and include kelp greenling, leopard shark, and cabezon in Washington. 7/ Beginning on January 1, 2016, the following trip limits are in effect for sablefish north of 36 N. lat. from January through December 1,275 Ib/week, not to exceed 3,375 lb/ 2 months To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the number of pounds in one kilogram.

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 160 /Wednesday, August 19, 2015 /Rules and Regulations 50219 Table 2 (South) to Part 660, Subpart E —— Non—Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear South of 4010‘ N. lat. Other limits and requirements apply —— Read §§660.10 through 660.399 before using this table HHHHHHHHHIHH JAN—FEB MAR—APR MAY—JUN JUL—AUG SEP—OCT NOV—DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)": 1 14010‘ N. lat. — 3427‘ N. lat. 30 fm line"‘ — 150 fm line"‘ 2 South of 3427‘ N. lat. 60 fm line"‘ — 150 fm line"‘ (also applies around islands) See §§660.60 and 660.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70—660.74 and §§660.76—660.79 for conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and EFHCAs). State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than Federal trip limits or seasons, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. 3 Minor Slope rockfish*‘ & 40,000 Ib/ 2 months, of which no more than 1,375 lb 40,000 Ib/ 2 months, of which no more than 1,600 lb Darkblotched rockfish may be blackgill rockfish may be blackgill rockfish 4 Splitnose rockfish 40,000 Ib/ 2 months _I 5 Sablefish®‘ 6 4010‘ N. lat. — 3600‘ N. lat. 1,025 Ib/ week, not to exceed 3,075 Ib/ 2 months | 1,125 lb/ week, not to exceed 3,375 lb/ 2 months > 7 South of 3600‘ N. lat. 2,000 Ib/ week w 8 Longspine thornyhead 10,000 Ib/ 2 months 9 Shortspine thornyhead T 10 4010‘ N. lat. — 3427‘ N. lat. 2,000 Ib/ 2 months 2,500 Ib/ 2 months m 11 South of 3427‘ N. lat. 3,000 Ib/ 2 months 12 13 Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, s 5,000 Ib/ month D 14 petrale sole, English sole, starry South of 42 N. lat., when fishing for "other flatfish," vesselg using hook—and-li.ne gear with np more than 12 hooks 15 flounder. Other Flatfish®‘ per line, using hooks no larger than "Number 2" hooks, which measure 0.44 in (11 mm) point to shank, and up to 16 ’ two 1 lb (0.45 kg) weights per line, are not subject to the RCAs. m 1718 Whiting 10,000 Ib/ trip i 0 19 Minor Shelf Rockfish*‘, Shortbelly, Widow rockfish (including Bocaccio and Chilipepper between 4010‘ — 34°27‘ N. lat.) 20 4010 N. lat 24°27" N. lat Minor shelf rockfish, shortbelly, widow rockfish, bocaccio & chilipepper: 2,500 lb/ 2 months, of which no more en . (at. — . Jat. than 500 Ib may be any species other than chilipepper. i 21 South of 3427‘ N. lat. 4,000 Ib/ 2 CLOSED 4,000 Ib/ 2 months ud months Sapge 22 Chilipepper 23 4010‘ N. lat. — 34°27‘ N. lat.| Chilipepper included under minor shelf rockfish, shortbelly, widow rockfish and bocaccio limits — — See above 24 South of 3427 N. lat. 2,000 Ib/ 2 months, this opportunity only available seaward of the non—trawl RCA 25 Canary rockfish CLOSED 26 Yelloweye rockfish CLOSED 27 Cowcod CLOSED 28 Bronzespotted rockfish CLOSED 29 Bocaccio 30 4010‘ N. lat. — 3427‘ N. lat. Bocaccio included under Minor shelf rockfish, shortbelly, widow rockfish & chilipepper limits — — See above 31 South of 3427‘ N. lat.| 750 Ib/ 2 months CLOSED 750 lb/ 2 months

50220 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Table 2 (South). Continued I I I I I I I I I JAN-FEB MAR-APR MAY-JUN JUL-AUG I SEP-OCT NOV-DEC 32 Minor Nearshore Rockfish & Black rockfish -1 1,000 lb/2 )> 33 Shallow nearshore 600 lb/ 2 months CLOSED 800 lb/2 months 900 lb/2 months 1800 lb/2 months months [D 34 Deeper nearshore 35 40°10' N.lat.- 34°27' N. lat. 700 lb/ 2 months 700 lb/2 months r CLOSED 900 lb/ 2 months 1,000 lb/2 months m 36 South of 34°27' N. lat. 500 lb/ 2 months 600 lb/2 months 37 California scorpionfish 1,200 lb/2 CLOSED 1,200 lb/2 months N months 38 39 Lingcod41 Pacific cod 200 lb/ 2 months CLOSED 800 lb/ 2 months 1,000 lb/2 months 400 lb/ 1200 lb/ month month - en 0 40 41 42 Spiny dogfish Longnose skate Other Fish 51 & Cabezon 200,000 lb/ 2 months 150,000 lb/2 months Unlimited Unlimited 100,000 lb/2 months -- s:::: ::::r I I I I I I I I 1/ The Rockfish Conservation Area is an area closed to fishing by particular gear types, bounded by lines specifically defined by latitude and longitude coordinates set out at§§ 660.71-660.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contours (with the exception of the 20-fm depth contour boundary south of 42° N. lat.), and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas that are deeper or shallower than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA or operate in the RCA for any purpose other than transiting. 21 POP is included in the trip limits for Mnor Slope Rockfish. Blackgill rockfish have a species specific trip sub-limit within the Minor Slope Rockfish cumulative limit. Yellowtail rockfish are included in the trip limits for Mnor SheW Rockfish. Bronzespotted rockfish have a species specific trip limit. 3/ "Other Flatfish" are defined at§ 660.11 and include butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole. I 4/ The commercial mimimum size limit for lingcod is 24 inches (61 em) total length South of 42° N. lat. 5/ "Other Fish" are defined at§ 660.11 and include kelp greenling, leopard shark, and cabezon in Washington. 61 Beginning on January 1, 2016, the following trip limits are in effect for sablefish north of 36" N. lat. from January through December 1,2751b/week, not to exceed 3,375 lb/2 months. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the number of pounds in one kilogram. rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES ER19AU15.013</GPH> VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 160 /Wednesday, August 19, 2015 /Rules and Regulations 50221 E 4. Table 3 (North) and 3 (South) to as follows: part 660, subpart F, are revised to read Table 3 (North) to Part 660, Subpart F —— Non—Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Open Access Gears North of 4010‘ N. lat. Other limits and requirements apply —— Read §§660.10 through 660.399 before using this table HBHBBBHH JAN—FEB MAR—APR MAY—JUN JUL—AUG SEP—OCT NOV—DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)": 1 North of 4616‘ N. lat. shoreline — 100 fm line" 2 46716 N. lat. — 4200‘ N. lat. 30 fm line"‘ — 100 fm line"‘ 3 ___4200‘ N. lat. — 4010‘ N. lat. 30 fm line"‘ — 100 fm line"‘ See §§660.60, 660.330 and 660.333 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70—660.74 and §§660.76— 660.79 for conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and EFHCAs). State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than Federal trip limits or seasons, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. a a 2/ 4 Minor Slope ROCkf'_Sh & Per trip, no more than 25% of weight of the sablefish landed Darkblotched rockfish 5 Pacific ocean perch 100 Ib/ month 6 Sablefish"‘ 300 Ib/ day, or 1 landing per week of up to 900 lb, not to 350 lb/ day, or 1 landing per week of up to 1,600 lb, not to _I I exceed 1,800 Ib/ 2 months exceed 3,200 Ib/ 2 months > Shortpine thornyheads and 7 : yh longspine thornyheads CLOSED U 8 C 9 3,000 Ib/ month, no more than 300 lb of which may be species other than Pacific sanddabs. |'|'| 10 Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 73 petrale sole, English sole, starry South of 42° N. lat., when fishing for "other flatfish," vessels using hook—and—line gear with no more than 12 hooks per 19 flounder, Other Flatfish®‘ line, using hooks no larger than "Number 2" hooks, which measure 0.44 in (11 mm) point to shank, and up to two 1 lb J 13 (0.45 kg) weights per line are not subject to the RCAs. 14 Whiting 300 Ib/ month P & ‘elLhe‘ 15 Minor Shelf ROCkf-ISh P S_hortbelly, 200 lb/ month Z Widow & Yellowtail rockfish 16 Canary rockfish CLOSED O 17 Yelloweye rockfish CLOSED : 18 Minor Nearshore Rockfish & uag= Black rockfish Nee# 19 North of 42°00‘ N. lat. 5,000 Ib/ 2 months, no more than 1,200 lb of which may be species other than black rockfish 20 . . 42 0O‘ N. lat. — 40 10‘ N. lat. 8,500 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 1,200— lb of which may be species than |2:0001,200 [D/ 2 lbmonths, of which no more of which may be species other than black rockfish . other than black rockfish 21 Lingcod®‘ 100 Ib/ month 600 lb/ month 100 Ip/ month 22 Pacific cod 1,000 Ib/ 2 months 23 Spiny dogfish 200,000 Ib/ 2 months 150,000 lb/ 2 100,000 Ib/ 2 months months 24 Longnose skate Unlim ited & 6/ & 25 Other F_|sh _& Cabezon in Oregon Unlim ited and California

50222 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Table 3 (North). Continued I I I I I I I I I I I I JAN-FEB I MAR-APR I fiMY-JUN I JUL-AUG I SEP-OCT I NOV-DEC -1 26 SALMON TROLL (subject to RCAs v.hen retaining all species of groundfish, except for yel/ov.iail rockfish and lingcod, as described beloW) )> m Salmon trollers may retain and land up to 1 lb of yellowtail rockfish for ewry 2 lbs of salmon landed, with a cumulatiw limit of 200 r- lb/month, both within and outside of the RCA. This limit is within the 200 lb per month combined limit for minor shelf rockfish, widow rockfish and yellowtail rockfish, and not in addition to that limit. Salmon trollers may retain and land up to 1 lingcod per 15 Chinook m 27 North per trip, plus 1 lingcod per trip, up to a trip limit of 10 lingcod, on a trip where any fishing occurs within the RCA This limit only applies during times when lingcod retention is allowed, and is not "CLOSED." This limit is within the per month limit for lingcod described in the table abow, and not in addition to that limit. All groundfish species are subject to the open access limits, seasons, w -z size limits and RCA restrictions listed in the table above, unless otherwise stated here. -- 28 PINK SHRIMP NON-GROUNDFISH TRAWL (not subject to RCAs) 0 ""' Effective April1 -October 31: Groundfish: 500 lb/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, not to exceed 1,500 lb/trip. :::r The following sublimits also apply and are counted toward the overall 500 lb/day and 1,500 lb/trip groundfish limits: lingcod 300 lb/month (minimum 24 inch size limit); sablefish 2,000 lb/month; canary, thomyheads and yelloweye rockfish are PROHIBilED. All 29 North other groundfish species taken are managed under the owrall 500 lb/day and 1,500 lb/trip groundfish limits. Landings of these n species count toward the per day and per trip groundfish limits and do not haw species-specific limits. The amount of groundfish 0 landed may not exceed the amount of pink shrimp landed. ::I ""t c. I I I I I I I I I I I I 11 The Rockfish Conservation Area is an area closed to fishing by particular gear types, bounded by lines specifically defined by latitude and longitude coordinates set out at §§ 660. 71-<360.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contours (with the exception of the 20-fm depth contour boundary south of 42" N. lat.), and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas that are deeper or shallower than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA, or operate in the RCA for any purpose I I I I Splitnose rockfish is included in the trip limits for minor slope rockfish. I I I I I 41 For black rockfish north of Cape Alava (48°09.50' N. lat.), and between Destruction Is. (47"40' N. lat.) and Leadbetter Pnt. (46°38.17' N. lat.), I I I !there is an additional lim it of 100 lbs or 30 percent by weight of all fish on board, whichever is greater, per vessel, per fishing trip. 5/The minimum size limit for lingcod is 22 inches (56 em) total length North of 42' N. lat. and 24 inches (61 em) total length South of 42" N. lat. I I 61 "Other fish" are defined at§ 660.11 and include kelp greenling, leopard shark, and cabezon in Washington. 71 Beginning on January 1, 2016, the following trip limits are in effect for sablefish north of 36 N. lat. 300 lbl day, or 1 landing per week of up to 1,000 lb, not to exceed 2,000 lb/2 months. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the nurmer of pounds in one kilogram I I I I I I I rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES ER19AU15.015</GPH> VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 160 /Wednesday, August 19, 2015 /Rules and Regulations 50223 Table 3 (South) to Part 660, Subpart F —— Non—Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Open Access Gears South of 40°10° N. lat. Other limits and requirements apply —— Read §§660.10 through 660.399 before using this table HHHHHRHHH JAN—FEB MAR—APR MAY—JUN JUL—AUG SEP—OCT NOV—DEC Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA)": 1 4010‘ N. lat. — 34°27"‘ N. lat. 30 fm line"‘ — 150 fm line"‘ 2 South of 34°27 N. lat. 60 fm line"‘ — 150 fm line"‘ (also applies around islands) See §§660.60 and 660.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70—660.74 and §§660.76—660.79 for conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, CCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Banks, and EFHCAs). State trip limits and seasons may be more restrictive than Federal trip limits or seasons, particularly in waters off Oregon and California. 3 Minor Slope Rockfish*‘ & 10,000 Ib/ 2 months, of which no more than 475 lb may be 10,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 550 Ib may be Darkblotched rockfish blackgill rockfish blackgill rockfish _I 4 Splitnose rockfish 200 Ib/ month > 5 Sablefish®‘ 6 4010 N. Iat 3600 N. lat 300 Ib/ day, or 1 landing per week of up to 900 Ib, not to 350 lb/ day, or 1 landing per week of up to 1,600 Ib, not to w «‘at — . (at. exceed 1,800 Ib/ 2 months exceed 3,200 Ib/ 2 months _ 7 South of 3600‘ N. lat. 300 Ib/ day, or 1 landing per week of up to 1,600 lb, not to exceed 3,200 Ib/ 2 months |'|'| Shortpine thornyheads and 8 . longspine thornyheads U 9 4010‘ N. lat. — 3427‘ N. lat. CLOSED 10 South of 3427‘ N. lat. 50 lb/ day, no more than 1,000 Ib/ 2 months ;; 3,000 Ib/ month, no more than 300 lb of which may be species other than Pacific sanddabs. e 13 Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, m 14 petrale sole, English sole, starry South of 42° N. lat., when fishing for "other flatfish," vessels using hook—and—line gear with no more than 12 hooks per 0 15 flounder, Other Flatfish®‘ ling, using hooks no larger than "Number 2" hooks, which measure 0.44 in (11 mm) point to shank, and up to two 1 Ib 16 (0.45 kg) weights per line are not subject to the RCAs. hm 17 Whiting 300 Ib/ month —£ & ‘ehe‘ 18 Minor Shelf Rockfish®, Shortbelly, vs Widow rockfish and Chilipepper 19 4010‘ N. lat. — 34°27‘ N. lat.| 300 lb/ 2 months 200 Ib/ 2 months 300 Ib/ 2 months o CLOSED 20 South of 34 27‘ N. lat.| 1500 Ib/ 2 months 1500 lb/ 2 months 21 Canary rockfish CLOSED 22 Yelloweye rockfish CLOSED 23 Cowcod CLOSED 24 Bronzespotted rockfish CLOSED 25 Bocaccio 26 4010‘ N. lat. — 3427‘ N. lat. 200 Ib/ 2 months cLOSED 100 Ib/ 2 months 200 Ib/ 2 months 27 South of 3427‘ N. lat.| 250 Ib/ 2 months 250 Ib/ 2 months

50224 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 160 / Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [FR Doc. 2015–20491 Filed 8–14–15; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–C rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES ER19AU15.017</GPH> VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Aug 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM 19AUR1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 11:59:07
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 11:59:07
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
ActionFinal rule; inseason adjustments to biennial groundfish management measures.
DatesThis final rule is effective August 14, 2015.
ContactGretchen Hanshew, phone: 206-526-6147, fax: 206-526-6736, or email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 50212 
RIN Number0648-BF27
CFR AssociatedFisheries; Fishing and Indian Fisheries
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