80 FR 76405 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 236 (December 9, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 236 (December 9, 2015)
| Page Range | 76405-76425 | |
| FR Document | 2015-31002 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 236 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 76405-76425] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-31002] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 150818742-5742-01] RIN 0648-XE130 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS proposes 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2016 and 2017 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. DATES: Comments must be received by January 8, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2015-0110, by any one of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0110, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Electronic copies of the Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS), Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final EIS, Supplementary Information Report (SIR) to the Final EIS, and the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) prepared for this action may be obtained from http://www.regulations.gov or from the Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2014 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the groundfish resources of the GOA, dated November 2014, is available from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) at 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501, phone 907-271-2809, or from the Council's Web site at http://www.npfmc.org. The draft 2015 SAFE report for the GOA will be available from the same source. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the GOA groundfish fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the GOA under the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq. Regulations governing U.S. fisheries and implementing the FMP appear at 50 CFR parts 600, 679, and 680. [[Page 76406]] The FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS, after consultation with the Council, to specify the total allowable catch (TAC) for each target species, the sum of which must be within the optimum yield (OY) range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons (mt). Section 679.20(c)(1) further requires NMFS to publish and solicit public comment on proposed annual TACs, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and seasonal allowances of pollock and Pacific cod. The proposed harvest specifications in Tables 1 through 19 of this document satisfy these requirements. For 2016 and 2017, the sum of the proposed TAC amounts is 590,161 mt. Under Sec. 679.20(c)(3), NMFS will publish the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications after (1) considering comments received within the comment period (see DATES), (2) consulting with the Council at its December 2015 meeting, (3) considering information presented in the 2015 SIR that assesses the need to prepare a Supplemental EIS (see ADDRESSES) and, (4) considering information presented in the final 2015 SAFE report prepared for the 2016 and 2017 groundfish fisheries. Other Actions Potentially Affecting the 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications Removal of Pacific Cod Sideboard Limits for Hook-and-Line Catcher/ Processors At its June 2013 meeting, the Council took final action to establish a temporary process to permanently remove catch limits, known as sideboard limits, for Pacific cod that are applicable to certain hook-and-line catcher/processors (C/Ps) in the Central and Western GOA regulatory areas. This action is known as Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Amendment 45). The final rule implementing the regulations associated with Amendment 45 was published on May 19, 2015 (80 FR 28539). If all persons holding a license limitation program license with endorsements that allow directed fishing for Pacific cod as a hook-and- line C/P in the Central or Western GOA sign and submit to NMFS an affidavit affirming that all eligible participants in that regulatory area recommend removal of the Crab Rationalization Program GOA Pacific cod sideboard limit, then NMFS would not establish Crab Rationalization Program GOA Pacific cod sideboard limits for the hook-and-line C/P sector through the annual harvest specification process. All eligible fishery participants submitted affidavits as described above for the Western GOA and Central GOA; therefore NMFS will not establish 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod sideboard limits for hook-and-line C/Ps. These sideboard limits have been removed from Table 15 of this proposed rule. Revise Maximum Retainable Amounts for Skates In December 2014, the Council took final action to reduce the maximum retainable amount (MRA) for skates in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Per the Council's recommendation, NMFS developed and published a proposed rule to modify regulations that specify the MRA for skates in the GOA (80 FR 39734, July 10, 2015). An MRA is expressed as a percentage and is the maximum amount of a species closed to directed fishing (i.e., skate species) that may be retained on board a vessel relative to the retained amount of other groundfish species or halibut open for directed fishing (basis species). An MRA serves as a management tool to slow the harvest rates of incidental catch species and limit retention up to a maximum percentage of the amount of retained groundfish or halibut on board the vessel. NMFS has established a single MRA percentage for big skate (Raja binoculata), longnose skate (Raja rhina), and for all remaining skate species (Bathyraja spp.). The proposed rule would reduce the MRA for skates in the GOA from 20 percent to 5 percent. The reduced MRA would apply to all vessels directed fishing for groundfish or halibut in the GOA. NMFS anticipates that the proposed regulatory revisions associated with the skate MRA reduction will be effective in 2016. Proposed Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and TAC Specifications In October 2015, the Council, its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), and its Advisory Panel (AP) reviewed the most recent biological and harvest information about the condition of groundfish stocks in the GOA. This information was compiled by the GOA Groundfish Plan Team (Plan Team) and presented in the final 2014 SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2014 (see ADDRESSES). The SAFE report contains a review of the latest scientific analyses and estimates of each species' biomass and other biological parameters, as well as summaries of the available information on the GOA ecosystem and the economic condition of the groundfish fisheries off Alaska. From these data and analyses, the Plan Team estimates and the SSC sets an overfishing level (OFL) and ABC for each species or species group. The amounts proposed for the 2016 and 2017 OFLs and ABCs are based on the 2014 SAFE report. The AP and Council recommended that the proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs be set equal to proposed ABCs for all species and species groups, with the exception of the species categories further discussed below. The proposed OFLs, ABCs, and TACs could be changed in the final harvest specifications depending on the most recent scientific information contained in the final 2015 SAFE report. The draft stock assessments that will comprise, in part, the 2015 SAFE report are available at http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/REFM/stocks/plan_team/draft_assessments.htm. In November 2015, the Plan Team updated the 2014 SAFE report to include new information collected during 2015, such as NMFS stock surveys, revised stock assessments, and catch data. The Plan Team compiled this information and produced the draft 2015 SAFE report for presentation at the December 2015 Council meeting. At that meeting, the Council will consider information in the draft 2015 SAFE report, recommendations from the November 2015 Plan Team meeting and December 2015 SSC and AP meetings, public testimony, and relevant written public comments in making its recommendations for the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. Pursuant to Section 3.2.3.4.1 of the FMP, the Council could recommend adjusting the TACs if ``warranted on the basis of bycatch considerations, management uncertainty, or socioeconomic considerations; or if required in order to cause the sum of the TACs to fall within the OY range.'' In previous years, the OFLs and ABCs that have had the most significant changes (relative to the amount of assessed tonnage of fish) from the proposed to the final harvest specifications have been for OFLs and ABCs that are based on the most recent NMFS stock surveys. These surveys provide updated estimates of stock biomass and spatial distribution, and changes to the models used for producing stock assessments. NMFS scientists presented updated and new survey results, changes to assessment models, and accompanying stock estimates at the September 2015 Plan Team meeting, and the SSC reviewed this information at the October 2015 Council meeting. The species with possible model changes are Pacific cod, rex sole, and rock sole. In November 2015, the Plan Team considered updated stock assessments for groundfish, which are included in the draft 2015 SAFE report. [[Page 76407]] If the draft 2015 SAFE report indicates that the stock biomass trend is increasing for a species, then the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for that species may reflect an increase from the proposed harvest specifications. Conversely, if the draft 2015 SAFE report indicates that the stock biomass trend is decreasing for a species, then the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications may reflect a decrease from the proposed harvest specifications. The proposed 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are based on the best available biological and socioeconomic information, including projected biomass trends, information on assumed distribution of stock biomass, and revised methods used to calculate stock biomass. The FMP specifies the formulas, or tiers, to be used to compute OFLs and ABCs. The formulas applicable to a particular stock or stock complex are determined by the level of reliable information available to the fisheries scientists. This information is categorized into a successive series of six tiers to define OFL and ABC amounts, with Tier 1 representing the highest level of information quality available and Tier 6 representing the lowest level of information quality available. The Plan Team used the FMP tier structure to calculate OFLs and ABCs for each groundfish species. The SSC adopted the proposed 2016 and 2017 OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team for all groundfish species. The Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations. These amounts are unchanged from the final 2016 harvest specifications published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2015 (80 FR 10250). Specification and Apportionment of TAC Amounts The Council recommended proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs that are equal to proposed ABCs for all species and species groups, with the exceptions of shallow-water flatfish in the Western GOA, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole in the Western and Central GOA, ``other rockfish'' in Southeast Outside (SEO) District, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod. The shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, and flathead sole TACs are set to allow for harvest opportunities while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other fisheries. The ``other rockfish'' TAC is set to reduce the potential amount of discards in the SEO District. The Atka mackerel TAC is set to accommodate incidental catch amounts of this species in other directed fisheries. The proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State's guideline harvest levels (GHLs) for Pacific cod in State waters in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, as well as in Prince William Sound (PWS). The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water Pacific cod removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. Accordingly, the Council reduced the proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs in the Eastern, Central, and Western Regulatory Areas to account for State GHLs. Therefore, the proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs are less than the proposed ABCs by the following amounts: (1) Eastern GOA, 707 mt; (2) Central GOA, 15,330 mt; and (3) Western GOA, 11,611 mt. These amounts reflect the sum of the State's 2016 and 2017 GHLs in these areas, which are 25 percent of the Eastern and Central and 30 percent of the Western GOA proposed ABCs. The ABC for the pollock stock in the combined Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas (W/C/WYK) includes the amount for the GHL established by the State for the PWS pollock fishery. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water pollock removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. Based on genetic studies, fisheries scientists believe that the pollock in PWS is not a separate stock from the combined W/C/WYK population. Since 1996, the Plan Team has had a protocol of recommending that the GHL amount be deducted from the GOA-wide ABC. For 2016 and 2017, the SSC recommended and the Council approved the W/C/WYK pollock ABC including the amount to account for the State's PWS GHL. At the November 2015 Plan Team meeting, State fisheries managers recommended setting the PWS GHL at 2.5 percent of the annual W/C/WYK pollock ABC. Accordingly, the Council recommended adopting a W/C/WYK pollock ABC that has been reduced to account for the State's PWS GHL. For 2016 and 2017, the proposed PWS pollock GHL is 6,271 mt, as recommended by State fisheries managers. The proposed 2016 and 2017 ABC is 263,449 mt, and the proposed TAC is 257,178 mt. The Council has adopted the SSC's 2014 recommendation to revise the terminology used when apportioning pollock in the W/C/WYK. The SSC recommended describing apportionments of pollock to the W/C/WYK as ``apportionments of annual catch limit (ACLs)'' rather than ``ABCs.'' The SSC noted that describing subarea apportionments as ``apportionments of the ACL'' more accurately reflects that such apportionments address management, rather than biological or conservation, concerns. In addition, apportionments of the ACL in this manner allow NMFS to balance any transfer of TAC from one area to another pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) to ensure that the area- wide ACL and ABC are not exceeded. The SSC noted that this terminology change is acceptable for pollock in the W/C/WYK only. Further information about the rationale to adopt this terminology is in the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish (80 FR 10250, February 25, 2015). NMFS' proposed apportionments for groundfish species are based on the distribution of biomass among the regulatory areas under which NMFS manages the species. Additional regulations govern the apportionment of Pacific cod, pollock, and sablefish. Additional detail on these apportionments are described below, and briefly summarized here. NMFS proposes pollock TACs in the W/C/WYK and the SEO District of the GOA (see Table 1). NMFS also proposes seasonal apportionment of the annual pollock TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 divided equally among each of the following four seasons: the A season (January 20 through March 10), the B season (March 10 through May 31), the C season (August 25 through October 1), and the D season (October 1 through November 1) (Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), and Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A) and (B)). Additional detail is provided below; Table 2 lists these amounts. NMFS proposes Pacific cod TACs in the Western, Central, and Eastern GOA (see Table 1). NMFS also proposes seasonal apportionment of the Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Sixty percent of the annual TAC is apportioned to the A season for hook-and- line, pot, or jig gear from January 1 through June 10, and for trawl gear from January 20 through June 10. Forty percent of the annual TAC is apportioned to the B season for jig gear from June 10 through December 31, for hook-and-line or pot gear from September 1 through December 31, and for trawl gear from September 1 through November 1 (Sec. Sec. 679.23(d)(3) and 679.20(a)(12)). The Western and Central GOA Pacific cod gear and sector apportionments are discussed in detail below; Table 3 lists these amounts. The Council's recommendation for sablefish area apportionments takes into account the prohibition on the use of [[Page 76408]] trawl gear in the SEO District of the Eastern Regulatory Area and makes available 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area TACs to trawl gear for use as incidental catch in other directed groundfish fisheries in the WYK District (Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Additional detail is provided below; Tables 4 and 5 list these amounts. The sum of the proposed TACs for all GOA groundfish is 590,161 mt for 2016 and 2017, which is within the OY range specified by the FMP. The sums of the proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs are higher than the final 2015 TACs currently specified for the GOA groundfish fisheries (80 FR 10250, February 25, 2015). The proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs for pollock, Pacific ocean perch, and rougheye rockfish are higher than the final 2015 TACs for these species. The proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs for sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish are lower than the final 2015 TACs for these species. The proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs for the remaining species are equal to the final 2015 TACs. For 2016 and 2017, the Council recommends and NMFS proposes the OFLs, ABCs, and TACs listed in Table 1. The proposed ABCs reflect harvest amounts that are less than the specified overfishing levels. Table 1 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs, TACs, and area apportionments of groundfish in the GOA. These amounts are consistent with the biological condition of groundfish stocks as described in the 2014 SAFE report, and adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the total TAC within the required OY range. These proposed amounts and apportionments by area, season, and sector are subject to change pending consideration of the draft 2015 SAFE report and the Council's recommendations for the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications during its December 2015 meeting. Table 1--Proposed 2016 and 2017 ABCs, TACs, and OFLs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central, and Eastern Regulatory Areas, and in the West Yakutat, Southeast Outside, and Gulfwide Districts of the Gulf of Alaska [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock 2............................. Shumagin (610).......... n/a 41,472 41,472 Chirikof (620).......... n/a 127,936 127,936 Kodiak (630)............ n/a 68,958 68,958 WYK (640)............... n/a 6,187 6,187 W/C/WYK (subtotal)...... 321,067 250,824 244,553 SEO (650)............... 16,833 12,625 12,625 ----------------------------------------------- Total 337,900 263,449 257,178 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod 3......................... W....................... n/a 38,702 27,091 C....................... n/a 61,320 45,990 E....................... n/a 2,828 2,121 ----------------------------------------------- Total 133,100 102,850 75,202 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sablefish 4........................... W....................... n/a 1,338 1,338 C....................... n/a 4,232 4,232 WYK..................... n/a 1,552 1,552 SEO..................... n/a 2,436 2,436 E (WYK and SEO) n/a 3,988 3,988 (subtotal). ----------------------------------------------- Total 11,293 9,558 9,558 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water flatfish 5.............. W....................... n/a 19,577 13,250 C....................... n/a 17,114 17,114 WYK..................... n/a 1,959 1,959 SEO..................... n/a 554 554 ----------------------------------------------- Total 48,407 39,205 32,877 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep-water flatfish 6................. W....................... n/a 299 299 C....................... n/a 3,645 3,645 WYK..................... n/a 5,409 5,409 SEO..................... n/a 3,824 3,824 ----------------------------------------------- Total 15,803 13,177 13,177 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex sole.............................. W....................... n/a 1,234 1,234 C....................... n/a 5,707 5,707 WYK..................... n/a 758 758 SEO..................... n/a 1,280 1,280 ----------------------------------------------- Total 11,733 8,979 8,979 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrowtooth flounder................... W....................... n/a 29,545 14,500 C....................... n/a 109,692 75,000 WYK..................... n/a 35,328 6,900 [[Page 76409]] SEO..................... n/a 10,787 6,900 ----------------------------------------------- Total 217,522 185,352 103,300 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flathead sole......................... W....................... n/a 12,776 8,650 C....................... n/a 24,893 15,400 WYK..................... n/a 3,538 3,538 SEO..................... n/a 171 171 ----------------------------------------------- Total 50,818 41,378 27,759 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch 7................. W....................... n/a 2,358 2,358 C....................... n/a 16,184 16,184 WYK..................... n/a 2,055 2,055 W/C/WYK................. 23,876 20,597 20,597 SEO..................... 2,513 839 839 ----------------------------------------------- Total 24,849 21,436 21,436 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern rockfish 8................... W....................... n/a 1,158 1,158 C....................... n/a 3,563 3,563 E....................... n/a ----------------------------------------------- Total 5,631 4,721 4,721 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish 9................. W....................... n/a 92 92 C....................... n/a 397 397 E....................... n/a 834 834 ----------------------------------------------- Total 1,764 1,323 1,323 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusky rockfish 10..................... W....................... n/a 273 273 C....................... n/a 3,077 3,077 WYK..................... n/a 1,187 1,187 SEO..................... n/a 174 174 ----------------------------------------------- Total 5,759 4,711 4,711 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rougheye and blackspotted rockfish 11. W....................... n/a 117 117 C....................... n/a 643 643 E....................... n/a 382 382 ----------------------------------------------- Total 1,370 1,142 1,142 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demersal shelf rockfish 12............ SEO..................... 361 225 225 Thornyhead rockfish 13................ W....................... n/a 235 235 C....................... n/a 875 875 E....................... n/a 731 731 ----------------------------------------------- Total 2,454 1,841 1,841 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other rockfish 14 15.................. W/C combined............ n/a 1,031 1,031 WYK..................... n/a 580 580 SEO..................... n/a 2,469 200 ----------------------------------------------- Total 5,347 4,080 1,811 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atka mackerel......................... GW...................... 6,200 4,700 2,000 Big skates 16......................... W....................... n/a 731 731 C....................... n/a 1,257 1,257 E....................... n/a 1,267 1,267 ----------------------------------------------- Total 4,340 3,255 3,255 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Longnose skates 17.................... W....................... n/a 152 152 C....................... n/a 2,090 2,090 E....................... n/a 976 976 ----------------------------------------------- Total 4,291 3,218 3,218 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 76410]] Other skates 18....................... GW...................... 2,980 2,235 2,235 Sculpins.............................. GW...................... 7,448 5,569 5,569 Sharks................................ GW...................... 7,986 5,989 5,989 Squids................................ GW...................... 1,530 1,148 1,148 Octopuses............................. GW...................... 2,009 1,507 1,507 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................. ........................ 910,895 731,049 590,161 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Regulatory areas and districts are defined at Sec. 679.2. (W=Western Gulf of Alaska; C=Central Gulf of Alaska; E=Eastern Gulf of Alaska; WYK=West Yakutat District; SEO=Southeast Outside District; GW=Gulf-wide). 2 The combined pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat areas is apportioned in the Western/ Central Regulatory Areas among four statistical areas. These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes. Table 2 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments. In the West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances. 3 Section 679.20(a)(12)(i) requires the allocation of the Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear and operational sectors. The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned among various sectors 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. In the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA, Pacific cod is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 3 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments. 4 Sablefish is allocated to hook-and-line and trawl gear in 2016 and trawl gear in 2017. Tables 4 and 5 list the proposed 2016 and 2017 allocations of sablefish TACs. 5 ``Shallow-water flatfish'' means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder. 6 ``Deep-water flatfish'' means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deep-sea sole. 7 ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus. 8 ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinous. For management purposes the 3 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the other rockfish (slope rockfish) species group. 9 ``Shortraker rockfish'' means Sebastes borealis. 10 ``Dusky rockfish'' means Sebastes variabilis. 11 ``Rougheye rockfish'' means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted). 12 ``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye). 13 ``Thornyhead rockfish'' means Sebastes species. 14 ``Other rockfish (slope rockfish)'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergray), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, ``other rockfish'' also includes northern rockfish (S. polyspinous). 15 ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means all rockfish species included in the ``other rockfish'' and demersal shelf rockfish categories. 16 ``Big skates'' means Raja binoculata. 17 ``Longnose skates'' means Raja rhina. 18 ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja spp. Proposed Apportionment of Reserves Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to set aside 20 percent of each TAC for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses in reserves for possible apportionment at a later date during the fishing year. In 2015, NMFS apportioned all of the reserves in the final harvest specifications. For 2016 and 2017, NMFS proposes reapportionment of all the reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses in anticipation of the projected annual catch of these species. The TACs in Table 1 reflect the apportionment of reserve amounts for these species and species groups. Each proposed TAC for the above mentioned species categories contains the full TAC recommended by the Council, since none of the relevant species and species groups' TACs contributed to a reserve that could be used for future reapportionments. Proposed Apportionments of Pollock TAC Among Seasons and Regulatory Areas, and Allocations for Processing by Inshore and Offshore Components In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by season and area, and is further allocated for processing by inshore and offshore components. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock TAC specified for the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is apportioned into four equal seasonal allowances of 25 percent. As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 through March 10, March 10 through May 31, August 25 through October 1, and October 1 through November 1, respectively. Pollock TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA are apportioned among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B seasons, the apportionments have historically been based on the proportional distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D seasons, the apportionments are in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS summer surveys. However, for 2016 and 2017, the Council recommends, and NMFS proposes, averaging the winter and summer distribution of pollock in the Central Regulatory Area for the A season instead of using the distribution based on only the winter surveys. This combination of summer and winter distribution has been used for area apportionments since 2002. The average is intended to reflect the best available information about migration patterns, distribution of pollock, and the performance of the fishery in the area during the A season. For the A season, the apportionment is based on the proposed adjusted estimate [[Page 76411]] of the relative distribution of pollock biomass of approximately 8 percent, 67 percent, and 25 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the B season, the apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass of approximately 8 percent, 83 percent, and 9 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the C and D seasons, the apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass of approximately 27 percent, 32 percent, and 41 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. Within any fishing year, the amount by which a seasonal allowance is underharvested or overharvested may be added to, or subtracted from, subsequent seasonal allowances in a manner to be determined by the Regional Administrator (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover amount is limited to 20 percent of the unharvested seasonal apportionment for the statistical area. Any unharvested pollock above the 20-percent limit could be further distributed to the other statistical areas, in proportion to the estimated biomass in the subsequent season in those statistical areas (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The proposed 2016 and 2017 pollock TACs in the WYK District of 6,187 mt and SEO District of 12,625 mt are not allocated by season. Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the allocation of 100 percent of the pollock apportionments in all regulatory areas and all seasonal allowances to vessels catching pollock for processing by the inshore component after subtraction of pollock amounts projected by the Regional Administrator to be caught by, or delivered to, the offshore component incidental to directed fishing for other groundfish species. Thus, the amount of pollock available for harvest by vessels harvesting pollock for processing by the offshore component is that amount that will be taken as incidental catch during directed fishing for groundfish species other than pollock, up to the maximum retainable amounts allowed under Sec. 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these incidental catch amounts of pollock are unknown and will be determined as fishing activity occurs during the fishing year by the offshore component. Table 2 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal biomass distribution of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown. Table 2--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Distribution of Pollock in the Central and Western Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska; Seasonal Biomass Distribution, Area Apportionments; and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC \1\ [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season \2\ Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A (Jan 20-Mar 10)............................................ 4,760 (7.99%) 39,992 (67.11%) 14,839 (24.90%) 59,592 B (Mar 10-May 31)............................................ 4,760 (7.99%) 49,586 (83.21%) 5,245 (8.80%) 59,592 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)............................................. 15,975 (26.81%) 19,179 (32.18%) 24,437 (41.01%) 59,592 D (Oct 1-Nov 1).............................................. 15,975 (26.81%) 19,179 (32.18%) 24,437 (41.01%) 59,592 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Annual Total \3\......................................... 41,472 ........... 127,936 ........... 68,958 ........... 238,366 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Area apportionments and seasonal allowances may not total precisely due to rounding. \2\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 through March 10, March 10 through May 31, August 25 through October 1, and October 1 through November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table. \3\ The West Yakutat and Southeast Outside District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table. Proposed Annual and Seasonal Apportionments of Pacific Cod TAC Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS proposes allocations for the 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear and operational sectors. Pursuant Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(ii) NMFS proposes the allocation of the Pacific cod TAC between the inshore and offshore components in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA. In the Central GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is apportioned seasonally first to vessels using jig gear, and then among catcher vessels (CVs) less than 50 feet in length overall using hook-and-line gear, CVs equal to or greater than 50 feet in length overall using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear. In the Western GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is apportioned seasonally first to vessels using jig gear, and then among CVs using hook-and-line gear, C/ Ps using hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear. The overall seasonal apportionments in the Western and Central GOA are 60 percent of the annual TAC to the A season and 40 percent of the annual TAC to the B season. Under Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage or underage of the Pacific cod allowance from the A season will be subtracted from, or added to, the subsequent B season allowance. In addition, any portion of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot, or jig sector allocations that is determined by NMFS as likely to go unharvested by a sector may be reapportioned to other sectors for harvest during the remainder of the fishery year. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and (B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central GOA will be allocated to vessels with a federal fisheries permit that use jig gear before TAC is apportioned among other non-jig sectors. In accordance with the FMP, the annual jig sector allocations may increase up to 6 percent of the annual Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs depending on the annual performance of the jig sector. If such allocation increases are not harvested by the jig sector, then the annual jig sector allocations may subsequently be reduced (See Table 1 of Amendment 83 to the FMP for a detailed discussion of the jig sector allocation process (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011)). NMFS proposes that the jig sector receive 3.5 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Western GOA. This includes a base allocation of 1.5 percent and an additional 2.0 percent because this sector harvested greater than 90 percent of its initial 2012 and 2014 allocations in the Western GOA. NMFS also proposes that the jig sector would receive 1.0 percent of the annual Pacific [[Page 76412]] cod TAC in the Central GOA. This includes a base allocation of 1.0 percent and no additional performance increase. However, allocation increases to the jig sector are established for a minimum of 2 years. NMFS will re-evaluate the annual 2014 and 2015 harvest performance of each jig sector when the 2015 fishing year is complete to determine whether to change the jig sector allocations proposed by this action in conjunction with the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. Based on the current catch (through November 2015) by the Western GOA jig sector, the Pacific cod allocation percentage to this sector would not change in 2016. Similarly, the current catch by the Central GOA jig sector indicates that this sector's Pacific cod allocation percentage would not change in 2016. The jig sector allocations are further apportioned between the A (60 percent) and B (40 percent) seasons. Table 3 lists the seasonal apportionments and allocations of the proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs. Table 3--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocations of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the GOA; Allocations in the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors, and the Eastern GOA for Processing by the Inshore and Offshore Components [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Season B Season ------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Sector Sector Regulatory area and sector allocation percentage of Seasonal percentage of Seasonal (mt) annual non-jig allowances annual non-jig allowances TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA: Jig (3.5% of TAC)....... 948 N/A 569 N/A 379 Hook-and-line CV........ 366 0.70 183 0.70 183 Hook-and-line C/P....... 5,176 10.90 2,850 8.90 2,327 Trawl CV................ 10,039 27.70 7,242 10.70 2,797 Trawl C/P............... 627 0.90 235 1.50 392 Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 9,934 19.80 5,176 18.20 4,758 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............... 27,091 60.00 16,255 40.00 10,837 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central GOA: Jig (1.0% of TAC)....... 460 N/A 276 N/A 184 Hook-and-line <50 CV.... 6,648 9.32 4,241 5.29 2,407 Hook-and-line >=50 CV... 3,054 5.61 2,554 1.10 500 Hook-and-line C/P....... 2,324 4.11 1,870 1.00 454 Trawl CV................ 18,933 21.13 9,623 20.45 9,310 Trawl C/P............... 1,911 2.00 912 2.19 999 Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 12,660 17.83 8,118 9.97 4,542 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............... 45,990 60.00 27,594 40.00 18,396 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA................. 2,121 1,909 212 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Allocations of the Sablefish TACs Amounts to Vessels Using Hook-and-Line and Trawl Gear Sections 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require allocations of sablefish TACs for each of the regulatory areas and districts to hook-and-line and trawl gear. In the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, 80 percent of each TAC is allocated to hook-and-line gear, and 20 percent of each TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In the Eastern Regulatory Area, 95 percent of the TAC is allocated to hook-and-line gear and 5 percent is allocated to trawl gear. The trawl gear allocation in the Eastern GOA may only be used to support incidental catch of sablefish in directed fisheries for other target species (Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). In recognition of the prohibition against trawl gear in the SEO District of the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council recommended and NMFS proposes the allocation of 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the WYK District, making the remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC available to vessels using hook- and-line gear. NMFS proposes to allocate 100 percent of the sablefish TAC in the SEO District to vessels using hook-and-line gear. This action results in a proposed 2016 allocation of 199 mt to trawl gear and 1,353 mt to hook-and-line gear in the WYK District, and 2,436 mt to hook-and-line gear in the SEO District. Table 4 lists the allocations of the proposed 2016 sablefish TACs to hook-and-line and trawl gear. Table 5 lists the allocations of the proposed 2017 sablefish TACs to trawl gear. The Council recommended that the hook-and-line sablefish TAC be established annually to ensure that the sablefish Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) fishery is conducted concurrent with the halibut IFQ fishery and is based on recent survey information. The Council also recommended that only the trawl sablefish TAC be established for 2 years so that retention of incidental catch of sablefish by trawl gear could commence in January in the second year of the groundfish harvest specifications. Since there is an annual assessment for sablefish and the final harvest specifications are expected to be published before the IFQ season begins (typically, in early March), the Council recommended that the sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis, rather than for 2 years, so that the best available scientific information could be considered in establishing the ABCs and TACs. With the exception of the trawl allocations that are provided to the Rockfish Program cooperatives (see Table 28c to part 679), directed fishing [[Page 76413]] for sablefish with trawl gear is closed during the fishing year. Also, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear is prohibited prior to January 20. Therefore, it is not likely that the sablefish allocation to trawl gear would be reached before the effective date of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. Table 4--Proposed 2016 Sablefish Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in the Gulf of Alaska and Allocations to Hook-and- Line and Trawl Gear [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook-and-line Trawl Area/district TAC allocation allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western......................................................... 1,338 1,070 268 Central......................................................... 4,232 3,386 846 West Yakutat \1\................................................ 1,552 1,353 199 Southeast Outside............................................... 2,436 2,436 0 ----------------------------------------------- Total....................................................... 9,558 8,245 1,313 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The proposed trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. Table 5--Proposed 2017 Sablefish Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in the Gulf of Alaska and Allocation to Trawl Gear \1\ [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook-and-line Trawl Area/district TAC allocation allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western......................................................... 1,338 n/a 268 Central......................................................... 4,232 n/a 846 West Yakutat \2\................................................ 1,552 n/a 199 Southeast Outside............................................... 2,436 n/a 0 ----------------------------------------------- Total....................................................... 9,558 n/a 1,313 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Council recommended that harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be limited to 1 year. \2\ The proposed trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. Proposed Apportionments to the Rockfish Program These proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for the GOA include the fishery cooperative allocations and sideboard limitations established by the Rockfish Program. Program participants are primarily trawl CVs and trawl C/Ps, with limited participation by vessels using longline gear. The Rockfish Program assigns quota share and cooperative quota to participants for primary and secondary species, allows a participant holding a license limitation program (LLP) license with rockfish quota share to form a rockfish cooperative with other persons, and allows holders of C/P LLP licenses to opt out of the fishery. The Rockfish Program also has an entry level fishery for rockfish primary species for vessels using longline gear. Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish primary species (Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish) in the Central GOA are allocated to participants after deducting for incidental catch needs in other directed groundfish fisheries. Participants in the Rockfish Program also receive a portion of the Central GOA TAC of specific secondary species (Pacific cod, rougheye rockfish, sablefish, shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish). Additionally, the Rockfish Program establishes sideboard limits to restrict the ability of harvesters operating under the Rockfish Program to increase their participation in other, non-Rockfish Program fisheries. Besides groundfish species, the Rockfish Program allocates a portion of the halibut PSC limit (191 mt) from the third season deep- water species fishery allowance for the GOA trawl fisheries to Rockfish Program participants. (Rockfish Program sideboards and halibut PSC limits are discussed below.) Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) requires allocations of 5 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 30 mt of dusky rockfish to the entry level longline fishery in 2016 and 2017. The allocation for the entry level longline fishery would increase incrementally each year if the catch exceeds 90 percent of the allocation of a species. The incremental increase in the allocation would continue each year until it is the maximum percentage of the TAC for that species. In 2015, the catch did not exceed 90 percent of any allocated rockfish species. Therefore, NMFS is not proposing an increase to the entry level longline fishery 2016 and 2017 allocations in the Central GOA. The remainder of the TACs for the rockfish primary species would be allocated to the CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 6 lists the allocations of the proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs for each rockfish primary species to the entry level longline fishery, the incremental increase for future years, and the maximum percent of the TAC for the entry level longline fishery. [[Page 76414]] Table 6--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species to the Entry Level Longline Fishery in the Central Gulf of Alaska ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incremental increase in Up to maximum 2017 if >=90 percent of percent of Rockfish primary species 2016 and 2017 allocations 2016 allocation is each TAC of: harvested (%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch..................... 5 metric tons............. 5 metric tons............. 1 Northern rockfish....................... 5 metric tons............. 5 metric tons............. 2 Dusky rockfish.......................... 30 metric tons............ 20 metric tons............ 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 679.81(a)(2) requires allocations of rockfish primary species among various components of the Rockfish Program. Table 7 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 allocations of rockfish in the Central GOA to the entry level longline fishery and other participants in the Rockfish Program, which include CV and C/P cooperatives. NMFS also proposes setting aside incidental catch amounts (ICAs) for other directed fisheries in the Central GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 250 mt of northern rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky rockfish. These amounts are based on recent average incidental catches in the Central GOA by other groundfish fisheries. Allocations between vessels belonging to CV or C/P cooperatives are not included in these proposed harvest specifications. Rockfish Program applications for CV cooperatives and C/P cooperatives are not due to NMFS until March 1 of each calendar year; therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2016 and 2017 allocations in conjunction with these proposed harvest specifications. NMFS will post these allocations on the Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/rockfish/ after March 1. Table 7--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level Longline Fishery and Other Participants in the Rockfish Program [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to Incidental the entry Allocation to Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level the Rockfish allowance longline \1\ Cooperatives (ICA) fishery ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch............. 16,184 2,000 14,184 5 14,179 Northern rockfish............... 3,563 250 3,313 5 3,308 Dusky rockfish.................. 3,077 250 2,827 30 2,797 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 22,824 2,500 20,324 40 20,284 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear. \2\ Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives. Section 679.81(c) requires allocations of rockfish secondary species to CV and C/P cooperatives in the GOA. CV cooperatives receive allocations of Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. C/P cooperatives receive allocations of sablefish from the trawl allocation, rougheye rockfish, shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish. Table 8 lists the apportionments of the proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs of rockfish secondary species in the Central GOA to CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 8--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives [Values are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor -------------------------------- cooperatives Rockfish secondary species Central GOA ------------------------------- annual TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod..................... 45,990 3.81 1,752 N/A N/A Sablefish....................... 4,232 6.78 287 3.51 149 Shortraker rockfish............. 397 N/A N/A 40.00 159 Rougheye rockfish............... 643 N/A N/A 58.87 379 Thornyhead rockfish............. 875 7.84 69 26.50 232 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut PSC Limits Section 679.21(d) establishes annual halibut PSC limit apportionments to trawl and hook-and-line gear, and authorizes the establishment of apportionments for pot gear. Amendment 95 to the FMP (79 FR 9625, February 20, 2014) implemented measures establishing GOA halibut PSC limits in Federal regulations and reducing the halibut PSC limits in the GOA trawl and hook-and-line [[Page 76415]] groundfish fisheries. These reductions are incorporated into the halibut PSC limits that are proposed by this action. For most gear and operational types, the halibut PSC limit reductions are phased-in over 3 years, beginning in 2014 and ending in 2016. In 2015, the trawl halibut PSC limit was reduced by 12 percent from the 2013 limit. Under Amendment 95 and Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(i), the initial trawl halibut PSC limit is reduced by an additional 3 percent in 2016. This results in a total reduction of 15 percent in 2016 as compared to the 2013 halibut PSC limit. The reduced PSC limit will remain in effect each year thereafter. In addition, under Amendment 95 and Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iv), the initial hook-and-line PSC for the other hook and-line CV sector was reduced 7 percent in 2014 and an additional 5-percent in 2015. This action implements an additional 3-percent reduction in 2016 for a total reduction of 15 percent from the 2013 limit. The PSC limit for the hook-and-line C/P sector was reduced by 7 percent in 2014 and thereafter. In October 2015, the Council recommended halibut PSC limits that reflect the reductions implemented under Amendment 95 of 1,706 mt for trawl gear, 256 mt for hook-and-line gear, and 9 mt for the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery in the SEO District for the 2016 groundfish fisheries. The DSR fishery in the SEO District is defined at Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the halibut PSC limit in recognition of its small-scale harvests of groundfish. NMFS estimates low halibut bycatch in the DSR fishery because (1) the duration of the DSR fisheries and the gear soak times are short, (2) the DSR fishery occurs in the winter when less overlap occurs in the distribution of DSR and halibut, and (3) the directed commercial DSR fishery has a low DSR TAC. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets the commercial GHL for the DSR fishery after deducting (1) estimates of DSR incidental catch in all fisheries (including halibut and subsistence) and (2) the allocation to the DSR sport fish fishery. Of the 225 mt TAC for DSR in 2015, 83 mt were available for the DSR commercial directed fishery, of which 36 mt were harvested. The FMP authorizes the Council to exempt specific gear from the halibut PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation with the Council, proposes to exempt pot gear, jig gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and-line gear fishery categories from the non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2016 and 2017. The Council recommended, and NMFS is proposing, these exemptions because (1) pot gear fisheries have low annual halibut bycatch mortality, (2) IFQ program regulations prohibit discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ permit holder on board a CV holds unused halibut IFQ (Sec. 679.7(f)(11)), (3) sablefish IFQ fishermen typically hold halibut IFQ permits and are therefore required to retain the halibut they catch while fishing sablefish IFQ, and (4) NMFS estimates negligible halibut mortality for the jig gear fisheries. NMFS estimates halibut mortality is negligible in the jig gear fisheries given the small amount of groundfish harvested by jig gear, the selective nature of jig gear, and the high survival rates of halibut caught and released with jig gear. The best available information on estimated halibut bycatch consists of data collected by fisheries observers during 2015. The calculated halibut bycatch mortality through October 31, 2015, is 1,324 mt for trawl gear and 185 mt for hook-and-line gear for a total halibut mortality of 1,509 mt. This halibut mortality was calculated using groundfish and halibut catch data from the NMFS Alaska Region's catch accounting system. This account system contains historical and recent catch information compiled from each Alaska groundfish fishery. Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii) authorizes NMFS to seasonally apportion the halibut PSC limits after consultation with the Council. The FMP and regulations require that the Council and NMFS consider the following information in seasonally apportioning halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal distribution of halibut, (2) seasonal distribution of target groundfish species relative to halibut distribution, (3) expected halibut bycatch needs on a seasonal basis relative to changes in halibut biomass and expected catch of target groundfish species, (4) expected bycatch rates on a seasonal basis, (5) expected changes in directed groundfish fishing seasons, (6) expected actual start of fishing effort, and (7) economic effects of establishing seasonal halibut allocations on segments of the target groundfish industry. Based on public comment and the information presented in the final 2015 SAFE report, the Council may recommend or NMFS may make changes to the seasonal, gear-type, or fishery category apportionments of halibut PSC limits for the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. The final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications (80 FR 10250, February 26, 2015) summarized the Council's and NMFS' findings with respect to halibut PSC for each of these FMP considerations. The Council's and NMFS' findings for 2016 are unchanged from 2015. Table 9 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific halibut PSC limits, allowances, and apportionments. The halibut PSC limits in these tables reflect the halibut PSC reductions implemented in accordance with Amendment 95 (79 FR 9625, February 20, 2014) and Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(i). Sections 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) specify that any underages or overages of a seasonal apportionment of a PSC limit will be deducted from or added to the next respective seasonal apportionment within the fishing year. Table 9--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific Halibut PSC Limits, Allowances, and Apportionments [Values are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear\1\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other than DSR DSR Season Percent Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Percent Amount Season Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 20-April 1.................. 27.5 469 January 1-June 10...... 86 220 January 1-December 31.. 9 April 1-July 1...................... 20 341 June 10-September 1.... 2 5 ....................... ........... July 1-September 1.................. 30 512 September 1-December 31 12 31 ....................... ........... September 1-October 1............... 7.5 128 ....................... ........... ........... ....................... ........... [[Page 76416]] October 1-December 31............... 15 256 ....................... ........... ........... ....................... ........... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................... ............ 1,706 ....................... ........... 256 ....................... 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific halibut PSC limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery and fisheries other than DSR. The hook-and-line IFQ sablefish fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries. Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes further apportionment of the trawl halibut PSC limit as bycatch allowances to trawl fishery categories. The annual apportionments are based on each category's proportional share of the anticipated halibut bycatch mortality during a fishing year and optimization of the total amount of groundfish harvest under the halibut PSC limit. The fishery categories for the trawl halibut PSC limits are (1) a deep-water species fishery, composed of sablefish, rockfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder; and (2) a shallow-water species fishery, composed of pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates and ``other species'' (sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses) (Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(iii)). Table 10 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments of trawl halibut PSC limits between the trawl gear deep-water and the shallow-water species fisheries. These limits proportionately incorporate the halibut PSC limit reductions implemented in accordance with Amendment 95 (79 FR 9625, February 20, 2014) and Sec. 679.21(d)(3). Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies the amount of the trawl halibut PSC limit that is assigned to the CV and C/P sectors that are participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program. This includes 117 mt of halibut PSC limit to the CV sector and 74 mt of halibut PSC limit to the C/P sector. These amounts are allocated from the trawl deep-water species fishery's halibut PSC third seasonal apportionment. Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the amount of the halibut PSC limit allocated to Rockfish Program participants that could be re- apportioned to the general GOA trawl fisheries to no more than 55 percent of the unused annual halibut PSC apportioned to Rockfish Program participants. The remainder of the unused Rockfish Program halibut PSC limit is unavailable for use by vessels directed fishing with trawl gear for the remainder of the fishing year. Table 10--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Seasonal Apportionments of the Pacific Halibut PSC Limit Apportioned Between the Trawl Gear Shallow-Water and Deep-Water Species Fisheries [Values are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Shallow-water Deep-water \1\ Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 20-April 1.......................... 384 85................................ 469 April 1-July 1.............................. 85 256............................... 341 July 1-September 1.......................... 171 341............................... 512 September 1-October 1....................... 128 Any remainder..................... 128 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtotal, January 20-October 1.......... 768 682............................... 1,450 ------------------------------------------------------------------- October 1-December 31 \2\................... .............. .................................. 256 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................... .............. .................................. 1,706 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Vessels participating in cooperatives in the Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third season (July 1 through September 1) deep-water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment. \2\ There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fisheries during the fifth season (October 1 through December 31). Section 679.21(d)(2) requires that the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' halibut PSC apportionment to vessels using hook-and-line gear must be divided between CVs and C/Ps. NMFS must calculate the halibut PSC limit apportionments for the entire GOA to hook-and-line CVs and C/ Ps in accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in conjunction with these harvest specifications. A comprehensive description and example of the calculations necessary to apportion the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' halibut PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV and C/P sectors were included in the proposed rule to implement Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR 44700, July 26, 2011) and is not repeated here. For 2016 and 2017, NMFS proposes annual halibut PSC limit apportionments of 140 mt and 116 mt to the hook-and-line CV and hook- and-line C/P sectors, respectively. The 2016 and 2017 annual halibut PSC limits are divided into three seasonal apportionments, using seasonal percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent, and 12 percent. Table 11 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 annual halibut PSC limits and seasonal apportionments between the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P sectors in the GOA. No later than November 1 of each year, NMFS calculates the projected [[Page 76417]] unused amount of halibut PSC limit by either of the hook-and-line sectors for the remainder of the year. The projected unused amount of halibut PSC limit is made available to the other hook-and-line sector for the remainder of that fishing year if NMFS determines that an additional amount of halibut PSC limit is necessary for that sector to continue its directed fishing operations (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)). Table 11--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Apportionments of the ``Other Hook-and-Line fisheries'' Halibut PSC Allowance Between the Hook-and-Line Gear Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Sectors [Values are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sector ``Other than DSR'' allowance Hook-and- line sector Sector annual Season Seasonal seasonal amount percentage amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 256...................................... Catcher Vessel............. 140 January 1-June 10............... 86 120 June 10-September 1............. 2 3 September 1-December 31......... 12 17 Catcher/Processor.......... 116 January 1-June 10............... 86 100 June 10-September 1............. 2 2 September 1-December 31......... 12 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut Discard Mortality Rates To monitor halibut bycatch mortality allowances and apportionments, the Regional Administrator uses observed halibut incidental catch rates, discard mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of groundfish catch to project when a fishery's halibut bycatch mortality allowance or seasonal apportionment is reached. The DMRs are based on the best information available, including information contained in the annual SAFE report. NMFS proposes the Council's recommendation that the halibut DMRs developed and recommended by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the 2016 through 2017 GOA groundfish fisheries be used to monitor the proposed 2016 and 2017 halibut bycatch mortality allowances (see Tables 9 through 11). The IPHC developed the DMRs for the 2016 through 2017 GOA groundfish fisheries using the 10-year mean DMRs for those fisheries. Long-term average DMRs were not available for some fisheries, so rates from the most recent years were used. For the skate, sculpin, shark, squid, and octopus fisheries, where not enough mortality data are available, the mortality rate of halibut caught in the Pacific cod fishery for that gear type was recommended as a default rate. The IPHC will analyze observer data annually and recommend changes to the DMRs when a fishery DMR shows large variation from the mean. A discussion of the DMRs and how the IPHC establishes them is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). Any changes to the current DMRs will be incorporated into the final GOA harvest specifications. Table 12 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 DMRs. Table 12--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Halibut Discard Mortality Rates for Vessels Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska [Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mortality rate Gear Target fishery (%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hook-and-line................. Other fisheries \1\... 10 Skates................ 10 Pacific cod........... 10 Rockfish.............. 9 Trawl......................... Arrowtooth flounder... 76 Deep-water flatfish... 43 Flathead sole......... 67 Non-pelagic pollock... 58 Other fisheries....... 62 Pacific cod........... 62 Pelagic pollock....... 59 Rex sole.............. 71 Rockfish.............. 65 Sablefish............. 59 Shallow-water flatfish 66 Pot........................... Other fisheries....... 21 Pacific cod........... 21 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ Other fisheries includes targets for hook-and-line sablefish and all gear types for Atka mackerel, skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses. Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits Amendment 93 to the FMP (77 FR 42629, July 20, 2012) established separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in the Western and Central GOA in the directed pollock fishery. These limits require NMFS to close the pollock directed fishery in the Western and Central regulatory areas of the GOA if the applicable limit is reached (Sec. 679.21(h)(6)). The annual Chinook salmon PSC limits in the pollock directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the [[Page 76418]] Central GOA are set in Sec. 679.21(h)(2)(i) and (ii). In addition, all salmon (regardless of species), taken in the pollock directed fisheries in the Western and Central GOA must be retained until an observer at the processing facility that takes delivery of the catch is provided an opportunity to count the number of salmon and to collect any scientific data or biological samples from the salmon (Sec. 679.21(h)(4)). Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR 71350, December 2, 2014) established an initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 Chinook salmon for the non-pollock groundfish fisheries. This limit is apportioned among three sectors: 3,600 Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps; 1,200 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs participating in the Rockfish Program; and 2,700 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs not participating in the Rockfish Program that are fishing for groundfish species other than pollock (Sec. 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will monitor the Chinook salmon PSC in the non-pollock GOA groundfish fisheries and close an applicable sector if it reaches its Chinook salmon PSC limit. The Chinook salmon PSC limit for two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl CVs not participating in the Rockfish Program, may be increased in subsequent years based on the performance of these two sectors and their ability to minimize their use of their respective Chinook salmon PSC limits. If either or both of these two sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon PSC to a certain threshold amount in 2015, that sector will receive an incremental increase to its 2016 Chinook salmon PSC limit (Sec. 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will evaluate the annual Chinook salmon PSC by trawl C/Ps and non-Rockfish Program CVs when the 2015 fishing year is complete to determine whether to increase the Chinook salmon PSC limits for these two sectors. Based on preliminary 2015 Chinook salmon PSC data, the trawl C/P sector will receive an incremental increase of its Chinook salmon PSC limit, whereas the non- Rockfish Program CV sector will not. This evaluation will be completed in conjunction with the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/Processor and Catcher Vessel Groundfish Sideboard Limits Section 679.64 establishes groundfish harvesting and processing sideboard limits on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the GOA. These sideboard limits are necessary to protect the interests of fishermen and processors who do not directly benefit from the AFA from those fishermen and processors who receive exclusive harvesting and processing privileges under the AFA. Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps from harvesting any species of fish in the GOA. Additionally, Sec. 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps from processing any pollock harvested in a directed pollock fishery in the GOA and any groundfish harvested in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. AFA CVs that are less than 125 ft (38.1 meters) length overall, have annual landings of pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands of less than 5,100 mt, and have made at least 40 landings of GOA groundfish from 1995 through 1997 are exempt from GOA sideboard limits under Sec. 679.64(b)(2)(ii). Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs operating in the GOA are based on their traditional harvest levels of TAC in groundfish fisheries covered by the FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iii) establishes the groundfish sideboard limitations in the GOA based on the retained catch of non-exempt AFA CVs of each sideboard species from 1995 through 1997 divided by the TAC for that species over the same period. Table 13 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 groundfish sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will deduct all targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by non-exempt AFA CVs from the sideboard limits listed in Table 16. Table 13--Proposed 2016 and 2017 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- Proposed 2016 1997 non- Proposed 2016 and 2017 non- Species Apportionments Area/component exempt AFA CV and 2017 TACs exempt AFA CV by season/gear catch to 1995- \3\ sideboard 1997 TAC limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 4,760 2,879 January 20- Chirikof (620). 0.1167 39,992 4,667 March 10. Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 14,839 3,009 B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.6047 4,760 2,879 10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.1167 49,586 5,787 Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 5,245 1,064 C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.6047 15,975 9,660 25-October 1. Chirikof (620). 0.1167 19,179 2,238 Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 24,437 4,956 D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 15,975 9,660 October 1- Chirikof (620). 0.1167 19,179 2,238 November 1. Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 24,437 4,956 Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.3495 6,187 2,162 SEO (650)...... 0.3495 12,625 4,412 Pacific cod.................. A Season \1\, W.............. 0.1331 16,255 2,164 January 1-June C.............. 0.0692 27,594 1,910 10. B Season \2\, W.............. 0.1331 10,837 1,442 September 1- C.............. 0.0692 18,396 1,273 December 31. Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0079 1,909 15 E offshore..... 0.0078 212 2 Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 268 0 gear. C.............. 0.0642 846 54 E.............. 0.0433 199 9 [[Page 76419]] Flatfish, shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0156 13,250 207 C.............. 0.0587 17,114 1,005 E.............. 0.0126 2,513 32 Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 299 0 C.............. 0.0647 3,645 236 E.............. 0.0128 9,233 118 Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0007 1,234 1 C.............. 0.0384 5,707 219 E.............. 0.0029 2,038 6 Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0021 14,500 30 C.............. 0.0280 75,000 2,100 E.............. 0.0002 13,800 3 Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0036 8,650 31 C.............. 0.0213 15,400 328 E.............. 0.0009 3,709 3 Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0023 2,358 5 C.............. 0.0748 16,184 1,211 E.............. 0.0466 2,894 135 Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0003 1,158 0 C.............. 0.0277 3,563 99 Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 92 0 C.............. 0.0218 397 9 E.............. 0.0110 834 9 Dusky Rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0001 273 0 C.............. 0.0000 3,077 0 E.............. 0.0067 1,361 9 Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 117 0 C.............. 0.0237 643 15 E.............. 0.0124 382 5 Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0020 225 0 Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0280 235 7 C.............. 0.0280 875 25 E.............. 0.0280 731 20 Other Rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0034 n/a n/a C.............. 0.1699 1,031 175 E.............. 0.0000 780 0 Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0309 2,000 62 Big skates................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 731 5 C.............. 0.0063 1,257 8 E.............. 0.0063 1,267 8 Longnose skates.............. Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 152 1 C.............. 0.0063 2,090 13 E.............. 0.0063 976 6 Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 2,235 14 Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 5,569 35 Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 5,989 38 Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,148 7 Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,507 9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. \3\ The Western and Central GOA area apportionments of pollock are considered ACLs. Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel Halibut PSC Limits The halibut PSC sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are based on the aggregate retained groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA CVs in each PSC target category from 1995 through 1997 divided by the retained catch of all vessels in that fishery from 1995 through 1997 (Sec. 679.64(b)(4)). Table 14 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 non- exempt AFA CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments of trawl halibut PSC limits between the deep-water and shallow-water species fisheries categories proportionately incorporate reductions made to the annual trawl halibut PSC limits and associated seasonal apportionments (see Table 10). [[Page 76420]] Table 14--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel Halibut Prohibited Species Catch (PSC) Limits for Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the GOA [PSC limits are rounded to the nearest whole metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- Proposed 2016 exempt AFA CV Proposed 2016 and 2017 non- Season Season dates Target fishery retained catch and 2017 PSC exempt AFA CV to total limit PSC limit retained catch ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.................... January 20-April 1.. shallow-water...... 0.340 384 131 deep-water......... 0.070 85 6 2.................... April 1-July 1...... shallow-water...... 0.340 85 29 deep-water......... 0.070 256 18 3.................... July 1-September 1.. shallow-water...... 0.340 171 58 deep-water......... 0.070 341 24 4.................... September 1-October shallow-water...... 0.340 128 44 1. deep-water......... 0.070 0 0 5.................... October 1-December all targets........ 0.205 256 52 31. ----------------------------------------------- Total............ .................... ................... .............. 1,706 361 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish Sideboard Limits Section 680.22 establishes groundfish catch limits for vessels with a history of participation in the Bering Sea snow crab fishery to prevent these vessels from using the increased flexibility provided by the Crab Rationalization Program to expand their level of participation in the GOA groundfish fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these vessels' catch to their collective historical landings in each GOA groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also apply to landings made using an LLP license derived from the history of a restricted vessel, even if that LLP license is used on another vessel. The basis for these sideboard limits is described in detail in the final rules implementing the major provisions of the Crab Rationalization Program, including Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2, 2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab FMP (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011), and Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011). Table 15 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 groundfish sideboard limitations for non-AFA crab vessels. All targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by non-AFA crab vessels or associated LLP licenses will be deducted from these sideboard limits. Table 15--Proposed 2016 and 2017 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1996- Proposed 2016 2000 non-AFA and 2017 non- Area/component/ crab vessel Proposed 2016 AFA crab Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- and 2017 TACs vessel 2000 total sideboard harvest limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 4,760 47 January 20- March 10. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 39,992 124 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 14,839 3 B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.0098 4,760 47 10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 49,586 154 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 5,245 1 C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.0098 15,975 157 25-October 1. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 19,179 59 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 24,437 5 D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 15,975 157 October 1- November 1. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 19,179 59 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 24,437 5 Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.0000 6,187 0 SEO (650)...... 0.0000 12,625 0 Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W Jig CV....... 0.0000 16,255 0 January 1-June 10. W Hook-and-line 0.0004 16,255 7 CV. W Pot CV....... 0.0997 16,255 1,621 W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 16,255 127 W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 16,255 11 C Jig CV....... 0.0000 27,594 0 C Hook-and-line 0.0001 27,594 3 CV. [[Page 76421]] C Pot CV....... 0.0474 27,594 1,308 C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 27,594 375 C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 27,594 33 B Season,\2\ W Jig CV....... 0.0000 10,837 0 September 1-- December 31. W Hook-and-line 0.0004 10,837 4 CV. W Pot CV....... 0.0997 10,837 1,080 W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 10,837 85 W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 10,837 8 C Jig CV....... 0.0000 18,396 0 C Hook-and-line 0.0001 18,396 2 CV. C Pot CV....... 0.0474 18,396 872 C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 18,396 250 C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 18,396 22 Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0110 1,909 21 E offshore..... 0.0000 212 0 Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 268 0 gear. C.............. 0.0000 846 0 E.............. 0.0000 199 0 Flatfish, shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0059 13,250 78 C.............. 0.0001 17,114 2 E.............. 0.0000 2,513 0 Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0035 299 1 C.............. 0.0000 3,645 0 E.............. 0.0000 9,233 0 Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 1,234 0 C.............. 0.0000 5,707 0 E.............. 0.0000 2,038 0 Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0004 14,500 6 C.............. 0.0001 75,000 8 E.............. 0.0000 13,800 0 Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0002 8,650 2 C.............. 0.0004 15,400 6 E.............. 0.0000 3,709 0 Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 2,358 0 C.............. 0.0000 16,184 0 E.............. 0.0000 2,894 0 Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0005 1,158 1 C.............. 0.0000 3,563 0 Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0013 92 0 C.............. 0.0012 397 0 ................ E.............. 0.0009 834 1 Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0017 273 0 C.............. 0.0000 3,077 0 E.............. 0.0000 1,361 0 Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0067 117 1 C.............. 0.0047 643 3 E.............. 0.0008 382 0 Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0000 225 0 Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0047 235 1 C.............. 0.0066 875 6 E.............. 0.0045 731 3 Other rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0035 .............. .............. C.............. 0.0033 1,031 3 E.............. 0.0000 780 0 Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0000 2,000 0 Big skate.................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 731 29 C.............. 0.0159 1,257 20 E.............. 0.0000 1,267 0 Longnose skate............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 152 6 C.............. 0.0159 2,090 33 E.............. 0.0000 976 0 Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 2,235 39 Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 5,569 98 Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 5,989 105 [[Page 76422]] Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,148 20 Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,507 27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC Limitations The Rockfish Program establishes three classes of sideboard provisions: CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, C/P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and C/P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions. These sideboards are intended to limit the ability of rockfish harvesters to expand into other fisheries. CVs participating in the Rockfish Program may not participate in directed fishing for dusky rockfish, northern rockfish, and Pacific ocean perch in the Western GOA and West Yakutat Districts from July 1 through July 31. Also, CVs may not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(d)). C/Ps participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives are restricted by rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from directed fishing for northern rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and dusky rockfish in the Western GOA and West Yakutat District from July 1 through July 31. Holders of C/P-designated LLP licenses that opt out of participating in a rockfish cooperative will receive the portion of each sideboard limit that is not assigned to rockfish cooperatives. Table 16 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 Rockfish Program C/P rockfish sideboard limits in the Western GOA and West Yakutat District. Due to confidentiality requirements associated with fisheries data, the sideboard limits for the West Yakutat District are not displayed. Table 16--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Rockfish Program Harvest Limits for the Western GOA and West Yakutat District by Fishery for the Catcher/Processor (C/P) Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed 2016 Area Fishery C/P sector (% of TAC) Proposed 2016 and 2017 C/P and 2017 TACs limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA...................... Dusky rockfish...... 72.3................... 273 197 Pacific ocean perch. 50.6................... 2,358 1,193 Northern rockfish... 74.3................... 1,158 860 West Yakutat District............ Dusky rockfish...... Confid.\1\............. 1,187 N/A Pacific ocean perch. Confid.\1\............. 2,055 N/A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska. Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P sector is subject to halibut PSC sideboard limits for the trawl deep-water and shallow-water species fisheries from July 1 through July 31. No halibut PSC sideboard limits apply to the CV sector as vessels participating in a rockfish cooperative receive a portion of the annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt out of the Rockfish Program would be able to access that portion of the deep-water and shallow-water halibut PSC sideboard limit not assigned to C/P rockfish cooperatives. The sideboard provisions for C/Ps that elect to opt out of participating in a rockfish cooperative are described in Sec. 679.82(c), (e), and (f). Sideboard limits are linked to the catch history of specific vessels that may choose to opt out. After March 1, NMFS will determine which C/Ps have opted-out of the Rockfish Program in 2016, and will know the ratios and amounts used to calculate opt-out sideboard ratios. NMFS will then calculate any applicable opt-out sideboard limits and post these limits on the Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/rockfish/. Table 17 lists the 2016 and 2017 proposed Rockfish Program halibut PSC limits for the C/P sector. These proposed 2016 and 2017 halibut PSC limits proportionately incorporate reductions made to the annual trawl halibut PSC limits and associated seasonal apportionments (see Table 10). [[Page 76423]] Table 17--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Rockfish Program Halibut Mortality Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual shallow- Shallow-water Deep-water water species Annual deep- species fishery species fishery Annual halibut fishery water species Sector halibut PSC halibut PSC mortality limit halibut PSC fishery halibut sideboard ratio sideboard ratio (mt) sideboard limit PSC sideboard (percent) (percent) (mt) limit (mt) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher/processor.................................................. 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 80 Program Groundfish Sideboard and PSC Limits Amendment 80 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (Amendment 80 Program) established a limited access privilege program for the non-AFA trawl C/ P sector. The Amendment 80 Program established groundfish and halibut PSC limits for Amendment 80 Program participants to limit the ability of participants eligible for the Amendment 80 Program to expand their harvest efforts in the GOA. Section 679.92 establishes groundfish harvesting sideboard limits on all Amendment 80 Program vessels, other than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts no greater than the limits shown in Table 37 to part 679. Under Sec. 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is prohibited from directed fishing for pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean perch, dusky rockfish, and northern rockfish in the GOA. Groundfish sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels operating in the GOA are based on their average aggregate harvests from 1998 through 2004. Table 18 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels. NMFS will deduct all targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by Amendment 80 Program vessels from the sideboard limits in Table 18. Table 18--Proposed 2016 and 2017 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of Proposed 2016 Amendment 80 and 2017 sector Proposed 2016 Amendment 80 Species Season Area vessels 1998- and 2017 TAC vessel 2004 catch to (mt) sideboard TAC limits (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 4,760 14 January 20- February 25. Chirikof (620). 0.002 39,992 80 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 14,839 30 B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.003 4,760 14 10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.002 49,586 99 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 5,245 10 C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.003 15,975 48 25-September 15. Chirikof (620). 0.002 19,179 38 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 24,437 49 D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 15,975 48 October 1- November 1. Chirikof (620). 0.002 19,179 38 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 24,437 49 Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.002 6,187 12 Pacific cod.................. A Season \1\, W.............. 0.020 16,255 325 January 1-June 10. C.............. 0.044 27,594 1,214 B Season \2\, W.............. 0.020 10,837 217 September 1- December 31. C.............. 0.044 18,396 809 Annual.......... WYK............ 0.034 2,121 72 Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.994 2,358 2,344 WYK............ 0.961 2,055 1,975 Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 1.000 1,158 1,158 Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.764 273 209 WYK............ 0.896 1,187 1,064 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. The halibut PSC sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels in the GOA are based on the historic use of halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program vessels in each PSC target category from 1998 through 2004. These values are [[Page 76424]] slightly lower than the average historic use to accommodate two factors: Allocation of halibut PSC cooperative quota under the Rockfish Program and the exemption of the F/V Golden Fleece from this restriction (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)). Table 19 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 halibut PSC sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels. These tables incorporate the maximum percentages of the halibut PSC sideboard limits that may be used by Amendment 80 Program vessels, as contained in Table 38 to 50 CFR part 679. These proposed 2016 and 2017 PSC sideboard limits proportionately incorporate the reductions made to the annual trawl halibut PSC limits and associated seasonal apportionments (see Table 10). Table 19--Proposed 2016 and 2017 Halibut PSC Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels in the GOA [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historic Amendment 80 Proposed 2016 use of the Proposed 2016 Amendment 80 Season Season dates Fishery category annual halibut annual PSC vessel PSC PSC limit limit (mt) sideboard (ratio) limit (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.................... January 20-April 1.. shallow-water...... 0.0048 1,706 8 deep-water......... 0.0115 1,706 20 2.................... April 1-July 1...... shallow-water...... 0.0189 1,706 32 deep-water......... 0.1072 1,706 183 3.................... July 1-September 1.. shallow-water...... 0.0146 1,706 25 deep-water......... 0.0521 1,706 89 4.................... September 1-October shallow-water...... 0.0074 1,706 13 1. deep-water......... 0.0014 1,706 2 5.................... October 1-December shallow-water...... 0.0227 1,706 39 31. deep-water......... 0.0371 1,706 63 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total............ .................... ................... .............. .............. 474 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Classification NMFS has determined that the proposed harvest specifications are consistent with the FMP and preliminarily determined that the proposed harvest specifications are consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws, subject to further review after public comment. This action is authorized under 50 CFR 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563. NMFS prepared an EIS for this action and made it available to the public on January 12, 2007 (72 FR 1512). On February 13, 2007, NMFS issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final EIS. A Supplemental Information Report (SIR) that assesses the need to prepare a Supplemental EIS is being prepared for the final action. Copies of the Final EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The Final EIS analyzes the environmental consequences of the proposed groundfish harvest specifications and alternative harvest strategies on resources in the action area. The Final EIS found no significant environmental consequences from the proposed action or its alternatives. NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) as required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), analyzing the methodology for establishing the relevant TACs. The IRFA evaluated the impacts on small entities of alternative harvest strategies for the groundfish fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska. As set forth in the methodology, TACs are set to a level that fall within the range of ABCs recommended by the SSC; the sum of the TACs must achieve the OY specified in the FMP. While the specific numbers that the methodology produces may vary from year to year, the methodology itself remains constant. A description of the proposed action, why it is being considered, and the legal basis for this proposed action are contained in the preamble above. A copy of the analysis is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows. The action under consideration is a harvest strategy to govern the catch of groundfish in the GOA. The preferred alternative is the existing harvest strategy in which TACs fall within the range of ABCs recommended by the SSC. This action is taken in accordance with the FMP prepared by the Council pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The entities directly regulated by this action are those that harvest groundfish in the EEZ of the GOA and in parallel fisheries within State of Alaska waters. These include entities operating CVs and C/Ps within the action area and entities receiving direct allocations of groundfish. The Small Business Administration has established size standards for all major industry sectors in the United States. A business primarily involved in finfish harvesting is classified as a small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual gross receipts not in excess of $20.5 million, for all its affiliated operations worldwide. Fishing vessels are considered small entities if their total annual gross receipts, from all their activities combined, are less than $20.5 million. The IRFA estimates the number of harvesting vessels that are considered small entities, but these estimates may overstate the number of small entities because (1) some vessels may also be active as tender vessels in the salmon fishery, fish in areas other than Alaska and the West Coast, or generate revenue from other non-fishing sources; and (2) all affiliations are not taken into account, especially if the vessel has affiliations not tracked in available data (i.e., ownership of multiple vessel or affiliation with processors) and may be misclassified as a small entity. The IRFA shows that, in 2014, there were 915 individual CVs with gross revenues less than or equal to $20.5 million. This estimate accounts for corporate affiliations among vessels, and for cooperative affiliations among fishing entities, since some of the [[Page 76425]] fishing vessels operating in the GOA are members of AFA inshore pollock cooperatives, GOA rockfish cooperatives, or BSAI Crab Rationalization Program cooperatives. Therefore, under the RFA, it is the aggregate gross receipts of all participating members of the cooperative that must meet the ``under $20.5 million'' threshold. Vessels that participate in these cooperatives are considered to be large entities within the meaning of the RFA. After accounting for membership in these cooperatives, there are an estimated 915 small CV entities remaining in the GOA groundfish sector. This latter group of vessels had average gross revenues that varied by gear type. Average gross revenues for hook-and-line CVs, pot gear vessels, and trawl gear vessels are estimated to be $400,000, $740,000, and $2.5 million, respectively. Revenue data for the four C/Ps considered to be small entities are confidential. The preferred alternative (Alternative 2) was compared to four other alternatives. Alternative 1 would have set TACs to generate fishing rates equal to the maximum permissible ABC (if the full TAC were harvested), unless the sum of TACs exceeded the GOA OY, in which case harvests would be limited to the OY. Alternative 3 would have set TACs to produce fishing rates equal to the most recent 5-year average fishing rate. Alternative 4 would have set TACs to equal the lower limit of the GOA OY range. Alternative 5, the ``no action alternative,'' would have set TACs equal to zero. The TACs associated with the preferred harvest strategy are those adopted by the Council in October 2015, as per Alternative 2. OFLs and ABCs for the species were based on recommendations prepared by the Council's GOA Plan Team in September 2015, and reviewed by the Council's SSC in October 2015. The Council based its TAC recommendations on those of its AP, which were consistent with the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations. Alternative 1 selects harvest rates that would allow fishermen to harvest stocks at the level of ABCs, unless total harvests were constrained by the upper bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 mt. As shown in Table 1 of the preamble, the sum of ABCs in 2016 and 2017 would be 731,049 mt, which falls below the upper bound of the OY range. The sum of TACs is 590,161 mt, which is less than the sum of ABCs. In this instance, Alternative 1 is consistent with the preferred alternative (Alternative 2), meets the objectives of that action, and has small entity impacts that are equivalent to the preferred alternative. In some instances, the selection of Alternative 1 would not reflect the practical implications that increased TACs (where the sum of TACs equals the sum of ABCs) for some species probably would not be fully harvested. This could be due to a lack of commercial or market interest in such species. Additionally, an underharvest of some TACs could result due to constraints such as the fixed, and therefore constraining, PSC limits associated with the harvest of the GOA groundfish species. Alternative 3 selects harvest rates based on the most recent 5 years of harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1 through 3) or for the most recent 5 years of harvests (for species in Tiers 4 through 6). This alternative is inconsistent with the objectives of this action, the Council's preferred harvest strategy, because it does not take account of the most recent biological information for this fishery. NMFS annually conducts at-sea stock surveys for different species, as well as statistical modeling, to estimate stock sizes and permissible harvest levels. Actual harvest rates or harvest amounts are a component of these estimates, but in and of themselves may not accurately portray stock sizes and conditions. Harvest rates are listed for each species category for each year in the SAFE report (see ADDRESSES). Alternative 4 would lead to significantly lower harvests of all species and reduce the TACs from the upper end of the OY range in the GOA, to its lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this would reduce 2016 TACs by about 80 percent and would lead to significant reductions in harvests of species harvested by small entities. While reductions of this size would be associated with offsetting price increases, the size of these increases is very uncertain. There are close substitutes for GOA groundfish species available in significant quantities from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. While production declines in the GOA would undoubtedly be associated with significant price increases in the GOA, these increases would still be constrained by production of substitutes, and are very unlikely to offset revenue declines from smaller production. Thus, this alternative would have a detrimental impact on small entities. Alternative 5, which sets all harvests equal to zero, would have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities and would be contrary to obligations to achieve OY on a continuing basis, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Under Alternative 5, all 915 individual CVs impacted by this rule would have gross revenues of $0. Additionally, the four small C/Ps impacted by this rule also would have gross revenues of $0. The proposed harvest specifications (Alternative 2) extend the current 2016 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs to 2016 and 2017. As noted in the IRFA, the Council may modify these OFLs, ABCs, and TACs in December 2015, when it reviews the November 2015 SAFE report from its Groundfish Plan Team, and the December 2015 Council meeting reports of its SSC and AP. Because 2016 TACs in the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications are unchanged from the 2016 TACs, NMFS does not expect adverse impacts on small entities. Also, NMFS does not expect any changes made by the Council in December 2015 to have significant adverse impacts on small entities. This action does not modify recordkeeping or reporting requirements, or duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any Federal rules. Adverse impacts on marine mammals or endangered species resulting from fishing activities conducted under this rule are discussed in the Final EIS and its accompanying annual SIRs (see ADDRESSES). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1540(f); 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 106- 31; Pub. L. 106-554; Pub. L. 108-199; Pub. L. 108-447; Pub. L. 109- 241; Pub. L. 109-479. Dated: December 3, 2015. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015-31002 Filed 12-7-15; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules 76405
available electronically through Indian tribe has demonstrated that a Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov and/or in hard tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of www.regulations.gov/
copy at the appropriate EPA office (see Indian country, the rule does not have #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-
the ADDRESSES section of this preamble tribal implications and will not impose 0110, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
for more information). substantial direct costs on tribal complete the required fields, and enter
governments or preempt tribal law as or attach your comments.
V. Statutory and Executive Order
specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 • Mail: Submit written comments to
Reviews
FR 67249, November 9, 2000). Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional
Under the CAA, the Administrator is Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
required to approve a SIP submission List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
that complies with the provisions of the Environmental protection, Air Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
CAA and applicable Federal regulations. pollution control, Incorporation by Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.
42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). reference, Intergovernmental relations, Instructions: Comments sent by any
Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, Sulfur oxides. other method, to any other address or
EPA’s role is to approve state choices, Dated: November 23, 2015. individual, or received after the end of
provided that they meet the criteria of the comment period, may not be
Susan Hedman,
the CAA. Accordingly, this action considered by NMFS. All comments
Regional Administrator, Region 5.
merely approves state law as meeting received are a part of the public record
Federal requirements and does not [FR Doc. 2015–30917 Filed 12–8–15; 8:45 am]
and will generally be posted for public
impose additional requirements beyond BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
viewing on www.regulations.gov
those imposed by state law. For that without change. All personal identifying
reason, this action: information (e.g., name, address),
• Is not a significant regulatory action DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE confidential business information, or
subject to review by the Office of otherwise sensitive information
Management and Budget under National Oceanic and Atmospheric submitted voluntarily by the sender will
Executive Orders 12866 (58 FR 51735, Administration be publicly accessible. NMFS will
October 4, 1993) and 13563 (76 FR 3821, accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
January 21, 2011); 50 CFR Part 679 A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
• Does not impose an information [Docket No. 150818742–5742–01] remain anonymous).
collection burden under the provisions Electronic copies of the Alaska
of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 RIN 0648–XE130
Groundfish Harvest Specifications Final
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); Environmental Impact Statement (Final
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
• Is certified as not having a EIS), Record of Decision (ROD) for the
Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2016
significant economic impact on a Final EIS, Supplementary Information
and 2017 Harvest Specifications for
substantial number of small entities Report (SIR) to the Final EIS, and the
Groundfish
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
U.S.C. 601 et seq.); AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries (IRFA) prepared for this action may be
• Does not contain any unfunded Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and obtained from http://
mandate or significantly or uniquely Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), www.regulations.gov or from the Alaska
affect small governments, as described Commerce. Region Web site at http://alaska
in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act ACTION: Proposed rule; request for fisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2014 Stock
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); comments. Assessment and Fishery Evaluation
• Does not have Federalism (SAFE) report for the groundfish
implications as specified in Executive SUMMARY: NMFS proposes 2016 and resources of the GOA, dated November
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 2017 harvest specifications, 2014, is available from the North Pacific
1999); apportionments, and Pacific halibut Fishery Management Council (Council)
• Is not an economically significant prohibited species catch limits for the at 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306,
regulatory action based on health or groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska Anchorage, AK 99501, phone 907–271–
safety risks subject to Executive Order (GOA). This action is necessary to 2809, or from the Council’s Web site at
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); establish harvest limits for groundfish http://www.npfmc.org. The draft 2015
• Is not a significant regulatory action during the 2016 and 2017 fishing years SAFE report for the GOA will be
subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR and to accomplish the goals and available from the same source.
28355, May 22, 2001); objectives of the Fishery Management
• Is not subject to requirements of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Obren Davis, 907–586–7228.
Section 12(d) of the National Alaska. The intended effect of this
Technology Transfer and Advancement SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
action is to conserve and manage the
Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because groundfish resources in the GOA in manages the GOA groundfish fisheries
application of those requirements would accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of
be inconsistent with the CAA; and Fishery Conservation and Management the GOA under the Fishery Management
• Does not provide EPA with the Act. Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
discretionary authority to address, as Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
appropriate, disproportionate human DATES: Comments must be received by FMP under the authority of the
health or environmental effects, using January 8, 2016. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
practicable and legally permissible ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Conservation and Management Act
methods, under Executive Order 12898 on this document, identified by NOAA– (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C.
(59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). NMFS–2015–0110, by any one of the 1801, et seq. Regulations governing U.S.
In addition, the SIP is not approved following methods: fisheries and implementing the FMP
to apply on any Indian reservation land • Electronic Submission: Submit all appear at 50 CFR parts 600, 679, and
or in any other area where EPA or an electronic public comments via the 680.
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trawl gear in the SEO District of the and 2017 TACs for pollock, Pacific proposed 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs,
Eastern Regulatory Area and makes ocean perch, and rougheye rockfish are TACs, and area apportionments of
available 5 percent of the combined higher than the final 2015 TACs for groundfish in the GOA. These amounts
Eastern Regulatory Area TACs to trawl these species. The proposed 2016 and are consistent with the biological
gear for use as incidental catch in other 2017 TACs for sablefish, shallow-water condition of groundfish stocks as
directed groundfish fisheries in the flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, described in the 2014 SAFE report, and
WYK District (§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)). flathead sole, northern rockfish, and adjusted for other biological and
Additional detail is provided below; dusky rockfish are lower than the final socioeconomic considerations,
Tables 4 and 5 list these amounts. 2015 TACs for these species. The including maintaining the total TAC
The sum of the proposed TACs for all proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs for the
within the required OY range. These
GOA groundfish is 590,161 mt for 2016 remaining species are equal to the final
and 2017, which is within the OY range proposed amounts and apportionments
2015 TACs.
specified by the FMP. The sums of the For 2016 and 2017, the Council by area, season, and sector are subject to
proposed 2016 and 2017 TACs are recommends and NMFS proposes the change pending consideration of the
higher than the final 2015 TACs OFLs, ABCs, and TACs listed in Table draft 2015 SAFE report and the
currently specified for the GOA 1. The proposed ABCs reflect harvest Council’s recommendations for the final
groundfish fisheries (80 FR 10250, amounts that are less than the specified 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications
February 25, 2015). The proposed 2016 overfishing levels. Table 1 lists the during its December 2015 meeting.
TABLE 1—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ABCS, TACS, AND OFLS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST
YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, AND EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUT-
SIDE, AND GULFWIDE DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC 2
Pollock 2 .......................................................... Shumagin (610) .............................................. n/a 41,472 41,472
Chirikof (620) .................................................. n/a 127,936 127,936
Kodiak (630) ................................................... n/a 68,958 68,958
WYK (640) ...................................................... n/a 6,187 6,187
W/C/WYK (subtotal) ....................................... 321,067 250,824 244,553
SEO (650) ...................................................... 16,833 12,625 12,625
Total ............................................................ 337,900 263,449 257,178
Pacific cod 3 .................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 38,702 27,091
C ..................................................................... n/a 61,320 45,990
E ..................................................................... n/a 2,828 2,121
Total ............................................................ 133,100 102,850 75,202
Sablefish 4 ....................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 1,338 1,338
C ..................................................................... n/a 4,232 4,232
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,552 1,552
SEO ................................................................ n/a 2,436 2,436
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) ......................... n/a 3,988 3,988
Total ............................................................ 11,293 9,558 9,558
Shallow-water flatfish 5 .................................... W .................................................................... n/a 19,577 13,250
C ..................................................................... n/a 17,114 17,114
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,959 1,959
SEO ................................................................ n/a 554 554
Total ............................................................ 48,407 39,205 32,877
Deep-water flatfish 6 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 299 299
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,645 3,645
WYK ............................................................... n/a 5,409 5,409
SEO ................................................................ n/a 3,824 3,824
Total ............................................................ 15,803 13,177 13,177
Rex sole .......................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 1,234 1,234
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
C ..................................................................... n/a 5,707 5,707
WYK ............................................................... n/a 758 758
SEO ................................................................ n/a 1,280 1,280
Total ............................................................ 11,733 8,979 8,979
Arrowtooth flounder ......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 29,545 14,500
C ..................................................................... n/a 109,692 75,000
WYK ............................................................... n/a 35,328 6,900
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TABLE 1—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ABCS, TACS, AND OFLS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST
YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, AND EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUT-
SIDE, AND GULFWIDE DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC 2
SEO ................................................................ n/a 10,787 6,900
Total ............................................................ 217,522 185,352 103,300
Flathead sole .................................................. W .................................................................... n/a 12,776 8,650
C ..................................................................... n/a 24,893 15,400
WYK ............................................................... n/a 3,538 3,538
SEO ................................................................ n/a 171 171
Total ............................................................ 50,818 41,378 27,759
Pacific ocean perch 7 ...................................... W .................................................................... n/a 2,358 2,358
C ..................................................................... n/a 16,184 16,184
WYK ............................................................... n/a 2,055 2,055
W/C/WYK ....................................................... 23,876 20,597 20,597
SEO ................................................................ 2,513 839 839
Total ............................................................ 24,849 21,436 21,436
Northern rockfish 8 .......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 1,158 1,158
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,563 3,563
E ..................................................................... n/a
Total ............................................................ 5,631 4,721 4,721
Shortraker rockfish 9 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 92 92
C ..................................................................... n/a 397 397
E ..................................................................... n/a 834 834
Total ............................................................ 1,764 1,323 1,323
Dusky rockfish 10 ............................................. W .................................................................... n/a 273 273
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,077 3,077
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,187 1,187
SEO ................................................................ n/a 174 174
Total ............................................................ 5,759 4,711 4,711
Rougheye and blackspotted rockfish 11 .......... W .................................................................... n/a 117 117
C ..................................................................... n/a 643 643
E ..................................................................... n/a 382 382
Total ............................................................ 1,370 1,142 1,142
Demersal shelf rockfish 12 ............................... SEO ................................................................ 361 225 225
Thornyhead rockfish 13 .................................... W .................................................................... n/a 235 235
C ..................................................................... n/a 875 875
E ..................................................................... n/a 731 731
Total ............................................................ 2,454 1,841 1,841
Other rockfish 14 15 .......................................... W/C combined ................................................ n/a 1,031 1,031
WYK ............................................................... n/a 580 580
SEO ................................................................ n/a 2,469 200
Total ............................................................ 5,347 4,080 1,811
Atka mackerel ................................................. GW ................................................................. 6,200 4,700 2,000
Big skates 16 .................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 731 731
C ..................................................................... n/a 1,257 1,257
E ..................................................................... n/a 1,267 1,267
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Total ............................................................ 4,340 3,255 3,255
Longnose skates 17 ......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 152 152
C ..................................................................... n/a 2,090 2,090
E ..................................................................... n/a 976 976
Total ............................................................ 4,291 3,218 3,218
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![76410 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 1—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ABCS, TACS, AND OFLS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST
YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, AND EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUT-
SIDE, AND GULFWIDE DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC 2
Other skates 18 ................................................ GW ................................................................. 2,980 2,235 2,235
Sculpins ........................................................... GW ................................................................. 7,448 5,569 5,569
Sharks ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 7,986 5,989 5,989
Squids ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 1,530 1,148 1,148
Octopuses ....................................................... GW ................................................................. 2,009 1,507 1,507
Total ......................................................... ......................................................................... 910,895 731,049 590,161
1 Regulatory areas and districts are defined at § 679.2. (W=Western Gulf of Alaska; C=Central Gulf of Alaska; E=Eastern Gulf of Alaska;
WYK=West Yakutat District; SEO=Southeast Outside District; GW=Gulf-wide).
2 The combined pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat areas is apportioned in the Western/Central Regulatory Areas among
four statistical areas. These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes.
Table 2 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments. In the West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regu-
latory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 Section 679.20(a)(12)(i) requires the allocation of the Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear
and operational sectors. The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned among various sectors 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B
season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. In the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA, Pacific cod is allocated 90 percent
for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 3 lists the proposed 2016 and 2017
Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is allocated to hook-and-line and trawl gear in 2016 and trawl gear in 2017. Tables 4 and 5 list the proposed 2016 and 2017 alloca-
tions of sablefish TACs.
5 ‘‘Shallow-water flatfish’’ means flatfish not including ‘‘deep-water flatfish,’’ flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
6 ‘‘Deep-water flatfish’’ means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deep-sea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinous. For management purposes the 3 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the East-
ern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the other rockfish (slope rockfish) species group.
9 ‘‘Shortraker rockfish’’ means Sebastes borealis.
10 ‘‘Dusky rockfish’’ means Sebastes variabilis.
11 ‘‘Rougheye rockfish’’ means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
12 ‘‘Demersal shelf rockfish’’ means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S.
helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
13 ‘‘Thornyhead rockfish’’ means Sebastes species.
14 ‘‘Other rockfish (slope rockfish)’’ means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei
(chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S.
proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergray), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S.
miniatus (vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, ‘‘other rockfish’’ also in-
cludes northern rockfish (S. polyspinous).
15 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means all rockfish species included in the
‘‘other rockfish’’ and demersal shelf rockfish categories.
16 ‘‘Big skates’’ means Raja binoculata.
17 ‘‘Longnose skates’’ means Raja rhina.
18 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja spp.
Proposed Apportionment of Reserves Proposed Apportionments of Pollock seasons, the apportionments have
Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to TAC Among Seasons and Regulatory historically been based on the
set aside 20 percent of each TAC for Areas, and Allocations for Processing by proportional distribution of pollock
pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, Inshore and Offshore Components biomass based on the four most recent
sharks, squids, and octopuses in In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D
reserves for possible apportionment at a season and area, and is further allocated seasons, the apportionments are in
later date during the fishing year. In for processing by inshore and offshore proportion to the distribution of pollock
2015, NMFS apportioned all of the components. Pursuant to biomass based on the four most recent
reserves in the final harvest § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock NMFS summer surveys. However, for
specifications. For 2016 and 2017, TAC specified for the Western and 2016 and 2017, the Council
NMFS proposes reapportionment of all Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is recommends, and NMFS proposes,
the reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, apportioned into four equal seasonal averaging the winter and summer
flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and allowances of 25 percent. As established distribution of pollock in the Central
octopuses in anticipation of the by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, Regulatory Area for the A season instead
projected annual catch of these species. B, C, and D season allowances are of using the distribution based on only
The TACs in Table 1 reflect the available from January 20 through the winter surveys. This combination of
apportionment of reserve amounts for March 10, March 10 through May 31, summer and winter distribution has
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
these species and species groups. Each August 25 through October 1, and been used for area apportionments since
proposed TAC for the above mentioned October 1 through November 1, 2002. The average is intended to reflect
species categories contains the full TAC respectively. the best available information about
recommended by the Council, since Pollock TACs in the Western and migration patterns, distribution of
none of the relevant species and species Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA are pollock, and the performance of the
groups’ TACs contributed to a reserve apportioned among Statistical Areas fishery in the area during the A season.
that could be used for future 610, 620, and 630, pursuant to For the A season, the apportionment is
reapportionments. § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B based on the proposed adjusted estimate
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of the relative distribution of pollock (§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover or delivered to, the offshore component
biomass of approximately 8 percent, 67 amount is limited to 20 percent of the incidental to directed fishing for other
percent, and 25 percent in Statistical unharvested seasonal apportionment for groundfish species. Thus, the amount of
Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. the statistical area. Any unharvested pollock available for harvest by vessels
For the B season, the apportionment is pollock above the 20-percent limit could harvesting pollock for processing by the
based on the relative distribution of be further distributed to the other offshore component is that amount that
pollock biomass of approximately 8 statistical areas, in proportion to the will be taken as incidental catch during
percent, 83 percent, and 9 percent in estimated biomass in the subsequent directed fishing for groundfish species
Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, season in those statistical areas other than pollock, up to the maximum
respectively. For the C and D seasons, (§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The proposed retainable amounts allowed under
the apportionment is based on the 2016 and 2017 pollock TACs in the § 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these
relative distribution of pollock biomass WYK District of 6,187 mt and SEO incidental catch amounts of pollock are
of approximately 27 percent, 32 percent, District of 12,625 mt are not allocated by unknown and will be determined as
and 41 percent in Statistical Areas 610, season. fishing activity occurs during the fishing
620, and 630, respectively. Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the year by the offshore component.
Within any fishing year, the amount allocation of 100 percent of the pollock Table 2 lists the proposed 2016 and
by which a seasonal allowance is apportionments in all regulatory areas 2017 seasonal biomass distribution of
underharvested or overharvested may be and all seasonal allowances to vessels pollock in the Western and Central
added to, or subtracted from, catching pollock for processing by the Regulatory Areas, area apportionments,
subsequent seasonal allowances in a inshore component after subtraction of and seasonal allowances. The amounts
manner to be determined by the pollock amounts projected by the of pollock for processing by the inshore
Regional Administrator Regional Administrator to be caught by, and offshore components are not shown.
TABLE 2—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN REGULATORY AREAS
OF THE GULF OF ALASKA; SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES
OF ANNUAL TAC 1
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Season 2 Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ................................... 4,760 (7.99%) 39,992 (67.11%) 14,839 (24.90%) 59,592
B (Mar 10–May 31) .................................. 4,760 (7.99%) 49,586 (83.21%) 5,245 (8.80%) 59,592
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ..................................... 15,975 (26.81%) 19,179 (32.18%) 24,437 (41.01%) 59,592
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ....................................... 15,975 (26.81%) 19,179 (32.18%) 24,437 (41.01%) 59,592
Annual Total 3 ................................... 41,472 .................... 127,936 .................... 68,958 .................... 238,366
1 Areaapportionments and seasonal allowances may not total precisely due to rounding.
2 Asestablished by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 through March 10,
March 10 through May 31, August 25 through October 1, and October 1 through November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for proc-
essing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table.
3 The West Yakutat and Southeast Outside District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs
shown in this table.
Proposed Annual and Seasonal using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using before TAC is apportioned among other
Apportionments of Pacific Cod TAC hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl non-jig sectors. In accordance with the
gear, and vessels using pot gear. The FMP, the annual jig sector allocations
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS overall seasonal apportionments in the may increase up to 6 percent of the
proposes allocations for the 2016 and Western and Central GOA are 60 annual Western and Central GOA
2017 Pacific cod TACs in the Western percent of the annual TAC to the A
and Central Regulatory Areas of the Pacific cod TACs depending on the
season and 40 percent of the annual annual performance of the jig sector. If
GOA among gear and operational TAC to the B season.
sectors. Pursuant § 679.20(a)(6)(ii) such allocation increases are not
NMFS proposes the allocation of the Under § 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage harvested by the jig sector, then the
Pacific cod TAC between the inshore or underage of the Pacific cod allowance annual jig sector allocations may
and offshore components in the Eastern from the A season will be subtracted subsequently be reduced (See Table 1 of
Regulatory Area of the GOA. In the from, or added to, the subsequent B Amendment 83 to the FMP for a
Central GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is season allowance. In addition, any detailed discussion of the jig sector
apportioned seasonally first to vessels portion of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot, allocation process (76 FR 74670,
using jig gear, and then among catcher or jig sector allocations that is December 1, 2011)). NMFS proposes
vessels (CVs) less than 50 feet in length determined by NMFS as likely to go that the jig sector receive 3.5 percent of
overall using hook-and-line gear, CVs unharvested by a sector may be the annual Pacific cod TAC in the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
equal to or greater than 50 feet in length reapportioned to other sectors for Western GOA. This includes a base
overall using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps harvest during the remainder of the allocation of 1.5 percent and an
using hook-and-line gear, CVs using fishery year. additional 2.0 percent because this
trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and sector harvested greater than 90 percent
vessels using pot gear. In the Western (B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod of its initial 2012 and 2014 allocations
GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is TACs in the Western and Central GOA in the Western GOA. NMFS also
apportioned seasonally first to vessels will be allocated to vessels with a proposes that the jig sector would
using jig gear, and then among CVs federal fisheries permit that use jig gear receive 1.0 percent of the annual Pacific
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cod TAC in the Central GOA. This determine whether to change the jig indicates that this sector’s Pacific cod
includes a base allocation of 1.0 percent sector allocations proposed by this allocation percentage would not change
and no additional performance increase. action in conjunction with the final in 2016. The jig sector allocations are
However, allocation increases to the jig 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. further apportioned between the A (60
sector are established for a minimum of Based on the current catch (through percent) and B (40 percent) seasons.
2 years. NMFS will re-evaluate the November 2015) by the Western GOA jig
sector, the Pacific cod allocation Table 3 lists the seasonal
annual 2014 and 2015 harvest apportionments and allocations of the
performance of each jig sector when the percentage to this sector would not
change in 2016. Similarly, the current proposed 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod
2015 fishing year is complete to TACs.
catch by the Central GOA jig sector
TABLE 3—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATIONS OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOW-
ABLE CATCH AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS IN THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS, AND THE
EASTERN GOA FOR PROCESSING BY THE INSHORE AND OFFSHORE COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
A Season B Season
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation Seasonal Seasonal
percentage of percentage of
(mt) allowances allowances
annual non-jig annual non-jig
(mt) (mt)
TAC TAC
Western GOA:
Jig (3.5% of TAC) ................................................. 948 N/A 569 N/A 379
Hook-and-line CV ................................................. 366 0.70 183 0.70 183
Hook-and-line C/P ................................................ 5,176 10.90 2,850 8.90 2,327
Trawl CV ............................................................... 10,039 27.70 7,242 10.70 2,797
Trawl C/P .............................................................. 627 0.90 235 1.50 392
Pot CV and Pot C/P ............................................. 9,934 19.80 5,176 18.20 4,758
Total ............................................................... 27,091 60.00 16,255 40.00 10,837
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ................................................. 460 N/A 276 N/A 184
Hook-and-line <50 CV .......................................... 6,648 9.32 4,241 5.29 2,407
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV .......................................... 3,054 5.61 2,554 1.10 500
Hook-and-line C/P ................................................ 2,324 4.11 1,870 1.00 454
Trawl CV ............................................................... 18,933 21.13 9,623 20.45 9,310
Trawl C/P .............................................................. 1,911 2.00 912 2.19 999
Pot CV and Pot C/P ............................................. 12,660 17.83 8,118 9.97 4,542
Total ............................................................... 45,990 60.00 27,594 40.00 18,396
Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
Eastern GOA ................................................................ 2,121 1,909 212
Proposed Allocations of the Sablefish recommended and NMFS proposes the fishery is conducted concurrent with
TACs Amounts to Vessels Using Hook- allocation of 5 percent of the combined the halibut IFQ fishery and is based on
and-Line and Trawl Gear Eastern Regulatory Area sablefish TAC recent survey information. The Council
to trawl gear in the WYK District, also recommended that only the trawl
Sections 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) making the remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC be established for 2 years
require allocations of sablefish TACs for sablefish TAC available to vessels using so that retention of incidental catch of
each of the regulatory areas and districts hook-and-line gear. NMFS proposes to sablefish by trawl gear could commence
to hook-and-line and trawl gear. In the allocate 100 percent of the sablefish in January in the second year of the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas, TAC in the SEO District to vessels using groundfish harvest specifications. Since
80 percent of each TAC is allocated to hook-and-line gear. This action results there is an annual assessment for
hook-and-line gear, and 20 percent of in a proposed 2016 allocation of 199 mt sablefish and the final harvest
each TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In to trawl gear and 1,353 mt to hook-and- specifications are expected to be
the Eastern Regulatory Area, 95 percent line gear in the WYK District, and 2,436 published before the IFQ season begins
of the TAC is allocated to hook-and-line mt to hook-and-line gear in the SEO (typically, in early March), the Council
gear and 5 percent is allocated to trawl District. Table 4 lists the allocations of recommended that the sablefish TAC be
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
gear. The trawl gear allocation in the the proposed 2016 sablefish TACs to set on an annual basis, rather than for
Eastern GOA may only be used to hook-and-line and trawl gear. Table 5 2 years, so that the best available
support incidental catch of sablefish in lists the allocations of the proposed scientific information could be
directed fisheries for other target species 2017 sablefish TACs to trawl gear. considered in establishing the ABCs and
(§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)). The Council recommended that the TACs. With the exception of the trawl
In recognition of the prohibition hook-and-line sablefish TAC be allocations that are provided to the
against trawl gear in the SEO District of established annually to ensure that the Rockfish Program cooperatives (see
the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council sablefish Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) Table 28c to part 679), directed fishing
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for sablefish with trawl gear is closed prior to January 20. Therefore, it is not effective date of the final 2016 and 2017
during the fishing year. Also, fishing for likely that the sablefish allocation to harvest specifications.
groundfish with trawl gear is prohibited trawl gear would be reached before the
TABLE 4—PROPOSED 2016 SABLEFISH TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (TAC) IN THE GULF OF ALASKA AND ALLOCATIONS TO
HOOK-AND-LINE AND TRAWL GEAR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Hook-and-line Trawl
Area/district TAC allocation allocation
Western ........................................................................................................................................ 1,338 1,070 268
Central ......................................................................................................................................... 4,232 3,386 846
West Yakutat 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1,552 1,353 199
Southeast Outside ....................................................................................................................... 2,436 2,436 0
Total ...................................................................................................................................... 9,558 8,245 1,313
1 Theproposed trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Out-
side Districts combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
TABLE 5—PROPOSED 2017 SABLEFISH TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (TAC) IN THE GULF OF ALASKA AND ALLOCATION TO
TRAWL GEAR 1
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Hook-and-line Trawl
Area/district TAC allocation allocation
Western ........................................................................................................................................ 1,338 n/a 268
Central ......................................................................................................................................... 4,232 n/a 846
West Yakutat 2 ............................................................................................................................. 1,552 n/a 199
Southeast Outside ....................................................................................................................... 2,436 n/a 0
Total ...................................................................................................................................... 9,558 n/a 1,313
1 The Council recommended that harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be limited to 1
year.
2 The proposed trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Out-
side Districts combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Proposed Apportionments to the participants after deducting for longline fishery in 2016 and 2017. The
Rockfish Program incidental catch needs in other directed allocation for the entry level longline
These proposed 2016 and 2017 groundfish fisheries. Participants in the fishery would increase incrementally
harvest specifications for the GOA Rockfish Program also receive a portion each year if the catch exceeds 90
include the fishery cooperative of the Central GOA TAC of specific percent of the allocation of a species.
allocations and sideboard limitations secondary species (Pacific cod, The incremental increase in the
established by the Rockfish Program. rougheye rockfish, sablefish, shortraker allocation would continue each year
Program participants are primarily trawl rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish). until it is the maximum percentage of
CVs and trawl C/Ps, with limited Additionally, the Rockfish Program the TAC for that species. In 2015, the
participation by vessels using longline establishes sideboard limits to restrict catch did not exceed 90 percent of any
gear. The Rockfish Program assigns the ability of harvesters operating under allocated rockfish species. Therefore,
quota share and cooperative quota to the Rockfish Program to increase their NMFS is not proposing an increase to
participants for primary and secondary participation in other, non-Rockfish the entry level longline fishery 2016 and
species, allows a participant holding a Program fisheries. Besides groundfish
2017 allocations in the Central GOA.
license limitation program (LLP) license species, the Rockfish Program allocates
The remainder of the TACs for the
with rockfish quota share to form a a portion of the halibut PSC limit (191
mt) from the third season deep-water rockfish primary species would be
rockfish cooperative with other persons,
species fishery allowance for the GOA allocated to the CV and C/P
and allows holders of C/P LLP licenses
trawl fisheries to Rockfish Program cooperatives. Table 6 lists the
to opt out of the fishery. The Rockfish
participants. (Rockfish Program allocations of the proposed 2016 and
Program also has an entry level fishery
for rockfish primary species for vessels sideboards and halibut PSC limits are 2017 TACs for each rockfish primary
using longline gear. discussed below.) species to the entry level longline
Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) requires fishery, the incremental increase for
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
primary species (Pacific ocean perch, allocations of 5 mt of Pacific ocean future years, and the maximum percent
northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish) perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 30 of the TAC for the entry level longline
in the Central GOA are allocated to mt of dusky rockfish to the entry level fishery.
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TABLE 6—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE
FISHERY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA
Up to
Incremental increase in 2017 maximum
Rockfish primary species 2016 and 2017 allocations if ≥90 percent of 2016 percent of
allocation is harvested each TAC of:
(%)
Pacific ocean perch ................................. 5 metric tons ............................................ 5 metric tons ............................................ 1
Northern rockfish ..................................... 5 metric tons ............................................ 5 metric tons ............................................ 2
Dusky rockfish ......................................... 30 metric tons .......................................... 20 metric tons .......................................... 5
Section 679.81(a)(2) requires other directed fisheries in the Central applications for CV cooperatives and C/
allocations of rockfish primary species GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific ocean perch, P cooperatives are not due to NMFS
among various components of the 250 mt of northern rockfish, and 250 mt until March 1 of each calendar year;
Rockfish Program. Table 7 lists the of dusky rockfish. These amounts are therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2016
proposed 2016 and 2017 allocations of based on recent average incidental and 2017 allocations in conjunction
rockfish in the Central GOA to the entry catches in the Central GOA by other with these proposed harvest
level longline fishery and other groundfish fisheries. specifications. NMFS will post these
participants in the Rockfish Program, Allocations between vessels belonging allocations on the Alaska Region Web
which include CV and C/P cooperatives. to CV or C/P cooperatives are not site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/
NMFS also proposes setting aside included in these proposed harvest sustainablefisheries/rockfish/ after
incidental catch amounts (ICAs) for specifications. Rockfish Program March 1.
TABLE 7—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA
TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Incidental Allocation to Allocation to
catch TAC minus the entry level
Rockfish primary species TAC the Rockfish
allowance ICA longline 1 Cooperatives
(ICA) fishery
Pacific ocean perch ............................................................. 16,184 2,000 14,184 5 14,179
Northern rockfish .................................................................. 3,563 250 3,313 5 3,308
Dusky rockfish ...................................................................... 3,077 250 2,827 30 2,797
Total .............................................................................. 22,824 2,500 20,324 40 20,284
1 Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
2 Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
Section 679.81(c) requires allocations allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. C/ the apportionments of the proposed
of rockfish secondary species to CV and P cooperatives receive allocations of 2016 and 2017 TACs of rockfish
C/P cooperatives in the GOA. CV sablefish from the trawl allocation, secondary species in the Central GOA to
cooperatives receive allocations of rougheye rockfish, shortraker rockfish, CV and C/P cooperatives.
Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear and thornyhead rockfish. Table 8 lists
TABLE 8—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO
CATCHER VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are in metric tons]
Catcher vessel Catcher/processor
cooperatives cooperatives
Central GOA
Rockfish secondary species annual TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
Pacific cod ............................................................................ 45,990 3.81 1,752 N/A N/A
Sablefish .............................................................................. 4,232 6.78 287 3.51 149
Shortraker rockfish ............................................................... 397 N/A N/A 40.00 159
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Rougheye rockfish ............................................................... 643 N/A N/A 58.87 379
Thornyhead rockfish ............................................................ 875 7.84 69 26.50 232
Halibut PSC Limits authorizes the establishment of measures establishing GOA halibut PSC
apportionments for pot gear. limits in Federal regulations and
Section 679.21(d) establishes annual
Amendment 95 to the FMP (79 FR 9625, reducing the halibut PSC limits in the
halibut PSC limit apportionments to
February 20, 2014) implemented GOA trawl and hook-and-line
trawl and hook-and-line gear, and
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groundfish fisheries. These reductions fishery after deducting (1) estimates of Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii)
are incorporated into the halibut PSC DSR incidental catch in all fisheries authorizes NMFS to seasonally
limits that are proposed by this action. (including halibut and subsistence) and apportion the halibut PSC limits after
For most gear and operational types, the (2) the allocation to the DSR sport fish consultation with the Council. The FMP
halibut PSC limit reductions are phased- fishery. Of the 225 mt TAC for DSR in and regulations require that the Council
in over 3 years, beginning in 2014 and 2015, 83 mt were available for the DSR and NMFS consider the following
ending in 2016. commercial directed fishery, of which information in seasonally apportioning
In 2015, the trawl halibut PSC limit 36 mt were harvested. halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal
was reduced by 12 percent from the The FMP authorizes the Council to distribution of halibut, (2) seasonal
2013 limit. Under Amendment 95 and exempt specific gear from the halibut distribution of target groundfish species
§ 679.21(d)(3)(i), the initial trawl halibut PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation relative to halibut distribution, (3)
PSC limit is reduced by an additional 3 with the Council, proposes to exempt expected halibut bycatch needs on a
percent in 2016. This results in a total pot gear, jig gear, and the sablefish IFQ seasonal basis relative to changes in
reduction of 15 percent in 2016 as hook-and-line gear fishery categories halibut biomass and expected catch of
compared to the 2013 halibut PSC limit. from the non-trawl halibut PSC limit for target groundfish species, (4) expected
The reduced PSC limit will remain in 2016 and 2017. The Council bycatch rates on a seasonal basis, (5)
effect each year thereafter. recommended, and NMFS is proposing,
In addition, under Amendment 95 expected changes in directed groundfish
these exemptions because (1) pot gear fishing seasons, (6) expected actual start
and § 679.21(d)(2)(iv), the initial hook-
fisheries have low annual halibut of fishing effort, and (7) economic
and-line PSC for the other hook and-line
bycatch mortality, (2) IFQ program effects of establishing seasonal halibut
CV sector was reduced 7 percent in
regulations prohibit discard of halibut if allocations on segments of the target
2014 and an additional 5-percent in
any halibut IFQ permit holder on board groundfish industry. Based on public
2015. This action implements an
a CV holds unused halibut IFQ comment and the information presented
additional 3-percent reduction in 2016
(§ 679.7(f)(11)), (3) sablefish IFQ in the final 2015 SAFE report, the
for a total reduction of 15 percent from
fishermen typically hold halibut IFQ Council may recommend or NMFS may
the 2013 limit. The PSC limit for the
permits and are therefore required to make changes to the seasonal, gear-type,
hook-and-line C/P sector was reduced
by 7 percent in 2014 and thereafter. retain the halibut they catch while or fishery category apportionments of
In October 2015, the Council fishing sablefish IFQ, and (4) NMFS halibut PSC limits for the final 2016 and
recommended halibut PSC limits that estimates negligible halibut mortality for 2017 harvest specifications.
reflect the reductions implemented the jig gear fisheries. NMFS estimates
halibut mortality is negligible in the jig The final 2015 and 2016 harvest
under Amendment 95 of 1,706 mt for specifications (80 FR 10250, February
trawl gear, 256 mt for hook-and-line gear fisheries given the small amount of
groundfish harvested by jig gear, the 26, 2015) summarized the Council’s and
gear, and 9 mt for the demersal shelf
selective nature of jig gear, and the high NMFS’ findings with respect to halibut
rockfish (DSR) fishery in the SEO
survival rates of halibut caught and PSC for each of these FMP
District for the 2016 groundfish
fisheries. released with jig gear. considerations. The Council’s and
The DSR fishery in the SEO District The best available information on NMFS’ findings for 2016 are unchanged
is defined at § 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This estimated halibut bycatch consists of from 2015. Table 9 lists the proposed
fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the data collected by fisheries observers 2016 and 2017 Pacific halibut PSC
halibut PSC limit in recognition of its during 2015. The calculated halibut limits, allowances, and apportionments.
small-scale harvests of groundfish. bycatch mortality through October 31, The halibut PSC limits in these tables
NMFS estimates low halibut bycatch in 2015, is 1,324 mt for trawl gear and 185 reflect the halibut PSC reductions
the DSR fishery because (1) the duration mt for hook-and-line gear for a total implemented in accordance with
of the DSR fisheries and the gear soak halibut mortality of 1,509 mt. This Amendment 95 (79 FR 9625, February
times are short, (2) the DSR fishery halibut mortality was calculated using 20, 2014) and § 679.21(d)(3)(i). Sections
occurs in the winter when less overlap groundfish and halibut catch data from 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) specify that any
occurs in the distribution of DSR and the NMFS Alaska Region’s catch underages or overages of a seasonal
halibut, and (3) the directed commercial accounting system. This account system apportionment of a PSC limit will be
DSR fishery has a low DSR TAC. The contains historical and recent catch deducted from or added to the next
Alaska Department of Fish and Game information compiled from each Alaska respective seasonal apportionment
sets the commercial GHL for the DSR groundfish fishery. within the fishing year.
TABLE 9—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMITS, ALLOWANCES, AND APPORTIONMENTS
[Values are in metric tons]
Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear1
Other than DSR DSR
Season Percent Amount
Season Percent Amount Season Amount
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
January 20–April 1 .... 27.5 469 January 1–June 10 .. 86 220 January 1–December 9
31.
April 1–July 1 ............ 20 341 June 10–September 2 5 .................................. ....................
1.
July 1–September 1 .. 30 512 September 1–De- 12 31 .................................. ....................
cember 31.
September 1–October 7.5 128 .................................. .................... .................... .................................. ....................
1.
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TABLE 9—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMITS, ALLOWANCES, AND APPORTIONMENTS—Continued
[Values are in metric tons]
Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear1
Other than DSR DSR
Season Percent Amount
Season Percent Amount Season Amount
October 1–December 15 256 .................................. .................... .................... .................................. ....................
31.
Total ................... ...................... 1,706 .................................. .................... 256 .................................. 9
1
The Pacific halibut PSC limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery and fisheries other than DSR.
The hook-and-line IFQ sablefish fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries.
Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes skates and ‘‘other species’’ (sculpins, the CV sector and 74 mt of halibut PSC
further apportionment of the trawl sharks, squids, and octopuses) limit to the C/P sector. These amounts
halibut PSC limit as bycatch allowances (§ 679.21(d)(3)(iii)). are allocated from the trawl deep-water
to trawl fishery categories. The annual Table 10 lists the proposed 2016 and species fishery’s halibut PSC third
apportionments are based on each 2017 seasonal apportionments of trawl seasonal apportionment.
category’s proportional share of the halibut PSC limits between the trawl
gear deep-water and the shallow-water Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the
anticipated halibut bycatch mortality amount of the halibut PSC limit
during a fishing year and optimization species fisheries. These limits
proportionately incorporate the halibut allocated to Rockfish Program
of the total amount of groundfish participants that could be re-
PSC limit reductions implemented in
harvest under the halibut PSC limit. The apportioned to the general GOA trawl
accordance with Amendment 95 (79 FR
fishery categories for the trawl halibut 9625, February 20, 2014) and fisheries to no more than 55 percent of
PSC limits are (1) a deep-water species § 679.21(d)(3). the unused annual halibut PSC
fishery, composed of sablefish, rockfish, Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies apportioned to Rockfish Program
deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and the amount of the trawl halibut PSC participants. The remainder of the
arrowtooth flounder; and (2) a shallow- limit that is assigned to the CV and C/ unused Rockfish Program halibut PSC
water species fishery, composed of P sectors that are participating in the limit is unavailable for use by vessels
pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water Central GOA Rockfish Program. This directed fishing with trawl gear for the
flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, includes 117 mt of halibut PSC limit to remainder of the fishing year.
TABLE 10—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS OF THE PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMIT APPORTIONED
BETWEEN THE TRAWL GEAR SHALLOW-WATER AND DEEP-WATER SPECIES FISHERIES
[Values are in metric tons]
Season Shallow-water Deep-water 1 Total
January 20–April 1 ...................................................................................................................... 384 85 ................... 469
April 1–July 1 ............................................................................................................................... 85 256 ................. 341
July 1–September 1 .................................................................................................................... 171 341 ................. 512
September 1–October 1 .............................................................................................................. 128 Any remainder 128
Subtotal, January 20–October 1 .......................................................................................... 768 682 ................. 1,450
October 1–December 31 2 ........................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 256
Total .............................................................................................................................. ........................ ........................ 1,706
1 Vessels participating in cooperatives in the Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third season (July 1 through September 1) deep-
water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment.
2 There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fisheries during the fifth season (October 1 through Decem-
ber 31).
Section 679.21(d)(2) requires that the calculations necessary to apportion the C/P sectors, respectively. The 2016 and
‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ halibut ‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ halibut 2017 annual halibut PSC limits are
PSC apportionment to vessels using PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV divided into three seasonal
hook-and-line gear must be divided and C/P sectors were included in the apportionments, using seasonal
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
between CVs and C/Ps. NMFS must proposed rule to implement percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent,
calculate the halibut PSC limit Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR and 12 percent. Table 11 lists the
apportionments for the entire GOA to 44700, July 26, 2011) and is not proposed 2016 and 2017 annual halibut
hook-and-line CVs and C/Ps in repeated here. PSC limits and seasonal apportionments
accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in For 2016 and 2017, NMFS proposes between the hook-and-line CV and
conjunction with these harvest annual halibut PSC limit hook-and-line C/P sectors in the GOA.
specifications. A comprehensive apportionments of 140 mt and 116 mt to No later than November 1 of each
description and example of the the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line year, NMFS calculates the projected
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unused amount of halibut PSC limit by made available to the other hook-and- is necessary for that sector to continue
either of the hook-and-line sectors for line sector for the remainder of that its directed fishing operations
the remainder of the year. The projected fishing year if NMFS determines that an (§ 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)).
unused amount of halibut PSC limit is additional amount of halibut PSC limit
TABLE 11—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 APPORTIONMENTS OF THE ‘‘OTHER HOOK-AND-LINE FISHERIES’’ HALIBUT PSC
ALLOWANCE BETWEEN THE HOOK-AND-LINE GEAR CATCHER VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTORS
[Values are in metric tons]
Sector
‘‘Other than DSR’’ Hook-and- line Sector annual Seasonal
Season seasonal
allowance sector amount percentage amount
256 ............................. Catcher Vessel ......... 140 January 1–June 10 ....................................... 86 120
June 10–September 1 .................................. 2 3
September 1–December 31 ......................... 12 17
Catcher/Processor .... 116 January 1–June 10 ....................................... 86 100
June 10–September 1 .................................. 2 2
September 1–December 31 ......................... 12 14
Halibut Discard Mortality Rates developed and recommended by the where not enough mortality data are
To monitor halibut bycatch mortality International Pacific Halibut available, the mortality rate of halibut
allowances and apportionments, the Commission (IPHC) for the 2016 caught in the Pacific cod fishery for that
Regional Administrator uses observed through 2017 GOA groundfish fisheries gear type was recommended as a default
halibut incidental catch rates, discard be used to monitor the proposed 2016 rate. The IPHC will analyze observer
mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of and 2017 halibut bycatch mortality data annually and recommend changes
groundfish catch to project when a allowances (see Tables 9 through 11). to the DMRs when a fishery DMR shows
fishery’s halibut bycatch mortality The IPHC developed the DMRs for the large variation from the mean. A
allowance or seasonal apportionment is 2016 through 2017 GOA groundfish discussion of the DMRs and how the
reached. The DMRs are based on the fisheries using the 10-year mean DMRs IPHC establishes them is available from
best information available, including for those fisheries. Long-term average the Council (see ADDRESSES). Any
information contained in the annual DMRs were not available for some changes to the current DMRs will be
SAFE report. fisheries, so rates from the most recent incorporated into the final GOA harvest
NMFS proposes the Council’s years were used. For the skate, sculpin, specifications. Table 12 lists the
recommendation that the halibut DMRs shark, squid, and octopus fisheries, proposed 2016 and 2017 DMRs.
TABLE 12—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 HALIBUT DISCARD MORTALITY RATES FOR VESSELS FISHING IN THE GULF OF
ALASKA
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
Mortality rate
Gear Target fishery (%)
Hook-and-line ............................................................................ Other fisheries 1 ........................................................................ 10
Skates ...................................................................................... 10
Pacific cod ................................................................................ 10
Rockfish .................................................................................... 9
Trawl ......................................................................................... Arrowtooth flounder .................................................................. 76
Deep-water flatfish ................................................................... 43
Flathead sole ............................................................................ 67
Non-pelagic pollock .................................................................. 58
Other fisheries .......................................................................... 62
Pacific cod ................................................................................ 62
Pelagic pollock ......................................................................... 59
Rex sole ................................................................................... 71
Rockfish .................................................................................... 65
Sablefish ................................................................................... 59
Shallow-water flatfish ............................................................... 66
Pot ............................................................................................. Other fisheries .......................................................................... 21
Pacific cod ................................................................................ 21
1 Other fisheries includes targets for hook-and-line sablefish and all gear types for Atka mackerel, skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
octopuses.
Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species the Western and Central GOA in the the applicable limit is reached
Catch Limits directed pollock fishery. These limits (§ 679.21(h)(6)). The annual Chinook
require NMFS to close the pollock salmon PSC limits in the pollock
Amendment 93 to the FMP (77 FR directed fishery in the Western and directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the
42629, July 20, 2012) established Central regulatory areas of the GOA if Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the
separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in
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Central GOA are set in § 679.21(h)(2)(i) their respective Chinook salmon PSC Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed
and (ii). In addition, all salmon limits. If either or both of these two AFA C/Ps from harvesting any species
(regardless of species), taken in the sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon of fish in the GOA. Additionally,
pollock directed fisheries in the Western PSC to a certain threshold amount in § 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/
and Central GOA must be retained until 2015, that sector will receive an Ps from processing any pollock
an observer at the processing facility incremental increase to its 2016 harvested in a directed pollock fishery
that takes delivery of the catch is Chinook salmon PSC limit in the GOA and any groundfish
provided an opportunity to count the (§ 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will evaluate the harvested in Statistical Area 630 of the
number of salmon and to collect any annual Chinook salmon PSC by trawl C/ GOA.
scientific data or biological samples Ps and non-Rockfish Program CVs when AFA CVs that are less than 125 ft
from the salmon (§ 679.21(h)(4)). the 2015 fishing year is complete to (38.1 meters) length overall, have
Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR determine whether to increase the annual landings of pollock in the Bering
71350, December 2, 2014) established an Chinook salmon PSC limits for these
Sea and Aleutian Islands of less than
initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 two sectors. Based on preliminary 2015
5,100 mt, and have made at least 40
Chinook salmon for the non-pollock Chinook salmon PSC data, the trawl C/
groundfish fisheries. This limit is landings of GOA groundfish from 1995
P sector will receive an incremental
apportioned among three sectors: 3,600 through 1997 are exempt from GOA
increase of its Chinook salmon PSC
Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps; 1,200 sideboard limits under § 679.64(b)(2)(ii).
limit, whereas the non-Rockfish
Chinook salmon to trawl CVs Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA
Program CV sector will not. This
participating in the Rockfish Program; CVs operating in the GOA are based on
evaluation will be completed in
and 2,700 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs their traditional harvest levels of TAC in
conjunction with the final 2016 and
not participating in the Rockfish groundfish fisheries covered by the
2017 harvest specifications.
Program that are fishing for groundfish FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iii)
species other than pollock American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/ establishes the groundfish sideboard
(§ 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will monitor the Processor and Catcher Vessel limitations in the GOA based on the
Chinook salmon PSC in the non-pollock Groundfish Sideboard Limits retained catch of non-exempt AFA CVs
GOA groundfish fisheries and close an Section 679.64 establishes groundfish of each sideboard species from 1995
applicable sector if it reaches its harvesting and processing sideboard through 1997 divided by the TAC for
Chinook salmon PSC limit. limits on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the that species over the same period.
The Chinook salmon PSC limit for GOA. These sideboard limits are Table 13 lists the proposed 2016 and
two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl CVs necessary to protect the interests of 2017 groundfish sideboard limits for
not participating in the Rockfish fishermen and processors who do not non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will
Program, may be increased in directly benefit from the AFA from deduct all targeted or incidental catch of
subsequent years based on the those fishermen and processors who sideboard species made by non-exempt
performance of these two sectors and receive exclusive harvesting and AFA CVs from the sideboard limits
their ability to minimize their use of processing privileges under the AFA. listed in Table 16.
TABLE 13—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV)
GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995– Proposed
1997 non-ex- Proposed 2016 and
Apportionments by
Species Area/component empt AFA CV 2016 and 2017 non-ex-
season/gear catch to 1995– 2017 TACs 3 empt AFA CV
1997 TAC sideboard limit
Pollock ................................... A Season, January 20– Shumagin (610) .................... 0.6047 4,760 2,879
March 10. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.1167 39,992 4,667
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 14,839 3,009
B Season, March 10–May 31 Shumagin (610) .................... 0.6047 4,760 2,879
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.1167 49,586 5,787
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 5,245 1,064
C Season, August 25–Octo- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.6047 15,975 9,660
ber 1. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.1167 19,179 2,238
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 24,437 4,956
D Season, October 1–No- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.6047 15,975 9,660
vember 1. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.1167 19,179 2,238
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 24,437 4,956
Annual ................................... WYK (640) ............................ 0.3495 6,187 2,162
SEO (650) ............................. 0.3495 12,625 4,412
Pacific cod ............................. A Season 1, January 1–June W .......................................... 0.1331 16,255 2,164
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
10. C ........................................... 0.0692 27,594 1,910
B Season 2, September 1– W .......................................... 0.1331 10,837 1,442
December 31. C ........................................... 0.0692 18,396 1,273
Annual ................................... E inshore .............................. 0.0079 1,909 15
E offshore ............................. 0.0078 212 2
Sablefish ................................ Annual, trawl gear ................ W .......................................... 0.0000 268 0
C ........................................... 0.0642 846 54
E ........................................... 0.0433 199 9
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TABLE 13—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV)
GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995– Proposed
1997 non-ex- Proposed 2016 and
Apportionments by
Species Area/component empt AFA CV 2016 and 2017 non-ex-
season/gear catch to 1995– 2017 TACs 3 empt AFA CV
1997 TAC sideboard limit
Flatfish, shallow-water ........... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0156 13,250 207
C ........................................... 0.0587 17,114 1,005
E ........................................... 0.0126 2,513 32
Flatfish, deep-water ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 299 0
C ........................................... 0.0647 3,645 236
E ........................................... 0.0128 9,233 118
Rex sole ................................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0007 1,234 1
C ........................................... 0.0384 5,707 219
E ........................................... 0.0029 2,038 6
Arrowtooth flounder ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0021 14,500 30
C ........................................... 0.0280 75,000 2,100
E ........................................... 0.0002 13,800 3
Flathead sole ......................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0036 8,650 31
C ........................................... 0.0213 15,400 328
E ........................................... 0.0009 3,709 3
Pacific ocean perch ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0023 2,358 5
C ........................................... 0.0748 16,184 1,211
E ........................................... 0.0466 2,894 135
Northern rockfish ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0003 1,158 0
C ........................................... 0.0277 3,563 99
Shortraker rockfish ................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 92 0
C ........................................... 0.0218 397 9
E ........................................... 0.0110 834 9
Dusky Rockfish ...................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0001 273 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,077 0
E ........................................... 0.0067 1,361 9
Rougheye rockfish ................. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 117 0
C ........................................... 0.0237 643 15
E ........................................... 0.0124 382 5
Demersal shelf rockfish ......... Annual ................................... SEO ...................................... 0.0020 225 0
Thornyhead rockfish .............. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0280 235 7
C ........................................... 0.0280 875 25
E ........................................... 0.0280 731 20
Other Rockfish ....................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0034 n/a n/a
C ........................................... 0.1699 1,031 175
E ........................................... 0.0000 780 0
Atka mackerel ........................ Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0309 2,000 62
Big skates .............................. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0063 731 5
C ........................................... 0.0063 1,257 8
E ........................................... 0.0063 1,267 8
Longnose skates ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0063 152 1
C ........................................... 0.0063 2,090 13
E ........................................... 0.0063 976 6
Other skates .......................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0063 2,235 14
Squids .................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0063 5,569 35
Sharks ................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0063 5,989 38
Octopuses ............................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0063 1,148 7
Sculpins ................................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0063 1,507 9
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
3 The Western and Central GOA area apportionments of pollock are considered ACLs.
Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel 1995 through 1997 divided by the apportionments of trawl halibut PSC
Halibut PSC Limits retained catch of all vessels in that limits between the deep-water and
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
fishery from 1995 through 1997 shallow-water species fisheries
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for (§ 679.64(b)(4)). Table 14 lists the categories proportionately incorporate
non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are proposed 2016 and 2017 non-exempt reductions made to the annual trawl
based on the aggregate retained AFA CV halibut PSC limits for vessels halibut PSC limits and associated
groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA using trawl gear in the GOA. The seasonal apportionments (see Table 10).
CVs in each PSC target category from proposed 2016 and 2017 seasonal
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![76420 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 14—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL HALIBUT PROHIBITED
SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA
[PSC limits are rounded to the nearest whole metric ton]
Ratio of 1995– Proposed
1997 non-ex- Proposed 2016 and
empt AFA CV
Season Season dates Target fishery 2016 and 2017 non-ex-
retained catch 2017 PSC limit empt AFA CV
to total re- PSC limit
tained catch
1 ................... January 20–April 1 ............................ shallow-water ..................................... 0.340 384 131
deep-water ......................................... 0.070 85 6
2 ................... April 1–July 1 ..................................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.340 85 29
deep-water ......................................... 0.070 256 18
3 ................... July 1–September 1 .......................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.340 171 58
deep-water ......................................... 0.070 341 24
4 ................... September 1–October 1 .................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.340 128 44
deep-water ......................................... 0.070 0 0
5 ................... October 1–December 31 ................... all targets ........................................... 0.205 256 52
Total ..... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................ 1,706 361
Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish historical landings in each GOA Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner
Sideboard Limits groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear Crabs (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March
sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also 2, 2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab
Section 680.22 establishes groundfish apply to landings made using an LLP FMP (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011), and
catch limits for vessels with a history of license derived from the history of a Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR
participation in the Bering Sea snow restricted vessel, even if that LLP 74670, December 1, 2011).
crab fishery to prevent these vessels license is used on another vessel. Table 15 lists the proposed 2016 and
from using the increased flexibility The basis for these sideboard limits is 2017 groundfish sideboard limitations
provided by the Crab Rationalization described in detail in the final rules for non-AFA crab vessels. All targeted
Program to expand their level of implementing the major provisions of or incidental catch of sideboard species
participation in the GOA groundfish the Crab Rationalization Program, made by non-AFA crab vessels or
fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these including Amendments 18 and 19 to the associated LLP licenses will be
vessels’ catch to their collective Fishery Management Plan for Bering deducted from these sideboard limits.
TABLE 15—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996– Proposed
2000 non-AFA Proposed 2016 and
crab vessel
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear 2016 and 2017 non-AFA
catch to 1996– 2017 TACs crab vessel
2000 total sideboard limit
harvest
Pollock ................................... A Season, January 20– Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 4,760 47
March 10.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 39,992 124
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 14,839 3
B Season, March 10–May 31 Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 4,760 47
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 49,586 154
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 5,245 1
C Season, August 25–Octo- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 15,975 157
ber 1.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 19,179 59
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 24,437 5
D Season, October 1–No- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 15,975 157
vember 1.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 19,179 59
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 24,437 5
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Annual ................................... WYK (640) ............................ 0.0000 6,187 0
SEO (650) ............................. 0.0000 12,625 0
Pacific cod ............................. A Season,1 January 1–June W Jig CV .............................. 0.0000 16,255 0
10.
W Hook-and-line CV ............. 0.0004 16,255 7
W Pot CV .............................. 0.0997 16,255 1,621
W Pot C/P ............................. 0.0078 16,255 127
W Trawl CV .......................... 0.0007 16,255 11
C Jig CV ............................... 0.0000 27,594 0
C Hook-and-line CV ............. 0.0001 27,594 3
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules 76421
TABLE 15—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996– Proposed
2000 non-AFA Proposed 2016 and
crab vessel
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear 2016 and 2017 non-AFA
catch to 1996– 2017 TACs crab vessel
2000 total sideboard limit
harvest
C Pot CV .............................. 0.0474 27,594 1,308
C Pot C/P ............................. 0.0136 27,594 375
C Trawl CV ........................... 0.0012 27,594 33
B Season,2 September 1— W Jig CV .............................. 0.0000 10,837 0
December 31.
W Hook-and-line CV ............. 0.0004 10,837 4
W Pot CV .............................. 0.0997 10,837 1,080
W Pot C/P ............................. 0.0078 10,837 85
W Trawl CV .......................... 0.0007 10,837 8
C Jig CV ............................... 0.0000 18,396 0
C Hook-and-line CV ............. 0.0001 18,396 2
C Pot CV .............................. 0.0474 18,396 872
C Pot C/P ............................. 0.0136 18,396 250
C Trawl CV ........................... 0.0012 18,396 22
Annual ................................... E inshore .............................. 0.0110 1,909 21
E offshore ............................. 0.0000 212 0
Sablefish ................................ Annual, trawl gear ................ W .......................................... 0.0000 268 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 846 0
E ........................................... 0.0000 199 0
Flatfish, shallow-water ........... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0059 13,250 78
C ........................................... 0.0001 17,114 2
E ........................................... 0.0000 2,513 0
Flatfish, deep-water ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0035 299 1
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,645 0
E ........................................... 0.0000 9,233 0
Rex sole ................................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 1,234 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 5,707 0
E ........................................... 0.0000 2,038 0
Arrowtooth flounder ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0004 14,500 6
C ........................................... 0.0001 75,000 8
E ........................................... 0.0000 13,800 0
Flathead sole ......................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0002 8,650 2
C ........................................... 0.0004 15,400 6
E ........................................... 0.0000 3,709 0
Pacific ocean perch ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 2,358 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 16,184 0
E ........................................... 0.0000 2,894 0
Northern rockfish ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0005 1,158 1
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,563 0
Shortraker rockfish ................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0013 92 0
C ........................................... 0.0012 397 0
............................................... E ........................................... 0.0009 834 1
Dusky rockfish ....................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0017 273 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,077 0
E ........................................... 0.0000 1,361 0
Rougheye rockfish ................. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0067 117 1
C ........................................... 0.0047 643 3
E ........................................... 0.0008 382 0
Demersal shelf rockfish ......... Annual ................................... SEO ...................................... 0.0000 225 0
Thornyhead rockfish .............. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0047 235 1
C ........................................... 0.0066 875 6
E ........................................... 0.0045 731 3
Other rockfish ........................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0035 ........................ ........................
C ........................................... 0.0033 1,031 3
E ........................................... 0.0000 780 0
Atka mackerel ........................ Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0000 2,000 0
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Big skate ................................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0392 731 29
C ........................................... 0.0159 1,257 20
E ........................................... 0.0000 1,267 0
Longnose skate ..................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0392 152 6
C ........................................... 0.0159 2,090 33
E ........................................... 0.0000 976 0
Other skates .......................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 2,235 39
Sculpins ................................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 5,569 98
Sharks ................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 5,989 105
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![76422 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 15—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996– Proposed
2000 non-AFA Proposed 2016 and
crab vessel
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear 2016 and 2017 non-AFA
catch to 1996– 2017 TACs crab vessel
2000 total sideboard limit
harvest
Squids .................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 1,148 20
Octopuses ............................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 1,507 27
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard rockfish, and Pacific ocean perch in the in the Western GOA and West Yakutat
and Halibut PSC Limitations Western GOA and West Yakutat District from July 1 through July 31.
Districts from July 1 through July 31. Holders of C/P-designated LLP licenses
The Rockfish Program establishes Also, CVs may not participate in that opt out of participating in a rockfish
three classes of sideboard provisions: directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, cooperative will receive the portion of
CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, C/ deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the each sideboard limit that is not assigned
P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and C/ GOA from July 1 through July 31 to rockfish cooperatives. Table 16 lists
P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions. (§ 679.82(d)). the proposed 2016 and 2017 Rockfish
These sideboards are intended to limit C/Ps participating in Rockfish Program C/P rockfish sideboard limits
the ability of rockfish harvesters to Program cooperatives are restricted by in the Western GOA and West Yakutat
expand into other fisheries. rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard District. Due to confidentiality
CVs participating in the Rockfish limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from requirements associated with fisheries
Program may not participate in directed directed fishing for northern rockfish, data, the sideboard limits for the West
fishing for dusky rockfish, northern Pacific ocean perch, and dusky rockfish Yakutat District are not displayed.
TABLE 16—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HARVEST LIMITS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND WEST
YAKUTAT DISTRICT BY FISHERY FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR (C/P) SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Proposed Proposed
C/P sector
Area Fishery 2016 and 2016 and
(% of TAC) 2017 TACs 2017 C/P limit
Western GOA ................................................. Dusky rockfish ................................................ 72.3 ................ 273 197
Pacific ocean perch ........................................ 50.6 ................ 2,358 1,193
Northern rockfish ............................................ 74.3 ................ 1,158 860
West Yakutat District ...................................... Dusky rockfish ................................................ Confid.1 .......... 1,187 N/A
Pacific ocean perch ........................................ Confid.1 .......... 2,055 N/A
1 Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P assigned to C/P rockfish cooperatives. applicable opt-out sideboard limits and
sector is subject to halibut PSC The sideboard provisions for C/Ps that post these limits on the Alaska Region
sideboard limits for the trawl deep- elect to opt out of participating in a Web site at http://
water and shallow-water species rockfish cooperative are described in alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/
fisheries from July 1 through July 31. No § 679.82(c), (e), and (f). Sideboard limits sustainablefisheries/rockfish/. Table 17
halibut PSC sideboard limits apply to are linked to the catch history of lists the 2016 and 2017 proposed
the CV sector as vessels participating in specific vessels that may choose to opt Rockfish Program halibut PSC limits for
a rockfish cooperative receive a portion out. After March 1, NMFS will the C/P sector. These proposed 2016
of the annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps determine which C/Ps have opted-out of and 2017 halibut PSC limits
that opt out of the Rockfish Program the Rockfish Program in 2016, and will proportionately incorporate reductions
would be able to access that portion of know the ratios and amounts used to made to the annual trawl halibut PSC
the deep-water and shallow-water calculate opt-out sideboard ratios. limits and associated seasonal
halibut PSC sideboard limit not NMFS will then calculate any apportionments (see Table 10).
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules 76423
TABLE 17—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HALIBUT MORTALITY LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR
SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Annual Annual deep-
Shallow-water Deep-water shallow-water water species
species fishery species fishery Annual halibut species fishery fishery halibut
Sector halibut PSC halibut PSC mortality limit halibut PSC PSC
sideboard ratio sideboard ratio (mt) sideboard limit sideboard limit
(percent) (percent) (mt) (mt)
Catcher/processor ................................................................ 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43
Amendment 80 Program Groundfish 80 Program to expand their harvest Groundfish sideboard limits for
Sideboard and PSC Limits efforts in the GOA. Amendment 80 Program vessels
Amendment 80 to the Fishery Section 679.92 establishes groundfish operating in the GOA are based on their
Management Plan for Groundfish of the harvesting sideboard limits on all average aggregate harvests from 1998
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 Program vessels, other through 2004. Table 18 lists the
Management Area (Amendment 80 than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts proposed 2016 and 2017 sideboard
Program) established a limited access no greater than the limits shown in limits for Amendment 80 Program
privilege program for the non-AFA trawl Table 37 to part 679. Under § 679.92(d), vessels. NMFS will deduct all targeted
C/P sector. The Amendment 80 Program the F/V Golden Fleece is prohibited or incidental catch of sideboard species
established groundfish and halibut PSC from directed fishing for pollock, Pacific made by Amendment 80 Program
limits for Amendment 80 Program cod, Pacific ocean perch, dusky vessels from the sideboard limits in
participants to limit the ability of rockfish, and northern rockfish in the Table 18.
participants eligible for the Amendment GOA.
TABLE 18—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of Proposed
Amendment Proposed 2016 and
80 sector 2016 and 2017 Amend-
Species Season Area vessels 1998– 2017 TAC ment 80 ves-
2004 catch to (mt) sel sideboard
TAC limits (mt)
Pollock ................................... A Season, January 20–Feb- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 4,760 14
ruary 25.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 39,992 80
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 14,839 30
B Season, March 10–May 31 Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 4,760 14
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 49,586 99
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 5,245 10
C Season, August 25–Sep- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 15,975 48
tember 15.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 19,179 38
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 24,437 49
D Season, October 1–No- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 15,975 48
vember 1.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 19,179 38
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 24,437 49
Annual ................................... WYK (640) ............................ 0.002 6,187 12
Pacific cod ............................. A Season 1, January 1–June W .......................................... 0.020 16,255 325
10.
C ........................................... 0.044 27,594 1,214
B Season 2, September 1– W .......................................... 0.020 10,837 217
December 31.
C ........................................... 0.044 18,396 809
Annual ................................... WYK ...................................... 0.034 2,121 72
Pacific ocean perch ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.994 2,358 2,344
WYK ...................................... 0.961 2,055 1,975
Northern rockfish ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 1.000 1,158 1,158
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Dusky rockfish ....................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.764 273 209
WYK ...................................... 0.896 1,187 1,064
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for GOA are based on the historic use of vessels in each PSC target category from
Amendment 80 Program vessels in the halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program 1998 through 2004. These values are
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![76424 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules
slightly lower than the average historic 2017 halibut PSC sideboard limits for 679. These proposed 2016 and 2017 PSC
use to accommodate two factors: Amendment 80 Program vessels. These sideboard limits proportionately
Allocation of halibut PSC cooperative tables incorporate the maximum incorporate the reductions made to the
quota under the Rockfish Program and percentages of the halibut PSC annual trawl halibut PSC limits and
the exemption of the F/V Golden Fleece sideboard limits that may be used by associated seasonal apportionments (see
from this restriction (§ 679.92(b)(2)). Amendment 80 Program vessels, as Table 10).
Table 19 lists the proposed 2016 and contained in Table 38 to 50 CFR part
TABLE 19—PROPOSED 2016 AND 2017 HALIBUT PSC SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS IN
THE GOA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Historic Proposed
Amendment Proposed 2016 Amend-
80 use of the 2016 annual ment 80 ves-
Season Season dates Fishery category annual halibut PSC limit sel PSC
PSC limit (mt) sideboard limit
(ratio) (mt)
1 ................... January 20–April 1 ............................ shallow-water ..................................... 0.0048 1,706 8
deep-water ......................................... 0.0115 1,706 20
2 ................... April 1–July 1 ..................................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.0189 1,706 32
deep-water ......................................... 0.1072 1,706 183
3 ................... July 1–September 1 .......................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.0146 1,706 25
deep-water ......................................... 0.0521 1,706 89
4 ................... September 1–October 1 .................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.0074 1,706 13
deep-water ......................................... 0.0014 1,706 2
5 ................... October 1–December 31 ................... shallow-water ..................................... 0.0227 1,706 39
deep-water ......................................... 0.0371 1,706 63
Total ..... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................ ........................ 474
Classification relevant TACs. The IRFA evaluated the The Small Business Administration
NMFS has determined that the impacts on small entities of alternative has established size standards for all
proposed harvest specifications are harvest strategies for the groundfish major industry sectors in the United
consistent with the FMP and fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska. As set States. A business primarily involved in
preliminarily determined that the forth in the methodology, TACs are set finfish harvesting is classified as a small
proposed harvest specifications are to a level that fall within the range of business if it is independently owned
consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens ABCs recommended by the SSC; the and operated, is not dominant in its
Act and other applicable laws, subject to sum of the TACs must achieve the OY field of operation (including its
further review after public comment. specified in the FMP. While the specific affiliates), and has combined annual
This action is authorized under 50 numbers that the methodology produces gross receipts not in excess of $20.5
CFR 679.20 and is exempt from review may vary from year to year, the million, for all its affiliated operations
under Executive Orders 12866 and methodology itself remains constant. worldwide. Fishing vessels are
13563. considered small entities if their total
A description of the proposed action,
NMFS prepared an EIS for this action annual gross receipts, from all their
why it is being considered, and the legal
and made it available to the public on activities combined, are less than $20.5
basis for this proposed action are
January 12, 2007 (72 FR 1512). On million. The IRFA estimates the number
contained in the preamble above. A
February 13, 2007, NMFS issued the of harvesting vessels that are considered
copy of the analysis is available from
Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final small entities, but these estimates may
NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of
EIS. A Supplemental Information Report overstate the number of small entities
the IRFA follows.
(SIR) that assesses the need to prepare because (1) some vessels may also be
The action under consideration is a active as tender vessels in the salmon
a Supplemental EIS is being prepared
harvest strategy to govern the catch of fishery, fish in areas other than Alaska
for the final action. Copies of the Final
groundfish in the GOA. The preferred and the West Coast, or generate revenue
EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are
available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). alternative is the existing harvest from other non-fishing sources; and (2)
The Final EIS analyzes the strategy in which TACs fall within the all affiliations are not taken into
environmental consequences of the range of ABCs recommended by the account, especially if the vessel has
proposed groundfish harvest SSC. This action is taken in accordance affiliations not tracked in available data
specifications and alternative harvest with the FMP prepared by the Council (i.e., ownership of multiple vessel or
strategies on resources in the action pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. affiliation with processors) and may be
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
area. The Final EIS found no significant The entities directly regulated by this misclassified as a small entity.
environmental consequences from the action are those that harvest groundfish The IRFA shows that, in 2014, there
proposed action or its alternatives. in the EEZ of the GOA and in parallel were 915 individual CVs with gross
NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory fisheries within State of Alaska waters. revenues less than or equal to $20.5
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) as required These include entities operating CVs million. This estimate accounts for
by section 603 of the Regulatory and C/Ps within the action area and corporate affiliations among vessels, and
Flexibility Act (RFA), analyzing the entities receiving direct allocations of for cooperative affiliations among
methodology for establishing the groundfish. fishing entities, since some of the
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules 76425
fishing vessels operating in the GOA are In some instances, the selection of Magnuson-Stevens Act. Under
members of AFA inshore pollock Alternative 1 would not reflect the Alternative 5, all 915 individual CVs
cooperatives, GOA rockfish practical implications that increased impacted by this rule would have gross
cooperatives, or BSAI Crab TACs (where the sum of TACs equals revenues of $0. Additionally, the four
Rationalization Program cooperatives. the sum of ABCs) for some species small C/Ps impacted by this rule also
Therefore, under the RFA, it is the probably would not be fully harvested. would have gross revenues of $0.
aggregate gross receipts of all This could be due to a lack of The proposed harvest specifications
participating members of the commercial or market interest in such (Alternative 2) extend the current 2016
cooperative that must meet the ‘‘under species. Additionally, an underharvest OFLs, ABCs, and TACs to 2016 and
$20.5 million’’ threshold. Vessels that of some TACs could result due to 2017. As noted in the IRFA, the Council
participate in these cooperatives are constraints such as the fixed, and may modify these OFLs, ABCs, and
considered to be large entities within therefore constraining, PSC limits TACs in December 2015, when it
the meaning of the RFA. After associated with the harvest of the GOA reviews the November 2015 SAFE
accounting for membership in these groundfish species. report from its Groundfish Plan Team,
cooperatives, there are an estimated 915 Alternative 3 selects harvest rates and the December 2015 Council meeting
small CV entities remaining in the GOA based on the most recent 5 years of reports of its SSC and AP. Because 2016
groundfish sector. This latter group of harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1 TACs in the proposed 2016 and 2017
vessels had average gross revenues that through 3) or for the most recent 5 years harvest specifications are unchanged
varied by gear type. Average gross of harvests (for species in Tiers 4 from the 2016 TACs, NMFS does not
revenues for hook-and-line CVs, pot through 6). This alternative is expect adverse impacts on small
gear vessels, and trawl gear vessels are inconsistent with the objectives of this entities. Also, NMFS does not expect
estimated to be $400,000, $740,000, and action, the Council’s preferred harvest any changes made by the Council in
$2.5 million, respectively. Revenue data strategy, because it does not take December 2015 to have significant
for the four C/Ps considered to be small account of the most recent biological adverse impacts on small entities.
entities are confidential. information for this fishery. NMFS This action does not modify
The preferred alternative (Alternative annually conducts at-sea stock surveys recordkeeping or reporting
2) was compared to four other for different species, as well as requirements, or duplicate, overlap, or
alternatives. Alternative 1 would have statistical modeling, to estimate stock conflict with any Federal rules.
set TACs to generate fishing rates equal sizes and permissible harvest levels. Adverse impacts on marine mammals
to the maximum permissible ABC (if the Actual harvest rates or harvest amounts or endangered species resulting from
full TAC were harvested), unless the are a component of these estimates, but fishing activities conducted under this
sum of TACs exceeded the GOA OY, in in and of themselves may not accurately rule are discussed in the Final EIS and
which case harvests would be limited to portray stock sizes and conditions. its accompanying annual SIRs (see
the OY. Alternative 3 would have set Harvest rates are listed for each species ADDRESSES).
TACs to produce fishing rates equal to category for each year in the SAFE
the most recent 5-year average fishing report (see ADDRESSES). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
rate. Alternative 4 would have set TACs Alternative 4 would lead to 1540(f); 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
significantly lower harvests of all 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 105–277; Pub. L. 106–
to equal the lower limit of the GOA OY 31; Pub. L. 106–554; Pub. L. 108–199; Pub.
range. Alternative 5, the ‘‘no action species and reduce the TACs from the L. 108–447; Pub. L. 109–241; Pub. L. 109–
alternative,’’ would have set TACs equal upper end of the OY range in the GOA, 479.
to zero. to its lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall,
The TACs associated with the this would reduce 2016 TACs by about Dated: December 3, 2015.
preferred harvest strategy are those 80 percent and would lead to significant Samuel D. Rauch III,
adopted by the Council in October 2015, reductions in harvests of species Deputy Assistant Administrator for
as per Alternative 2. OFLs and ABCs for harvested by small entities. While Regulatory Programs, National Marine
the species were based on reductions of this size would be Fisheries Service.
recommendations prepared by the associated with offsetting price [FR Doc. 2015–31002 Filed 12–7–15; 11:15 am]
Council’s GOA Plan Team in September increases, the size of these increases is BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
2015, and reviewed by the Council’s very uncertain. There are close
SSC in October 2015. The Council based substitutes for GOA groundfish species
its TAC recommendations on those of available in significant quantities from DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
its AP, which were consistent with the the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
SSC’s OFL and ABC recommendations. management area. While production National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Alternative 1 selects harvest rates that declines in the GOA would Administration
would allow fishermen to harvest stocks undoubtedly be associated with
at the level of ABCs, unless total significant price increases in the GOA, 50 CFR Part 679
harvests were constrained by the upper these increases would still be
bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 mt. As [Docket No. 150916863–5863–01]
constrained by production of
shown in Table 1 of the preamble, the substitutes, and are very unlikely to
sum of ABCs in 2016 and 2017 would RIN 0648–XE202
offset revenue declines from smaller
be 731,049 mt, which falls below the production. Thus, this alternative would
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
upper bound of the OY range. The sum have a detrimental impact on small Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and
of TACs is 590,161 mt, which is less entities. Aleutian Islands; 2016 and 2017
than the sum of ABCs. In this instance, Alternative 5, which sets all harvests Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Alternative 1 is consistent with the equal to zero, would have a significant
preferred alternative (Alternative 2), adverse economic impact on small AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
meets the objectives of that action, and entities and would be contrary to Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
has small entity impacts that are obligations to achieve OY on a Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
equivalent to the preferred alternative. continuing basis, as mandated by the Commerce.
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Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:32:46
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:32:46
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received by January 8, 2016. | |
| Contact | Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 76405 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE13 |
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