81 FR 12829 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)

Page Range		12829-12831
FR Document		2016-05537

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut Corporation pollock directed fishing allowance from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2016 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12829-12831]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05537]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 141021887-5172-02]
RIN 0648-XE495


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation 
of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

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

ACTION: Temporary rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut 
Corporation pollock directed fishing allowance from the Aleutian 
Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This action is necessary to 
provide opportunity for harvest of the 2016 total allowable catch of 
pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery 
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Management Area.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 11, 2016 
through 2400 hrs Alaska Local time, December 31, 2016.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area 
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in 
accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 
CFR part 679.
    In the Aleutian Islands subarea, the portion of the 2016 pollock 
total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to the Aleut Corporation directed 
fishing allowance (DFA) is 14,700 metric tons (mt) as established by 
the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the 
BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015), and as adjusted by an inseason 
adjustment (81 FR 184, January 5, 2016).
    As of March 4, 2016, the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, 
(Regional Administrator) has determined that 5,000 mt of the Aleut 
Corporation pollock DFA in the

[[Page 12830]]

Aleutian Islands subarea will not be harvested. Therefore, in 
accordance with Sec.  679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(4), NMFS reallocates 1,991 
mt of A season pollock DFA and 3,009 mt of B season pollock DFA from 
the Aleutian Islands subarea to the 2016 Bering Sea subarea DFAs. The 
5,000 mt of the Aleut Corporation pollock DFA is added to the 2016 
Bering Sea non-CDQ DFAs. As a result, the 2016 harvest specifications 
for pollock in the Aleutian Islands subarea included in the final 2015 
and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 
11919, March 5, 2015), and as adjusted by an inseason adjustment (81 FR 
184, January 5, 2016) are revised as follows: 9,700 mt to the annual 
Aleut Corporation pollock DFA and 9,700 mt to the A season Aleut 
Corporation pollock DFA. Furthermore, pursuant to Sec.  679.20(a)(5), 
Table 5 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for 
groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (80 FR 11919, March 
5, 2015, and 81 FR 184, January 5, 2016), is revised to make 2016 
pollock allocations consistent with this reallocation. This 
reallocation results in adjustments to the 2016 pollock allocations 
established at Sec.  679.20(a)(5).

    Table 5--Final 2016 Allocations of Pollock TACS to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed
                                          Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\
                                          [Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         2016 A season \1\        2016  B season
                                                       2016      --------------------------------       \1\
                 Area and sector                    allocations                     SCA harvest  ---------------
                                                                   A season DFA      limit \2\     B season DFA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\......................       1,346,900             n/a             n/a             n/a
CDQ DFA.........................................         135,900          54,360          38,052          81,540
ICA \1\.........................................          48,240             n/a             n/a             n/a
AFA Inshore.....................................         581,380         232,552         162,786         348,828
AFA Catcher/Processors \3\......................         465,104         186,042         130,229         279,062
    Catch by C/Ps...............................         425,570         170,228             n/a         255,342
    Catch by CVs \3\............................          39,534          15,814             n/a          23,720
    Unlisted C/P Limit \4\......................           2,326             930             n/a           1,395
AFA Motherships.................................         116,276          46,510          32,557          69,766
Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\..................         203,816             n/a             n/a             n/a
Excessive Processing Limit \6\..................         349,398             n/a             n/a             n/a
Total Bering Sea DFA............................       1,162,760         465,104         325,573         697,656
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC....................          32,227             n/a             n/a             n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\................          12,100             n/a             n/a             n/a
CDQ DFA.........................................               0               0             n/a               0
ICA.............................................           2,400           1,200             n/a           1,200
Aleut Corporation...............................           9,700           9,700             n/a               0
Area harvest limit \7\
    541.........................................           9,668             n/a             n/a             n/a
    542.........................................           4,834             n/a             n/a             n/a
    543.........................................           1,611             n/a             n/a             n/a
Bogoslof District ICA \8\.......................             500             n/a             n/a             n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent)
  and the ICA (4.0 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector--50 percent, catcher/processor
  sector (C/P)--40 percent, and mothership sector--10 percent. In the BS subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is
  allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-
  November 1). Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after
  subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is
  allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is
  allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
\2\ In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before
  April 1.
\3\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/
  processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/
  processors.
\4\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting
  not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock.
\5\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5
  percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\6\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0
  percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\7\ Pursuant to Sec.   679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in
  Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent
  of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
\8\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The
  amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from 
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and 
would delay the reallocation of Aleutian Island subarea pollock. Since 
the pollock fishery is currently underway, it is important to 
immediately inform the industry as to the final Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands pollock allocations. Immediate notification is necessary to 
allow for the orderly conduct and efficient operation of this fishery; 
allow the industry to plan for the fishing season and avoid potential 
disruption to

[[Page 12831]]

the fishing fleet as well as processors; and provide opportunity to 
harvest increased seasonal pollock allocations while value is optimum. 
NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment 
because the most recent, relevant data only became available as March 
4, 2016.
    The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the 
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is 
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment.
    This action is required by Sec.  679.20 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: March 8, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-05537 Filed 3-10-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 12829

Dated: March 8, 2016. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Emily H. Menashes, the Administrator, Alaska Region,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable NMFS (Regional Administrator), has National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. determined that the A season Administration
[FR Doc. 2016–05552 Filed 3–8–16; 4:15 pm] apportionment of the 2016 Pacific cod
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P TAC allocated to trawl catcher vessels 50 CFR Part 679
in the BSAI will soon be reached. [Docket No. 141021887–5172–02]
Therefore, the Regional Administrator is
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE establishing a directed fishing RIN 0648–XE495
allowance of 36,000 mt and is setting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric aside the remaining 732 mt as bycatch Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Administration to support other anticipated groundfish Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of
fisheries. In accordance with Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
50 CFR Part 679 § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Islands
Administrator finds that this directed AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
[Docket No. 141021887–5172–02]
fishing allowance has been reached. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
RIN 0648–XE494 Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
directed fishing for Pacific cod by Commerce.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic catcher vessels using trawl gear in the ACTION: Temporary rule.
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by BSAI.
Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in After the effective date of this closure SUMMARY: NMFS is reallocating the
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands the maximum retainable amounts at projected unused amounts of the Aleut
Management Area § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time Corporation pollock directed fishing
during a trip. allowance from the Aleutian Islands
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Classification action is necessary to provide
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), opportunity for harvest of the 2016 total
Commerce. This action responds to the best allowable catch of pollock, consistent
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. available information recently obtained with the goals and objectives of the
from the fishery. The Assistant Fishery Management Plan for
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA Groundfish of the Bering Sea and
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels (AA), finds good cause to waive the Aleutian Islands Management Area.
using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and requirement to provide prior notice and
Aleutian Islands management area DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
opportunity for public comment
(BSAI). This action is necessary to time (A.l.t.), March 11, 2016 through
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
prevent exceeding the A season 2400 hrs Alaska Local time, December
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and § 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as
apportionment of the 2016 Pacific cod 31, 2016.
such requirement is impracticable and
total allowable catch allocated to trawl FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
contrary to the public interest. This
catcher vessels in the BSAI. requirement is impracticable and Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska contrary to the public interest as it SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
local time (A.l.t.), March 9, 2016, would prevent NMFS from responding manages the groundfish fishery in the
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., April 1, to the most recent fisheries data in a BSAI exclusive economic zone
2016. timely fashion and would delay the according to the Fishery Management
closure of directed fishing for Pacific Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Keaton, 907–586–7228. cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear
in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS publish a notice providing time for Fishery Management Council (Council)
manages the groundfish fishery in the public comment because the most under authority of the Magnuson-
BSAI exclusive economic zone recent, relevant data only became Stevens Fishery Conservation and
according to the Fishery Management available as of March 7, 2016. Management Act. Regulations governing
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance
and Aleutian Islands Management Area The AA also finds good cause to with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific waive the 30-day delay in the effective CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
Fishery Management Council under date of this action under 5 U.S.C. In the Aleutian Islands subarea, the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon portion of the 2016 pollock total
Fishery Conservation and Management the reasons provided above for waiver of allowable catch (TAC) allocated to the
Act. Regulations governing fishing by prior notice and opportunity for public Aleut Corporation directed fishing
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP comment. allowance (DFA) is 14,700 metric tons
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 This action is required by § 679.20 (mt) as established by the final 2015 and
and 50 CFR part 679. and is exempt from review under 2016 harvest specifications for
The A season apportionment of the Executive Order 12866. groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

2016 Pacific cod total allowable catch Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. March 5, 2015), and as adjusted by an
(TAC) allocated to trawl catcher vessels inseason adjustment (81 FR 184, January
in the BSAI is 36,732 metric tons (mt) Dated: March 8, 2016.
5, 2016).
as established by the final 2015 and Emily H. Menashes, As of March 4, 2016, the
2016 harvest specifications for Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS,
groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. (Regional Administrator) has
March 5, 2015) and inseason adjustment [FR Doc. 2016–05528 Filed 3–8–16; 4:15 pm] determined that 5,000 mt of the Aleut
(81 FR 184, January 5, 2016). BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Corporation pollock DFA in the

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Mar 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11MRR1.SGM 11MRR1

$Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 12831 the fishing fleet as well as processors; date of this action under 5 U.S.C. Dated: March 8, 2016. and provide opportunity to harvest 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon Emily H. Menashes, increased seasonal pollock allocations the reasons provided above for waiver of Acting Director, Office of Sustainable while value is optimum. NMFS was prior notice and opportunity for public Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. unable to publish a notice providing comment. [FR Doc. 2016–05537 Filed 3–10–16; 8:45 am] time for public comment because the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P This action is required by § 679.20 most recent, relevant data only became and is exempt from review under available as March 4, 2016. The AA also finds good cause to Executive Order 12866. waive the 30-day delay in the effective Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Mar 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\11MRR1.SGM 11MRR1$

Document Created: 2016-03-11 01:50:59
Document Modified: 2016-03-11 01:50:59

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Temporary rule.
Dates		Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 11, 2016 through 2400 hrs Alaska Local time, December 31, 2016.
Contact		Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation		81 FR 12829
RIN Number		0648-XE49

81 FR 12829 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration