81 FR 17096 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2016 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 59 (March 28, 2016)

Page Range		17096-17097
FR Document		2016-06916

NMFS is adjusting the 2016 seasonal apportionments of the total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 of the GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2016 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 59 (Monday, March 28, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 59 (Monday, March 28, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17096-17097]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06916]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 150818742-6210-02]
RIN 0648-XE528


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason 
Adjustment to the 2016 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2016 seasonal apportionments of the 
total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by 
re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical Areas 610, 620, 
and 630 of the GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for 
harvest of the 2016 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of 
Alaska.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 23, 
2016, until 2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (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.
    The annual pollock TACs in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 of 
the GOA are apportioned among four seasons, in accordance with Sec.  
679.23(d)(2). Regulations at Sec.  679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) allow the 
underharvest of a seasonal apportionment to be added to subsequent 
seasonal apportionments, provided that any revised seasonal 
apportionment does not exceed 20 percent of the seasonal apportionment 
for a given statistical area. Therefore, NMFS is increasing the B 
season apportionment of pollock in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 
of the GOA to reflect the underharvest of pollock in those areas during 
the A season. In addition, any underharvest remaining beyond 20 percent 
of the originally specified seasonal apportionment in a particular area 
may be further apportioned to other statistical areas. Therefore, NMFS 
also is increasing the B season apportionment of pollock to Statistical 
Areas 610 and 630 based on the underharvest of pollock in Statistical 
Areas 620 of the GOA. These adjustments are described below.
    The B seasonal apportionment of the 2016 pollock TAC in Statistical 
Area 610 of the GOA is 3,826 metric tons (mt) as established by the 
final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA 
(81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). In accordance with Sec.  
679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator), hereby increases the B season apportionment for 
Statistical Area 610 by 765 mt to account for the underharvest of the 
TAC in Statistical Areas 610 and 620 in the A season. This increase is 
in proportion to the estimated pollock biomass and is not greater than 
20 percent of the B seasonal apportionment of the TAC in Statistical 
Area 610. Therefore, the revised B seasonal apportionment of the 
pollock TAC in Statistical Area 610 is 4,591 mt (3,826 mt plus 765 mt).
    The B seasonal apportionment of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 
620 of the GOA is 50,747 mt as established by the final 2016 and 2017 
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (81 FR 14740, March 
18, 2016). In accordance with Sec.  679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Regional 
Administrator hereby increases the B seasonal apportionment for 
Statistical Area 620 by 10,149 mt to account for the underharvest of 
the TAC in Statistical Areas 620 in the A season. This increase is not 
greater than 20 percent of the B seasonal apportionment of the TAC in 
Statistical Area 620. Therefore, the revised B seasonal apportionment 
of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 620 is 60,896 mt (50,747 mt plus 
10,149 mt).
    The B seasonal apportionment of pollock TAC in Statistical Area 630 
of the GOA is 5,083 mt as established by the final 2016 and 2017 
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (81 FR 14740, March 
18, 2016). In accordance with Sec.  679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Regional 
Administrator hereby increases the B seasonal apportionment for 
Statistical Area 630 by 1,016 mt to account for the underharvest of the 
TAC in Statistical Areas 620 and 630 in the A season. This increase is 
in proportion to the estimated pollock biomass and is not greater than 
20 percent of the B

[[Page 17097]]

seasonal apportionment of the TAC in Statistical Area 630. Therefore, 
the revised B seasonal apportionment of pollock TAC in Statistical Area 
630 is 6,099 mt (5,083 mt plus 1,016 mt).

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 provide opportunity to harvest increased pollock seasonal 
apportionments. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for 
public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became 
available as of March 18, 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 23, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06916 Filed 3-23-16; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

17096 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 59 / Monday, March 28, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

No aspect of this action is DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE reflect the underharvest of pollock in
controversial, and changes of this nature those areas during the A season. In
were anticipated in the biennial harvest National Oceanic and Atmospheric addition, any underharvest remaining
specifications and management Administration beyond 20 percent of the originally
measures established for 2015–2016. specified seasonal apportionment in a
50 CFR Part 679 particular area may be further
Accordingly, for the reasons stated
[Docket No. 150818742–6210–02]
apportioned to other statistical areas.
above, NMFS finds good cause to waive
Therefore, NMFS also is increasing the
prior notice and comment and to waive RIN 0648–XE528 B season apportionment of pollock to
the delay in effectiveness. Statistical Areas 610 and 630 based on
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic the underharvest of pollock in
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment Statistical Areas 620 of the GOA. These
Fisheries, Fishing, Indian Fisheries. to the 2016 Gulf of Alaska Pollock adjustments are described below.
Seasonal Apportionments The B seasonal apportionment of the
Dated: March 23, 3016.
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 2016 pollock TAC in Statistical Area
Emily H. Menashes, 610 of the GOA is 3,826 metric tons (mt)
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable as established by the final 2016 and
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce. 2017 harvest specifications for
For the reasons set out in the groundfish of the GOA (81 FR 14740,
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended March 18, 2016). In accordance with
adjustment.
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Administrator,
as follows:
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2016 Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional
PART 660—FISHERIES OFF WEST seasonal apportionments of the total Administrator), hereby increases the B
COAST STATES allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the season apportionment for Statistical
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning Area 610 by 765 mt to account for the
unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical underharvest of the TAC in Statistical
■ 1. The authority citation for part 660
Areas 610, 620, and 630 of the GOA. Areas 610 and 620 in the A season. This
continues to read as follows: increase is in proportion to the
This action is necessary to provide
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. opportunity for harvest of the 2016 estimated pollock biomass and is not
773 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq. pollock TAC, consistent with the goals greater than 20 percent of the B seasonal
and objectives of the Fishery apportionment of the TAC in Statistical
■ 2. In § 660.231, revise paragraph Area 610. Therefore, the revised B
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
(b)(3)(iv) to read as follows: seasonal apportionment of the pollock
Gulf of Alaska.
§ 660.231 Limited entry fixed gear DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
TAC in Statistical Area 610 is 4,591 mt
sablefish primary fishery. local time (A.l.t.), March 23, 2016, until (3,826 mt plus 765 mt).
The B seasonal apportionment of the
* * * * * 2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2016.
pollock TAC in Statistical Area 620 of
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh the GOA is 50,747 mt as established by
(b) * * *
Keaton, 907–586–7228. the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
(3) * * * SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS specifications for groundfish of the GOA
(iv) Incidental halibut retention north manages the groundfish fishery in the (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). In
of Pt. Chehalis, WA (46°53.30′ N. lat.). GOA exclusive economic zone accordance with § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B),
From April 1 through October 31, according to the Fishery Management the Regional Administrator hereby
vessels authorized to participate in the Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of increases the B seasonal apportionment
sablefish primary fishery, licensed by Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North for Statistical Area 620 by 10,149 mt to
the International Pacific Halibut Pacific Fishery Management Council account for the underharvest of the TAC
Commission for commercial fishing in (Council) under authority of the in Statistical Areas 620 in the A season.
Area 2A (waters off Washington, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery This increase is not greater than 20
Oregon, California), and fishing with Conservation and Management Act. percent of the B seasonal apportionment
longline gear north of Pt. Chehalis, WA Regulations governing fishing by U.S. of the TAC in Statistical Area 620.
(46°53.30′ N. lat.) may possess and land vessels in accordance with the FMP Therefore, the revised B seasonal
up to the following cumulative limits: appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 apportionment of the pollock TAC in
110 lb (50 kg) dressed weight of halibut and 50 CFR part 679. Statistical Area 620 is 60,896 mt (50,747
for every 1,000 pounds (454 kg) dressed The annual pollock TACs in mt plus 10,149 mt).
weight of sablefish landed and up to 2 Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 of The B seasonal apportionment of
additional halibut in excess of the 110- the GOA are apportioned among four pollock TAC in Statistical Area 630 of
seasons, in accordance with the GOA is 5,083 mt as established by
pounds-per-1,000-pound ratio per
§ 679.23(d)(2). Regulations at the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
landing. ‘‘Dressed’’ halibut in this area
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) allow the specifications for groundfish of the GOA
means halibut landed eviscerated with
underharvest of a seasonal (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). In
their heads on. Halibut taken and
apportionment to be added to accordance with § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B),
retained in the sablefish primary fishery subsequent seasonal apportionments, the Regional Administrator hereby
north of Pt. Chehalis may only be provided that any revised seasonal increases the B seasonal apportionment
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES

landed north of Pt. Chehalis and may apportionment does not exceed 20 for Statistical Area 630 by 1,016 mt to
not be possessed or landed south of Pt. percent of the seasonal apportionment account for the underharvest of the TAC
Chehalis for a given statistical area. Therefore, in Statistical Areas 620 and 630 in the
* * * * * NMFS is increasing the B season A season. This increase is in proportion
[FR Doc. 2016–06908 Filed 3–25–16; 8:45 am] apportionment of pollock in Statistical to the estimated pollock biomass and is
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Areas 610, 620, and 630 of the GOA to not greater than 20 percent of the B

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 Mar 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28MRR1.SGM 28MRR1

$Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 59 / Monday, March 28, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 17097 seasonal apportionment of the TAC in impracticable and contrary to the public 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon Statistical Area 630. Therefore, the interest. This requirement is the reasons provided above for waiver of revised B seasonal apportionment of impracticable and contrary to the public prior notice and opportunity for public pollock TAC in Statistical Area 630 is interest as it would prevent NMFS from comment. 6,099 mt (5,083 mt plus 1,016 mt). responding to the most recent fisheries This action is required by § 679.20 data in a timely fashion and would Classification and is exempt from review under provide opportunity to harvest This action responds to the best increased pollock seasonal Executive Order 12866. available information recently obtained apportionments. NMFS was unable to Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. from the fishery. The Assistant publish a notice providing time for Dated: March 23, 2016. Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA public comment because the most (AA), finds good cause to waive the Emily H. Menashes, recent, relevant data only became requirement to provide prior notice and available as of March 18, 2016. Acting Director, Office of Sustainable opportunity for public comment The AA also finds good cause to Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 waive the 30-day delay in the effective [FR Doc. 2016–06916 Filed 3–23–16; 4:15 pm] U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is date of this action under 5 U.S.C. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 Mar 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\28MRR1.SGM 28MRR1$

Document Created: 2016-03-26 00:13:10
Document Modified: 2016-03-26 00:13:10

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; inseason adjustment.
Dates		Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 23, 2016, until 2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2016.
Contact		Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation		81 FR 17096
RIN Number		0648-XE52

81 FR 17096 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2016 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 59 (March 28, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration