82 FR 12032 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 37 (February 27, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 37 (February 27, 2017)
| Page Range | 12032-12062 | |
| FR Document | 2017-03697 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 12032-12062] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-03697] [[Page 12031]] Vol. 82 Monday, No. 37 February 27, 2017 Part II Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 CFR Part 679 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 12032]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 160920866-7167-02] RIN 0648-XE904 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications and closures. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2017 and 2018 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 2017 and 2018 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: Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 27, 2017, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Record of Decision (ROD), and the Supplementary Information Report (SIR) to the EIS prepared for this action are available from http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2016 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the groundfish resources of the GOA, dated November 2016, is available from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) at 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99510-2252, phone 907-271-2809, or from the Council's Web site at http://www.npfmc.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the GOA groundfish fisheries in the exclusive economic zone 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, 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. 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) (50 CFR 679.20(a)(1)(i)(B)). 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. Upon consideration of public comment received under Sec. 679.20(c)(1), NMFS must publish notice of final harvest specifications for up to two fishing years as annual TACs, per Sec. 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest specifications set forth in Tables 1 through 30 of this document reflect the outcome of this process, as required at Sec. 679.20(c). The proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA and Pacific halibut PSC limits were published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87881). Comments were invited and accepted through January 5, 2017. NMFS did not receive any comments on the proposed harvest specifications. In December 2016, NMFS consulted with the Council regarding the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. After considering public testimony, as well as biological and economic data that were available at the Council's December 2016 meeting, NMFS is implementing the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications, as recommended by the Council. For 2017, the sum of the TAC amounts is 535,863 mt. For 2018, the sum of the TAC amounts is 483,588 mt. Other Actions Potentially Affecting the 2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications Amendment 103: Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limit Reapportionment Provisions for Trawl Sectors in the Western and Central GOA In December 2015, the Council recommended for Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) review Amendment 103 to the FMP to reapportion unused Chinook salmon PSC limits among the GOA pollock and non-pollock trawl sectors. Amendment 103 allows NMFS to reapportion the Chinook salmon PSC limits established by Amendments 93 and 97 to the FMP to prevent or limit fishery closures due to attainment of sector-specific Chinook salmon PSC limits, while maintaining the annual, combined 32,500 Chinook salmon PSC limit for all sectors. The Secretary approved Amendment 103 on August 24, 2016. The final rule implementing Amendment 103 published on September 12, 2016, (81 FR 62659) and became effective on October 12, 2016. Amendment 101: Authorize Longline Pot Gear for Use in the Sablefish IFQ Fishery in the GOA In April 2015, the Council recommended for Secretarial review Amendment 101 to the FMP for the sablefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) fisheries in the GOA. Amendment 101 authorizes the use of longline pot gear in the GOA sablefish IFQ fishery. The objective of that amendment is to increase efficiency in harvesting sablefish IFQ and decrease the depredation of sablefish caught on hook-and-line gear by whales. The Secretary approved Amendment 101 on November 4, 2016. NMFS issued a final rule to implement Amendment 101 to the FMP for the sablefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) fisheries in the GOA on December 28, 2016 (81 FR 95435). The effective date of this final rule has been temporarily stayed in accordance with the memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,'' published in the Federal Register on January 24, 2017. While the effective date of the final rule is currently delayed (see 82 FR 8810, January 31, 2017), NMFS advises the public that the date of the stay, and therefore the effective date of the final rule, may change in the future. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and TAC Specifications In December 2016, the Council, its Advisory Panel (AP), and its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed the most recent biological and harvest information about the condition of groundfish stocks in the GOA. This information was compiled by the Council's GOA Groundfish Plan Team and was presented in the draft 2016 SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2016 (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 [[Page 12033]] groundfish fisheries off Alaska. From these data and analyses, the Plan Team estimates an overfishing level (OFL) and ABC for each species or species group. The 2016 report was made available for public review during the public comment period for the proposed harvest specifications. In previous years, the greatest changes from the proposed to the final harvest specifications have been based on recent NMFS stock surveys, which provide updated estimates of stock biomass and spatial distribution, and changes to the models used for producing stock assessments. At the November 2016 Plan Team meeting, NMFS scientists presented updated and new survey results, changes to stock assessment models, and accompanying stock assessment estimates for all groundfish species and species groups that are included in the final 2016 SAFE report. The SSC reviewed this information at the December 2016 Council meeting. Changes from the proposed to the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications are discussed below. The final 2017 and 2018 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 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 OFL and ABC amounts for each groundfish species. The SSC adopted the final 2017 and 2018 OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team for all groundfish species, with the exception of an adjustment to the sablefish OFLs. The Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations. The final TAC recommendations were based on the ABCs as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the sum of all TACs within the required OY range of 116,000 to 800,000 mt. The Council recommended 2017 and 2018 TACs that are equal to ABCs for pollock, sablefish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, big skate, longnose skate, other skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses in the GOA. The Council recommended TACs for 2017 and 2018 that are less than the ABCs for Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish in the Western GOA, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole in the Western and Central GOA, ``other rockfish'' in the Southeast Outside (SEO) District, and Atka mackerel. The Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State of Alaska's (State's) guideline harvest levels (GHLs) for Pacific cod so that the ABCs are not exceeded. The shallow- water flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, and flathead sole TACs are set to allow for increased harvest opportunities for these target species while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized fisheries. The ``other rockfish'' TAC in the SEO District is set to reduce the amount of discards of the species in that complex. The Atka mackerel TAC is set to accommodate incidental catch amounts in other fisheries. The final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications approved by the Secretary are unchanged from those recommended by the Council and are consistent with the preferred harvest strategy alternative in the EIS (see ADDRESSES). NMFS finds that the Council's recommended OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of the groundfish stocks as described in the final 2016 SAFE report. NMFS also finds that the Council's recommendations for OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of groundfish stocks as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the total TAC within the OY range. NMFS reviewed the Council's recommended TAC specifications and apportionments, and NMFS approves these harvest specifications under 50 CFR 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The apportionment of TAC amounts among gear types and sectors, processing sectors, and seasons is discussed below. Tables 1 and 2 list the final 2017 and 2018 OFLs, ABCs, TACs, and area apportionments of groundfish in the GOA. The sums of the 2017 and 2018 ABCs are 667,877 mt and 597,052 mt, respectively, which are lower in 2017 and 2018 than the 2016 ABC sum of 727,684 mt (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). The 2017 harvest specifications set in this final action will supersede the 2017 harvest specifications previously set in the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). The 2018 harvest specifications herein will be superseded in early 2018 when the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications are published. Pursuant to this final action, the 2017 harvest specifications therefore will apply for the remainder of the current year (2017), while the 2018 harvest specifications are projected only for the following year (2018) and will be superseded in early 2018 by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. Because this final action (published in early 2017) will be superseded in early 2018 by the publication of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, it is projected that this final action will implement the harvest specifications for the Gulf of Alaska for approximately one year. Specification and Apportionment of TAC Amounts NMFS' apportionment of groundfish species is based on the distribution of biomass among the regulatory areas over which NMFS manages the species. Additional regulations govern the apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish. Additional detail on the apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish are described below. 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 Prince William Sound (PWS) pollock fishery. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council have recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water pollock removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. For 2017 and 2018, 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 2016 Plan Team meeting, State fisheries managers recommended setting the PWS GHL at 2.5 percent of the annual W/C/WYK pollock ABC. For 2017, this yields a PWS pollock GHL of 5,094 mt, a decrease of 1,264 mt from the 2016 PWS GHL of 6,358 mt. For 2018, the PWS pollock GHL is 3,937 mt, a decrease of 2,421 mt from the 2016 PWS pollock GHL. After the GHL reductions, the 2017 and 2018 pollock ABC for the combined W/C/WYK areas is then apportioned between four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640) as both ABCs and TACs, as described below and detailed in Tables 1 and 2. The total ABCs and TACs for the four statistical areas, plus the State GHL, do not exceed the combined W/C/WYK ABC. Apportionments of pollock to the W/C/WYK management areas are [[Page 12034]] considered to be ``apportionments of annual catch limits (ACLs)'' rather than ``ABCs.'' This 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. NMFS establishes pollock TACs in the Western, Central, West Yakutat Regulatory Areas, and the Southeast Outside District of the GOA (see Tables 1 and 2). NMFS also establishes seasonal apportionments of the annual pollock TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630. These apportionments are 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; Tables 3 and 4 list these amounts. The 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State's GHL for Pacific cod in State waters in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, as well as in 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 set the 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod TACs in the Western, Central, and Eastern Regulatory Areas to account for State GHLs. Therefore, the 2017 Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs by the following amounts: (1) Western GOA, 10,887 mt; (2) Central GOA, 11,045 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 1,968 mt. The 2018 Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs by the following amounts: (1) Western GOA, 9,770 mt; (2) Central GOA, 9,911 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 1,766 mt. These amounts reflect the State's 2017 and 2018 GHLs in these areas, which are 30 percent of the Western GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Eastern and Central ABCs. NMFS establishes seasonal apportionments of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Sixty percent of the annual TAC is apportioned to the A season for hook-and-line, pot, and 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 hook-and-line, pot, and jig 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 TACs are allocated among various gear and operational sectors. The Pacific cod sector apportionments are discussed in detail in a subsequent section of this preamble. The Council's recommendation for sablefish area apportionments takes into account the prohibition on the use of trawl gear in the SEO District of the Eastern Regulatory Area and makes available 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area ABCs to trawl gear for use as incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries in the WYK District (Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Tables 7 and 8 list the final 2017 and 2018 allocations of sablefish TAC to hook-and-line and trawl gear in the GOA. Changes From the Proposed 2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications in the GOA In October 2016, the Council's recommendations for the proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR 87881, December 6, 2016) were based largely on information contained in the final 2015 SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2015. The final 2015 SAFE report for the GOA is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). The Council proposed that the final OFLs, ABCs, and TACs established for the 2017 groundfish fisheries (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016) be used for the proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications, pending completion and review of the final 2016 SAFE report at its December 2016 meeting. As described previously, the SSC adopted the final 2017 and 2018 OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team, except for the sablefish OFL. The SSC deducted the amount calculated for whale depredation from the sablefish OFL. The Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations for 2017 and 2018. The final 2017 ABCs are higher than the proposed 2017 ABCs published in the proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR 87881, December 6, 2016) for Pacific cod, sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, northern rockfish, and rougheye rockfish. The final 2017 ABCs are lower than the proposed 2017 and 2018 ABCs for pollock, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific ocean perch, dusky rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, and squids. The final 2018 ABCs are higher than the proposed ABCs for sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and flathead sole. The final 2018 ABCs are lower than the proposed ABCs for pollock, Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, and squids. For the remaining target species, the Council recommended the final 2017 and 2018 ABCs that are the same as the proposed 2017 and 2018 ABCs. Additional information explaining the changes between the proposed and final ABCs is included in the final 2016 SAFE report, which was not available when the Council made its proposed ABC and TAC recommendations in October 2016. At that time, the most recent stock assessment information was contained in the final 2015 SAFE report. The final 2016 SAFE report contains the best and most recent scientific information on the condition of the groundfish stocks, as previously discussed in this preamble, and is available for review (see ADDRESSES). The Council considered the final 2016 SAFE report in December 2016 when it made recommendations for the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. In the GOA, the total final 2017 TAC amount is 535,863 mt, a decrease of 7 percent from the total proposed 2017 TAC amount of 573,872 mt. The total final 2018 TAC amount is 483,588 mt, a decrease of 16 percent from the total proposed 2018 TAC amount of 573,872 mt. Table 1a summarizes the difference between the proposed and final TACs. Annual stock assessments incorporate a variety of new or revised inputs, such as survey data or catch information, as well as changes to the statistical models used to estimate a species' biomass and population trend. In 2016, most stocks were not directly surveyed, as the GOA trawl survey is conducted every other year. Thus, most changes to biomass and ABC estimates are based on fishery catch updates to species' assessment models. Some species, such as pollock and sablefish, have additional surveys conducted on an annual basis, which result in additional data being available for the assessments for these stocks. Based on changes in the estimates of overall biomass made by stock assessment scientists for 2017 and 2018, as compared to the estimates previously made for 2015 and 2016, the greatest TAC percentage increases are for sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, rex sole, and Atka mackerel. One notable increase includes that made for sablefish. The increase in the sablefish ABC and TAC is a result of the inclusion of new catch, abundance, and age datasets, as well as adjustments to [[Page 12035]] the sablefish assessment model. Another notable increase between the proposed and final TACs includes the 2017 and 2018 TACs for Atka mackerel, which increased because of public interest in additional opportunities to catch and retain Atka mackerel. The AP recommended, and the Council adopted, this increase. Based on changes in the estimates of biomass, the greatest decrease in TACs is for pollock. The pollock assessment model incorporated 2016 survey data, as well as changes to the model. A notable model change included using a random-effects model to calculate the weight-at-age of pollock, rather than a 5-year average weight-at-age. This change resulted in a downward calculation of biomass and ABC, with additional declines expected in the short-term. For all other species and species groups, changes from the proposed 2017 TACs to the final 2017 TACs are within a range of plus or minus 4 percent. The changes from the proposed 2018 TACs to the final 2018 TACs are within a range of plus or minus 8 percent. These TAC changes correspond to associated changes in the ABCs and TACs, as recommended by the SSC, AP, and Council. Detailed information providing the basis for the changes described above is contained in the final 2016 SAFE report. The final TACs are based on the best scientific information available. These TACs are specified in compliance with the harvest strategy described in the proposed and final rules for the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. The changes in TACs between the proposed rule and this final rule are compared in Table 1a. Table 1a--Comparison of Proposed and Final 2017 and 2018 GOA Total Allowable Catch Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Final 2018 Final Species 2017 and 2018 2017 Final TAC minus 2017 Percentage 2018 Final TAC minus 2018 Percentage proposed TAC proposed TAC difference proposed TAC difference -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock................................. 254,200 208,595 -45,605 -18 163,479 -90,721 -36 Pacific cod............................. 62,150 64,442 2,292 4 57,825 -4,325 -7 Sablefish............................... 8,307 10,074 1,767 21 10,207 1,900 23 Shallow-water flatfish.................. 34,855 36,843 1,988 6 36,979 2,124 6 Deep-water flatfish..................... 9,281 9,292 11 0 9,382 101 1 Rex sole................................ 7,507 8,311 804 11 8,421 914 12 Arrowtooth flounder..................... 103,300 103,300 0 0 103,300 0 0 Flathead sole........................... 27,850 27,856 6 0 27,920 70 0 Pacific ocean perch..................... 24,189 23,918 -271 -1 23,454 -735 -3 Northern rockfish....................... 3,768 3,786 18 0 3,508 -260 -7 Shortraker rockfish..................... 1286 1,286 0 0 1286 0 0 Dusky rockfish.......................... 4,284 4,278 -6 0 3,954 -330 -8 Rougheye rockfish....................... 1,325 1,327 2 0 1,318 -7 -1 Demersal shelf rockfish................. 231 227 -4 -2 227 -4 -2 Thornyhead rockfish..................... 1,961 1,961 0 0 1,961 0 0 Other rockfish.......................... 2,308 2,308 0 0 2,308 0 0 Atka mackerel........................... 2,000 3,000 1,000 50 3,000 1,000 50 Big skate............................... 3,814 3,814 0 0 3,814 0 0 Longnose skate.......................... 3,206 3,206 0 0 3,206 0 0 Other skates............................ 1,919 1,919 0 0 1,919 0 0 Sculpins................................ 5,591 5,591 0 0 5,591 0 0 Sharks.................................. 4,514 4,514 0 0 4,514 0 0 Squids.................................. 1,148 1,137 -11 -1 1,137 -11 -1 Octopuses............................... 4,878 4,878 0 0 4,878 0 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................... 573,872 535,863 -38,009 -7 483,588 -90,284 -16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The final 2017 and 2018 TAC recommendations for the GOA are within the OY range established for the GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any species or species group. Tables 1 and 2 list the final OFL, ABC, and TAC amounts for GOA groundfish for 2017 and 2018, respectively. Table 1--Final 2017 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central, 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock \2\........................... Shumagin (610).......... n/a 43,602 43,602 Chirikof (620).......... n/a 98,652 98,652 Kodiak (630)............ n/a 48,929 48,929 WYK (640)............... n/a 7,492 7,492 W/C/WYK (subtotal) \2\.. 235,807 203,769 198,675 SEO (650)............... 13,226 9,920 9,920 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 249,033 213,689 208,595 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod \3\....................... W....................... n/a 36,291 25,404 C....................... n/a 44,180 33,135 [[Page 12036]] E....................... n/a 7,871 5,903 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 105,378 88,342 64,442 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sablefish \4\......................... W....................... n/a 1,349 1,349 C....................... n/a 4,514 4,514 WYK..................... n/a 1,605 1,605 SEO..................... n/a 2,606 2,606 E (WYK and SEO) n/a 4,211 4,211 (subtotal). ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 11,885 10,074 10,074 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water flatfish \5\............ W....................... n/a 20,921 13,250 C....................... n/a 19,306 19,306 WYK..................... n/a 3,188 3,188 SEO..................... n/a 1,099 1,099 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 54,583 44,514 36,843 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep-water flatfish \6\............... W....................... n/a 256 256 C....................... n/a 3,454 3,454 WYK..................... n/a 3,017 3,017 SEO..................... n/a 2,565 2,565 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 11,182 9,292 9,292 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex sole.............................. W....................... n/a 1,459 1,459 C....................... n/a 4,930 4,930 WYK..................... n/a 850 850 SEO..................... n/a 1,072 1,072 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 10,860 8,311 8,311 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrowtooth flounder................... W....................... n/a 28,100 14,500 C....................... n/a 107,934 75,000 WYK..................... n/a 37,405 6,900 SEO..................... .............. 12,654 6,900 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 219,327 186,093 103,300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flathead sole......................... W....................... n/a 11,098 8,650 C....................... n/a 20,339 15,400 WYK..................... n/a 2,949 2,949 SEO..................... n/a 857 857 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 43,128 35,243 27,856 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch \7\............... W....................... n/a 2,679 2,679 C....................... n/a 16,671 16,671 WYK..................... n/a 2,786 2,786 W/C/WYK subtotal........ 25,753 22,136 22,136 SEO..................... 2,073 1,782 1,782 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 27,826 23,918 23,918 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern rockfish \8\................. W....................... n/a 432 432 C....................... n/a 3,354 3,354 E....................... n/a 4 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 4,522 3,790 3,786 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish \9\............... W....................... n/a 38 38 C....................... n/a 301 301 E....................... n/a 947 947 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 1,715 1,286 1,286 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusky rockfish \10\................... W....................... n/a 158 158 C....................... n/a 3,786 3,786 WYK..................... n/a 251 251 SEO..................... n/a 83 83 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 5,233 4,278 4,278 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish W....................... n/a 105 105 \11\. C....................... n/a 706 706 E....................... n/a 516 516 ----------------------------------------------- [[Page 12037]] Total................ 1,594 1,327 1,327 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demersal shelf rockfish \12\.......... SEO..................... 357 227 227 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thornyhead rockfish................... W....................... n/a 291 291 C....................... n/a 988 988 E....................... n/a 682 682 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 2,615 1,961 1,961 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other rockfish 13 14.................. W and C................. n/a 1,534 1,534 WYK..................... n/a 574 574 SEO..................... n/a 3,665 200 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 7,424 5,773 2,308 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atka mackerel......................... GW...................... 6,200 4,700 3,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Big skate \15\........................ W....................... n/a 908 908 C....................... n/a 1,850 1,850 E....................... n/a 1,056 1,056 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 5,086 3,814 3,814 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Longnose skate \16\................... W....................... n/a 61 61 C....................... n/a 2,513 2,513 E....................... n/a 632 632 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 4,274 3,206 3,206 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other skates \17\..................... GW...................... 2,558 1,919 1,919 Sculpins.............................. GW...................... 7,338 5,591 5,591 Sharks................................ GW...................... 6,020 4,514 4,514 Squids................................ GW...................... 1,516 1,137 1,137 Octopus............................... GW...................... 6,504 4,878 4,878 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................. ........................ 796,158 667,877 535,863 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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 total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 203,769 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (5,094 mt) of that ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 198,675 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances. \3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 5 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments. \4\ Sablefish is allocated to trawl and hook-and-line gear in 2017. Table 7 lists the final 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 deepsea sole. \7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus. \8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other 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\ ``Other 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 (silvergrey), 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. polyspinis. \14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish. \15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata. \16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina. \17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja spp. [[Page 12038]] Table 2--Final 2018 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central, 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock \2\........................... Shumagin (610).......... n/a 33,701 33,701 Chirikof (620).......... n/a 76,249 76,249 Kodiak (630)............ n/a 37,818 37,818 WYK (640)............... n/a 5,791 5,791 W/C/WYK (subtotal) \2\.. 182,204 157,496 153,559 SEO (650)............... 13,226 9,920 9,920 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 195,430 167,416 163,479 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod \3\....................... W....................... n/a 32,565 22,795 C....................... n/a 39,644 29,733 E....................... n/a 7,063 5,297 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 94,188 79,272 57,825 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sablefish \4\......................... W....................... n/a 1,367 1,367 C....................... n/a 4,574 4,574 WYK..................... n/a 1,626 1,626 SEO..................... n/a 2,640 2,640 E (WYK and SEO) n/a 4,266 4,266 (subtotal). ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 12,045 10,207 10,207 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water flatfish \5\............ W....................... n/a 21,042 13,250 C....................... n/a 19,418 19,418 WYK..................... n/a 3,206 3,206 SEO..................... n/a 1,105 1,105 Total................ 54,893 44,771 36,979 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep-water flatfish \6\............... W....................... n/a 257 257 C....................... n/a 3,488 3,488 WYK..................... n/a 3,047 3,047 SEO..................... n/a 2,590 2,590 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 11,290 9,382 9,382 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex sole.............................. W....................... n/a 1,478 1,478 C....................... n/a 4,995 4,995 WYK..................... n/a 861 861 SEO..................... n/a 1,087 1,087 Total................ 11,004 8,421 8,421 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrowtooth flounder................... W....................... n/a 25,747 14,500 C....................... n/a 98,895 75,000 WYK..................... n/a 34,273 6,900 SEO..................... n/a 11,595 6,900 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 196,635 170,510 103,300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flathead sole......................... W....................... n/a 11,282 8,650 C....................... n/a 20,677 15,400 WYK..................... n/a 2,998 2,998 SEO..................... n/a 872 872 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 43,872 35,829 27,920 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch \7\............... W....................... n/a 2,627 2,627 C....................... n/a 16,347 16,347 WYK..................... n/a 2,733 2,733 W/C/WYK................. 25,252 21,707 21,707 SEO..................... 2,032 1,747 1,747 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 27,284 23,454 23,454 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern rockfish \8\................. W....................... n/a 400 400 C....................... n/a 3,108 3,108 E....................... n/a 4 .............. ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 4,175 3,512 3,508 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish \9\............... W....................... n/a 38 38 C....................... n/a 301 301 E....................... n/a 947 947 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 1,715 1,286 1,286 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusky rockfish \10\................... W....................... n/a 146 146 C....................... n/a 3,499 3,499 [[Page 12039]] WYK..................... n/a 232 232 SEO..................... n/a 77 77 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 4,837 3,954 3,954 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish W....................... n/a 104 104 \11\. C....................... n/a 702 702 E....................... n/a 512 512 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 1,583 1,318 1,318 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demersal shelf rockfish \12\.......... SEO..................... 357 227 227 Thornyhead rockfish................... W....................... n/a 291 291 C....................... n/a 988 988 E....................... n/a 682 682 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 2,615 1,961 1,961 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other rockfish 13 14.................. W and C................. n/a 1,534 1,534 WYK..................... n/a 574 574 SEO..................... n/a 3,665 200 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 7,424 5,773 2,308 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atka mackerel......................... GW...................... 6,200 4,700 3,000 Big skate \15\........................ W....................... n/a 908 908 C....................... n/a 1,850 1,850 E....................... n/a 1,056 1,056 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 5,086 3,814 3,814 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Longnose skate \16\................... W....................... n/a 61 61 C....................... n/a 2,513 2,513 E....................... n/a 632 632 ----------------------------------------------- Total................ 4,274 3,206 3,206 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other skates \17\..................... GW...................... 2,558 1,919 1,919 Sculpins GW...................... 7,338 5,591 5,591 Sharks GW...................... 6,020 4,514 4,514 Squids GW...................... 1,516 1,137 1,137 Octopus GW...................... 6,504 4,878 4,878 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................. ........................ 708,843 597,052 483,588 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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 total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 157,496 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (3,937 mt) of that ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 153,559 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances. \3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 6 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments. \4\ Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2018. Table 8 lists the final 2018 allocation of sablefish TACs to trawl gear. \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 deepsea sole. \7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus. \8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other 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\ ``Other 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 (silvergrey), 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. polyspinis. \14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish. \15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata. \16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina. \17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja spp. [[Page 12040]] 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 reserve for possible apportionment at a later date during the fishing year. For 2017 and 2018, NMFS proposed reapportionment of all the reserves in the proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87881). NMFS did not receive any public comments on the proposed reapportionments. For the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications, NMFS reapportioned, as proposed, all the reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses back into the original TAC limit from which the reserve was derived. This was done because NMFS expects, based on recent harvest patterns, that such reserves are not necessary and the entire TAC for each of these species will be caught. The TACs listed in Tables 1 and 2 reflect reapportionments of reserve amounts to the original TAC limit for these species and species groups; i.e., each proposed TAC for the above mentioned species categories contains the full TAC recommended by the Council. 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 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to 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 were in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D seasons, the apportionments were in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS summer surveys. For 2017 and 2018, the Council recommended, and NMFS approved, following the apportionment methodology, which was used previously for the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. This methodology averages 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. 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 2017 and 2018 fishing years. For the A season, the apportionment is based on an adjusted estimate of the relative distribution of pollock biomass of approximately 5 percent, 72 percent, and 23 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the B season, the apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass at 5 percent, 82 percent, and 13 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 at 41 percent, 26 percent, and 33 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. The pollock chapter of the 2016 SAFE report (see ADDRESSES) contains a comprehensive description of the apportionment process and reasons for the minor changes from past apportionments. 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 for the Western and Central Regulatory Areas 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 subsequent 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 and in an amount no more than 20 percent of the seasonal TAC apportionment for the statistical area (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The pollock TACs in the WYK and SEO District of 7,492 mt and 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2017, and 5,791 mt and 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2018, are not allocated by season. Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the allocation of 100 percent of the pollock TAC in all regulatory areas and all seasonal allowances to vessels catching pollock for processing by the inshore component after subtraction of 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 by Sec. 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these incidental catch amounts of pollock are unknown and will be determined during the fishing year during the course of fishing activities by the offshore component. Tables 3 and 4 list the final 2017 and 2018 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 3--Final 2017 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution, Area Apportionments; and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season \1\ Shumagin (area 610) Chirikof (area 620) Kodiak (area 630) Total \2\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 2,232 4.67% 34,549 72.29% 11,014 23.04% 47,796 B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 2,232 4.67% 39,420 82.48% 6,143 12.85% 47,796 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 19,569 40.94% 12,341 25.82% 15,886 33.24% 47,796 D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 19,569 40.94% 12,341 25.82% 15,886 33.24% 47,796 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 12041]] Annual Total........................ 43,602 .............. 98,652 .............. 48,929 .............. 191,183 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table. \2\ The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table. Table 4--Final 2018 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution, Area Apportionments; and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season \1\ Shumagin (area 610) Chirikof (area 620) Kodiak (area 630) Total \2\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 1,725 4.67% 26,704 72.29% 8,513 23.04% 36,942 B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 1,725 4.67% 30,469 82.48% 4,748 12.85% 36,942 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 15,125 40.94% 9,538 25.82% 12,278 33.24% 36,942 D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 15,125 40.94% 9,538 25.82% 12,278 33.24% 36,942 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Total........................ 33,701 .............. 76,249 .............. 37,818 .............. 147,768 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table. \2\ The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table. Annual and Seasonal Apportionments of Pacific Cod TAC Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS allocates the Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear and operational sectors. NMFS also allocates the 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod TACs annually between the inshore (90 percent) and offshore (10 percent) components in the Eastern GOA (Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(ii)). 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, catcher/processors (C/Ps) using hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear (Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(B)). 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, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear (Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A)). 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 NMFS determines is likely to go unharvested by a sector may be reapportioned to other sectors for harvest during the remainder of the fishery year in accordance with Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(ii). 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 (FFP) 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 to up to 6 percent of the annual Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs, depending on the annual performance of the jig sector (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)). Jig sector allocation increases are established for a minimum of 2 years. NMFS has evaluated the 2016 harvest performance of the jig sector in the Western and Central GOA, and is establishing the 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod apportionments to this sector as follows. NMFS allocates the jig sector 2.5 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Western GOA. This is a decrease from the 2016 jig sector allocation because in both 2015 and 2016 this sector harvested less than its initial annual allocation. The 2017 and 2018 allocations include a base allocation of 1.5 percent, and an additional 1.0 percent because this sector harvested greater than 90 percent of its initial 2014 annual allocation. Since 2012, the jig sector in the Western GOA has received two separate increases to its annual allocation, for a total of 3.5 percent. This percentage is decreased by 1 percent for 2017 and 2018 due to the jig sector's 2016 harvest performance, in which 5 percent of the Western GOA jig allocation was harvested. Annual jig sector allocation increases or decreases occur in 1 percent increments; so if the Western GOA jig sector catches less than 90 percent of its 2017 annual allocation, it will be subject to another 1 percent decrease in 2018. NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.0 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Central GOA. This is the same percent as the 2016 jig sector allocation because in 2016 this sector harvested less than 90 percent of the initial 2016 allocation. The 2017 and 2018 allocations consist of a base allocation of 1.0 percent, and no additional performance increase in the Central GOA. Tables 5 and 6 list the seasonal apportionments and allocations of the 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod TACs. [[Page 12042]] Table 5--Final 2017 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing Components [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual allocation amount] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (2.5% of TAC)........... 635 N/A 381 N/A 254 Hook-and-line CV............ 347 0.70 173 0.70 173 Hook-and-line C/P........... 4,904 10.90 2,700 8.90 2,204 Trawl CV.................... 9,511 27.70 6,861 10.70 2,650 Trawl C/P................... 594 0.90 223 1.50 372 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 9,412 19.80 4,904 18.20 4,508 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 25,404 60.00 15,242 40.00 10,161 Central GOA: Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 331 N/A 199 N/A 133 Hook-and-line <50 CV........ 4,790 9.32 3,056 5.29 1,734 Hook-and-line >=50 CV....... 2,200 5.61 1,840 1.10 360 Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,674 4.11 1,347 1.00 327 Trawl CV \1\................ 13,641 21.14 6,933 20.45 6,708 Trawl C/P................... 1,377 2.00 657 2.19 720 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 9,121 17.83 5,849 9.97 3,272 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 33,135 60.00 19,881 40.00 13,254 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA..................... .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) 5,903 5,313 590 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,262 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 12). Table 6--Final 2018 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing Components [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual allocation amount] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (2.5% of TAC)........... 570 N/A 342 N/A 228 Hook-and-line CV............ 311 0.70 156 0.70 156 Hook-and-line C/P........... 4,400 10.90 2,422 8.90 1,978 Trawl CV.................... 8,534 27.70 6,156 10.70 2,378 Trawl C/P................... 533 0.90 200 1.50 333 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 8,445 19.80 4,400 18.20 4,045 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 22,795 60.00 13,677 40.00 9,118 Central GOA: Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 297 N/A 178 N/A 119 Hook-and-line <50 CV........ 4,298 9.32 2,742 5.29 1,556 Hook-and-line >=50 CV....... 1,974 5.61 1,651 1.10 323 Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,502 4.11 1,209 1.00 294 Trawl CV \1\................ 12,241 21.14 6,221 20.45 6,019 Trawl C/P................... 1,236 2.00 590 2.19 646 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 8,185 17.83 5,248 9.97 2,936 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 29,733 60.00 17,840 40.00 11,893 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA..................... .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) --------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 12043]] 5,297 4,768 530 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,133 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 13). Allocations of the Sablefish TACs Amounts to Vessels Using Hook-and- Line and Trawl Gear Section 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, which is comprised of the WYK and SEO Districts, 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 Regulatory Area may only be used to support incidental catch of sablefish in directed trawl 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 approves the allocation of 5 percent of the 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 allocates 100 percent of the sablefish TAC in the SEO District to vessels using hook-and-line gear. This action results in a 2017 allocation of 211 mt to trawl gear and 1,394 mt to hook-and-line gear in the WYK District, a 2017 allocation of 2,606 mt to hook-and- line gear in the SEO District, and a 2018 allocation of 213 mt to trawl gear in the WYK District. Table 7 lists the allocations of the 2017 sablefish TACs to hook-and-line and trawl gear. Table 8 lists the allocations of the 2018 sablefish TACs to trawl gear. The Council recommended that a trawl sablefish TAC be established for two 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. Both the 2017 and 2018 trawl allocations are specified in these final harvest specifications, in Tables 7 and 8, respectively. The Council also recommended that the hook-and-line sablefish TAC be established annually to ensure that this IFQ fishery is conducted concurrently with the halibut IFQ fishery and is based on recent sablefish survey information. Since there is an annual assessment for sablefish and since the final harvest specifications are expected to be published before the IFQ season begins on March 11, 2017, the Council recommended that the hook-and-line sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis, rather than for two years, so that the best scientific information available could be considered in establishing the sablefish ABCs and TACs. Accordingly, while the 2017 hook-and-line allocations are specified in Table 7, the 2018 hook-and-line allocations will be specified in the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. With the exception of the trawl allocations that were provided to the Central GOA Rockfish Program (Rockfish Program) cooperatives (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), directed fishing 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 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. Table 7--Final 2017 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocations to Hook-and-Line and Trawl Gear [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook-and-line Area/district TAC allocation Trawl allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western.............................. 1,349 1,079 270 Central.............................. 4,514 3,611 903 West Yakutat\1\...................... 1,605 1,394 211 Southeast Outside.................... 2,606 2,606 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................ 10,074 8,691 1,383 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. [[Page 12044]] Table 8--Final 2018 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocation to Trawl Gear\1\ [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hook-and-line Area/district TAC allocation Trawl allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western.............................. 1,367 n/a 273 Central.............................. 4,574 n/a 915 West Yakutat \2\..................... 1,626 n/a 213 Southeast Outside.................... 2,640 n/a 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................ 10,207 n/a 1,402 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Council recommended that 2018 harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be specified in the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. \2\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) The recommended 2017 and 2018 DSR TAC is 227 mt, and management of DSR is delegated to the State. The Alaska Board of Fisheries has apportioned the annual SEO District DSR TACs between the commercial fishery (84 percent) and the sport fishery (16 percent) after deductions were made for anticipated subsistence harvests (7 mt). This results in 2017 and 2018 allocations of 185 mt to the commercial fishery and 35 mt to the sport fishery. The State deducts estimates of incidental catch of DSR in the commercial halibut fishery and pre-season ``test fishery'' DSR mortality from the DSR commercial fishery allocation. In 2016, this resulted in 29 mt being available for the directed commercial DSR fishery apportioned in one DSR district. The State estimated that there was not sufficient DSR TAC available to have orderly fisheries in the three other DSR districts. DSR harvest in the halibut fishery is linked to the annual halibut catch limits; therefore, the State can only estimate potential DSR incidental catch because halibut catch limits are established by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). Federally permitted CVs using hook-and-line or jig gear fishing for groundfish and Pacific halibut in the SEO District of the GOA are required to retain all DSR (Sec. 679.20(j)). Apportionments to the Rockfish Program These final 2017 and 2018 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 (Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish) and secondary species (Pacific cod, rougheye rockfish, sablefish, shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish); 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. Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear. Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish primary species in the Central GOA are allocated to participants after deducting for incidental catch needs in other directed groundfish fisheries (Sec. 679.81(a)(2)). Participants in the Rockfish Program also receive a portion of the Central GOA TAC of specific secondary species. In addition to 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 (Sec. 679.81(d) and Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679). Rockfish Program sideboards and halibut PSC limits are discussed below. Also, 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. These restrictions are discussed in a subsequent section titled ``Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC Limitations.'' Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) and Table 28e to 50 CFR part 679 requires allocations of 5 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 50 mt of dusky rockfish to the entry level longline fishery in 2017 and 2018. The allocation for the entry level longline fishery may 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 percent of the TAC for that species. In 2016, the dusky rockfish catch exceeded 90 percent of that species' allocation. Therefore, NMFS is increasing the entry level longline fishery 2017 and 2018 allocations of dusky rockfish to 50 mt in the Central GOA. The catch of the other two species, Pacific ocean perch and northern rockfish, did not attain the 90 percent threshold, and those allocations remain at 5 mt each. The remainder of the TACs for the rockfish primary species would be allocated to the CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 9 lists the allocations of the 2017 and 2018 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. Table 9--Final 2017 and Initial 2018 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species to the Entry Level Longline Fishery in the Central Gulf of Alaska ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incremental increase in 2018 Rockfish primary species 2017 and 2018 if > 90% of 2017 allocation Up to maximum % allocations is harvested of TAC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch.................. 5 metric tons........... 5 metric tons................ 1 Northern rockfish.................... 5 metric tons........... 5 metric tons................ 2 [[Page 12045]] Dusky rockfish....................... 50 metric tons.......... 20 metric tons............... 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 679.81(a)(2) requires allocations of the rockfish primary species among various sectors of the Rockfish Program. Tables 10 and 11 list the final 2017 and 2018 allocations of rockfish primary species in the Central GOA to the entry level longline fishery, and CV and C/P cooperatives in the Rockfish Program. NMFS also is setting aside incidental catch amounts (ICAs) for other directed fisheries in the Central GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 300 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 among vessels belonging to CV or C/P cooperatives are not included in these final 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 2017 and 2018 allocations in conjunction with these final harvest specifications. NMFS will post these allocations on the Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-rockfish-program when they become available after March 1. Table 10--Final 2017 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to Allocation to Incidental the entry the rockfish Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level longline cooperatives allowance \1\ fishery \2\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch............. 16,671 2,000 14,671 5 14,666 Northern rockfish............... 3,354 300 3,054 5 3,049 Dusky rockfish.................. 3,786 250 3,536 50 3,486 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 23,811 2,550 21,261 60 21,201 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear. \2\ Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 11--Final 2018 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to Allocation to Incidental the entry the Rockfish Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level longline cooperatives allowance \1\ fishery \2\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch............. 16,347 2,000 14,347 5 14,342 Northern rockfish............... 3,108 300 2,808 5 2,803 Dusky rockfish.................. 3,499 250 3,249 50 3,199 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 22,954 2,550 20,404 60 20,344 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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) and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679 requires allocations of rockfish secondary species to CV and C/P cooperatives in the Central 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. Tables 12 and 13 list the apportionments of the 2017 and 2018 TACs of rockfish secondary species in the Central GOA to CV and C/P cooperatives. [[Page 12046]] Table 12--Final 2017 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives Annual Central --------------------------------------------------------------- Rockfish secondary species GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod..................... 33,135 3.81 1,262 0.00 .............. Sablefish....................... 4,514 6.78 306 3.51 158 Shortraker rockfish............. 301 0.00 .............. 40.00 120 Rougheye rockfish............... 706 0.00 .............. 58.87 416 Thornyhead rockfish............. 988 7.84 77 26.50 262 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 13--Final 2018 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives Annual Central --------------------------------------------------------------- Rockfish secondary species GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod..................... 29,733 3.81 1,133 0.00 .............. Sablefish....................... 4,574 6.78 310 3.51 161 Shortraker rockfish............. 301 0.00 .............. 40.00 120 Rougheye rockfish............... 702 0.00 .............. 58.87 413 Thornyhead rockfish............. 988 7.84 77 26.50 262 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut PSC Limits Section 679.21(d) establishes the annual halibut PSC limit apportionments to trawl and hook-and-line gear, and authorizes the establishment of apportionments for pot gear. In December 2016, the Council recommended halibut PSC limits of 1,706 mt for trawl gear, 257 mt for hook-and-line gear, and 9 mt for the DSR fishery in the SEO District for both 2017 and 2018. 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 (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(i)(A)). 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 the following: (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 231 mt TAC for DSR in 2016, 188 mt were available for the DSR commercial directed fishery, of which 8 mt were harvested. The FMP authorizes the Council to exempt specific gear from the halibut PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation with the Council, exempts pot gear, jig gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and-line gear fishery categories from the non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2017 and 2018. The Council recommended, and NMFS approves, these exemptions because: (1) The 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 catcher vessel holds unused halibut IFQ (Sec. 679.7(f)(11)), (3) some sablefish IFQ fishermen 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 that 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 2016. The calculated halibut bycatch mortality through December 31, 2016, is 1,336 mt for trawl gear and 241 mt for hook-and-line gear for a total halibut mortality of 1,577 mt. This halibut mortality was calculated using groundfish and halibut catch data from the NMFS Alaska Region's catch accounting system. This accounting 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 the Council and NMFS to 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. The Council considered information from the 2016 SAFE report, NMFS catch data, State of Alaska catch data, IPHC stock assessment and mortality data, and public testimony when apportioning the halibut PSC limits. NMFS concurs with the Council's recommendations listed in [[Page 12047]] Table 14, which show the final 2017 and 2018 Pacific halibut PSC limits, allowances, and apportionments. Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) specify that any underages or overages of a seasonal apportionment of a PSC limit will be added to or deducted from the next respective seasonal apportionment within the fishing year. Table 14--Final 2017 and 2018 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........ 86 221 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 ......................... .......... .......... ......................... .......... October 1-December 31................. 15 256 ......................... .......... .......... ......................... .......... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................. .......... 1,706 ......................... .......... 257 ......................... 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (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 sablefish IFQ fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes further apportionment of the trawl halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery categories listed in Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(iii). The annual apportionments are based on each category's proportional share of the anticipated halibut bycatch mortality during the 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). NMFS will combine available trawl halibut PSC limit apportionments in the second season deep-water and shallow-water fisheries for use in either fishery from May 15 through June 30 (Sec. 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(D). This is intended to maintain groundfish harvest while minimizing halibut bycatch by these sectors to the extent practicable. This provides the deep-water and shallow-water trawl fisheries additional flexibility and the incentive to participate in fisheries at times of the year that may have lower halibut PSC rates relative to other times of the year. Table 15 lists the final 2017 and 2018 apportionments of halibut PSC trawl limits between the trawl gear deep-water and shallow-water species fishery categories. 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 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 during the current fishing year 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 (Sec. 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(C)). Table 15--Final 2017 and 2018 Apportionment of Pacific Halibut PSC Trawl Limits Between the Trawl Gear Deep- Water Species Fishery and the Shallow-Water Species Fishery Categories [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 Central GOA 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 fishery categories during the fifth season (October 1 through December 31). [[Page 12048]] Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' halibut PSC limit apportionment to vessels using hook-and- line gear must be apportioned between 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 are not repeated here. Pursuant to Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the hook-and-line halibut PSC limit is apportioned between the CV and C/P sectors in proportion to the total Western and Central GOA Pacific cod allocations, which vary annually based on the proportion of the Pacific cod biomass. Pacific cod is apportioned among these two management areas based on the percentage of overall biomass per area, as calculated in the 2016 Pacific cod stock assessment. Updated information in the final 2016 SAFE report describes this distributional calculation, which is based on allocating ABC among regulatory areas on the basis of the three most recent stock surveys. For 2017 and 2018, the distribution of the total GOA Pacific cod ABC is 41 percent to the Western GOA, 50 percent to the Central GOA, and 9 percent to the Eastern GOA. Therefore, the calculations made in accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii) incorporate the most recent information on GOA Pacific cod distribution with respect to establishing the annual halibut PSC limits for the CV and C/P hook-and-line sectors. The annual halibut PSC limits are divided into three seasonal apportionments, using seasonal percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent, and 12 percent. For 2017 and 2018, NMFS apportions halibut PSC limits of 129 mt and 128 mt to the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P sectors, respectively. Table 16 lists the final 2017 and 2018 apportionments of halibut PSC limits between the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P sectors. No later than November 1 of each year, NMFS will calculate the projected 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 is necessary for that sector to continue its directed fishing operations (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)). Table 16--Final 2017 and 2018 Apportionments of the ``other hook-and-line fisheries'' Annual 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 Season Seasonal seasonal allowance sector amount percentage amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 257....................... Catcher Vessel... 129 January 1-June 10 86 111 June 10-September 2 3 1. September 1- 12 15 December 31. Catcher/Processor 128 January 1-June 10 86 110 June 10-September 2 3 1. September 1- 12 15 December 31. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock Condition The IPHC annually assesses the abundance and potential yield of the Pacific halibut stock using all available data from the commercial and sport fisheries, other removals, and scientific surveys. Additional information on the Pacific halibut stock assessment may be found in the IPHC's 2016 Pacific halibut stock assessment (December 2016), available on the IPHC Web site at www.iphc.int. The IPHC considered the 2016 Pacific halibut stock assessment at its January 2017 annual meeting when it set the 2017 commercial halibut fishery catch limits. Halibut Discard Mortality Rates To monitor halibut bycatch mortality allowances and apportionments, the Regional Administrator uses observed halibut incidental catch rates, halibut discard mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of groundfish catch to project when a fishery's halibut bycatch mortality allowance or seasonal apportionment is reached. Halibut incidental catch rates are based on observers' estimates of halibut incidental catch in the groundfish fishery. DMRs are estimates of the proportion of incidentally caught halibut that do not survive after being returned to the sea. The cumulative halibut mortality that accrues to a particular halibut PSC limit is the product of a DMR multiplied by the estimated halibut PSC. DMRs are estimated using the best information available in conjunction with the annual GOA stock assessment process. The DMR methodology and findings are included as an appendix to the annual GOA groundfish SAFE report. In 2016, the DMR estimation methodology underwent revisions per the Council's directive. An interagency halibut working group (IPHC, Council, and NMFS staff) developed improved estimation methods that have undergone review by the GOA Plan Team, SSC, and the Council. A summary of the revised methodology is contained in the GOA proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR 87881, December 6, 2016), and the comprehensive discussion of the working group's statistical methodology is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). While the DMR working group's revised methodology is intended to improve estimation accuracy, as well as transparency and transferability in the methodology used, for calculating DMRs, the working group will continue to consider improvements to the methodology used to calculate halibut mortality. Future DMRs, including the 2018 DMRs, may change based on an additional year of observer sampling, which could provide more recent and accurate data and which could improve the accuracy of estimation and progress on methodology. At the December 2016 meeting, the SSC, AP, and Council concurred with the revised DMR estimation methodology. The Council recommended adopting the halibut [[Page 12049]] DMRs derived from that process for 2017 and 2018, with no changes except a minor increase in the rate assigned to non-pelagic trawl catcher vessels that do not participate in the Rockfish Program (a two percent increase) and a decrease in the rate assigned to non-pelagic trawl catcher vessels that do participate in the Rockfish Program (an eighteen percent decrease). These changes reflect corrections that were made in programming code associated with calculating the DMRs for the trawl gear categories. Table 17 lists the proposed 2017 and 2018 DMRs. Table 17--Final 2017 and 2018 Halibut Discard Mortality Rates for Vessels Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska [Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut discard Gear Sector Groundfish fishery mortality rate (percent) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pelagic trawl......................... Catcher vessel................ All..................... 100 Catcher/processor............. All..................... 100 Non-pelagic trawl..................... Catcher vessel................ Rockfish Program........ 67 Catcher vessel................ All others.............. 65 Mothership and catcher/ All..................... 85 processor. Hook-and-line......................... Catcher/processor............. All..................... 11 Catcher vessel................ All..................... 12 Pot................................... Catcher vessel and catcher/ All..................... 10 processor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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)(8)). 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 Central GOA are set at 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 the manager of a shoreside processor or stationary floating processor has accurately recorded the number of salmon by species in the eLandings at-sea production report or eLandings groundfish landing report. If an observer is present at the processing facility that takes delivery of the catch, then the observer 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)(6)). 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(h)(4)). 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 specified threshold amount in 2016, that sector will receive an incremental increase to its 2017 Chinook salmon PSC limit (Sec. 679.21(h)(4)). In 2016, the trawl C/P sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook salmon PSC; therefore, the 2017 trawl C/Ps Chinook salmon PSC limit will be 4,080 Chinook salmon. In 2016, the Non- Rockfish Program CV sector did not exceed 2,340 Chinook salmon PSC; therefore, the 2017 Non-Rockfish Program CV sector limit will be 3,060 Chinook salmon. As described earlier in this preamble, Amendment 103 to the FMP became effective in 2016. The regulations associated with Amendment 103 authorize NMFS to use inseason management actions to reapportion unused Chinook salmon PSC limits among the pollock and non-pollock sectors. NMFS did not exercise this authority in 2016, as none of the trawl sectors needed reapportionments. NMFS may use this authority in 2017 and 2018 for inseason management actions if a trawl sector needs reapportionment of unused Chinook salmon PSC limits. American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/Processor and Catcher Vessel Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits Section 679.64 establishes groundfish harvesting and processing sideboard limitations 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 and C/Ps designated on a listed AFA C/P permit from harvesting any species of groundfish in the GOA. Additionally, Sec. 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on a listed AFA C/P permit 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 less than 5,100 mt, and have made at least 40 GOA groundfish landings from 1995 through 1997 are exempt from GOA sideboard limits under Sec. 679.64(b)(2)(ii). Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are based on their traditional harvest levels of TAC in groundfish fisheries covered by the FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv) establishes the groundfish sideboard limitations in the GOA based on the aggregate retained catch of non-exempt AFA CVs of each sideboard species from 1995 through 1997 divided by the sum of the TACs for that species or species group available to CVs over the same period. [[Page 12050]] Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2017 and 2018 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 Tables 18 and 19. Table 18--Final 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- 1997 non- Final 2017 non- Species Apportionments by Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2017 exempt AFA CV season/gear catch to 1995- TACs sideboard 1997 TAC limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock....................... A Season--January Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 2,232 1,350 20-March 10. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 34,549 4,032 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 11,014 2,234 B Season--March Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 2,232 1,350 10-May 31. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 39,420 4,600 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 6,143 1,246 C Season--August Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 19,569 11,834 25-October 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 12,341 1,440 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 15,886 3,222 D Season--October Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 19,569 11,834 1-November 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 12,341 1,440 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 15,886 3,222 Annual........... WYK (640)....... 0.3495 7,492 2,618 SEO (650)....... 0.3495 9,920 3,467 Pacific cod................... A Season \1\-- W............... 0.1331 15,242 2,029 January 1-June 10. C............... 0.0692 19,881 1,376 B Season \2\-- W............... 0.1331 10,161 1,352 September 1- December 31. C............... 0.0692 13,254 917 Annual........... E inshore....... 0.0079 5,313 42 E offshore...... 0.0078 590 5 Sablefish..................... Annual, trawl W............... 0.0000 270 .............. gear. C............... 0.0642 903 58 E............... 0.0433 211 9 Annual........... W............... 0.0156 13,250 207 Shallow-water flatfish........ C............... 0.0587 19,306 1,133 E............... 0.0126 4,287 54 Annual........... W............... 0.0000 256 .............. Deep-water flatfish........... C............... 0.0647 3,454 223 E............... 0.0128 5,582 71 Rex sole...................... Annual........... W............... 0.0007 1,459 1 C............... 0.0384 4,930 189 E............... 0.0029 1,922 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 3,806 3 Pacific ocean perch........... Annual........... W............... 0.0023 2,679 6 C............... 0.0748 16,671 1,247 E............... 0.0466 4,568 213 Northern rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0003 432 0 C............... 0.0277 3,354 93 Shortraker rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 38 .............. C............... 0.0218 301 7 E............... 0.0110 947 10 Dusky rockfish................ Annual........... W............... 0.0001 158 0 C............... 0.0000 3,786 .............. E............... 0.0067 334 2 Rougheye rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0000 105 .............. C............... 0.0237 706 17 E............... 0.0124 516 6 Demersal shelf rockfish....... Annual........... SEO............. 0.0020 227 0 Thornyhead rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0280 291 8 C............... 0.0280 988 28 E............... 0.0280 682 19 Other rockfish................ Annual........... C............... 0.1699 1,534 261 E............... 0.0000 774 .............. Atka mackerel................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0309 3,000 93 Big skates.................... Annual........... W............... 0.0063 908 6 C............... 0.0063 1,850 12 [[Page 12051]] E............... 0.0063 1,056 7 Longnose skates............... Annual........... W............... 0.0063 61 0 C............... 0.0063 2,513 16 E............... 0.0063 632 4 Other skates.................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 1,919 12 Sculpins...................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 5,591 35 Sharks........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 4,514 28 Squids........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 1,137 7 Octopuses..................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 4,878 31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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. Table 19--Final 2018 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- Final 2018 non- Species Apportionments by Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2018 exempt AFA CV season/gear catch to 1995- TACs sideboard 1997 TAC limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock....................... A Season--January Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 1,725 1,043 20-March 10. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 26,704 3,116 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 8,513 1,726 B--Season March Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 1,725 1,043 10-May 31. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 30,469 3,556 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 4,748 963 C Season--August Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 15,125 9,146 25-October 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 9,538 1,113 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 12,278 2,490 D Season--October Shumagin (610).. 0.6047 15,125 9,146 1-November 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.1167 9,538 1,113 Kodiak (630).... 0.2028 12,278 2,490 Annual........... WYK (640)....... 0.3495 5,791 2,024 SEO (650)....... 0.3495 9,920 3,467 Pacific cod................... A Season \1\-- W............... 0.1331 13,677 1,820 January 1-June 10. C............... 0.0692 17,840 1,235 B Season \2\-- W............... 0.1331 9,118 1,214 September 1- December 31. C............... 0.0692 11,893 823 Annual........... E inshore....... 0.0079 4,768 38 E offshore...... 0.0078 530 4 Sablefish..................... Annual, trawl W............... 0.0000 273 .............. gear. C............... 0.0642 915 59 E............... 0.0433 213 9 Shallow-water flatfish........ Annual........... W............... 0.0156 13,250 207 C............... 0.0587 19,418 1,140 E............... 0.0126 4,311 54 Deep-water flatfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 257 .............. C............... 0.0647 3,488 226 E............... 0.0128 5,637 72 Rex sole...................... Annual........... W............... 0.0007 1,478 1 C............... 0.0384 4,995 192 E............... 0.0029 1,948 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 30 E............... 0.0009 3,870 3 Pacific ocean perch........... Annual........... W............... 0.0023 2,627 6 C............... 0.0748 16,347 1,223 E............... 0.0466 4,480 209 [[Page 12052]] Northern rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0003 400 0 C............... 0.0277 3,108 86 Shortraker rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 38 .............. C............... 0.0218 301 7 E............... 0.0110 947 10 Dusky rockfish................ Annual........... W............... 0.0001 146 0 C............... 0.0000 3,499 .............. E............... 0.0067 309 2 Rougheye rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0000 104 .............. C............... 0.0237 702 17 E............... 0.0124 512 6 Demersal shelf rockfish....... Annual........... SEO............. 0.0020 227 0 Thornyhead rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0280 291 8 C............... 0.0280 988 28 E............... 0.0280 682 19 Other rockfish................ Annual........... W/C............. 0.1699 1,534 261 E............... 0.0000 774 .............. Atka mackerel................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0309 3,000 93 Big skates.................... Annual........... W............... 0.0063 908 6 C............... 0.0063 1,850 12 E............... 0.0063 1,056 7 Longnose skates............... Annual........... W............... 0.0063 61 0 C............... 0.0063 2,513 16 E............... 0.0063 632 4 Other skates.................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 1,919 12 Sculpins...................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 5,591 35 Sharks........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 4,514 28 Squids........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 1,137 7 Octopuses..................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0063 4,878 31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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. 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)(ii)). Table 20 lists the final 2017 and 2018 non- exempt AFA CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA, respectively. Table 20--Final 2017 and 2018 Non-Exempt AFA CV Halibut Prohibited Species Catch (PSC) Limits for Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the GOA [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- exempt AFA CV 2017 and 2017 and 2018 Season Season dates Target fishery retained 2018 PSC non-exempt catch to total limit AFA CV PSC retained limit catch ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1............................. January 20-April shallow-water... 0.340 384 131 1. 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 shallow-water... 0.340 171 58 1. deep-water...... 0.070 341 24 4............................. September 1- shallow-water... 0.340 128 44 October 1. deep-water...... 0.070 0 0 5............................. October 1- all targets..... 0.205 256 52 December 31. -------------------------------------------- Total..................... ................. ................ .............. 1,706 362 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 12053]] Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Limitations 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 catch 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 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), Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011), and Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80 FR 28539, May 19, 2015). Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2017 and 2018 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 21--Final 2017 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1996- 2000 non-AFA Final 2017 Area/component/ crab vessel Final 2017 non-AFA crab Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel 2000 total sideboard harvest limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock....................... A Season--January Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 2,232 22 20-March 10. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 34,549 107 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 11,014 2 B Season--March Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 2,232 22 10-May 31. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 39,420 122 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 6,143 1 C Season--August Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 19,569 192 25-October 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 12,341 38 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 15,886 3 D Season--October Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 19,569 192 1-November 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 12,341 38 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 15,886 3 Annual........... WYK (640)....... 0.0000 7,492 .............. SEO (650)....... 0.0000 9,920 .............. Pacific cod................... A Season--January WG Jig.......... 0.0000 15,242 1-June 10 \1\. WG Hook-and-line 0.0004 15,242 6 CV. WG Pot CV....... 0.0997 15,242 1,520 WG Pot C/P...... 0.0078 15,242 119 WG Trawl CV..... 0.0007 15,242 11 CG Jig.......... 0.0000 19,881 .............. CG Hook-and-line 0.0001 19,881 2 CV. CG Pot CV....... 0.0474 19,881 942 CG Pot C/P...... 0.0136 19,881 270 CG Trawl CV..... 0.0012 19,881 24 B Season \2\..... WG Jig.......... 0.0000 10,161 .............. Jig Gear: June 10- WG Hook-and-line 0.0004 10,161 4 December 31. CV. All other gears:. WG Pot CV....... 0.0997 10,161 1,013 September 1- WG Pot C/P...... 0.0078 10,161 79 December 31. WG Trawl CV..... 0.0007 10,161 7 CG Jig.......... 0.0000 13,254 .............. CG Hook-and-line 0.0001 13,254 1 CV. CG Pot CV....... 0.0474 13,254 628 CG Pot C/P...... 0.0136 13,254 180 CG Trawl CV..... 0.0012 13,254 16 Annual........... EG inshore...... 0.0110 5,313 58 EG offshore..... 0.0000 590 .............. Sablefish..................... Annual, trawl W............... 0.0000 270 .............. gear. C............... 0.0000 903 .............. E............... 0.0000 211 .............. Shallow-water flatfish........ Annual........... W............... 0.0059 13,250 78 C............... 0.0001 19,306 2 E............... 0.0000 4,287 .............. Deep-water flatfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0035 256 1 C............... 0.0000 3,454 .............. E............... 0.0000 5,582 .............. Rex sole...................... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 1,459 .............. C............... 0.0000 4,930 .............. E............... 0.0000 1,922 .............. Arrowtooth flounder........... Annual........... W............... 0.0004 14,500 6 C............... 0.0001 75,000 8 [[Page 12054]] E............... 0.0000 13,800 .............. Flathead sole................. Annual........... W............... 0.0002 8,650 2 C............... 0.0004 15,400 6 E............... 0.0000 3,806 .............. Pacific ocean perch........... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 2,679 .............. C............... 0.0000 16,671 .............. E............... 0.0000 4,568 .............. Northern rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0005 432 0 C............... 0.0000 3,354 .............. Shortraker rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0013 38 0 C............... 0.0012 301 0 E............... 0.0009 947 1 Dusky rockfish................ Annual........... W............... 0.0017 158 0 C............... 0.0000 3,786 .............. E............... 0.0000 334 .............. Rougheye rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0067 105 1 C............... 0.0047 706 3 E............... 0.0008 516 0 Demersal shelf rockfish....... Annual........... SEO............. 0.0000 227 .............. Thornyhead rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0047 291 1 C............... 0.0066 988 7 E............... 0.0045 682 3 Other rockfish................ Annual........... W/C............. 0.0033 1,534 5 E............... 0.0000 774 .............. Atka mackerel................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0000 3,000 .............. Big skate..................... Annual........... W............... 0.0392 908 36 C............... 0.0159 1,850 29 E............... 0.0000 1,056 .............. Longnose skate................ Annual........... W............... 0.0392 61 2 C............... 0.0159 2,513 40 E............... 0.0000 632 .............. Other skates.................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 1,919 34 Sculpins...................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 5,591 98 Sharks........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 4,514 79 Squids........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 1,137 20 Octopuses..................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 4,878 86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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. Table 22--Final 2018 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1996- 2000 non-AFA Final 2018 non- Area/component/ crab vessel Final 2018 AFA crab Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel 2000 total sideboard harvest limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock....................... A Season--January Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 1,725 17 20-March 10. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 26,704 83 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 8,513 2 B Season--March Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 1,725 17 10-May 31. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 30,469 94 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 4,748 1 C Season--August Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 15,125 148 25-October 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 9,538 30 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 12,278 2 D Season--October Shumagin (610).. 0.0098 15,125 148 1-November 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.0031 9,538 30 Kodiak (630).... 0.0002 12,278 2 Annual........... WYK (640)....... 0.0000 5,791 .............. SEO (650)....... 0.0000 9,920 .............. Pacific cod................... A Season \1\-- WG Jig.......... 0.0000 13,677 .............. January 1-June WG Hook-and-line 0.0004 13,677 5 10. CV. [[Page 12055]] WG Pot CV....... 0.0997 13,677 1,364 WG Pot C/P...... 0.0078 13,677 107 WG Trawl CV..... 0.0007 13,677 10 CG Jig.......... 0.0000 17,840 .............. CG Hook-and-line 0.0001 17,840 2 CV. CG Pot CV....... 0.0474 17,840 846 CG Pot C/P...... 0.0136 17,840 243 CG Trawl CV..... 0.0012 17,840 21 B Season \2\--Jig WG Jig.......... 0.0000 9,118 .............. Gear: June 10- WG Hook-and-line 0.0004 9,118 4 December 31; All CV. 0.0997 9,118 909 other gears: WG Pot CV....... 0.0078 9,118 71 September 1- WG Pot C/P...... December 31. WG Trawl CV..... 0.0007 9,118 6 CG Jig.......... 0.0000 11,893 .............. CG Hook-and-line 0.0001 11,893 1 CV. CG Pot CV....... 0.0474 11,893 564 CG Pot C/P...... 0.0136 11,893 162 CG Trawl CV..... 0.0012 11,893 14 Annual........... E inshore....... 0.0110 4,768 52 E offshore...... 0.0000 530 .............. Sablefish..................... Annual, trawl W............... 0.0000 273 .............. gear. C............... 0.0000 915 .............. E............... 0.0000 213 .............. Shallow-water flatfish........ Annual........... W............... 0.0059 13,250 78 C............... 0.0001 19,418 2 E............... 0.0000 4,311 .............. Deep-water flatfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0035 257 1 C............... 0.0000 3,488 .............. E............... 0.0000 5,637 .............. Rex sole...................... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 1,478 .............. C............... 0.0000 4,995 .............. E............... 0.0000 1,948 .............. Arrowtooth flounder........... Annual........... W............... 0.0004 14,500 6 C............... 0.0001 75,000 8 E............... 0.0000 13,800 .............. Flathead sole................. Annual........... W............... 0.0002 8,650 2 C............... 0.0004 15,400 6 E............... 0.0000 3,870 .............. Pacific ocean perch........... Annual........... W............... 0.0000 2,627 .............. C............... 0.0000 16,347 .............. E............... 0.0000 4,480 .............. Northern rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0005 400 0 C............... 0.0000 3,108 .............. Shortraker rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0013 38 0 C............... 0.0012 301 0 E............... 0.0009 947 1 Dusky rockfish................ Annual........... W............... 0.0017 146 0 C............... 0.0000 3,499 .............. E............... 0.0000 309 .............. Rougheye rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 0.0067 104 1 C............... 0.0047 702 3 E............... 0.0008 512 0 Demersal shelf rockfish....... Annual........... SEO............. 0.0000 227 .............. Thornyhead rockfish........... Annual........... W............... 0.0047 291 1 C............... 0.0066 988 7 E............... 0.0045 682 3 Other rockfish................ Annual........... W/C............. 0.0033 1,534 5 E............... 0.0000 774 .............. Atka mackerel................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0000 3,000 .............. Big skate..................... Annual........... W............... 0.0392 908 36 C............... 0.0159 1,850 29 E............... 0.0000 1,056 .............. Longnose skate................ Annual........... W............... 0.0392 61 2 C............... 0.0159 2,513 40 E............... 0.0000 632 .............. [[Page 12056]] Other skates.................. Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 1,919 34 Sculpins...................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 5,591 98 Sharks........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 4,514 79 Squids........................ Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 1,137 20 Octopuses..................... Annual........... Gulfwide........ 0.0176 4,878 86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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, Pacific ocean perch, and northern rockfish in the West Yakutat District and Western GOA 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)(3)-(4)). 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 dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and northern rockfish in the West Yakutat District and Western GOA from July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(e)(2)). Holders of C/P-designated LLP licenses that opt out of participating in a Rockfish Program cooperative will be able to access that portion of each sideboard limit that is not assigned to rockfish cooperatives. Tables 23 and 24 list the final 2017 and 2018 Rockfish Program C/P sideboard limits in the West Yakutat District and the Western GOA. Due to confidentiality requirements associated with fisheries data, the sideboard limits for the West Yakutat District are not displayed. Table 23--Final 2017 Rockfish Program Sideboard Limits for the West Yakutat District and Western GOA by Fishery for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C/P sector (% of Area Fishery TAC) Final 2017 TACs Final 2017 C/P limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA.................. Dusky rockfish. 72.3................ 158................. 114. Pacific ocean 50.6................ 2,679............... 1,356. perch. Northern 74.3................ 432................. 321. rockfish. West Yakutat District........ Dusky rockfish. Confidential \1\.... 251................. Confidential.\1\ Pacific ocean Confidential \1\.... 2,786............... Confidential.\1\ perch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska. Table 24--Final 2018 Rockfish Program Sideboard Limits for the West Yakutat District and Western GOA by Fishery for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C/P sector (% of Area Fishery TAC) Final 2018 TACs Final 2018 C/P limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA.................. Dusky rockfish. 72.3................ 146................. 106. Pacific ocean 50.6................ 2,627............... 1,329. perch. Northern 74.3................ 400................. 297. rockfish. West Yakutat District........ Dusky rockfish. Confidential \1\.... 232................. Confidential.\1\ Pacific ocean Confidential \1\.... 2,733............... Confidential.\1\ perch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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 cooperatives receive a portion of the annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt out of the Rockfish Program are 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 [[Page 12057]] 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 2017, and NMFS will know the ratios and amounts used to calculate opt-out sideboard ratios. NMFS will then calculate any applicable opt- out sideboards and post these allocations on the Alaska Region Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/rockfish/. Table 25 lists the 2017 and 2018 Rockfish Program halibut PSC limits for the C/P sector. Table 25--Final 2017 and 2018 Rockfish Program Halibut Mortality Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector (Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water Deep-water Annual shallow- Annual deep- species fishery species fishery 2017 and 2018 water species water species Sector halibut PSC halibut PSC halibut fishery halibut fishery halibut sideboard ratio sideboard ratio mortality limit PSC sideboard PSC sideboard (percent) (percent) (mt) limit (mt) limit (mt) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher/processor.................................................. 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 80 Program Groundfish and PSC Sideboard 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 catch 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 listed in Table 37 to 50 CFR 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. Tables 26 and 27 list the final 2017 and 2018 groundfish 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 Tables 26 and 27. Table 26--Final 2017 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of Apportionments Amendment 80 2017 Amendment Species and allocations Area sector vessels 2017 TAC 80 vessel by season 1998-2004 (mt) sideboards catch to TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock....................... A Season--January Shumagin (610).. 0.003 2,232 7 20-February 25. Chirikof (620).. 0.002 34,549 69 Kodiak (630).... 0.002 11,014 22 B Season--March Shumagin (610).. 0.003 2,232 7 10-May 31. Chirikof (620).. 0.002 39,420 79 Kodiak (630).... 0.002 6,143 12 C Season--August Shumagin (610).. 0.003 19,569 59 25-September 15. Chirikof (620).. 0.002 12,341 25 Kodiak (630).... 0.002 15,886 32 D Season--October Shumagin (610).. 0.003 19,569 59 1-November 1. Chirikof (620).. 0.002 12,341 25 Kodiak (630).... 0.002 15,886 32 Annual........... WYK (640)....... 0.002 7,492 15 Pacific cod................... A Season \1\-- W............... 0.020 15,242 305 January 1-June 10. C............... 0.044 19,881 875 B Season \2\-- W............... 0.020 10,161 203 September 1- December 31. C............... 0.044 13,254 583 Annual........... WYK............. 0.034 5,903 201 Pacific ocean perch........... Annual........... W............... 0.994 2,679 2,663 WYK............. 0.961 2,786 2,677 Northern rockfish............. Annual........... W............... 1.000 432 432 Dusky rockfish................ Annual........... W............... 0.764 158 121 WYK............. 0.896 251 225 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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. [[Page 12058]] Table 27--Final 2018 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of Apportionments Amendment 80 2018 Amendment Species and allocations Area sector vessels 2018 TAC (mt) 80 vessel by season 1998-2004 sideboards catch to TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................... A Season-- Shumagin (610). 0.003 1,725 5 January 20- Chirikof (620). 0.002 26,704 53 February 25. Kodiak (630)... 0.002 8,513 17 B Season--March Shumagin (610). 0.003 1,725 5 10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.002 30,469 61 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 4,748 9 C Season--August Shumagin (610). 0.003 15,125 45 25-September 15. Chirikof (620). 0.002 9,538 19 Kodiak (630)... 0.002 12,278 25 D Season-- Shumagin (610). 0.003 15,125 45 October 1- Chirikof (620). 0.002 9,538 19 November 1. Kodiak (630)... 0.002 12,278 25 Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.002 5,791 12 Pacific cod.................. A Season \1\-- W.............. 0.020 13,677 274 January 1-June C.............. 0.044 17,840 785 10. B Season \2\-- W.............. 0.020 9,118 182 September 1- C.............. 0.044 11,893 523 December 31. Annual.......... WYK............ 0.034 5,297 180 Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.994 2,627 2,611 WYK............ 0.961 2,733 2,626 Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 1.000 400 400 Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.764 146 112 WYK............ 0.896 232 208 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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 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 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 28 lists the final 2017 and 2018 halibut PSC 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. Any residual amount of a seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard halibut PSC limit may carry forward to the next season limit (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)). Table 28--Final 2017 and 2018 Halibut PSC Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels in the GOA [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historic Amendment 80 use of the annual 2017 and 2018 2017 and 2018 Season Season dates Target fishery halibut PSC annual PSC limit Amendment 80 limit catch (mt) vessel PSC limit (ratio) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1..................... January 20-April shallow-water... 0.0048 1,706 8 1. 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 shallow-water... 0.0146 1,706 25 1. deep-water...... 0.0521 1,706 89 4..................... September 1- shallow-water... 0.0074 1,706 13 October 1. deep-water...... 0.0014 1,706 2 5..................... October 1- shallow-water... 0.0227 1,706 39 December 31. deep-water...... 0.0371 1,706 63 ----------------------------------------------------- Total............. ................ ................ ................ ................ 474 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directed Fishing Closures Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the Regional Administrator determines (1) that any allocation or apportionment of a target species or species group allocated or apportioned to a fishery will be reached; or (2) with respect to pollock and Pacific cod, that an allocation or apportionment to an [[Page 12059]] inshore or offshore component or sector allocation will be reached, then the Regional Administrator may establish a directed fishing allowance (DFA) for that species or species group. If the Regional Administrator establishes a DFA and that allowance is or will be reached before the end of the fishing year, NMFS will prohibit directed fishing for that species or species group in the specified GOA subarea, regulatory area, or district (Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii)). The Regional Administrator has determined that the TACs for the species listed in Table 29 are necessary to account for the incidental catch of these species in other anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2017 and 2018 fishing years. Table 29--2017 and 2018 Directed Fishing Closures in the GOA [Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incidental catch amount and year (if amounts Target Area/component/gear differ by year) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock............................. all/offshore................ not applicable.\1\ Sablefish \2\....................... all/trawl................... 1,383 (2017), 1,402 (2018). Pacific cod......................... Western, catcher/processor, 594 (2017), 528 (2018). trawl. 1,377 (2017), 1,236 (2018). Central, catcher/processor, trawl. Shortraker rockfish \2\............. all......................... 1,286. Rougheye rockfish \2\............... all......................... 1,327 (2017), 1,318 (2018). Thornyhead rockfish \2\............. all......................... 1,961. Other rockfish...................... all......................... 2,308. Atka mackerel....................... all......................... 3,000. Big skate........................... all......................... 3,814. Longnose skate...................... all......................... 3,206. Other skates........................ all......................... 1,919. Sharks.............................. all......................... 4,514. Squids.............................. all......................... 1,137. Octopuses........................... all......................... 4,878. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Pollock is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(i). \2\ Closures not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program. Consequently, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional Administrator establishes the DFA for the species or species groups listed in Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for those species, areas, gear types, and components in the GOA listed in Table 29. These closures will remain in effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018. Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for management of AFA CV groundfish harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits using directed fishing closures and PSC closures according to procedures set out at Sec. Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and 679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional Administrator has determined that, in addition to the closures listed above, many of the non-exempt AFA CV sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and 19 are necessary as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2017 and 2018 fishing years. In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional Administrator sets the DFAs for the species and species groups in Table 30 at zero mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the species and specified areas listed in Table 30. These closures will remain in effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018. Table 30--2017 and 2018 Non-Exempt AFA CV Sideboard Directed Fishing Closures for All Gear Types in the GOA [Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulatory area/ Species district Incidental catch amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod.................... Eastern............... 42 (inshore) and 5 (offshore) [2017]. 38 (inshore) and 4 (offshore) [2018]. Shallow-water flatfish......... Eastern............... 54 in 2017, 49 in 2018. Deep-water flatfish............ Western............... 0. Rex sole....................... Eastern and Western... 6 and 1 (2017), 5 and 1 (2018). Arrowtooth flounder............ Eastern and Western... 3 and 30. Flathead sole.................. Eastern and Western... 3 and 31. Pacific ocean perch............ Western............... 6. Northern rockfish.............. Western............... 0. Dusky rockfish................. Entire GOA............ 2. Demersal shelf rockfish........ SEO District.......... 0. Sculpins....................... Entire GOA............ 35. Squids......................... Entire GOA............ 7. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 680.22 provides for the management of non-AFA crab vessel sideboards using directed fishing closures in accordance with Sec. 680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional Administrator has determined that the [[Page 12060]] non-AFA crab vessel sideboards listed in Tables 21 and 22 are insufficient to support a directed fishery and has set the sideboard DFA at zero mt, with the exception of Pacific cod pot CV sector apportionments in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Therefore, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by non-AFA crab vessels in the GOA for all species and species groups listed in Tables 21 and 22, with the exception of the Pacific cod pot CV sector apportionments in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Closures implemented under the 2016 and 2017 GOA harvest specifications for groundfish (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016) remain effective under authority of these final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications, and are posted at the following Web site: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/infobulletins/search. While these closures are in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a fishing trip. These closures to directed fishing are in addition to closures and prohibitions found at 50 CFR part 679. NMFS may implement other closures during the 2017 and 2018 fishing years as necessary for effective conservation and management. Comments and Responses NMFS did not receive any comments about the proposed harvest specifications. Classification NMFS has determined that these final harvest specifications are consistent with the FMP and with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable laws. 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 (see ADDRESSES) 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 EIS. In January 2017, NMFS prepared a Supplemental Information Report (SIR) for this action. Copies of the EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The EIS analyzes the environmental consequences of the groundfish harvest specifications and alternative harvest strategies on resources in the action area. The EIS found no significant environmental consequences of this action and its alternatives. The preferred alternative is a harvest strategy in which TACs are set at a level that falls within the range of ABCs recommended by the Council's SSC; the sum of the TACs must achieve the OY specified in the FMP. The SIR evaluates the need to prepare a Supplemental EIS (SEIS) for the 2017 and 2018 groundfish harvest specifications. An SEIS should be prepared if (1) the agency makes substantial changes in the proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns, or (2) significant new circumstances or information exist relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed action or its impacts (40 CFR 1502.9(c)(1)). After reviewing the information contained in the SIR and SAFE reports, the Regional Administrator has determined that (1) approval of the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications, which were set according to the preferred harvest strategy in the EIS, do not constitute a substantial change in the action; and (2) there are no significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the action or its impacts. Additionally, the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications will result in environmental impacts within the scope of those analyzed and disclosed in the EIS. Therefore, supplemental National Environmental Policy Act documentation is not necessary to implement the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 604) requires that, when an agency promulgates a final rule under section 553 of Title 5 of the United States Code, after being required by that section, or any other law, to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking, the agency shall prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA). Section 604 describes the required contents of a FRFA: (1) A statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule; (2) a statement of the significant issues raised by the public comments in response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a statement of the assessment of the agency of such issues, and a statement of any changes made in the proposed rule as a result of such comments; (3) the response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in response to the proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change made to the proposed rule in the final rule as a result of the comments; (4) a description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate is available; (5) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement and the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report or record; and (6) a description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the significant economic impact on small entities consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, including a statement of the factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the alternative adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other significant alternatives to the rule considered by the agency that affect the impact on small entities was rejected. A description of this action, its purpose, and its legal basis are contained at the beginning of the preamble to this final rule and are not repeated here. NMFS published the proposed rule on December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87881). NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to accompany this action, and included a summary in the proposed rule. The comment period closed on January 5, 2017. No comments were received on the IRFA or the economic impacts of the rule more generally. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration did not file any comments on the proposed rule. The entities directly regulated by this action include: (1) Entities operating vessels with groundfish FFPs catching FMP groundfish in Federal waters; (2) all entities operating vessels, regardless of whether they hold groundfish FFPs, catching FMP groundfish in the State-waters parallel fisheries; and (3) all entities operating vessels fishing for halibut inside three miles of the shore (whether or not they have FFPs). For RFA purposes only, NMFS has established a small business size standard for businesses, including their affiliates, whose primary industry is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2). A business primarily engaged in commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411) 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 receipts not in excess of $11 million for all its affiliated operations worldwide. Based on data from 2015 fishing activity, there were 969 individual catcher vessel entities with gross revenues meeting small entity criteria. Of these entities, 827 used hook-and-line gear, 115 used pot gear, and 30 used trawl gear (some of these entities used more than one gear type, thus the counts of entities using the different gear types [[Page 12061]] do not sum to the total number of entities above). Three individual catcher/processors met the small entity criterion; two used hook-and- line gear, and one used trawl gear. Catcher/processor gross revenues were not reported for confidentiality reasons; however, hook-and-line small entities had average gross revenues of $350,000, small pot entities had average gross revenues of $760,000, and small trawl entities had average gross revenues of $1.85 million. Some of these vessels are members of AFA inshore pollock cooperatives, of GOA rockfish cooperatives, or of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab rationalization cooperatives, and, therefore, under the RFA it is the aggregate gross receipts of all participating members of the cooperative that must meet the threshold. Vessels that participate in these cooperatives are considered to be large entities within the meaning of the RFA. These relationships are accounted for, along with corporate affiliations among vessels, to the extent that they are known, in the estimated number of small entities. If affiliations exist of which NMFS is unaware, or if entities had non- fishing revenue sources, the estimates above may overstate the number of directly regulated small entities. This action does not modify recordkeeping or reporting requirements. NMFS considered alternative harvest strategies when choosing the preferred harvest strategy (Alternative 2) in December 2006. These included the following:Alternative 1: Set TACs to produce fishing mortality rates, F, that are equal to maxFABC, unless the sum of the TACs is constrained by the OY established in the fishery management plans. This is equivalent to setting TACs to produce harvest levels equal to the maximum permissible ABCs, as constrained by OY. The term ``maxFABC'' refers to the maximum permissible value of FABC under Amendment 56 to the BSAI and GOA groundfish fishery management plans. Historically, the TAC has been set at or below the ABC; therefore, this alternative represents a likely upper limit for setting the TAC within the OY and ABC limits. Alternative 3: For species in Tiers 1, 2, and 3, set TAC to produce F equal to the most recent 5-year average actual F. For species in Tiers 4, 5, and 6, set TAC equal to the most recent 5-year average actual catch. For stocks with a high level of scientific information, TACs would be set to produce harvest levels equal to the most recent 5-year average actual fishing mortality rates. For stocks with insufficient scientific information, TACs would be set equal to the most recent 5-year average actual catch. This alternative recognizes that for some stocks, catches may fall well below ABCs, and recent average F may provide a better indicator of actual F than FABC does. Alternative 4: (1) Set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 3 at F75%. Set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 5 at F = 0.5M. Set spatially explicit TACs for shortraker and rougheye rockfish in the GOA. (2) Taking the rockfish TACs as calculated above, reduce all other TACs by a proportion that does not vary across species, so that the sum of all TACs, including rockfish TACs, is equal to the lower bound of the area OY (116,000 mt in the GOA). This alternative sets conservative and spatially explicit TACs for rockfish species that are long-lived and late to mature and sets conservative TACs for the other groundfish species. Alternative 5: (No Action) Set TACs at zero. These four alternatives (1, 3, 4, and 5) do not meet the objectives of this action, and although Alternatives 1 and 3 may have a smaller adverse economic impact on small entities than the preferred alternative, Alternatives 4 and 5 would have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities. The Council rejected these alternatives as harvest strategies in 2006, and the Secretary did so in 2007. Alternative 2 is the preferred alternative chosen by the Council: Set TACs that fall within the range of ABCs recommended through the Council harvest specifications process and TACs recommended by the Council. Under this scenario, F is set equal to a constant fraction of maxFABC. The recommended fractions of maxFABC may vary among species or stocks, based on other considerations unique to each. This is the method for determining TACs that has been used in the past. Alternative 2 selected harvest rates that will allow fishermen to harvest stocks at the level of ABCs, unless total harvests are constrained by the upper bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 mt. The sums of ABCs in 2017 and 2018 are 667,877 mt and 597,052 mt, respectively. The sums of the TACs in 2017 and 2018 are 535,863 mt and 483,588 mt, respectively. Thus, although the sum of ABCs in each year is less than 800,000 mt, the sums of the TACs in each year are less than the sums of the ABCs. In most cases, the Council has set TACs equal to ABCs. The divergence between aggregate TACs and aggregate ABCs reflects a variety of special species- and fishery-specific circumstances: Pacific cod TACs are set equal to 70 percent in the Western GOA and 75 percent in the Central and Eastern GOA of the Pacific cod ABCs in each year to account for the GHL set by the State for its GHL Pacific cod fisheries (30 percent of the Western GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Central and Eastern GOA ABCs). Thus, the difference between the Federal TACs and ABCs does not actually reflect a Pacific cod harvest below the Pacific cod ABC, as the balance is available for the State's cod GHL fisheries. Shallow-water flatfish and flathead sole TACs are set below ABCs in the Western Regulatory Area. Arrowtooth flounder TACs are set below ABC in all GOA regulatory areas. Catches of these flatfish species rarely, if ever, approach the proposed ABCs or TACs. Important trawl fisheries in the GOA take halibut PSC, and are constrained by limits on the allowable halibut PSC mortality. These limits may force the closure of trawl fisheries before they have harvested the available groundfish ABC. Thus, actual harvests of groundfish in the GOA routinely fall short of some ABCs and TACs. Markets can also constrain harvests below the TACs, as has been the case with arrowtooth flounder, in the past. These TACs are set to allow for increased harvest opportunities for these targets while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized, fisheries. The other rockfish TAC is set below the ABC in the Southeast Outside District based on several factors. In addition to conservation concerns for the rockfish species in this group, there is a regulatory prohibition against using trawl gear east of 140[deg] W. longitude. Because most species of other rockfish are caught exclusively with trawl gear, the catch of such species with other gear types, such as hook-and-line, is low. The commercial catch of other rockfish in the Eastern Regulatory Area, which includes the West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts, has ranged from approximately 70 mt to 248 mt per year over the last decade. The GOA-wide Atka mackerel TAC is set below the ABC. The estimates of survey biomass continue to be unreliable in the GOA. Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS agrees that the Atka mackerel TAC in the GOA be set at an amount to support incidental catch in other directed fisheries. Alternative 3 selects harvest rates based on the most recent 5 years of [[Page 12062]] 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 because it does not take account of the most recent biological information for this fishery. Alternative 4 would lead to significantly lower harvests of all species to reduce TACs from the upper end of the OY range in the GOA to its lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this alternative would reduce 2017 TACs by about 80 percent. This would lead to significant reductions in harvests of species by small entities. While production declines in the GOA would undoubtedly be associated with price increases in the GOA, these increases would still be constrained by the availability of substitutes, and are very unlikely to offset revenue declines from smaller production. Thus, this action would have a detrimental economic impact on small entities. Alternative 5, which sets all harvests equal to zero, may also address conservation issues, but would have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities. Impacts on marine mammals resulting from fishing activities conducted under this rule are discussed in the EIS and SIR (see ADDRESSES). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness for this rule because delaying this rule would be contrary to the public interest. The Plan Team review occurred in November 2016, and the Council considered and recommended the final harvest specifications in December 2016. Accordingly, NMFS' review could not begin until January 2017. For all fisheries not currently closed because the TACs established under the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016) were not reached, it is possible that they would be closed prior to the expiration of a 30-day delayed effectiveness period because their TACs could be reached within that period. If implemented immediately, this rule would allow these fisheries to continue because some of the new TACs implemented by this rule are higher than the ones under which they are currently fishing. Certain fisheries, such as those for pollock and Pacific cod, are intensive, fast-paced fisheries. Other fisheries, such as those for sablefish, flatfish, rockfish, Atka mackerel, skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses, are critical as directed fisheries and as incidental catch in other fisheries. U.S. fishing vessels have demonstrated the capacity to catch the TAC allocations in many of these fisheries. If this rule allowed for a 30-day delay in effectiveness and if a TAC were reached during those 30 days, NMFS would close directed fishing or prohibit retention for the applicable species. Any delay in allocating the final TACs in these fisheries would cause confusion to the industry and potential economic harm through unnecessary discards, thus undermining the intent of this rule. Waiving the 30-day delay allows NMFS to prevent economic loss to fishermen that could otherwise occur should the 2017 TACs (set under the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications) be reached. Determining which fisheries may close is impossible because these fisheries are affected by several factors that cannot be predicted in advance, including fishing effort, weather, movement of fishery stocks, and market price. Furthermore, the closure of one fishery has a cascading effect on other fisheries by freeing-up fishing vessels, allowing them to move from closed fisheries to open ones, increasing the fishing capacity in those open fisheries, and causing them to close at an accelerated pace. In fisheries subject to declining sideboard limits, a failure to implement the updated sideboard limits before initial season's end could deny the intended economic protection to the non-sideboarded sectors. Conversely, in fisheries with increasing sideboard limits, economic benefit could be denied to the sideboard limited sectors. If the final harvest specifications are not effective by March 11, 2017, which is the start of the 2017 Pacific halibut season as specified by the IPHC, the hook-and-line sablefish fishery will not begin concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season. This would result in confusion for the industry and economic harm from unnecessary discard of sablefish that are caught along with Pacific halibut, as both hook-and-line sablefish and Pacific halibut are managed under the same IFQ program. Immediate effectiveness of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications will allow the sablefish IFQ fishery to begin concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season. In addition, the immediate effectiveness of this action is required to provide consistent management and conservation of fishery resources based on the best available scientific information. This is particularly true for those species that have lower 2017 ABCs and TACs than those established in the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016). Immediate effectiveness also would give the fishing industry the earliest possible opportunity to plan and conduct its fishing operations with respect to new information about TACs. Therefore, NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). Small Entity Compliance Guide This final rule is a plain language guide to assist small entities in complying with this final rule as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This final rule's primary purpose is to announce the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications and prohibited species bycatch allowances for the groundfish fisheries of the GOA. This action is necessary to establish harvest limits and associated management measures for groundfish during the 2017 and 2018 fishing years, and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the FMP. This action affects all fishermen who participate in the GOA fisheries. The specific amounts of OFL, ABC, TAC, and PSC are provided in tables to assist the reader. NMFS will announce closures of directed fishing in the Federal Register and information bulletins released by the Alaska Region. Affected fishermen should keep themselves informed of such closures. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1540 (f), 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: February 21, 2017. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-03697 Filed 2-24-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![12032 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Chinook salmon PSC limits established
Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the by Amendments 93 and 97 to the FMP
National Oceanic and Atmospheric FMP under the authority of the to prevent or limit fishery closures due
Administration Magnuson-Stevens Fishery to attainment of sector-specific Chinook
Conservation and Management Act, 16 salmon PSC limits, while maintaining
50 CFR Part 679 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Regulations the annual, combined 32,500 Chinook
[Docket No. 160920866–7167–02] governing U.S. fisheries and salmon PSC limit for all sectors. The
implementing the FMP appear at 50 Secretary approved Amendment 103 on
RIN 0648–XE904 CFR parts 600, 679, and 680. August 24, 2016. The final rule
The FMP and its implementing implementing Amendment 103
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic regulations require NMFS, after published on September 12, 2016, (81
Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final consultation with the Council, to FR 62659) and became effective on
2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications specify the total allowable catch (TAC) October 12, 2016.
for Groundfish for each target species, the sum of which Amendment 101: Authorize Longline
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries must be within the optimum yield (OY) Pot Gear for Use in the Sablefish IFQ
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons Fishery in the GOA
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (mt) (50 CFR 679.20(a)(1)(i)(B)). Section
679.20(c)(1) further requires NMFS to In April 2015, the Council
Commerce. recommended for Secretarial review
publish and solicit public comment on
ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications Amendment 101 to the FMP for the
proposed annual TACs, Pacific halibut
and closures. sablefish individual fishing quota (IFQ)
prohibited species catch (PSC) limits,
and seasonal allowances of pollock and fisheries in the GOA. Amendment 101
SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2017 authorizes the use of longline pot gear
and 2018 harvest specifications, Pacific cod. Upon consideration of
public comment received under in the GOA sablefish IFQ fishery. The
apportionments, and Pacific halibut objective of that amendment is to
prohibited species catch limits for the § 679.20(c)(1), NMFS must publish
notice of final harvest specifications for increase efficiency in harvesting
groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska sablefish IFQ and decrease the
(GOA). This action is necessary to up to two fishing years as annual TACs,
per § 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest depredation of sablefish caught on
establish harvest limits for groundfish hook-and-line gear by whales. The
during the 2017 and 2018 fishing years specifications set forth in Tables 1
through 30 of this document reflect the Secretary approved Amendment 101 on
and to accomplish the goals and November 4, 2016. NMFS issued a final
objectives of the Fishery Management outcome of this process, as required at
§ 679.20(c). rule to implement Amendment 101 to
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of the FMP for the sablefish individual
Alaska. The intended effect of this The proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA fishing quota (IFQ) fisheries in the GOA
action is to conserve and manage the on December 28, 2016 (81 FR 95435).
groundfish resources in the GOA in and Pacific halibut PSC limits were
published in the Federal Register on The effective date of this final rule has
accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens been temporarily stayed in accordance
Fishery Conservation and Management December 6, 2016 (81 FR 87881).
Comments were invited and accepted with the memorandum of January 20,
Act. 2017, from the Assistant to the President
through January 5, 2017. NMFS did not
DATES: Harvest specifications and receive any comments on the proposed and Chief of Staff, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
closures are effective at 1200 hours, harvest specifications. In December Freeze Pending Review,’’ published in
Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 27, 2016, NMFS consulted with the Council the Federal Register on January 24,
2017, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 2017. While the effective date of the
regarding the 2017 and 2018 harvest
31, 2018. final rule is currently delayed (see 82 FR
specifications. After considering public
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the
8810, January 31, 2017), NMFS advises
testimony, as well as biological and
Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest the public that the date of the stay, and
economic data that were available at the
Specifications Environmental Impact therefore the effective date of the final
Council’s December 2016 meeting,
Statement (EIS), Record of Decision rule, may change in the future.
NMFS is implementing the final 2017
(ROD), and the Supplementary and 2018 harvest specifications, as Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and
Information Report (SIR) to the EIS recommended by the Council. For 2017, TAC Specifications
prepared for this action are available the sum of the TAC amounts is 535,863 In December 2016, the Council, its
from http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. mt. For 2018, the sum of the TAC Advisory Panel (AP), and its Scientific
The final 2016 Stock Assessment and amounts is 483,588 mt. and Statistical Committee (SSC)
Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the reviewed the most recent biological and
groundfish resources of the GOA, dated Other Actions Potentially Affecting the
2017 and 2018 Harvest Specifications harvest information about the condition
November 2016, is available from the of groundfish stocks in the GOA. This
North Pacific Fishery Management Amendment 103: Chinook Salmon information was compiled by the
Council (Council) at 605 West 4th Prohibited Species Catch Limit Council’s GOA Groundfish Plan Team
Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK Reapportionment Provisions for Trawl and was presented in the draft 2016
99510–2252, phone 907–271–2809, or Sectors in the Western and Central GOA SAFE report for the GOA groundfish
from the Council’s Web site at http:// In December 2015, the Council fisheries, dated November 2016 (see
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
www.npfmc.org. recommended for Secretary of ADDRESSES). The SAFE report contains a
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commerce (Secretary) review review of the latest scientific analyses
Obren Davis, 907–586–7228. Amendment 103 to the FMP to and estimates of each species’ biomass
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS reapportion unused Chinook salmon and other biological parameters, as well
manages the GOA groundfish fisheries PSC limits among the GOA pollock and as summaries of the available
in the exclusive economic zone of the non-pollock trawl sectors. Amendment information on the GOA ecosystem and
GOA under the Fishery Management 103 allows NMFS to reapportion the the economic condition of the
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12035
the sablefish assessment model. Another effects model to calculate the weight-at- recommended by the SSC, AP, and
notable increase between the proposed age of pollock, rather than a 5-year Council.
and final TACs includes the 2017 and average weight-at-age. This change Detailed information providing the
2018 TACs for Atka mackerel, which resulted in a downward calculation of basis for the changes described above is
increased because of public interest in biomass and ABC, with additional
contained in the final 2016 SAFE report.
additional opportunities to catch and declines expected in the short-term.
For all other species and species The final TACs are based on the best
retain Atka mackerel. The AP
recommended, and the Council groups, changes from the proposed 2017 scientific information available. These
adopted, this increase. TACs to the final 2017 TACs are within TACs are specified in compliance with
Based on changes in the estimates of a range of plus or minus 4 percent. The the harvest strategy described in the
biomass, the greatest decrease in TACs changes from the proposed 2018 TACs proposed and final rules for the 2017
is for pollock. The pollock assessment to the final 2018 TACs are within a and 2018 harvest specifications. The
model incorporated 2016 survey data, as range of plus or minus 8 percent. These changes in TACs between the proposed
well as changes to the model. A notable TAC changes correspond to associated rule and this final rule are compared in
model change included using a random- changes in the ABCs and TACs, as Table 1a.
TABLE 1a—COMPARISON OF PROPOSED AND FINAL 2017 AND 2018 GOA TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage]
2017 and 2017 Final 2018 Final
2017 Final Percentage 2018 Percentage
Species 2018 proposed minus 2017 minus 2018
TAC difference Final TAC difference
TAC proposed TAC proposed TAC
Pollock .......................... 254,200 208,595 ¥45,605 ¥18 163,479 ¥90,721 ¥36
Pacific cod .................... 62,150 64,442 2,292 4 57,825 ¥4,325 ¥7
Sablefish ...................... 8,307 10,074 1,767 21 10,207 1,900 23
Shallow-water flatfish ... 34,855 36,843 1,988 6 36,979 2,124 6
Deep-water flatfish ....... 9,281 9,292 11 0 9,382 101 1
Rex sole ....................... 7,507 8,311 804 11 8,421 914 12
Arrowtooth flounder ...... 103,300 103,300 0 0 103,300 0 0
Flathead sole ............... 27,850 27,856 6 0 27,920 70 0
Pacific ocean perch ..... 24,189 23,918 ¥271 ¥1 23,454 ¥735 ¥3
Northern rockfish .......... 3,768 3,786 18 0 3,508 ¥260 ¥7
Shortraker rockfish ....... 1286 1,286 0 0 1286 0 0
Dusky rockfish .............. 4,284 4,278 ¥6 0 3,954 ¥330 ¥8
Rougheye rockfish ....... 1,325 1,327 2 0 1,318 ¥7 ¥1
Demersal shelf rockfish 231 227 ¥4 ¥2 227 ¥4 ¥2
Thornyhead rockfish .... 1,961 1,961 0 0 1,961 0 0
Other rockfish ............... 2,308 2,308 0 0 2,308 0 0
Atka mackerel .............. 2,000 3,000 1,000 50 3,000 1,000 50
Big skate ...................... 3,814 3,814 0 0 3,814 0 0
Longnose skate ............ 3,206 3,206 0 0 3,206 0 0
Other skates ................. 1,919 1,919 0 0 1,919 0 0
Sculpins ........................ 5,591 5,591 0 0 5,591 0 0
Sharks .......................... 4,514 4,514 0 0 4,514 0 0
Squids .......................... 1,148 1,137 ¥11 ¥1 1,137 ¥11 ¥1
Octopuses .................... 4,878 4,878 0 0 4,878 0 0
Total ...................... 573,872 535,863 ¥38,009 ¥7 483,588 ¥90,284 ¥16
The final 2017 and 2018 TAC GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any amounts for GOA groundfish for 2017
recommendations for the GOA are species or species group. Tables 1 and and 2018, respectively.
within the OY range established for the 2 list the final OFL, ABC, and TAC
TABLE 1—FINAL 2017 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, 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
Pollock 2 ................................................................................... Shumagin (610) ..................... n/a 43,602 43,602
Chirikof (620) ......................... n/a 98,652 98,652
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Kodiak (630) .......................... n/a 48,929 48,929
WYK (640) ............................. n/a 7,492 7,492
W/C/WYK (subtotal) 2 ............. 235,807 203,769 198,675
SEO (650) .............................. 13,226 9,920 9,920
Total ................................ 249,033 213,689 208,595
Pacific cod 3 ............................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 36,291 25,404
C ............................................ n/a 44,180 33,135
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TABLE 1—FINAL 2017 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
E ............................................. n/a 7,871 5,903
Total ................................ 105,378 88,342 64,442
Sablefish 4 ................................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 1,349 1,349
C ............................................ n/a 4,514 4,514
WYK ....................................... n/a 1,605 1,605
SEO ....................................... n/a 2,606 2,606
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) n/a 4,211 4,211
Total ................................ 11,885 10,074 10,074
Shallow-water flatfish 5 ............................................................ W ............................................ n/a 20,921 13,250
C ............................................ n/a 19,306 19,306
WYK ....................................... n/a 3,188 3,188
SEO ....................................... n/a 1,099 1,099
Total ................................ 54,583 44,514 36,843
Deep-water flatfish 6 ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 256 256
C ............................................ n/a 3,454 3,454
WYK ....................................... n/a 3,017 3,017
SEO ....................................... n/a 2,565 2,565
Total ................................ 11,182 9,292 9,292
Rex sole .................................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 1,459 1,459
C ............................................ n/a 4,930 4,930
WYK ....................................... n/a 850 850
SEO ....................................... n/a 1,072 1,072
Total ................................ 10,860 8,311 8,311
Arrowtooth flounder ................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 28,100 14,500
C ............................................ n/a 107,934 75,000
WYK ....................................... n/a 37,405 6,900
SEO ....................................... ........................ 12,654 6,900
Total ................................ 219,327 186,093 103,300
Flathead sole ........................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 11,098 8,650
C ............................................ n/a 20,339 15,400
WYK ....................................... n/a 2,949 2,949
SEO ....................................... n/a 857 857
Total ................................ 43,128 35,243 27,856
Pacific ocean perch 7 ............................................................... W ............................................ n/a 2,679 2,679
C ............................................ n/a 16,671 16,671
WYK ....................................... n/a 2,786 2,786
W/C/WYK subtotal ................. 25,753 22,136 22,136
SEO ....................................... 2,073 1,782 1,782
Total ................................ 27,826 23,918 23,918
Northern rockfish 8 ................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 432 432
C ............................................ n/a 3,354 3,354
E ............................................. n/a 4
Total ................................ 4,522 3,790 3,786
Shortraker rockfish 9 ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 38 38
C ............................................ n/a 301 301
E ............................................. n/a 947 947
Total ................................ 1,715 1,286 1,286
Dusky rockfish 10 ..................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 158 158
C ............................................ n/a 3,786 3,786
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WYK ....................................... n/a 251 251
SEO ....................................... n/a 83 83
Total ................................ 5,233 4,278 4,278
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish 11 .................................. W ............................................ n/a 105 105
C ............................................ n/a 706 706
E ............................................. n/a 516 516
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TABLE 1—FINAL 2017 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
Total ................................ 1,594 1,327 1,327
Demersal shelf rockfish 12 ....................................................... SEO ....................................... 357 227 227
Thornyhead rockfish ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 291 291
C ............................................ n/a 988 988
E ............................................. n/a 682 682
Total ................................ 2,615 1,961 1,961
Other rockfish 13 14 ................................................................... W and C ................................. n/a 1,534 1,534
WYK ....................................... n/a 574 574
SEO ....................................... n/a 3,665 200
Total ................................ 7,424 5,773 2,308
Atka mackerel .......................................................................... GW ......................................... 6,200 4,700 3,000
Big skate 15 .............................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 908 908
C ............................................ n/a 1,850 1,850
E ............................................. n/a 1,056 1,056
Total ................................ 5,086 3,814 3,814
Longnose skate 16 ................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 61 61
C ............................................ n/a 2,513 2,513
E ............................................. n/a 632 632
Total ................................ 4,274 3,206 3,206
Other skates 17 ........................................................................ GW ......................................... 2,558 1,919 1,919
Sculpins ................................................................................... GW ......................................... 7,338 5,591 5,591
Sharks ..................................................................................... GW ......................................... 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids ...................................................................................... GW ......................................... 1,516 1,137 1,137
Octopus ................................................................................... GW ......................................... 6,504 4,878 4,878
Total ................................................................................. ................................................ 796,158 667,877 535,863
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 total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 203,769 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (5,094 mt) of that ABC for the State’s
pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 198,675 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas
(Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment
purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and
Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regu-
latory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10
percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 5 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is allocated to trawl and hook-and-line gear in 2017. Table 7 lists the final 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 deepsea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the East-
ern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other 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 ‘‘Other 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 (silvergrey), 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. polyspinis.
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14 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf
rockfish. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish.
15 ‘‘Big skate’’ means Raja binoculata.
16 ‘‘Longnose skate’’ means Raja rhina.
17 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja spp.
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TABLE 2—FINAL 2018 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, 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
Pollock 2 ................................................................................... Shumagin (610) ..................... n/a 33,701 33,701
Chirikof (620) ......................... n/a 76,249 76,249
Kodiak (630) .......................... n/a 37,818 37,818
WYK (640) ............................. n/a 5,791 5,791
W/C/WYK (subtotal) 2 ............. 182,204 157,496 153,559
SEO (650) .............................. 13,226 9,920 9,920
Total ................................ 195,430 167,416 163,479
Pacific cod 3 ............................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 32,565 22,795
C ............................................ n/a 39,644 29,733
E ............................................. n/a 7,063 5,297
Total ................................ 94,188 79,272 57,825
Sablefish 4 ................................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 1,367 1,367
C ............................................ n/a 4,574 4,574
WYK ....................................... n/a 1,626 1,626
SEO ....................................... n/a 2,640 2,640
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) n/a 4,266 4,266
Total ................................ 12,045 10,207 10,207
Shallow-water flatfish 5 ............................................................ W ............................................ n/a 21,042 13,250
C ............................................ n/a 19,418 19,418
WYK ....................................... n/a 3,206 3,206
SEO ....................................... n/a 1,105 1,105
Total ................................ 54,893 44,771 36,979
Deep-water flatfish 6 ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 257 257
C ............................................ n/a 3,488 3,488
WYK ....................................... n/a 3,047 3,047
SEO ....................................... n/a 2,590 2,590
Total ................................ 11,290 9,382 9,382
Rex sole .................................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 1,478 1,478
C ............................................ n/a 4,995 4,995
WYK ....................................... n/a 861 861
SEO ....................................... n/a 1,087 1,087
Total ................................ 11,004 8,421 8,421
Arrowtooth flounder ................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 25,747 14,500
C ............................................ n/a 98,895 75,000
WYK ....................................... n/a 34,273 6,900
SEO ....................................... n/a 11,595 6,900
Total ................................ 196,635 170,510 103,300
Flathead sole ........................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 11,282 8,650
C ............................................ n/a 20,677 15,400
WYK ....................................... n/a 2,998 2,998
SEO ....................................... n/a 872 872
Total ................................ 43,872 35,829 27,920
Pacific ocean perch 7 ............................................................... W ............................................ n/a 2,627 2,627
C ............................................ n/a 16,347 16,347
WYK ....................................... n/a 2,733 2,733
W/C/WYK ............................... 25,252 21,707 21,707
SEO ....................................... 2,032 1,747 1,747
Total ................................ 27,284 23,454 23,454
Northern rockfish 8 ................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 400 400
C ............................................ n/a 3,108 3,108
E ............................................. n/a 4 ........................
Total ................................ 4,175 3,512 3,508
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Shortraker rockfish 9 ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 38 38
C ............................................ n/a 301 301
E ............................................. n/a 947 947
Total ................................ 1,715 1,286 1,286
Dusky rockfish 10 ..................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 146 146
C ............................................ n/a 3,499 3,499
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12039
TABLE 2—FINAL 2018 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
WYK ....................................... n/a 232 232
SEO ....................................... n/a 77 77
Total ................................ 4,837 3,954 3,954
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish 11 .................................. W ............................................ n/a 104 104
C ............................................ n/a 702 702
E ............................................. n/a 512 512
Total ................................ 1,583 1,318 1,318
Demersal shelf rockfish 12
....................................................... SEO ....................................... 357 227 227
Thornyhead rockfish ................................................................ W ............................................ n/a 291 291
C ............................................ n/a 988 988
E ............................................. n/a 682 682
Total ................................ 2,615 1,961 1,961
Other rockfish 13 14 ................................................................... W and C ................................. n/a 1,534 1,534
WYK ....................................... n/a 574 574
SEO ....................................... n/a 3,665 200
Total ................................ 7,424 5,773 2,308
Atka mackerel .......................................................................... GW ......................................... 6,200 4,700 3,000
Big skate 15 .............................................................................. W ............................................ n/a 908 908
C ............................................ n/a 1,850 1,850
E ............................................. n/a 1,056 1,056
Total ................................ 5,086 3,814 3,814
Longnose skate 16 ................................................................... W ............................................ n/a 61 61
C ............................................ n/a 2,513 2,513
E ............................................. n/a 632 632
Total ................................ 4,274 3,206 3,206
Other skates 17 ........................................................................ GW ......................................... 2,558 1,919 1,919
Sculpins GW ......................................... 7,338 5,591 5,591
Sharks GW ......................................... 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids GW ......................................... 1,516 1,137 1,137
Octopus GW ......................................... 6,504 4,878 4,878
Total ................................................................................. ................................................ 708,843 597,052 483,588
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 total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 157,496 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (3,937 mt) of that ABC for the State’s
pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 153,559 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas
(Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment
purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and
Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regu-
latory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10
percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 6 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2018. Table 8 lists the final 2018 allocation of sablefish TACs to trawl gear.
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 deepsea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the East-
ern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other 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 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
(darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S.
zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), 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. polyspinis.
14 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf
rockfish. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish.
15 ‘‘Big skate’’ means Raja binoculata.
16 ‘‘Longnose skate’’ means Raja rhina.
17 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja spp.
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![12040 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Apportionment of Reserves Pollock TACs in the Western and added to, or subtracted from,
Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA are subsequent seasonal allowances for the
set aside 20 percent of each TAC for apportioned among Statistical Areas Western and Central Regulatory Areas
pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, 610, 620, and 630, pursuant to in a manner to be determined by the
sharks, squids, and octopuses in reserve § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B Regional Administrator
for possible apportionment at a later seasons, the apportionments were in (§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover
date during the fishing year. For 2017 proportion to the distribution of pollock amount is limited to 20 percent of the
and 2018, NMFS proposed biomass based on the four most recent subsequent seasonal apportionment for
reapportionment of all the reserves in NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D the statistical area. Any unharvested
the proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest seasons, the apportionments were in pollock above the 20-percent limit could
specifications published in the Federal proportion to the distribution of pollock be further distributed to the other
Register on December 6, 2016 (81 FR biomass based on the four most recent statistical areas, in proportion to the
87881). NMFS did not receive any NMFS summer surveys. For 2017 and estimated biomass in the subsequent
public comments on the proposed 2018, the Council recommended, and season in those statistical areas and in
reapportionments. For the final 2017 NMFS approved, following the an amount no more than 20 percent of
and 2018 harvest specifications, NMFS apportionment methodology, which was the seasonal TAC apportionment for the
reapportioned, as proposed, all the used previously for the 2016 and 2017 statistical area (§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)).
reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, harvest specifications. This The pollock TACs in the WYK and SEO
sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses methodology averages the winter and District of 7,492 mt and 9,920 mt,
back into the original TAC limit from summer distribution of pollock in the respectively, in 2017, and 5,791 mt and
which the reserve was derived. This was Central Regulatory Area for the A season 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2018, are not
done because NMFS expects, based on instead of using the distribution based allocated by season.
recent harvest patterns, that such on only the winter surveys. The average Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the
reserves are not necessary and the entire is intended to reflect the best available allocation of 100 percent of the pollock
TAC for each of these species will be information about migration patterns, TAC in all regulatory areas and all
caught. The TACs listed in Tables 1 and distribution of pollock, and the seasonal allowances to vessels catching
2 reflect reapportionments of reserve performance of the fishery in the area pollock for processing by the inshore
amounts to the original TAC limit for during the A season for the 2017 and component after subtraction of amounts
these species and species groups; i.e., 2018 fishing years. For the A season, the projected by the Regional Administrator
each proposed TAC for the above apportionment is based on an adjusted to be caught by, or delivered to, the
mentioned species categories contains estimate of the relative distribution of offshore component incidental to
the full TAC recommended by the pollock biomass of approximately 5 directed fishing for other groundfish
Council. percent, 72 percent, and 23 percent in species. Thus, the amount of pollock
Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, available for harvest by vessels
Apportionments of Pollock TAC Among respectively. For the B season, the harvesting pollock for processing by the
Seasons and Regulatory Areas, and apportionment is based on the relative offshore component is that amount that
Allocations for Processing by Inshore distribution of pollock biomass at 5 will be taken as incidental catch during
and Offshore Components percent, 82 percent, and 13 percent in directed fishing for groundfish species
In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, other than pollock, up to the maximum
season and area, and is further allocated respectively. For the C and D seasons, retainable amounts allowed by
for processing by inshore and offshore the apportionment is based on the § 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these
components. Pursuant to relative distribution of pollock biomass incidental catch amounts of pollock are
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock at 41 percent, 26 percent, and 33 unknown and will be determined
TAC specified for the Western and percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, during the fishing year during the
Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is and 630, respectively. The pollock course of fishing activities by the
apportioned into four equal seasonal chapter of the 2016 SAFE report (see offshore component.
allowances of 25 percent. As established ADDRESSES) contains a comprehensive Tables 3 and 4 list the final 2017 and
by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, description of the apportionment 2018 seasonal biomass distribution of
B, C, and D season allowances are process and reasons for the minor pollock in the Western and Central
available from January 20 to March 10, changes from past apportionments. Regulatory Areas, area apportionments,
March 10 to May 31, August 25 to Within any fishing year, the amount and seasonal allowances. The amounts
October 1, and October 1 to November by which a seasonal allowance is of pollock for processing by the inshore
1, respectively. underharvested or overharvested may be and offshore components are not shown.
TABLE 3—FINAL 2017 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1 Shumagin (area 610) Chirikof (area 620) Kodiak (area 630) Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ....... 2,232 4.67% 34,549 72.29% 11,014 23.04% 47,796
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
B (Mar 10–May 31) ...... 2,232 4.67% 39,420 82.48% 6,143 12.85% 47,796
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ......... 19,569 40.94% 12,341 25.82% 15,886 33.24% 47,796
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ........... 19,569 40.94% 12,341 25.82% 15,886 33.24% 47,796
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12041
TABLE 3—FINAL 2017 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Annual Total .......... 43,602 ........................ 98,652 ........................ 48,929 ........................ 191,183
1 Asestablished by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and off-
shore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
TABLE 4—FINAL 2018 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1 Shumagin (area 610) Chirikof (area 620) Kodiak (area 630) Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ....... 1,725 4.67% 26,704 72.29% 8,513 23.04% 36,942
B (Mar 10–May 31) ...... 1,725 4.67% 30,469 82.48% 4,748 12.85% 36,942
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ......... 15,125 40.94% 9,538 25.82% 12,278 33.24% 36,942
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ........... 15,125 40.94% 9,538 25.82% 12,278 33.24% 36,942
Annual Total .......... 33,701 ........................ 76,249 ........................ 37,818 ........................ 147,768
1 Asestablished by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and off-
shore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
Annual and Seasonal Apportionments from the A season will be subtracted from the 2016 jig sector allocation
of Pacific Cod TAC from, or added to, the subsequent B because in both 2015 and 2016 this
season allowance. In addition, any sector harvested less than its initial
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS
portion of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot, annual allocation. The 2017 and 2018
allocates the Pacific cod TACs in the
or jig sector allocations that NMFS allocations include a base allocation of
Western and Central Regulatory Areas of
determines is likely to go unharvested 1.5 percent, and an additional 1.0
the GOA among gear and operational
by a sector may be reapportioned to percent because this sector harvested
sectors. NMFS also allocates the 2017 other sectors for harvest during the
and 2018 Pacific cod TACs annually greater than 90 percent of its initial 2014
remainder of the fishery year in annual allocation. Since 2012, the jig
between the inshore (90 percent) and accordance with § 679.20(a)(12)(ii).
offshore (10 percent) components in the sector in the Western GOA has received
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and two separate increases to its annual
Eastern GOA (§ 679.20(a)(6)(ii)). In the (B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod
Central GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is allocation, for a total of 3.5 percent. This
TACs in the Western and Central GOA percentage is decreased by 1 percent for
apportioned seasonally first to vessels will be allocated to vessels with a
using jig gear, and then among catcher 2017 and 2018 due to the jig sector’s
Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) that use 2016 harvest performance, in which 5
vessels (CVs) less than 50 feet in length jig gear before TAC is apportioned
overall using hook-and-line gear, CVs percent of the Western GOA jig
among other non-jig sectors. In allocation was harvested. Annual jig
equal to or greater than 50 feet in length accordance with the FMP, the annual jig
overall using hook-and-line gear, sector allocation increases or decreases
sector allocations may increase to up to occur in 1 percent increments; so if the
catcher/processors (C/Ps) using hook- 6 percent of the annual Western and
and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/ Western GOA jig sector catches less
Central GOA Pacific cod TACs,
Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using than 90 percent of its 2017 annual
depending on the annual performance
pot gear (§ 679.20(a)(12)(i)(B)). In the allocation, it will be subject to another
of the jig sector (see Table 1 of
Western GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is 1 percent decrease in 2018.
Amendment 83 to the FMP for a
apportioned seasonally first to vessels detailed discussion of the jig sector NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.0
using jig gear, and then among CVs allocation process (76 FR 74670, percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC
using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using December 1, 2011)). Jig sector allocation in the Central GOA. This is the same
hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl increases are established for a minimum percent as the 2016 jig sector allocation
gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels of 2 years. NMFS has evaluated the 2016 because in 2016 this sector harvested
using pot gear (§ 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A)). harvest performance of the jig sector in less than 90 percent of the initial 2016
The overall seasonal apportionments in the Western and Central GOA, and is allocation. The 2017 and 2018
the Western and Central GOA are 60 establishing the 2017 and 2018 Pacific allocations consist of a base allocation
percent of the annual TAC to the A cod apportionments to this sector as of 1.0 percent, and no additional
season and 40 percent of the annual follows. performance increase in the Central
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
TAC to the B season. NMFS allocates the jig sector 2.5 GOA. Tables 5 and 6 list the seasonal
Under § 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC apportionments and allocations of the
or underage of the Pacific cod allowance in the Western GOA. This is a decrease 2017 and 2018 Pacific cod TACs.
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![12042 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 5—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
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 (2.5% of TAC) ......................................................... 635 N/A 381 N/A 254
Hook-and-line CV ......................................................... 347 0.70 173 0.70 173
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 4,904 10.90 2,700 8.90 2,204
Trawl CV ....................................................................... 9,511 27.70 6,861 10.70 2,650
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 594 0.90 223 1.50 372
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 9,412 19.80 4,904 18.20 4,508
Total ....................................................................... 25,404 60.00 15,242 40.00 10,161
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ......................................................... 331 N/A 199 N/A 133
Hook-and-line <50 CV .................................................. 4,790 9.32 3,056 5.29 1,734
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV .................................................. 2,200 5.61 1,840 1.10 360
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 1,674 4.11 1,347 1.00 327
Trawl CV 1 ..................................................................... 13,641 21.14 6,933 20.45 6,708
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 1,377 2.00 657 2.19 720
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 9,121 17.83 5,849 9.97 3,272
Total ....................................................................... 33,135 60.00 19,881 40.00 13,254
Eastern GOA ........................................................................ ........................ Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
5,903 5,313 590
1 Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,262 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 12).
TABLE 6—FINAL 2018 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
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 (2.5% of TAC) ......................................................... 570 N/A 342 N/A 228
Hook-and-line CV ......................................................... 311 0.70 156 0.70 156
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 4,400 10.90 2,422 8.90 1,978
Trawl CV ....................................................................... 8,534 27.70 6,156 10.70 2,378
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 533 0.90 200 1.50 333
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 8,445 19.80 4,400 18.20 4,045
Total ....................................................................... 22,795 60.00 13,677 40.00 9,118
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ......................................................... 297 N/A 178 N/A 119
Hook-and-line <50 CV .................................................. 4,298 9.32 2,742 5.29 1,556
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV .................................................. 1,974 5.61 1,651 1.10 323
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 1,502 4.11 1,209 1.00 294
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Trawl CV 1 ..................................................................... 12,241 21.14 6,221 20.45 6,019
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 1,236 2.00 590 2.19 646
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 8,185 17.83 5,248 9.97 2,936
Total ....................................................................... 29,733 60.00 17,840 40.00 11,893
Eastern GOA ........................................................................ ........................ Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12043
TABLE 6—FINAL 2018 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
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
5,297 4,768 530
1 Trawlvessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,133 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 13).
Allocations of the Sablefish TACs gear. NMFS allocates 100 percent of the information. Since there is an annual
Amounts to Vessels Using Hook-and- sablefish TAC in the SEO District to assessment for sablefish and since the
Line and Trawl Gear vessels using hook-and-line gear. This final harvest specifications are expected
Section 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require action results in a 2017 allocation of 211 to be published before the IFQ season
allocations of sablefish TACs for each of mt to trawl gear and 1,394 mt to hook- begins on March 11, 2017, the Council
the regulatory areas and districts to and-line gear in the WYK District, a recommended that the hook-and-line
hook-and-line and trawl gear. In the 2017 allocation of 2,606 mt to hook-and- sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis,
Western and Central Regulatory Areas, line gear in the SEO District, and a 2018 rather than for two years, so that the
80 percent of each TAC is allocated to allocation of 213 mt to trawl gear in the best scientific information available
hook-and-line gear, and 20 percent of WYK District. Table 7 lists the could be considered in establishing the
each TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In allocations of the 2017 sablefish TACs sablefish ABCs and TACs. Accordingly,
the Eastern Regulatory Area, which is to hook-and-line and trawl gear. Table 8 while the 2017 hook-and-line
comprised of the WYK and SEO lists the allocations of the 2018 sablefish allocations are specified in Table 7, the
Districts, 95 percent of the TAC is TACs to trawl gear. 2018 hook-and-line allocations will be
allocated to hook-and-line gear, and 5 The Council recommended that a specified in the 2018 and 2019 harvest
percent is allocated to trawl gear. The trawl sablefish TAC be established for specifications.
trawl gear allocation in the Eastern two years so that retention of incidental With the exception of the trawl
Regulatory Area may only be used to catch of sablefish by trawl gear could allocations that were provided to the
support incidental catch of sablefish in commence in January in the second year Central GOA Rockfish Program
directed trawl fisheries for other target of the groundfish harvest specifications. (Rockfish Program) cooperatives (see
species (§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Both the 2017 and 2018 trawl Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), directed
In recognition of the prohibition allocations are specified in these final fishing for sablefish with trawl gear is
against trawl gear in the SEO District of harvest specifications, in Tables 7 and 8, closed during the fishing year. Also,
the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council respectively. fishing for groundfish with trawl gear is
recommended and NMFS approves the The Council also recommended that prohibited prior to January 20.
allocation of 5 percent of the Eastern the hook-and-line sablefish TAC be Therefore, it is not likely that the
Regulatory Area sablefish TAC to trawl established annually to ensure that this sablefish allocation to trawl gear would
gear in the WYK District, making the IFQ fishery is conducted concurrently be reached before the effective date of
remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC with the halibut IFQ fishery and is the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
available to vessels using hook-and-line based on recent sablefish survey specifications.
TABLE 7—FINAL 2017 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATIONS TO
HOOK-AND-LINE AND TRAWL GEAR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area/district TAC Hook-and-line allocation Trawl allocation
Western ........................................................................................ 1,349 1,079 270
Central ......................................................................................... 4,514 3,611 903
West Yakutat1 .............................................................................. 1,605 1,394 211
Southeast Outside ....................................................................... 2,606 2,606 0
Total ...................................................................................... 10,074 8,691 1,383
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1 Thetrawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside com-
bined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
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TABLE 8—FINAL 2018 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATION TO TRAWL GEAR1
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area/district TAC Hook-and-line allocation Trawl allocation
Western ........................................................................................ 1,367 n/a 273
Central ......................................................................................... 4,574 n/a 915
West Yakutat 2 ............................................................................. 1,626 n/a 213
Southeast Outside ....................................................................... 2,640 n/a 0
Total ...................................................................................... 10,207 n/a 1,402
1 The Council recommended that 2018 harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be speci-
fied in the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications.
2 The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside com-
bined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) fishery cooperative allocations and Also, the Rockfish Program
The recommended 2017 and 2018 sideboard limitations established by the establishes sideboard limits to restrict
DSR TAC is 227 mt, and management of Rockfish Program. Program participants the ability of harvesters operating under
DSR is delegated to the State. The are primarily trawl CVs and trawl C/Ps, the Rockfish Program to increase their
Alaska Board of Fisheries has with limited participation by vessels participation in other, non-Rockfish
apportioned the annual SEO District using longline gear. The Rockfish Program fisheries. These restrictions are
DSR TACs between the commercial Program assigns quota share and discussed in a subsequent section titled
fishery (84 percent) and the sport cooperative quota to participants for ‘‘Rockfish Program Groundfish
fishery (16 percent) after deductions primary (Pacific ocean perch, northern Sideboard and Halibut PSC
were made for anticipated subsistence rockfish, and dusky rockfish) and Limitations.’’
harvests (7 mt). This results in 2017 and secondary species (Pacific cod, Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) and Table 28e
2018 allocations of 185 mt to the rougheye rockfish, sablefish, shortraker to 50 CFR part 679 requires allocations
commercial fishery and 35 mt to the rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish); of 5 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 5 mt of
sport fishery. allows a participant holding a license northern rockfish, and 50 mt of dusky
The State deducts estimates of limitation program (LLP) license with rockfish to the entry level longline
incidental catch of DSR in the rockfish quota share to form a rockfish fishery in 2017 and 2018. The allocation
commercial halibut fishery and pre- cooperative with other persons; and for the entry level longline fishery may
season ‘‘test fishery’’ DSR mortality allows holders of C/P LLP licenses to increase incrementally each year if the
from the DSR commercial fishery opt out of the fishery. The Rockfish catch exceeds 90 percent of the
allocation. In 2016, this resulted in 29 Program also has an entry level fishery allocation of a species. The incremental
mt being available for the directed for rockfish primary species for vessels increase in the allocation would
commercial DSR fishery apportioned in using longline gear. Longline gear continue each year until it is the
one DSR district. The State estimated includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and maximum percent of the TAC for that
that there was not sufficient DSR TAC handline gear. species. In 2016, the dusky rockfish
available to have orderly fisheries in the Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish catch exceeded 90 percent of that
three other DSR districts. DSR harvest in primary species in the Central GOA are species’ allocation. Therefore, NMFS is
the halibut fishery is linked to the allocated to participants after deducting increasing the entry level longline
annual halibut catch limits; therefore, for incidental catch needs in other fishery 2017 and 2018 allocations of
the State can only estimate potential directed groundfish fisheries dusky rockfish to 50 mt in the Central
DSR incidental catch because halibut (§ 679.81(a)(2)). Participants in the GOA. The catch of the other two
catch limits are established by the Rockfish Program also receive a portion species, Pacific ocean perch and
International Pacific Halibut of the Central GOA TAC of specific northern rockfish, did not attain the 90
Commission (IPHC). Federally secondary species. In addition to percent threshold, and those allocations
permitted CVs using hook-and-line or groundfish species, the Rockfish remain at 5 mt each. The remainder of
jig gear fishing for groundfish and Program allocates a portion of the the TACs for the rockfish primary
Pacific halibut in the SEO District of the halibut PSC limit (191 mt) from the species would be allocated to the CV
GOA are required to retain all DSR third season deep-water species fishery and C/P cooperatives. Table 9 lists the
(§ 679.20(j)). allowance for the GOA trawl fisheries to allocations of the 2017 and 2018 TACs
Rockfish Program participants for each rockfish primary species to the
Apportionments to the Rockfish (§ 679.81(d) and Table 28d to 50 CFR entry level longline fishery, the
Program part 679). Rockfish Program sideboards incremental increase for future years,
These final 2017 and 2018 harvest and halibut PSC limits are discussed and the maximum percent of the TAC
specifications for the GOA include the below. for the entry level longline fishery.
TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 AND INITIAL 2018 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE
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FISHERY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA
Incremental increase in 2018 if > 90% of Up to maximum
Rockfish primary species 2017 and 2018 allocations 2017 allocation is harvested % of TAC
Pacific ocean perch ................ 5 metric tons .......................... 5 metric tons ........................................................................... 1
Northern rockfish .................... 5 metric tons .......................... 5 metric tons ........................................................................... 2
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TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 AND INITIAL 2018 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE
FISHERY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
Incremental increase in 2018 if > 90% of Up to maximum
Rockfish primary species 2017 and 2018 allocations 2017 allocation is harvested % of TAC
Dusky rockfish ........................ 50 metric tons ........................ 20 metric tons ......................................................................... 5
Section 679.81(a)(2) requires Central GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific P cooperatives are not due to NMFS
allocations of the rockfish primary ocean perch, 300 mt of northern until March 1 of each calendar year;
species among various sectors of the rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky rockfish. therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2017
Rockfish Program. Tables 10 and 11 list These amounts are based on recent and 2018 allocations in conjunction
the final 2017 and 2018 allocations of average incidental catches in the Central with these final harvest specifications.
rockfish primary species in the Central GOA by other groundfish fisheries. NMFS will post these allocations on the
GOA to the entry level longline fishery, Allocations among vessels belonging Alaska Region Web site at http://alaska
and CV and C/P cooperatives in the to CV or C/P cooperatives are not fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-
Rockfish Program. NMFS also is setting included in these final harvest rockfish-program when they become
aside incidental catch amounts (ICAs) specifications. Rockfish Program available after March 1.
for other directed fisheries in the applications for CV cooperatives and C/
TABLE 10—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Allocation to
Incidental Allocation to
TAC minus the entry level
Rockfish primary species TAC catch the rockfish
ICA longline 1 cooperatives 2
allowance fishery
Pacific ocean perch ............................................................. 16,671 2,000 14,671 5 14,666
Northern rockfish .................................................................. 3,354 300 3,054 5 3,049
Dusky rockfish ...................................................................... 3,786 250 3,536 50 3,486
Total .............................................................................. 23,811 2,550 21,261 60 21,201
1 Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
2 Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
TABLE 11—FINAL 2018 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Allocation to
Incidental Allocation to
TAC minus the entry level
Rockfish primary species TAC catch the Rockfish
ICA longline 1
allowance cooperatives 2
fishery
Pacific ocean perch ............................................................. 16,347 2,000 14,347 5 14,342
Northern rockfish .................................................................. 3,108 300 2,808 5 2,803
Dusky rockfish ...................................................................... 3,499 250 3,249 50 3,199
Total .............................................................................. 22,954 2,550 20,404 60 20,344
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) and Table 28c to 50 Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear and thornyhead rockfish. Tables 12 and
CFR part 679 requires allocations of allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. 13 list the apportionments of the 2017
rockfish secondary species to CV and C/P cooperatives receive allocations of and 2018 TACs of rockfish secondary
C/P cooperatives in the Central GOA. sablefish from the trawl allocation, species in the Central GOA to CV and
CV cooperatives receive allocations of rougheye rockfish, shortraker rockfish, C/P cooperatives.
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TABLE 12—FINAL 2017 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor
cooperatives
Annual Central
Rockfish secondary species GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
Pacific cod ............................................................................ 33,135 3.81 1,262 0.00 ........................
Sablefish .............................................................................. 4,514 6.78 306 3.51 158
Shortraker rockfish ............................................................... 301 0.00 ........................ 40.00 120
Rougheye rockfish ............................................................... 706 0.00 ........................ 58.87 416
Thornyhead rockfish ............................................................ 988 7.84 77 26.50 262
TABLE 13—FINAL 2018 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor
cooperatives
Annual Central
Rockfish secondary species
GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
Pacific cod ............................................................................ 29,733 3.81 1,133 0.00 ........................
Sablefish .............................................................................. 4,574 6.78 310 3.51 161
Shortraker rockfish ............................................................... 301 0.00 ........................ 40.00 120
Rougheye rockfish ............................................................... 702 0.00 ........................ 58.87 413
Thornyhead rockfish ............................................................ 988 7.84 77 26.50 262
Halibut PSC Limits directed fishery, of which 8 mt were halibut mortality of 1,577 mt. This
harvested. halibut mortality was calculated using
Section 679.21(d) establishes the The FMP authorizes the Council to groundfish and halibut catch data from
annual halibut PSC limit exempt specific gear from the halibut the NMFS Alaska Region’s catch
apportionments to trawl and hook-and- PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation accounting system. This accounting
line gear, and authorizes the with the Council, exempts pot gear, jig system contains historical and recent
establishment of apportionments for pot gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and- catch information compiled from each
gear. In December 2016, the Council line gear fishery categories from the Alaska groundfish fishery.
recommended halibut PSC limits of non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2017 Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii)
1,706 mt for trawl gear, 257 mt for hook- and 2018. The Council recommended, authorizes NMFS to seasonally
and-line gear, and 9 mt for the DSR and NMFS approves, these exemptions apportion the halibut PSC limits after
fishery in the SEO District for both 2017 because: (1) The pot gear fisheries have consultation with the Council. The FMP
and 2018. low annual halibut bycatch mortality, and regulations require the Council and
(2) IFQ program regulations prohibit NMFS to consider the following
The DSR fishery in the SEO District
discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ information in seasonally apportioning
is defined at § 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal
permit holder on board a catcher vessel
fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the distribution of halibut; (2) seasonal
holds unused halibut IFQ
halibut PSC limit in recognition of its distribution of target groundfish species
(§ 679.7(f)(11)), (3) some sablefish IFQ
small-scale harvests of groundfish fishermen hold halibut IFQ permits and relative to halibut distribution; (3)
(§ 679.21(d)(2)(i)(A)). NMFS estimates are therefore required to retain the expected halibut bycatch needs on a
low halibut bycatch in the DSR fishery halibut they catch while fishing seasonal basis relative to changes in
because (1) the duration of the DSR sablefish IFQ, and (4) NMFS estimates halibut biomass and expected catch of
fisheries and the gear soak times are negligible halibut mortality for the jig target groundfish species; (4) expected
short, (2) the DSR fishery occurs in the gear fisheries. NMFS estimates that bycatch rates on a seasonal basis; (5)
winter when less overlap occurs in the halibut mortality is negligible in the jig expected changes in directed groundfish
distribution of DSR and halibut, and (3) gear fisheries given the small amount of fishing seasons; (6) expected actual start
the directed commercial DSR fishery groundfish harvested by jig gear, the of fishing effort; and (7) economic
has a low DSR TAC. The Alaska selective nature of jig gear, and the high effects of establishing seasonal halibut
Department of Fish and Game sets the survival rates of halibut caught and allocations on segments of the target
commercial GHL for the DSR fishery released with jig gear. groundfish industry. The Council
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after deducting the following: (1) The best available information on considered information from the 2016
Estimates of DSR incidental catch in all estimated halibut bycatch consists of SAFE report, NMFS catch data, State of
fisheries (including halibut and data collected by fisheries observers Alaska catch data, IPHC stock
subsistence); and (2) the allocation to during 2016. The calculated halibut assessment and mortality data, and
the DSR sport fish fishery. Of the 231 mt bycatch mortality through December 31, public testimony when apportioning the
TAC for DSR in 2016, 188 mt were 2016, is 1,336 mt for trawl gear and 241 halibut PSC limits. NMFS concurs with
available for the DSR commercial mt for hook-and-line gear for a total the Council’s recommendations listed in
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Table 14, which show the final 2017 Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) limit will be added to or deducted from
and 2018 Pacific halibut PSC limits, specify that any underages or overages the next respective seasonal
allowances, and apportionments. of a seasonal apportionment of a PSC apportionment within the fishing year.
TABLE 14—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 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 ...... 86 221 January 1–December 9
31.
April 1–July 1 ................ 20 341 June 10–September 1 2 5 ...................................... ..................
July 1–September 1 ..... 30 512 September 1–Decem- 12 31 ...................................... ..................
ber 31.
September 1–October 1 7.5 128 ...................................... .................. .................. ...................................... ..................
October 1–December 15 256 ...................................... .................. .................. ...................................... ..................
31.
Total ....................... .................. 1,706 ...................................... .................. 257 ...................................... 9
1 The Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (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 sablefish IFQ fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish
fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes second season deep-water and shallow- of halibut PSC limit to the CV sector and
further apportionment of the trawl water fisheries for use in either fishery 74 mt of halibut PSC limit to the C/P
halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery from May 15 through June 30 sector. These amounts are allocated
categories listed in § 679.21(d)(3)(iii). (§ 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(D). This is intended from the trawl deep-water species
The annual apportionments are based to maintain groundfish harvest while fishery’s halibut PSC third seasonal
on each category’s proportional share of minimizing halibut bycatch by these apportionment.
the anticipated halibut bycatch sectors to the extent practicable. This
mortality during the fishing year and provides the deep-water and shallow- Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the
optimization of the total amount of water trawl fisheries additional amount of the halibut PSC limit
groundfish harvest under the halibut flexibility and the incentive to allocated to Rockfish Program
PSC limit. The fishery categories for the participate in fisheries at times of the participants that could be re-
trawl halibut PSC limits are: (1) A deep- year that may have lower halibut PSC apportioned to the general GOA trawl
water species fishery, composed of rates relative to other times of the year. fisheries during the current fishing year
sablefish, rockfish, deep-water flatfish, Table 15 lists the final 2017 and 2018 to no more than 55 percent of the
rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder; and apportionments of halibut PSC trawl unused annual halibut PSC apportioned
(2) a shallow-water species fishery, limits between the trawl gear deep- to Rockfish Program participants. The
composed of pollock, Pacific cod, water and shallow-water species fishery remainder of the unused Rockfish
shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, categories. Program halibut PSC limit is
Atka mackerel, skates, and ‘‘other Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies unavailable for use by vessels directed
species’’ (sculpins, sharks, squids, and the amount of the trawl halibut PSC fishing with trawl gear for the remainder
octopuses). limit that is assigned to the CV and of the fishing year
NMFS will combine available trawl C/P sectors that are participating in the (§ 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(C)).
halibut PSC limit apportionments in the Rockfish Program. This includes 117 mt
TABLE 15—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 APPORTIONMENT OF PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC TRAWL LIMITS BETWEEN THE TRAWL GEAR
DEEP-WATER SPECIES FISHERY AND THE SHALLOW-WATER SPECIES FISHERY CATEGORIES
[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
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October 1–December 31 2 ........................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 256
Total ...................................................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 1,706
1 Vessels participating in cooperatives in the Central GOA 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 fishery categories during the fifth season (October 1 through
December 31).
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Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that biomass. Pacific cod is apportioned percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent,
the ‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ among these two management areas and 12 percent.
halibut PSC limit apportionment to based on the percentage of overall For 2017 and 2018, NMFS apportions
vessels using hook-and-line gear must biomass per area, as calculated in the halibut PSC limits of 129 mt and 128 mt
be apportioned between CVs and C/Ps 2016 Pacific cod stock assessment. to the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-
in accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in Updated information in the final 2016 line C/P sectors, respectively. Table 16
conjunction with these harvest SAFE report describes this lists the final 2017 and 2018
specifications. A comprehensive distributional calculation, which is apportionments of halibut PSC limits
description and example of the based on allocating ABC among
between the hook-and-line CV and
calculations necessary to apportion the regulatory areas on the basis of the three
hook-and-line C/P sectors.
‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ halibut most recent stock surveys. For 2017 and
PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV 2018, the distribution of the total GOA No later than November 1 of each
and C/P sectors were included in the Pacific cod ABC is 41 percent to the year, NMFS will calculate the projected
proposed rule to implement Western GOA, 50 percent to the Central unused amount of halibut PSC limit by
Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR GOA, and 9 percent to the Eastern GOA. either of the hook-and-line sectors for
44700, July 26, 2011) and are not Therefore, the calculations made in the remainder of the year. The projected
repeated here. accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) unused amount of halibut PSC limit is
Pursuant to § 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the incorporate the most recent information made available to the other hook-and-
hook-and-line halibut PSC limit is on GOA Pacific cod distribution with line sector for the remainder of that
apportioned between the CV and C/P respect to establishing the annual fishing year if NMFS determines that an
sectors in proportion to the total halibut PSC limits for the CV and C/P additional amount of halibut PSC is
Western and Central GOA Pacific cod hook-and-line sectors. The annual necessary for that sector to continue its
allocations, which vary annually based halibut PSC limits are divided into three directed fishing operations
on the proportion of the Pacific cod seasonal apportionments, using seasonal (§ 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)).
TABLE 16—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 APPORTIONMENTS OF THE ‘‘OTHER HOOK-AND-LINE FISHERIES’’ ANNUAL HALIBUT PSC
ALLOWANCE BETWEEN THE HOOK-AND-LINE GEAR CATCHER VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTORS
[Values are in metric tons]
Sector
‘‘Other than DSR’’ Sector annual Seasonal
Hook-and-line sector Season seasonal
allowance amount percentage amount
257 ........................ Catcher Vessel ............................. 129 January 1–June 10 ....................... 86 111
June 10–September 1 .................. 2 3
September 1–December 31 ......... 12 15
Catcher/Processor ........................ 128
January 1–June 10 ....................... 86 110
June 10–September 1 .................. 2 3
September 1–December 31 ......... 12 15
Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock apportionment is reached. Halibut contained in the GOA proposed 2017
Condition incidental catch rates are based on and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR
The IPHC annually assesses the observers’ estimates of halibut 87881, December 6, 2016), and the
abundance and potential yield of the incidental catch in the groundfish comprehensive discussion of the
Pacific halibut stock using all available fishery. DMRs are estimates of the working group’s statistical methodology
data from the commercial and sport proportion of incidentally caught is available from the Council (see
fisheries, other removals, and scientific halibut that do not survive after being ADDRESSES). While the DMR working
surveys. Additional information on the returned to the sea. The cumulative group’s revised methodology is
Pacific halibut stock assessment may be halibut mortality that accrues to a intended to improve estimation
found in the IPHC’s 2016 Pacific halibut particular halibut PSC limit is the accuracy, as well as transparency and
stock assessment (December 2016), product of a DMR multiplied by the transferability in the methodology used,
available on the IPHC Web site at estimated halibut PSC. DMRs are for calculating DMRs, the working group
www.iphc.int. The IPHC considered the estimated using the best information will continue to consider improvements
2016 Pacific halibut stock assessment at available in conjunction with the annual to the methodology used to calculate
its January 2017 annual meeting when GOA stock assessment process. The halibut mortality. Future DMRs,
it set the 2017 commercial halibut DMR methodology and findings are including the 2018 DMRs, may change
fishery catch limits. included as an appendix to the annual based on an additional year of observer
GOA groundfish SAFE report. sampling, which could provide more
Halibut Discard Mortality Rates In 2016, the DMR estimation recent and accurate data and which
To monitor halibut bycatch mortality methodology underwent revisions per could improve the accuracy of
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allowances and apportionments, the the Council’s directive. An interagency estimation and progress on
Regional Administrator uses observed halibut working group (IPHC, Council, methodology.
halibut incidental catch rates, halibut and NMFS staff) developed improved At the December 2016 meeting, the
discard mortality rates (DMRs), and estimation methods that have SSC, AP, and Council concurred with
estimates of groundfish catch to project undergone review by the GOA Plan the revised DMR estimation
when a fishery’s halibut bycatch Team, SSC, and the Council. A methodology. The Council
mortality allowance or seasonal summary of the revised methodology is recommended adopting the halibut
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12049
DMRs derived from that process for (a two percent increase) and a decrease corrections that were made in
2017 and 2018, with no changes except in the rate assigned to non-pelagic trawl programming code associated with
a minor increase in the rate assigned to catcher vessels that do participate in the calculating the DMRs for the trawl gear
non-pelagic trawl catcher vessels that do Rockfish Program (an eighteen percent categories. Table 17 lists the proposed
not participate in the Rockfish Program decrease). These changes reflect 2017 and 2018 DMRs.
TABLE 17—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 HALIBUT DISCARD MORTALITY RATES FOR VESSELS FISHING IN THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
Halibut discard
Gear Sector Groundfish fishery mortality rate
(percent)
Pelagic trawl ............................ Catcher vessel ......................................................................... All ............................................ 100
Catcher/processor .................................................................... All ............................................ 100
Non-pelagic trawl ..................... Catcher vessel ......................................................................... Rockfish Program ................... 67
Catcher vessel ......................................................................... All others ................................. 65
Mothership and catcher/processor ........................................... All ............................................ 85
Hook-and-line .......................... Catcher/processor .................................................................... All ............................................ 11
Catcher vessel ......................................................................... All ............................................ 12
Pot ........................................... Catcher vessel and catcher/processor .................................... All ............................................ 10
Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species (§ 679.21(h)(4)). NMFS will monitor the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/
Catch Limits Chinook salmon PSC in the non-pollock Processor and Catcher Vessel
Amendment 93 to the FMP (77 FR GOA groundfish fisheries and close an Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits
42629, July 20, 2012) established applicable sector if it reaches its
Chinook salmon PSC limit. Section 679.64 establishes groundfish
separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in harvesting and processing sideboard
the Western and Central GOA in the The Chinook salmon PSC limit for limitations on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the
directed pollock fishery. These limits two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl CVs GOA. These sideboard limits are
require NMFS to close the pollock not participating in the Rockfish necessary to protect the interests of
directed fishery in the Western and Program, may be increased in fishermen and processors who do not
Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA if subsequent years based on the directly benefit from the AFA from
the applicable limit is reached performance of these two sectors and those fishermen and processors who
(§ 679.21(h)(8)). The annual Chinook their ability to minimize their use of receive exclusive harvesting and
salmon PSC limits in the pollock their respective Chinook salmon PSC processing privileges under the AFA.
directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the limits. If either or both of these two Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed
Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on a
Central GOA are set at § 679.21(h)(2)(i) PSC to a specified threshold amount in listed AFA C/P permit from harvesting
and (ii). In addition, all salmon 2016, that sector will receive an any species of groundfish in the GOA.
(regardless of species) taken in the incremental increase to its 2017 Additionally, § 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits
pollock directed fisheries in the Western Chinook salmon PSC limit listed AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on
and Central GOA must be retained until (§ 679.21(h)(4)). In 2016, the trawl C/P a listed AFA C/P permit from processing
the manager of a shoreside processor or sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook any pollock harvested in a directed
stationary floating processor has salmon PSC; therefore, the 2017 trawl C/ pollock fishery in the GOA and any
accurately recorded the number of Ps Chinook salmon PSC limit will be groundfish harvested in Statistical Area
salmon by species in the eLandings at- 4,080 Chinook salmon. In 2016, the 630 of the GOA.
sea production report or eLandings Non-Rockfish Program CV sector did not
groundfish landing report. If an observer AFA CVs that are less than 125 ft
exceed 2,340 Chinook salmon PSC;
is present at the processing facility that (38.1 meters) length overall, have
therefore, the 2017 Non-Rockfish
takes delivery of the catch, then the annual landings of pollock in the Bering
Program CV sector limit will be 3,060 Sea and Aleutian Islands less than 5,100
observer is provided an opportunity to
Chinook salmon. mt, and have made at least 40 GOA
count the number of salmon and to
collect any scientific data or biological As described earlier in this preamble, groundfish landings from 1995 through
samples from the salmon Amendment 103 to the FMP became 1997 are exempt from GOA sideboard
(§ 679.21(h)(6)). effective in 2016. The regulations limits under § 679.64(b)(2)(ii).
Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR associated with Amendment 103 Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA
71350, December 2, 2014) established an authorize NMFS to use inseason CVs in the GOA are based on their
initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 management actions to reapportion traditional harvest levels of TAC in
Chinook salmon for the non-pollock unused Chinook salmon PSC limits groundfish fisheries covered by the
groundfish fisheries. This limit is among the pollock and non-pollock FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv)
apportioned among three sectors: 3,600 sectors. NMFS did not exercise this establishes the groundfish sideboard
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps; 1,200 authority in 2016, as none of the trawl limitations in the GOA based on the
Chinook salmon to trawl CVs sectors needed reapportionments. aggregate retained catch of non-exempt
participating in the Rockfish Program; NMFS may use this authority in 2017 AFA CVs of each sideboard species from
and 2,700 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs and 2018 for inseason management 1995 through 1997 divided by the sum
not participating in the Rockfish actions if a trawl sector needs of the TACs for that species or species
Program that are fishing for groundfish reapportionment of unused Chinook group available to CVs over the same
species other than pollock salmon PSC limits. period.
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![12050 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2017 deduct all targeted or incidental catch of AFA CVs from the sideboard limits
and 2018 groundfish sideboard limits sideboard species made by non-exempt listed in Tables 18 and 19.
for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will
TABLE 18—FINAL 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–
1997 non- Final 2017
exempt AFA Final 2017 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component CV catch to TACs AFA CV
1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Pollock ........................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ............ Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 2,232 1,350
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 34,549 4,032
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 11,014 2,234
B Season—March 10–May 31 .................. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 2,232 1,350
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 39,420 4,600
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 6,143 1,246
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 19,569 11,834
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 12,341 1,440
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 15,886 3,222
D Season—October 1–November 1 ......... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 19,569 11,834
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 12,341 1,440
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 15,886 3,222
Annual ....................................................... WYK (640) .................... 0.3495 7,492 2,618
SEO (650) .................... 0.3495 9,920 3,467
Pacific cod ..................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 .............. W .................................. 0.1331 15,242 2,029
C ................................... 0.0692 19,881 1,376
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W .................................. 0.1331 10,161 1,352
C ................................... 0.0692 13,254 917
Annual ....................................................... E inshore ...................... 0.0079 5,313 42
E offshore ..................... 0.0078 590 5
Sablefish ....................... Annual, trawl gear ..................................... W .................................. 0.0000 270 ........................
C ................................... 0.0642 903 58
E ................................... 0.0433 211 9
Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0156 13,250 207
Shallow-water flatfish .... C ................................... 0.0587 19,306 1,133
E ................................... 0.0126 4,287 54
Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 256 ........................
Deep-water flatfish ........ C ................................... 0.0647 3,454 223
E ................................... 0.0128 5,582 71
Rex sole ........................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0007 1,459 1
C ................................... 0.0384 4,930 189
E ................................... 0.0029 1,922 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 3,806 3
Pacific ocean perch ...... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0023 2,679 6
C ................................... 0.0748 16,671 1,247
E ................................... 0.0466 4,568 213
Northern rockfish ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0003 432 0
C ................................... 0.0277 3,354 93
Shortraker rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 38 ........................
C ................................... 0.0218 301 7
E ................................... 0.0110 947 10
Dusky rockfish ............... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0001 158 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,786 ........................
E ................................... 0.0067 334 2
Rougheye rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 105 ........................
C ................................... 0.0237 706 17
E ................................... 0.0124 516 6
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ....................................................... SEO .............................. 0.0020 227 0
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Thornyhead rockfish ..... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0280 291 8
C ................................... 0.0280 988 28
E ................................... 0.0280 682 19
Other rockfish ................ Annual ....................................................... C ................................... 0.1699 1,534 261
E ................................... 0.0000 774 ........................
Atka mackerel ............... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0309 3,000 93
Big skates ..................... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0063 908 6
C ................................... 0.0063 1,850 12
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12051
TABLE 18—FINAL 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–
1997 non- Final 2017
exempt AFA Final 2017 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component CV catch to TACs AFA CV
1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
E ................................... 0.0063 1,056 7
Longnose skates ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0063 61 0
C ................................... 0.0063 2,513 16
E ................................... 0.0063 632 4
Other skates .................. Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 1,919 12
Sculpins ......................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 5,591 35
Sharks ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 1,137 7
Octopuses ..................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 4,878 31
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.
TABLE 19—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995–
1997 non- Final 2018
exempt AFA Final 2018 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component CV catch to TACs AFA CV
1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Pollock ........................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ............ Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 1,725 1,043
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 26,704 3,116
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 8,513 1,726
B—Season March 10–May 31 .................. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 1,725 1,043
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 30,469 3,556
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 4,748 963
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 15,125 9,146
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 9,538 1,113
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 12,278 2,490
D Season—October 1–November 1 ......... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.6047 15,125 9,146
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.1167 9,538 1,113
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.2028 12,278 2,490
Annual ....................................................... WYK (640) .................... 0.3495 5,791 2,024
SEO (650) .................... 0.3495 9,920 3,467
Pacific cod ..................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 .............. W .................................. 0.1331 13,677 1,820
C ................................... 0.0692 17,840 1,235
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W .................................. 0.1331 9,118 1,214
C ................................... 0.0692 11,893 823
Annual ....................................................... E inshore ...................... 0.0079 4,768 38
E offshore ..................... 0.0078 530 4
Sablefish ....................... Annual, trawl gear ..................................... W .................................. 0.0000 273 ........................
C ................................... 0.0642 915 59
E ................................... 0.0433 213 9
Shallow-water flatfish .... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0156 13,250 207
C ................................... 0.0587 19,418 1,140
E ................................... 0.0126 4,311 54
Deep-water flatfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 257 ........................
C ................................... 0.0647 3,488 226
E ................................... 0.0128 5,637 72
Rex sole ........................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0007 1,478 1
C ................................... 0.0384 4,995 192
E ................................... 0.0029 1,948 6
Arrowtooth flounder ....... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0021 14,500 30
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 30
E ................................... 0.0009 3,870 3
Pacific ocean perch ...... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0023 2,627 6
C ................................... 0.0748 16,347 1,223
E ................................... 0.0466 4,480 209
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![12052 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 19—FINAL 2018 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–
1997 non- Final 2018
exempt AFA Final 2018 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component CV catch to TACs AFA CV
1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Northern rockfish ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0003 400 0
C ................................... 0.0277 3,108 86
Shortraker rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 38 ........................
C ................................... 0.0218 301 7
E ................................... 0.0110 947 10
Dusky rockfish ............... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0001 146 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,499 ........................
E ................................... 0.0067 309 2
Rougheye rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 104 ........................
C ................................... 0.0237 702 17
E ................................... 0.0124 512 6
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ....................................................... SEO .............................. 0.0020 227 0
Thornyhead rockfish ..... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0280 291 8
C ................................... 0.0280 988 28
E ................................... 0.0280 682 19
Other rockfish ................ Annual ....................................................... W/C .............................. 0.1699 1,534 261
E ................................... 0.0000 774 ........................
Atka mackerel ............... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0309 3,000 93
Big skates ..................... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0063 908 6
C ................................... 0.0063 1,850 12
E ................................... 0.0063 1,056 7
Longnose skates ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0063 61 0
C ................................... 0.0063 2,513 16
E ................................... 0.0063 632 4
Other skates .................. Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 1,919 12
Sculpins ......................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 5,591 35
Sharks ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 1,137 7
Octopuses ..................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0063 4,878 31
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.
Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel based on the aggregate retained fishery from 1995 through 1997
Halibut PSC Limits groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA (§ 679.64(b)(4)(ii)). Table 20 lists the
CVs in each PSC target category from final 2017 and 2018 non-exempt AFA
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for 1995 through 1997 divided by the CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using
non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are retained catch of all vessels in that trawl gear in the GOA, respectively.
TABLE 20—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV HALIBUT PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR
VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995– 2017 and
1997 non- 2017 and 2018
exempt AFA
Season Season dates Target fishery 2018 non-exempt
CV retained PSC limit AFA CV PSC
catch to total 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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
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 ....................... .................................................................... ....................................... ........................ 1,706 362
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12053
Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011),
Harvest Limitations sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR
apply to catch made using an LLP 74670, December 1, 2011), and
Section 680.22 establishes groundfish license derived from the history of a Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80 FR
catch limits for vessels with a history of restricted vessel, even if that LLP 28539, May 19, 2015).
participation in the Bering Sea snow license is used on another vessel.
crab fishery to prevent these vessels The basis for these sideboard limits is Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2017
from using the increased flexibility described in detail in the final rules and 2018 groundfish sideboard
provided by the Crab Rationalization implementing the major provisions of limitations for non-AFA crab vessels.
Program to expand their level of Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery All targeted or incidental catch of
participation in the GOA groundfish Management Plan for Bering Sea/ sideboard species made by non-AFA
fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs crab vessels or associated LLP licenses
vessels’ catch to their collective (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2, will be deducted from these sideboard
historical landings in each GOA 2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab FMP limits.
TABLE 21—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1996–2000 Final 2017
non-AFA crab Final 2017 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear vessel catch TACs crab vessel
to 1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Pollock ........................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ............ Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 2,232 22
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 34,549 107
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 11,014 2
B Season—March 10–May 31 .................. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 2,232 22
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 39,420 122
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 6,143 1
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 19,569 192
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 12,341 38
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 15,886 3
D Season—October 1–November 1 ......... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 19,569 192
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 12,341 38
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 15,886 3
Annual ....................................................... WYK (640) .................... 0.0000 7,492 ........................
SEO (650) .................... 0.0000 9,920 ........................
Pacific cod ..................... A Season—January 1–June 10 1 .............. WG Jig ......................... 0.0000 15,242
WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 15,242 6
WG Pot CV .................. 0.0997 15,242 1,520
WG Pot C/P ................. 0.0078 15,242 119
WG Trawl CV ............... 0.0007 15,242 11
CG Jig .......................... 0.0000 19,881 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV .. 0.0001 19,881 2
CG Pot CV ................... 0.0474 19,881 942
CG Pot C/P .................. 0.0136 19,881 270
CG Trawl CV ................ 0.0012 19,881 24
B Season 2 ................................................. WG Jig ......................... 0.0000 10,161 ........................
Jig Gear: June 10–December 31 .............. WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 10,161 4
All other gears: .......................................... WG Pot CV .................. 0.0997 10,161 1,013
September 1–December 31 ...................... WG Pot C/P ................. 0.0078 10,161 79
WG Trawl CV ............... 0.0007 10,161 7
CG Jig .......................... 0.0000 13,254 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV .. 0.0001 13,254 1
CG Pot CV ................... 0.0474 13,254 628
CG Pot C/P .................. 0.0136 13,254 180
CG Trawl CV ................ 0.0012 13,254 16
Annual ....................................................... EG inshore ................... 0.0110 5,313 58
EG offshore .................. 0.0000 590 ........................
Sablefish ....................... Annual, trawl gear ..................................... W .................................. 0.0000 270 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 903 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 211 ........................
Shallow-water flatfish .... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0059 13,250 78
C ................................... 0.0001 19,306 2
E ................................... 0.0000 4,287 ........................
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Deep-water flatfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0035 256 1
C ................................... 0.0000 3,454 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 5,582 ........................
Rex sole ........................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 1,459 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 4,930 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 1,922 ........................
Arrowtooth flounder ....... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0004 14,500 6
C ................................... 0.0001 75,000 8
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![12054 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 21—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1996–2000 Final 2017
non-AFA crab Final 2017 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear vessel catch TACs crab vessel
to 1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
E ................................... 0.0000 13,800 ........................
Flathead sole ................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0002 8,650 2
C ................................... 0.0004 15,400 6
E ................................... 0.0000 3,806 ........................
Pacific ocean perch ...... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 2,679 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 16,671 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 4,568 ........................
Northern rockfish ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0005 432 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,354 ........................
Shortraker rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0013 38 0
C ................................... 0.0012 301 0
E ................................... 0.0009 947 1
Dusky rockfish ............... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0017 158 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,786 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 334 ........................
Rougheye rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0067 105 1
C ................................... 0.0047 706 3
E ................................... 0.0008 516 0
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ....................................................... SEO .............................. 0.0000 227 ........................
Thornyhead rockfish ..... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0047 291 1
C ................................... 0.0066 988 7
E ................................... 0.0045 682 3
Other rockfish ................ Annual ....................................................... W/C .............................. 0.0033 1,534 5
E ................................... 0.0000 774 ........................
Atka mackerel ............... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0000 3,000 ........................
Big skate ....................... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0392 908 36
C ................................... 0.0159 1,850 29
E ................................... 0.0000 1,056 ........................
Longnose skate ............. Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0392 61 2
C ................................... 0.0159 2,513 40
E ................................... 0.0000 632 ........................
Other skates .................. Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 1,919 34
Sculpins ......................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 5,591 98
Sharks ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 1,137 20
Octopuses ..................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 4,878 86
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.
TABLE 22—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1996–2000 Final 2018
non-AFA crab Final 2018 non-AFA crab
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear vessel catch to TACs vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Pollock ........................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ............ Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 1,725 17
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 26,704 83
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 8,513 2
B Season—March 10–May 31 .................. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 1,725 17
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 30,469 94
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 4,748 1
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 15,125 148
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 9,538 30
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 12,278 2
D Season—October 1–November 1 ......... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.0098 15,125 148
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.0031 9,538 30
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.0002 12,278 2
Annual ....................................................... WYK (640) .................... 0.0000 5,791 ........................
SEO (650) .................... 0.0000 9,920 ........................
Pacific cod ..................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 .............. WG Jig ......................... 0.0000 13,677 ........................
WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 13,677 5
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12055
TABLE 22—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1996–2000 Final 2018
non-AFA crab Final 2018 non-AFA crab
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear vessel catch to TACs vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
WG Pot CV .................. 0.0997 13,677 1,364
WG Pot C/P ................. 0.0078 13,677 107
WG Trawl CV ............... 0.0007 13,677 10
CG Jig .......................... 0.0000 17,840 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV .. 0.0001 17,840 2
CG Pot CV ................... 0.0474 17,840 846
CG Pot C/P .................. 0.0136 17,840 243
CG Trawl CV ................ 0.0012 17,840 21
B Season 2—Jig Gear: June 10–Decem- WG Jig ......................... 0.0000 9,118 ........................
ber 31; All other gears: September 1– WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 9,118 4
December 31. WG Pot CV .................. 0.0997 9,118 909
WG Pot C/P ................. 0.0078 9,118 71
WG Trawl CV ............... 0.0007 9,118 6
CG Jig .......................... 0.0000 11,893 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV .. 0.0001 11,893 1
CG Pot CV ................... 0.0474 11,893 564
CG Pot C/P .................. 0.0136 11,893 162
CG Trawl CV ................ 0.0012 11,893 14
Annual ....................................................... E inshore ...................... 0.0110 4,768 52
E offshore ..................... 0.0000 530 ........................
Sablefish ....................... Annual, trawl gear ..................................... W .................................. 0.0000 273 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 915 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 213 ........................
Shallow-water flatfish .... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0059 13,250 78
C ................................... 0.0001 19,418 2
E ................................... 0.0000 4,311 ........................
Deep-water flatfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0035 257 1
C ................................... 0.0000 3,488 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 5,637 ........................
Rex sole ........................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 1,478 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 4,995 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 1,948 ........................
Arrowtooth flounder ....... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0004 14,500 6
C ................................... 0.0001 75,000 8
E ................................... 0.0000 13,800 ........................
Flathead sole ................ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0002 8,650 2
C ................................... 0.0004 15,400 6
E ................................... 0.0000 3,870 ........................
Pacific ocean perch ...... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0000 2,627 ........................
C ................................... 0.0000 16,347 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 4,480 ........................
Northern rockfish ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0005 400 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,108 ........................
Shortraker rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0013 38 0
C ................................... 0.0012 301 0
E ................................... 0.0009 947 1
Dusky rockfish ............... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0017 146 0
C ................................... 0.0000 3,499 ........................
E ................................... 0.0000 309 ........................
Rougheye rockfish ........ Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0067 104 1
C ................................... 0.0047 702 3
E ................................... 0.0008 512 0
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ....................................................... SEO .............................. 0.0000 227 ........................
Thornyhead rockfish ..... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0047 291 1
C ................................... 0.0066 988 7
E ................................... 0.0045 682 3
Other rockfish ................ Annual ....................................................... W/C .............................. 0.0033 1,534 5
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
E ................................... 0.0000 774 ........................
Atka mackerel ............... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0000 3,000 ........................
Big skate ....................... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0392 908 36
C ................................... 0.0159 1,850 29
E ................................... 0.0000 1,056 ........................
Longnose skate ............. Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.0392 61 2
C ................................... 0.0159 2,513 40
E ................................... 0.0000 632 ........................
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![12056 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 22—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1996–2000 Final 2018
non-AFA crab Final 2018 non-AFA crab
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear vessel catch to TACs vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Other skates .................. Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 1,919 34
Sculpins ......................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 5,591 98
Sharks ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids ........................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 1,137 20
Octopuses ..................... Annual ....................................................... Gulfwide ....................... 0.0176 4,878 86
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 Yakutat District and Western GOA from and Western GOA from July 1 through
and Halibut PSC Limitations July 1 through July 31. Also, CVs may July 31 (§ 679.82(e)(2)). Holders of C/P-
The Rockfish Program establishes not participate in directed fishing for designated LLP licenses that opt out of
three classes of sideboard provisions: arrowtooth flounder, deep-water participating in a Rockfish Program
CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, C/ flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from cooperative will be able to access that
P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and C/ July 1 through July 31 (§ 679.82(d)(3)– portion of each sideboard limit that is
P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions. (4)). not assigned to rockfish cooperatives.
These sideboards are intended to limit C/Ps participating in Rockfish Tables 23 and 24 list the final 2017 and
the ability of rockfish harvesters to Program cooperatives are restricted by 2018 Rockfish Program C/P sideboard
expand into other fisheries. rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard limits in the West Yakutat District and
CVs participating in the Rockfish limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from the Western GOA. Due to confidentiality
Program may not participate in directed directed fishing for dusky rockfish, requirements associated with fisheries
fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean Pacific ocean perch, and northern data, the sideboard limits for the West
perch, and northern rockfish in the West rockfish in the West Yakutat District Yakutat District are not displayed.
TABLE 23—FINAL 2017 ROCKFISH PROGRAM SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR THE WEST YAKUTAT DISTRICT AND WESTERN GOA
BY FISHERY FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
C/P sector Final 2017 C/P
Area Fishery Final 2017 TACs
(% of TAC) limit
Western GOA ............................................. Dusky rockfish ............................................ 72.3 .................. 158 ................... 114.
Pacific ocean perch .................................... 50.6 .................. 2,679 ................ 1,356.
Northern rockfish ........................................ 74.3 .................. 432 ................... 321.
West Yakutat District .................................. Dusky rockfish ............................................ Confidential 1 .... 251 ................... Confidential.1
Pacific ocean perch .................................... Confidential 1 .... 2,786 ................ Confidential.1
1 Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
TABLE 24—FINAL 2018 ROCKFISH PROGRAM SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR THE WEST YAKUTAT DISTRICT AND WESTERN GOA
BY FISHERY FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
C/P sector Final 2018 C/P
Area Fishery Final 2018 TACs
(% of TAC) limit
Western GOA ............................................. Dusky rockfish ............................................ 72.3 .................. 146 ................... 106.
Pacific ocean perch .................................... 50.6 .................. 2,627 ................ 1,329.
Northern rockfish ........................................ 74.3 .................. 400 ................... 297.
West Yakutat District .................................. Dusky rockfish ............................................ Confidential 1 .... 232 ................... Confidential.1
Pacific ocean perch .................................... Confidential 1 .... 2,733 ................ Confidential.1
1 Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P the CV sector, as vessels participating in sideboard limit not assigned to C/P
sector is subject to halibut PSC cooperatives receive a portion of the rockfish cooperatives. The sideboard
sideboard limits for the trawl deep- annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt provisions for C/Ps that elect to opt out
water and shallow-water species out of the Rockfish Program are able to of participating in a rockfish cooperative
fisheries from July 1 through July 31. No access that portion of the deep-water are described in § 679.82(c), (e), and (f).
halibut PSC sideboard limits apply to and shallow-water halibut PSC Sideboard limits are linked to the catch
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12057
history of specific vessels that may amounts used to calculate opt-out alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable
choose to opt out. After March 1, NMFS sideboard ratios. NMFS will then fisheries/rockfish/. Table 25 lists the
will determine which C/Ps have opted- calculate any applicable opt-out 2017 and 2018 Rockfish Program halibut
out of the Rockfish Program in 2017, sideboards and post these allocations on PSC limits for the C/P sector.
and NMFS will know the ratios and the Alaska Region Web site at http://
TABLE 25—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HALIBUT MORTALITY LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR
SECTOR
(Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton)
Annual shal- Annual deep-
Shallow-water Deep-water 2017 and low-water spe- water species
species fishery species fishery 2018 halibut cies 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
and PSC Sideboard 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. Tables 26 and 27 list the
Management Area (Amendment 80 than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts final 2017 and 2018 groundfish
Program) established a limited access no greater than the limits listed in Table sideboard limits for Amendment 80
privilege program for the non-AFA trawl 37 to 50 CFR part 679. Under Program vessels. NMFS will deduct all
C/P sector. The Amendment 80 Program § 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is targeted or incidental catch of sideboard
established groundfish and halibut PSC prohibited from directed fishing for species made by Amendment 80
catch limits for Amendment 80 Program pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean Program vessels from the sideboard
participants to limit the ability of perch, dusky rockfish, and northern limits in Tables 26 and 27.
participants eligible for the Amendment rockfish in the GOA.
TABLE 26—FINAL 2017 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 2017
Amendment Amendment
Apportionments and 80 sector 2017 TAC
Species Area 80 vessel
allocations by season vessels 1998– (mt) sideboards
2004 catch to (mt)
TAC
Pollock ........................... A Season—January 20–February 25 ........ Shumagin (610) ............ 0.003 2,232 7
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.002 34,549 69
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.002 11,014 22
B Season—March 10–May 31 .................. Shumagin (610) ............ 0.003 2,232 7
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.002 39,420 79
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.002 6,143 12
C Season—August 25–September 15 ...... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.003 19,569 59
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.002 12,341 25
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.002 15,886 32
D Season—October 1–November 1 ......... Shumagin (610) ............ 0.003 19,569 59
Chirikof (620) ................ 0.002 12,341 25
Kodiak (630) ................. 0.002 15,886 32
Annual ....................................................... WYK (640) .................... 0.002 7,492 15
Pacific cod ..................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 .............. W .................................. 0.020 15,242 305
C ................................... 0.044 19,881 875
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W .................................. 0.020 10,161 203
C ................................... 0.044 13,254 583
Annual ....................................................... WYK ............................. 0.034 5,903 201
Pacific ocean perch ...... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.994 2,679 2,663
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
WYK ............................. 0.961 2,786 2,677
Northern rockfish ........... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 1.000 432 432
Dusky rockfish ............... Annual ....................................................... W .................................. 0.764 158 121
WYK ............................. 0.896 251 225
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.
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![12058 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 27—FINAL 2018 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 2018
Amendment Amendment
Apportionments and 80 sector 2018 TAC
Species Area 80 vessel
allocations by season vessels (mt) sideboards
1998–2004 (mt)
catch to TAC
Pollock ................................... A Season—January 20–Feb- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 1,725 5
ruary 25. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 26,704 53
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 8,513 17
B Season—March 10–May Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 1,725 5
31. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 30,469 61
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 4,748 9
C Season—August 25–Sep- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 15,125 45
tember 15. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 9,538 19
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 12,278 25
D Season—October 1–No- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.003 15,125 45
vember 1. Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.002 9,538 19
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.002 12,278 25
Annual ................................... WYK (640) ............................ 0.002 5,791 12
Pacific cod ............................. A Season 1—January 1–June W .......................................... 0.020 13,677 274
10. C ........................................... 0.044 17,840 785
B Season 2—September 1– W .......................................... 0.020 9,118 182
December 31. C ........................................... 0.044 11,893 523
Annual ................................... WYK ...................................... 0.034 5,297 180
Pacific ocean perch ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.994 2,627 2,611
WYK ...................................... 0.961 2,733 2,626
Northern rockfish ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 1.000 400 400
Dusky rockfish ....................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.764 146 112
WYK ...................................... 0.896 232 208
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 PSC sideboard limits for Allocation of halibut PSC cooperative of the halibut PSC sideboard limits that
Amendment 80 Program vessels in the quota under the Rockfish Program and may be used by Amendment 80 Program
GOA are based on the historic use of the exemption of the F/V Golden Fleece vessels as contained in Table 38 to 50
halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program from this restriction (§ 679.92(b)(2)). CFR part 679. Any residual amount of
vessels in each PSC target category from Table 28 lists the final 2017 and 2018 a seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard
1998 through 2004. These values are halibut PSC limits for Amendment 80 halibut PSC limit may carry forward to
slightly lower than the average historic Program vessels. These tables the next season limit (§ 679.92(b)(2)).
use to accommodate two factors: incorporate the maximum percentages
TABLE 28—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 HALIBUT PSC LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Historic Amend-
ment 80 use of 2017 and 2018 2017 and 2018
the annual hal-
Season Season dates Target fishery annual PSC limit Amendment 80
ibut PSC limit (mt) vessel PSC limit
catch
(ratio)
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
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Total .......... ................................................... ................................................... ............................ ............................ 474
Directed Fishing Closures that any allocation or apportionment of will be reached; or (2) with respect to
a target species or species group pollock and Pacific cod, that an
Pursuant to § 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the allocated or apportioned to a fishery allocation or apportionment to an
Regional Administrator determines (1)
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 12059
inshore or offshore component or sector reached before the end of the fishing species listed in Table 29 are necessary
allocation will be reached, then the year, NMFS will prohibit directed to account for the incidental catch of
Regional Administrator may establish a fishing for that species or species group these species in other anticipated
directed fishing allowance (DFA) for in the specified GOA subarea, regulatory groundfish fisheries for the 2017 and
that species or species group. If the area, or district (§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii)). 2018 fishing years.
Regional Administrator establishes a The Regional Administrator has
DFA and that allowance is or will be determined that the TACs for the
TABLE 29—2017 AND 2018 DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES IN THE GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Incidental catch amount
Target Area/component/gear and year
(if amounts differ by year)
Pollock ............................................................................ all/offshore ..................................................................... not applicable.1
Sablefish 2 ...................................................................... all/trawl .......................................................................... 1,383 (2017), 1,402 (2018).
Pacific cod ...................................................................... Western, catcher/processor, trawl ................................. 594 (2017), 528 (2018).
Central, catcher/processor, trawl .................................. 1,377 (2017), 1,236 (2018).
Shortraker rockfish 2 ....................................................... all ................................................................................... 1,286.
Rougheye rockfish 2 ....................................................... all ................................................................................... 1,327 (2017), 1,318 (2018).
Thornyhead rockfish 2 .................................................... all ................................................................................... 1,961.
Other rockfish ................................................................. all ................................................................................... 2,308.
Atka mackerel ................................................................ all ................................................................................... 3,000.
Big skate ........................................................................ all ................................................................................... 3,814.
Longnose skate .............................................................. all ................................................................................... 3,206.
Other skates ................................................................... all ................................................................................... 1,919.
Sharks ............................................................................ all ................................................................................... 4,514.
Squids ............................................................................ all ................................................................................... 1,137.
Octopuses ...................................................................... all ................................................................................... 4,878.
1 Pollock is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under § 679.20(a)(6)(i).
2 Closures not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program.
Consequently, in accordance with Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for fisheries for the 2017 and 2018 fishing
§ 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional management of AFA CV groundfish years. In accordance with
Administrator establishes the DFA for harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits § 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional
the species or species groups listed in using directed fishing closures and PSC Administrator sets the DFAs for the
Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in closures according to procedures set out species and species groups in Table 30
accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), at §§ 679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and at zero mt. Therefore, in accordance
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is
those species, areas, gear types, and Administrator has determined that, in prohibiting directed fishing by non-
components in the GOA listed in Table addition to the closures listed above, exempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the
29. These closures will remain in effect many of the non-exempt AFA CV species and specified areas listed in
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and Table 30. These closures will remain in
2018. 19 are necessary as incidental catch to effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December
support other anticipated groundfish 31, 2018.
TABLE 30—2017 AND 2018 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV SIDEBOARD DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES FOR ALL GEAR TYPES IN
THE GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Species Regulatory area/district Incidental catch amount
Pacific cod ........................................................... Eastern ............................................................... 42 (inshore) and 5 (offshore) [2017].
38 (inshore) and 4 (offshore) [2018].
Shallow-water flatfish .......................................... Eastern ............................................................... 54 in 2017, 49 in 2018.
Deep-water flatfish .............................................. Western .............................................................. 0.
Rex sole .............................................................. Eastern and Western ......................................... 6 and 1 (2017), 5 and 1 (2018).
Arrowtooth flounder ............................................. Eastern and Western ......................................... 3 and 30.
Flathead sole ....................................................... Eastern and Western ......................................... 3 and 31.
Pacific ocean perch ............................................. Western .............................................................. 6.
Northern rockfish ................................................. Western .............................................................. 0.
Dusky rockfish ..................................................... Entire GOA ........................................................ 2.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
Demersal shelf rockfish ....................................... SEO District ....................................................... 0.
Sculpins ............................................................... Entire GOA ........................................................ 35.
Squids .................................................................. Entire GOA ........................................................ 7.
Section 680.22 provides for the sideboards using directed fishing § 680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional
management of non-AFA crab vessel closures in accordance with Administrator has determined that the
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![12062 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1 fast-paced fisheries. Other fisheries, specifications will allow the sablefish
through 3) or for the most recent 5 years such as those for sablefish, flatfish, IFQ fishery to begin concurrently with
of harvests (for species in Tiers 4 rockfish, Atka mackerel, skates, the Pacific halibut IFQ season.
through 6). This alternative is sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses, In addition, the immediate
inconsistent with the objectives of this are critical as directed fisheries and as effectiveness of this action is required to
action because it does not take account incidental catch in other fisheries. U.S. provide consistent management and
of the most recent biological fishing vessels have demonstrated the conservation of fishery resources based
information for this fishery. capacity to catch the TAC allocations in on the best available scientific
Alternative 4 would lead to many of these fisheries. If this rule information. This is particularly true for
significantly lower harvests of all allowed for a 30-day delay in
species to reduce TACs from the upper those species that have lower 2017
effectiveness and if a TAC were reached ABCs and TACs than those established
end of the OY range in the GOA to its during those 30 days, NMFS would
lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this in the 2016 and 2017 harvest
close directed fishing or prohibit specifications (81 FR 14740, March 18,
alternative would reduce 2017 TACs by retention for the applicable species. Any
about 80 percent. This would lead to 2016). Immediate effectiveness also
delay in allocating the final TACs in would give the fishing industry the
significant reductions in harvests of these fisheries would cause confusion to
species by small entities. While earliest possible opportunity to plan and
the industry and potential economic
production declines in the GOA would conduct its fishing operations with
harm through unnecessary discards,
undoubtedly be associated with price respect to new information about TACs.
thus undermining the intent of this rule.
increases in the GOA, these increases Therefore, NMFS finds good cause to
Waiving the 30-day delay allows NMFS
would still be constrained by the waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness
to prevent economic loss to fishermen
availability of substitutes, and are very under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
that could otherwise occur should the
unlikely to offset revenue declines from 2017 TACs (set under the 2016 and 2017 Small Entity Compliance Guide
smaller production. Thus, this action harvest specifications) be reached.
would have a detrimental economic Determining which fisheries may close This final rule is a plain language
impact on small entities. is impossible because these fisheries are guide to assist small entities in
Alternative 5, which sets all harvests affected by several factors that cannot be complying with this final rule as
equal to zero, may also address predicted in advance, including fishing required by the Small Business
conservation issues, but would have a effort, weather, movement of fishery Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
significant adverse economic impact on stocks, and market price. Furthermore, 1996. This final rule’s primary purpose
small entities. the closure of one fishery has a is to announce the final 2017 and 2018
Impacts on marine mammals resulting harvest specifications and prohibited
cascading effect on other fisheries by
from fishing activities conducted under species bycatch allowances for the
freeing-up fishing vessels, allowing
this rule are discussed in the EIS and groundfish fisheries of the GOA. This
them to move from closed fisheries to
SIR (see ADDRESSES). action is necessary to establish harvest
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the open ones, increasing the fishing
capacity in those open fisheries, and limits and associated management
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA, finds good cause to waive the causing them to close at an accelerated measures for groundfish during the 2017
30-day delay in effectiveness for this pace. and 2018 fishing years, and to
rule because delaying this rule would be In fisheries subject to declining accomplish the goals and objectives of
contrary to the public interest. The Plan sideboard limits, a failure to implement the FMP. This action affects all
Team review occurred in November the updated sideboard limits before fishermen who participate in the GOA
2016, and the Council considered and initial season’s end could deny the fisheries. The specific amounts of OFL,
recommended the final harvest intended economic protection to the ABC, TAC, and PSC are provided in
specifications in December 2016. non-sideboarded sectors. Conversely, in tables to assist the reader. NMFS will
Accordingly, NMFS’ review could not fisheries with increasing sideboard announce closures of directed fishing in
begin until January 2017. For all limits, economic benefit could be the Federal Register and information
fisheries not currently closed because denied to the sideboard limited sectors. bulletins released by the Alaska Region.
the TACs established under the final If the final harvest specifications are Affected fishermen should keep
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (81 not effective by March 11, 2017, which themselves informed of such closures.
FR 14740, March 18, 2016) were not is the start of the 2017 Pacific halibut Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
reached, it is possible that they would season as specified by the IPHC, the 1540 (f), 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.;
be closed prior to the expiration of a 30- hook-and-line sablefish fishery will not Pub. L. 105–277; Pub. L. 106–31; Pub. L.
day delayed effectiveness period begin concurrently with the Pacific 106–554; Pub. L. 108–199; Pub. L. 108–447;
because their TACs could be reached halibut IFQ season. This would result in Pub. L. 109–241; Pub. L. 109–479.
within that period. If implemented confusion for the industry and
Dated: February 21, 2017.
immediately, this rule would allow economic harm from unnecessary
these fisheries to continue because some discard of sablefish that are caught Alan D. Risenhoover,
of the new TACs implemented by this along with Pacific halibut, as both hook- Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for
rule are higher than the ones under and-line sablefish and Pacific halibut Regulatory Programs, National Marine
which they are currently fishing. are managed under the same IFQ Fisheries Service.
Certain fisheries, such as those for program. Immediate effectiveness of the [FR Doc. 2017–03697 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am]
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES2
pollock and Pacific cod, are intensive, final 2017 and 2018 harvest BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2017-02-25 01:05:21
Document Modified: 2017-02-25 01:05:21
| 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 | Final rule; harvest specifications and closures. | |
| Dates | Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 27, 2017, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018. | |
| Contact | Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 12032 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE90 |
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