82 FR 2916 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 6 (January 10, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 6 (January 10, 2017)
| Page Range | 2916-2920 | |
| FR Document | 2017-00260 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 10, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 2916-2920] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-00260] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 150916863-6211-02] RIN 0648-XF108 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2017 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information. Also, NMFS is announcing the Aleutian Islands Catcher Vessel (CV) Harvest Set- Aside and Bering Sea Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation will not be in effect for 2017, and TACs in this inseason adjustment will apply for 2017. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 9, 2017, until the effective date of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 25, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2015-0118, by any of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0118, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) set the 2017 Aleutian Island (AI) pollock TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt), the 2017 Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC at 1,340,643 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC at 55,000 mt, the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC at 238,680 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC at 12,839 mt. Also set was an AI pollock ABC of 36,664 and a Western Aleutian Island limit for Pacific cod at 26.3 percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. In December 2016, the [[Page 2917]] North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2017 BS pollock TAC of 1,345,000 mt, which is more than the 1,340,643 mt TAC established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council also recommended decreasing the AI pollock ABC to 36,061 mt from 36,664 mt. This in turn reduces some area and seasonal limits for AI pollock. The Council also recommended a 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of 65,000 mt, which is more than the 55,000 mt TAC established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council recommended a 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC of 223,704 mt, and an AI Pacific cod TAC of 15,695 mt, which is less than the BS Pacific cod TAC of 238,680 mt, and more than the AI Pacific cod TAC of 12,839 mt established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. In addition to changes in TACs, the Council recommended changing the percentage limit of Western Aleutian Island Pacific cod to 25.6 percent of the AI Pacific cod ABC, from the 26.3 percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The Council's recommended 2017 TACs, and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November 2016, which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific information for these fisheries. Amendment 113 to the FMP (81 FR 84434, November 23, 2016) and regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require NMFS to announce whether the Aleutian Islands incidental catch allowance, directed fishing allowance, CV Harvest Set-Aside, and Unrestricted Fishery, as well as the Bering Sea Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be in effect for 2017. NMFS received notification from Adak and Atka that neither will be processing Aleutian Islands Pacific cod in 2017. Therefore, the Pacific cod TACs in Table 9 of this inseason adjustment will be effective for 2017 and the harvest limits in Table 8A (81 FR 84434, November 23, 2016) will not apply in 2017. Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the BSAI. The seasonal apportionment of pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is necessary to ensure the groundfish fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification of critical habitat for Steller sea lions. NMFS published regulations and the revised harvest limit amounts for Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock fisheries to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to insure that groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014). The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS pollock TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7) specify how the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will be apportioned. In accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that, based on the November 2016 SAFE report for this fishery, the current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Pursuant to Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2017 BS pollock TAC to 1,345,000 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to 65,000, the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC to 223,704 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC to 15,695 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is revised consistent with this adjustment. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 BS allocations of pollock TAC to the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community Development Quota (CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with this adjustment. The Steller sea lion protection measure final rule (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest limits for pollock in the A season (January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543, 542, and 541, see Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 30 percent, or 10,818 mt, of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 542, the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 15 percent, or 5,409 mt, of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 543, the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 5 percent, or 1,803 mt, of the AI pollock ABC of 36,061 mt. Table 5--Final 2017 Allocations of Pollock Tacs to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\ [Amounts are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 A season \1\ 2017 B season \1\ ----------------------------------------------------------- Area and sector 2017 allocations SCA harvest limit A season DFA \2\ B season DFA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\...... 1,345,000 n/a n/a n/a CDQ DFA......................... 134,500 60,525 37,660 73,975 ICA \1\......................... 47,210 n/a n/a n/a Total Bering Sea non-CDQ DFA.... 1,163,291 523,481 325,721 639,810 AFA Inshore..................... 581,645 261,740 162,861 319,905 AFA Catcher/Processors \3\...... 465,316 209,392 130,289 255,924 Catch by C/Ps............... 425,764 191,594 n/a 234,170 Catch by CVs \3\............ 39,552 17,798 n/a 21,754 Unlisted C/P Limit \4\...... 2,327 1,047 n/a 1,280 AFA Motherships................. 116,329 52,348 32,572 63,981 Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\.. 203,576 n/a n/a n/a Excessive Processing Limit \6\.. 348,987 n/a n/a n/a Aleutian Islands subarea ABC.... 36,061 n/a n/a n/a Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\ 19,000 n/a n/a n/a CDQ DFA......................... 1,900 760 n/a 1,140 ICA............................. 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200 Aleut Corporation............... 14,700 12,464 n/a 2,236 [[Page 2918]] Area harvest limit \7\ 541......................... 10,818 n/a n/a n/a 542......................... 5,409 n/a n/a n/a 543......................... 1,803 n/a n/a n/a Bogoslof District ICA \8\....... 500 n/a n/a n/a ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (3.9 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector--50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)--40 percent, and mothership sector--10 percent. In the BS subarea, 45 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 55 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10- November 1). Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery. \2\ In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1. \3\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/ processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/ processors. \4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock. \5\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. \6\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. \7\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC. \8\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 seasonal and spatial allowances, gear shares, CDQ reserve, incidental catch allowance, and Amendment 80 allocation of the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this adjustment. Table 7--Final 2017 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and Amendment 80 Allocations of the BSAI ATKA Mackerel TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 allocation by area ----------------------------------------------- Eastern Sector \1\ Season \2\ \3\ \4\ Aleutian Central Western District/ Aleutian Aleutian Bering Sea District \5\ District ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TAC................................... n/a..................... 34,500 18,000 12,500 CDQ reserve........................... Total................... 3,692 1,926 1,338 A....................... 1,846 963 669 Critical Habitat........ n/a 578 401 B....................... 1,846 963 669 Critical Habitat........ n/a 578 401 Non-CDQ TAC........................... n/a..................... 30,809 16,074 11,163 ICA................................... Total................... 1,000 75 20 Jig \6\............................... Total................... 149 0 0 BSAI trawl limited access............. Total................... 2,966 1,600 0 A....................... 1,483 800 0 Critical Habitat........ n/a 480 0 B....................... 1,483 800 0 Critical Habitat........ n/a 480 0 Amendment 80 sectors.................. Total................... 26,694 14,399 11,143 A....................... 13,347 7,200 5,571 B....................... 13,347 7,200 5,571 Alaska Groundfish Cooperative......... Total \6\............... 15,191 8,552 6,853 A....................... 7,596 4,276 3,427 Critical Habitat........ n/a 2,566 2,056 B....................... 7,596 4,276 3,427 Critical Habitat........ n/a 2,566 2,056 Alaska Seafood Cooperative............ Total \6\............... 11,502 5,847 4,290 A....................... 5,751 2,924 2,145 Critical Habitat........ n/a 1,754 1,287 B....................... 5,751 2,924 2,145 [[Page 2919]] Critical Habitat........ n/a 1,754 1,287 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and Sec. 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31). \2\ Sections 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery. \3\ The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season. \4\ Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from January 20 to June 10 and the B season from June 10 to December 31. \5\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to be caught inside of critical habitat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at Sec. 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC. \6\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 gear shares and seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment. TABLE 9--Final 2017 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 share of 2017 seasonal apportionment Gear sector Percent gear sector 2017 share of --------------------------------- total sector total Seasons Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BS TAC........................ n/a 223,704 n/a n/a............. n/a BS CDQ........................ n/a 23,936 n/a see Sec. n/a 679.20(a)(7)(i) (B). BS non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 199,768 n/a n/a............. n/a AI TAC........................ n/a 15,695 n/a n/a............. n/a AI CDQ........................ n/a 1,679 n/a see Sec. n/a 679.20(a)(7)(i) (B). AI non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 14,016 n/a n/a............. n/a Western Aleutian Island Limit. n/a 4,018 n/a n/a............. n/a Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC \1\.... 100 213,783 n/a n/a............. n/a Total hook-and-line/pot gear.. 60.8 129,980 n/a n/a............. n/a Hook-and-line/pot ICA \2\..... n/a 500 n/a see Sec. n/a 679.20(a)(7)(ii )(B). Hook-and-line/pot sub-total... n/a 129,480 n/a n/a............. n/a Hook-and-line catcher/ 48.7 n/a 103,712 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 52,893 processor. Jun 10-Dec 31... 50,819 Hook-and-line catcher vessel 0.2 n/a 426 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 217 >=60 ft LOA. Jun 10-Dec 31... 209 Pot catcher/processor......... 1.5 n/a 3,194 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 1,629 Sept 1-Dec 31... 1,565 Pot catcher vessel >=60 ft LOA 8.4 n/a 17,889 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 9,123 Sept 1-Dec 31... 8,765 Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA 2 n/a 4,259 n/a............. n/a using hook-and-line or pot gear. Trawl catcher vessel.......... 22.1 47,246 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 34,962 Apr 1-Jun 10.... 5,197 Jun 10-Nov 1.... 7,087 AFA trawl catcher/processor... 2.3 4,917 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,688 Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,229 Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0 Amendment 80.................. 13.4 28,647 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 21,485 Apr 1-Jun 10.... 7,162 Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0 Alaska Groundfish Cooperative. n/a n/a 4,522 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,392 Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,131 Jun 10-Dec 31... 0 Alaska Seafood Cooperative.... n/a n/a 24,125 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 18,094 Apr 1-Jun 10.... 6,031 Jun 10-Dec 31... 0 [[Page 2920]] Jig........................... 1.4 2,993 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30.... 1,796 Apr 30-Aug 31... 599 Aug 31-Dec 31... 599 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains. \2\ The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2017 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would allow for harvests that exceed the appropriate allocations for pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI based on the best scientific information available. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of December 20, 2016, and additional time for prior public comment would result in conservation concerns for the ESA-listed Steller sea lions. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. Under Sec. 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this action to the above address until January 25, 2017. This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and Sec. 679.25 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 4, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-00260 Filed 1-9-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![2916 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
text. Additionally in § 383.73, FMCSA § 384.236 Entry-level driver training Comments must be received at the
changes paragraph ‘‘(e)(8)’’ to read provider notification. following address no later than 4:30
‘‘(e)(9)’’ in both the instruction and The State must meet the entry-level p.m., A.l.t., January 25, 2017.
associated regulatory text. In instruction driver training provider notification ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
13, amending Part 383, the Agency requirement of § 383.73(p) of this on this document, identified by NOAA–
changes ‘‘§ 384.235’’ to read chapter. NMFS–2015–0118, by any of the
‘‘§ 384.236.’’ These changes are required Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR following methods:
because as written, the instruction and 1.87 on: December 27, 2016. • Electronic Submission: Submit all
associated regulatory text would have Larry W. Minor, electronic public comments via the
deleted the recent changes published in Associate Administrator of Policy. Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
the Federal Register on December 5, www.regulations.gov/
[FR Doc. 2016–31784 Filed 1–9–17; 8:45 am]
2016, in the final rule titled #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
‘‘Commercial Driver’s License Drug and 0118, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
Alcohol Clearinghouse’’ (Clearinghouse) complete the required fields, and enter
(81 FR 87686, RIN 2126–AB18, Docket or attach your comments.
No. FMCSA–2011–0031). FMCSA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE • Mail: Submit written comments to
makes these corrections in this Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional
document to ensure the original National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
language in the Clearinghouse final rule Administration Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
remains in effect. Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
50 CFR Part 679 Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.
■ Therefore, in FR Doc. 2016–28012 Instructions: Comments sent by any
appearing on page 88803 in the Federal [Docket No. 150916863–6211–02] other method, to any other address or
Register of December 8, 2016, the individual, or received after the end of
following corrections are made: RIN 0648–XF108 the comment period, may not be
§ 383.73 [Corrected] considered by NMFS. All comments
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
received are a part of the public record
■ 1. On page 88803, in the first column, Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment
and will generally be posted for public
in Part 383, amendatory instruction 10 to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian
viewing on www.regulations.gov
is corrected to read as follows: Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and
without change. All personal identifying
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch
‘‘10. Amend § 383.73 by revising paragraph information (e.g., name, address),
(b)(3) introductory text and paragraph Amounts
confidential business information, or
(b)(3)(ii) and by adding paragraphs (b)(11), AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries otherwise sensitive information
(e)(9), and (p) to read as follows:’’ submitted voluntarily by the sender will
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
The corrected paragraphs (b)(11) and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), be publicly accessible. NMFS will
(e)(9) read as follows’’ Commerce. accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
§ 383.73 State procedures. adjustment; request for comments. remain anonymous).
* * * * * FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2017 Mary Furuness, 907–586–7228.
(b) * * *
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
(11) Beginning on February 7, 2020, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands manages the groundfish fishery in the
not conduct a skills test of an applicant (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and BSAI exclusive economic zone
for a Class A or Class B CDL, or a Pacific cod fisheries. This action is according to the Fishery Management
passenger (P) or school bus (S) necessary because NMFS has Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
endorsement until the State verifies determined these TACs are incorrectly and Aleutian Islands Management Area
electronically that the applicant specified, and will ensure the BSAI (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
completed the training prescribed in pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod Fishery Management Council under
subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter. TACs are the appropriate amounts based authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
* * * * * on the best available scientific Fishery Conservation and Management
(e) * * * information. Also, NMFS is announcing Act. Regulations governing fishing by
the Aleutian Islands Catcher Vessel (CV) U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
(9) Beginning on February 7, 2020, not Harvest Set-Aside and Bering Sea Trawl
issue an upgrade to a Class A or Class appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
CV A-Season Sector Limitation will not and 50 CFR part 679.
B CDL, or a passenger (P), school bus be in effect for 2017, and TACs in this
(S), or hazardous materials (H) The final 2016 and 2017 harvest
inseason adjustment will apply for specifications for groundfish in the
endorsement, unless the applicant has 2017. This action is consistent with the
completed the training required by BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) set
goals and objectives of the Fishery the 2017 Aleutian Island (AI) pollock
subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter. Management Plan for Groundfish of the TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt), the 2017
§ 384.235 [Corrected] Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC at
Management Area. 1,340,643 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
■ 2. On page 88803, in the third column,
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska mackerel TAC at 55,000 mt, the 2017 BS
in Part 384, amendatory instruction 13
local time (A.l.t.), January 9, 2017, until Pacific cod TAC at 238,680 mt, and the
is corrected to read as follows:
the effective date of the final 2017 and AI Pacific cod TAC at 12,839 mt. Also
‘‘13. Add § 384.236 to subpart B to read as 2018 harvest specifications for BSAI set was an AI pollock ABC of 36,664
follows:’’ groundfish, unless otherwise modified and a Western Aleutian Island limit for
The corrected section reads as or superseded through publication of a Pacific cod at 26.3 percent of the AI
follows: notification in the Federal Register. Pacific cod TAC. In December 2016, the
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 2917
North Pacific Fishery Management CV Harvest Set-Aside, and Unrestricted In accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
Council (Council) recommended a 2017 Fishery, as well as the Bering Sea Trawl (a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv), the
BS pollock TAC of 1,345,000 mt, which CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
is more than the 1,340,643 mt TAC in effect for 2017. NMFS received (Regional Administrator), has
established by the final 2016 and 2017 notification from Adak and Atka that determined that, based on the November
harvest specifications for groundfish in neither will be processing Aleutian 2016 SAFE report for this fishery, the
the BSAI. The Council also Islands Pacific cod in 2017. Therefore, current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel,
recommended decreasing the AI pollock the Pacific cod TACs in Table 9 of this and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly
ABC to 36,061 mt from 36,664 mt. This inseason adjustment will be effective for specified. Pursuant to § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
in turn reduces some area and seasonal 2017 and the harvest limits in Table 8A the Regional Administrator is adjusting
limits for AI pollock. The Council also (81 FR 84434, November 23, 2016) will the 2017 BS pollock TAC to 1,345,000
recommended a 2017 BSAI Atka not apply in 2017. mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC
mackerel TAC of 65,000 mt, which is Steller sea lions occur in the same to 65,000, the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC
more than the 55,000 mt TAC location as the pollock, Atka mackerel, to 223,704 mt, and the AI Pacific cod
established by the final 2016 and 2017 and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed TAC to 15,695 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of
harvest specifications for groundfish in as endangered under the Endangered the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka specifications for groundfish in the
recommended a 2017 BS Pacific cod mackerel, and Pacific cod are a BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
TAC of 223,704 mt, and an AI Pacific principal prey species for Steller sea revised consistent with this adjustment.
cod TAC of 15,695 mt, which is less lions in the BSAI. The seasonal
than the BS Pacific cod TAC of 238,680 apportionment of pollock, Atka Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5
mt, and more than the AI Pacific cod mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
TAC of 12,839 mt established by the necessary to ensure the groundfish specifications for groundfish in the
final 2016 and 2017 harvest fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
specifications for groundfish in the of extinction or adverse modification of revised for the 2017 BS allocations of
BSAI. In addition to changes in TACs, critical habitat for Steller sea lions. pollock TAC to the directed pollock
the Council recommended changing the NMFS published regulations and the fisheries and to the Community
percentage limit of Western Aleutian revised harvest limit amounts for Atka Development Quota (CDQ) directed
Island Pacific cod to 25.6 percent of the mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock fishing allowances consistent with this
AI Pacific cod ABC, from the 26.3 fisheries to implement Steller sea lion adjustment. The Steller sea lion
percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The protection measures to insure that protection measure final rule (79 FR
Council’s recommended 2017 TACs, groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not 70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest
and the area and seasonal likely to jeopardize the continued limits for pollock in the A season
apportionments, are based on the Stock existence of the western distinct (January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543,
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation population segment of Steller sea lions 542, and 541, see
report (SAFE), dated November 2016, or destroy or adversely modify their § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the
which NMFS has determined is the best designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is
available scientific information for these November 25, 2014). The regulations at no more than 30 percent, or 10,818 mt,
fisheries. § 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 542,
Amendment 113 to the FMP (81 FR pollock TAC will be apportioned. The the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit
84434, November 23, 2016) and regulations at § 679.20(a)(7) specify how is no more than 15 percent, or 5,409 mt,
regulations at § 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 543,
NMFS to announce whether the apportioned. The regulations at the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit
Aleutian Islands incidental catch § 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI is no more than 5 percent, or 1,803 mt,
allowance, directed fishing allowance, Atka mackerel TAC will be apportioned. of the AI pollock ABC of 36,061 mt.
TABLE 5—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 A season 1 2017 B season 1
Area and sector 2017 allocations
A season DFA SCA harvest limit 2 B season DFA
Bering Sea subarea TAC 1 .............................................. 1,345,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA ......................................................................... 134,500 60,525 37,660 73,975
ICA 1 ................................................................................. 47,210 n/a n/a n/a
Total Bering Sea non-CDQ DFA ..................................... 1,163,291 523,481 325,721 639,810
AFA Inshore ..................................................................... 581,645 261,740 162,861 319,905
AFA Catcher/Processors 3 ............................................... 465,316 209,392 130,289 255,924
Catch by C/Ps .......................................................... 425,764 191,594 n/a 234,170
Catch by CVs 3 ......................................................... 39,552 17,798 n/a 21,754
Unlisted C/P Limit 4 ................................................... 2,327 1,047 n/a 1,280
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AFA Motherships ............................................................. 116,329 52,348 32,572 63,981
Excessive Harvesting Limit 5 ............................................ 203,576 n/a n/a n/a
Excessive Processing Limit 6 ........................................... 348,987 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC ......................................... 36,061 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC 1 ....................................... 19,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA ......................................................................... 1,900 760 n/a 1,140
ICA ................................................................................... 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200
Aleut Corporation ............................................................. 14,700 12,464 n/a 2,236
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![2918 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 5—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 A season 1 2017 B season 1
Area and sector 2017 allocations
A season DFA SCA harvest limit 2 B season DFA
Area harvest limit 7
541 ............................................................................ 10,818 n/a n/a n/a
542 ............................................................................ 5,409 n/a n/a n/a
543 ............................................................................ 1,803 n/a n/a n/a
Bogoslof District ICA 8 ...................................................... 500 n/a n/a n/a
1 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (3.9 percent), is allocated
as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector—50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)—40 percent, and mothership sector—10 percent. In the BS
subarea, 45 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20–June 10) and 55 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June
10–November 1). Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing al-
lowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A
season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
2 In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector’s annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1.
3 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest
only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/processors.
4 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/
processors sector’s allocation of pollock.
5 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
6 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
7 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in
Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
8 The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and
are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of revised for the 2017 seasonal and spatial Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest allowances, gear shares, CDQ reserve, adjustment.
specifications for groundfish in the incidental catch allowance, and
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is Amendment 80 allocation of the BSAI
TABLE 7—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 allocation by area
Sector 1 Season 2 3 4 Eastern Aleu- Central Western
tian District/ Aleutian Aleutian
Bering Sea District 5 District
TAC ................................................................. n/a .................................................................. 34,500 18,000 12,500
CDQ reserve ................................................... Total ............................................................... 3,692 1,926 1,338
A ..................................................................... 1,846 963 669
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 578 401
B ..................................................................... 1,846 963 669
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 578 401
Non-CDQ TAC ................................................ n/a .................................................................. 30,809 16,074 11,163
ICA .................................................................. Total ............................................................... 1,000 75 20
Jig 6 ................................................................. Total ............................................................... 149 0 0
BSAI trawl limited access ............................... Total ............................................................... 2,966 1,600 0
A ..................................................................... 1,483 800 0
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 480 0
B ..................................................................... 1,483 800 0
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 480 0
Amendment 80 sectors ................................... Total ............................................................... 26,694 14,399 11,143
A ..................................................................... 13,347 7,200 5,571
B ..................................................................... 13,347 7,200 5,571
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ...................... Total 6 ............................................................. 15,191 8,552 6,853
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A ..................................................................... 7,596 4,276 3,427
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 2,566 2,056
B ..................................................................... 7,596 4,276 3,427
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 2,566 2,056
Alaska Seafood Cooperative .......................... Total 6 ............................................................. 11,502 5,847 4,290
A ..................................................................... 5,751 2,924 2,145
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 1,754 1,287
B ..................................................................... 5,751 2,924 2,145
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 2919
TABLE 7—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 allocation by area
Sector 1 Season 2 3 4 Eastern Aleu- Central Western
tian District/ Aleutian Aleutian
Bering Sea District 5 District
Critical Habitat ................................................ n/a 1,754 1,287
1 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs to the Amend-
ment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited ac-
cess sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and § 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see
§§ 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
2 Sections 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery.
3 The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
4 Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from January 20 to June 10 and the B
season from June 10 to December 31.
5 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to be caught inside of critical habi-
tat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at § 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the
TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC.
6 Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear
after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is cod TAC consistent with this
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest revised for the 2017 gear shares and adjustment.
specifications for groundfish in the seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific
TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 share of 2017 seasonal apportionment
2017 share of
Gear sector Percent gear sector sector total
total Seasons Amount
BS TAC ............................................. n/a 223,704 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
BS CDQ ............................................ n/a 23,936 n/a see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) .................... n/a
BS non-CDQ TAC ............................. n/a 199,768 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
AI TAC .............................................. n/a 15,695 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
AI CDQ .............................................. n/a 1,679 n/a see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) .................... n/a
AI non-CDQ TAC .............................. n/a 14,016 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
Western Aleutian Island Limit ........... n/a 4,018 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC 1 .............. 100 213,783 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
Total hook-and-line/pot gear ............. 60.8 129,980 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
Hook-and-line/pot ICA 2 .................... n/a 500 n/a see § 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(B) ................... n/a
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total ............... n/a 129,480 n/a n/a .................................................... n/a
Hook-and-line catcher/processor ...... 48.7 n/a 103,712 Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................... 52,893
Jun 10–Dec 31 ................................. 50,819
Hook-and-line catcher vessel ≥60 ft 0.2 n/a 426 Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................... 217
LOA. Jun 10–Dec 31 ................................. 209
Pot catcher/processor ....................... 1.5 n/a 3,194 Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................... 1,629
Sept 1–Dec 31 ................................. 1,565
Pot catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA .......... 8.4 n/a 17,889 Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................... 9,123
Sept 1–Dec 31 ................................. 8,765
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using 2 n/a 4,259 n/a .................................................... n/a
hook-and-line or pot gear.
Trawl catcher vessel ......................... 22.1 47,246 n/a Jan 20–Apr 1 .................................... 34,962
Apr 1–Jun 10 .................................... 5,197
Jun 10–Nov 1 ................................... 7,087
AFA trawl catcher/processor ............. 2.3 4,917 n/a Jan 20–Apr 1 .................................... 3,688
Apr 1–Jun 10 .................................... 1,229
Jun 10–Nov 1 ................................... 0
Amendment 80 .................................. 13.4 28,647 n/a Jan 20–Apr 1 .................................... 21,485
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Apr 1–Jun 10 .................................... 7,162
Jun 10–Nov 1 ................................... 0
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ........ n/a n/a 4,522 Jan 20–Apr 1 .................................... 3,392
Apr 1–Jun 10 .................................... 1,131
Jun 10–Dec 31 ................................. 0
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ............ n/a n/a 24,125 Jan 20–Apr 1 .................................... 18,094
Apr 1–Jun 10 .................................... 6,031
Jun 10–Dec 31 ................................. 0
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![2920 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 share of 2017 seasonal apportionment
2017 share of
Gear sector Percent gear sector sector total
total Seasons Amount
Jig ...................................................... 1.4 2,993 n/a Jan 1–Apr 30 .................................... 1,796
Apr 30–Aug 31 ................................. 599
Aug 31–Dec 31 ................................ 599
1 The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the sub-
traction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohib-
ited, even if a BSAI allowance remains.
2 The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line
and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2017 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Classification allow for harvests that exceed the prior notice and opportunity for public
appropriate allocations for pollock, Atka comment.
This action responds to the best mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested
available information recently obtained based on the best scientific information persons are invited to submit written
from the fishery. The Assistant available. NMFS was unable to publish comments on this action to the above
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA a notice providing time for public address until January 25, 2017.
(AA), finds good cause to waive the comment because the most recent, This action is required by § 679.20
requirement to provide prior notice and relevant data only became available as and § 679.25 and is exempt from review
opportunity for public comment of December 20, 2016, and additional under Executive Order 12866.
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 time for prior public comment would Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is result in conservation concerns for the
impracticable and contrary to the public ESA-listed Steller sea lions. Dated: January 4, 2017.
interest. This requirement is The AA also finds good cause to Emily H. Menashes,
impracticable and contrary to the public waive the 30-day delay in the effective Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
interest as it would prevent NMFS from date of this action under 5 U.S.C. Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
responding to the most recent fisheries 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon [FR Doc. 2017–00260 Filed 1–9–17; 8:45 am]
data in a timely fashion and would the reasons provided above for waiver of BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 14:54:12
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 14:54:12
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 9, 2017, until the effective date of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register. | |
| Contact | Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 2916 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF10 |
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