82 FR 51168 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 212 (November 3, 2017)

Page Range		51168-51169
FR Document		2017-24015

NMFS is exchanging unused flathead sole and rock sole Community Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin sole CDQ acceptable biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2017 total allowable catch of yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area to be harvested by the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Community Development Association (APICDA).

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 212 (Friday, November 3, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 212 (Friday, November 3, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51168-51169]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24015]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 161020985-7181-02]
RIN 0648-XF808

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of
Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is exchanging unused flathead sole and rock sole
Community Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin sole CDQ acceptable
biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2017 total
allowable catch of yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands management area to be harvested by the Aleutian Pribilof
Islands Community Development Association (APICDA).

DATES: Effective November 3, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) 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 2017 flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole CDQ reserves
specified in the BSAI are 1,228 metric tons (mt), 5,165 mt, and 16,677
mt as established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017) and revised by
flatfish exchange (82 FR 49539, October 26, 2017). The 2017 flathead
sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves are 6,078 mt,
11,431 mt and 11,229 mt as established by the final 2017 and 2018
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826,
February 27, 2017) and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR 49539,
October 26, 2017).
The APICDA has requested that NMFS exchange 100 mt of flathead sole
sole CDQ reserves and 400 mt of rock sole CDQ reserves for 500 mt of
yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves under Sec. 679.31(d). Therefore, in
accordance with Sec. 679.31(d), NMFS exchanges 100 mt of flathead sole
CDQ reserves and 400 mt of rock sole CDQ reserves for 500 mt of
yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves in the BSAI. This action also decreases
and increases the TACs and CDQ ABC reserves by the corresponding
amounts. Tables 11 and 13 of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27,
2017), and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR 49539, October 26,
2017), are further revised as follows:

Table 11--Final 2017 Community Development Quota (CDQ) Reserves, Incidental Catch Amounts (ICAs), and Amendment 80 Allocations of the Aleutian Islands
Pacific Ocean Perch, and BSAI Flathead Sole, Rock Sole, and Yellowfin Sole TACs
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch Flathead sole Rock sole Yellowfin sole
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sector Eastern Central Western
Aleutian Aleutian Aleutian BSAI BSAI BSAI
district district district
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC..................................................... 7,900 7,000 9,000 14,076 46,825 154,699
CDQ..................................................... 845 749 963 1,128 4,765 17,177
ICA..................................................... 100 60 10 4,000 5,000 4,500
BSAI trawl limited access............................... 695 619 161 0 0 18,151
Amendment 80............................................ 6,259 5,572 7,866 8,949 37,060 114,871
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative........................... 3,319 2,954 4,171 918 9,168 45,638
Alaska Seafood Cooperative.............................. 2,940 2,617 3,695 8,031 27,893 69,233
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

[[Page 51169]]

Table 13--Final 2017 and 2018 ABC Surplus, Community Development Quota (CDQ) ABC Reserves, and Amendment 80 ABC Reserves in the BSAI for Flathead Sole,
Rock Sole, and Yellowfin Sole
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017 Flathead 2017 Yellowfin 2018 Flathead 2018 Yellowfin
Sector sole 2017 Rock sole sole sole 2018 Rock sole sole
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC..................................................... 68,278 155,100 260,800 66,164 143,100 250,800
TAC..................................................... 14,076 46,825 154,699 14,500 47,100 154,000
ABC surplus............................................. 54,202 108,275 106,101 51,664 96,000 96,800
ABC reserve............................................. 54,202 108,275 106,101 51,664 96,000 96,800
CDQ ABC reserve......................................... 6,178 11,831 10,729 5,528 10,272 10,358
Amendment 80 ABC reserve................................ 48,024 96,444 95,372 46,136 85,728 86,442
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative for 2017 \1\.............. 4,926 23,857 37,891 n/a n/a n/a
Alaska Seafood Cooperative for 2017 \1\................. 43,098 72,587 57,481 n/a n/a n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 2018 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until
eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2017.

Classification

This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would delay the flatfish exchange by the APICDA in the BSAI. Since
these fisheries are currently open, it is important to immediately
inform the industry as to the revised allocations. Immediate
notification is necessary to allow for the orderly conduct and
efficient operation of this fishery, to allow the industry to plan for
the fishing season, and to avoid potential disruption to the fishing
fleet as well as processors. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of October 25, 2017.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.

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

Dated: October 31, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24015 Filed 10-31-17; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

51168 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 212 / Friday, November 3, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

between the time Chinook and coho DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Fishery Management Council under
salmon catch and effort projections were authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
developed and fisheries impacts were National Oceanic and Atmospheric Fishery Conservation and Management
calculated, and the time the fishery Administration Act. Regulations governing fishing by
modifications had to be implemented in U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
order to ensure that fisheries are 50 CFR Part 679 appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
managed based on the best available [Docket No. 161020985–7181–02] and 50 CFR part 679.
scientific information, ensuring that RIN 0648–XF808 The 2017 flathead sole, rock sole, and
conservation objectives and Endangered yellowfin sole CDQ reserves specified in
Species Act consultation standards are Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic the BSAI are 1,228 metric tons (mt),
not exceeded. The AA also finds good Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish 5,165 mt, and 16,677 mt as established
cause to waive the 30-day delay in in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
effectiveness required under 5 U.S.C. Management Area specifications for groundfish in the
553(d)(3), as a delay in effectiveness of BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017)
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
these actions would allow fishing at and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
levels inconsistent with the goals of the 49539, October 26, 2017). The 2017
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
FMP and the current management flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin
Commerce.
measures. sole CDQ ABC reserves are 6,078 mt,
ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.
11,431 mt and 11,229 mt as established
These actions are authorized by 50
SUMMARY: NMFS is exchanging unused by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
CFR 660.409 and 660.411 and are
flathead sole and rock sole Community specifications for groundfish in the
exempt from review under Executive BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017)
Order 12866. Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin
sole CDQ acceptable biological catch and revised by flatfish exchange (82 FR
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and 49539, October 26, 2017).
Dated: October 31, 2017. Aleutian Islands management area. This The APICDA has requested that
Emily H. Menashes, action is necessary to allow the 2017 NMFS exchange 100 mt of flathead sole
total allowable catch of yellowfin sole in sole CDQ reserves and 400 mt of rock
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands sole CDQ reserves for 500 mt of
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
management area to be harvested by the yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves under
[FR Doc. 2017–24019 Filed 11–2–17; 8:45 am]
Aleutian Pribilof Islands Community § 679.31(d). Therefore, in accordance
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Development Association (APICDA). with § 679.31(d), NMFS exchanges 100
DATES: Effective November 3, 2017 mt of flathead sole CDQ reserves and
through December 31, 2017. 400 mt of rock sole CDQ reserves for 500
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: mt of yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. in the BSAI. This action also decreases
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and increases the TACs and CDQ ABC
manages the groundfish fishery in the reserves by the corresponding amounts.
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Tables 11 and 13 of the final 2017 and
management area (BSAI) according to 2018 harvest specifications for
the Fishery Management Plan for groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826,
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and February 27, 2017), and revised by
Aleutian Islands Management Area flatfish exchange (82 FR 49539, October
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific 26, 2017), are further revised as follows:

TABLE 11—FINAL 2017 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) RESERVES, INCIDENTAL CATCH AMOUNTS (ICAS), AND
AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH, AND BSAI FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK
SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE TACS
[Amounts are in metric tons]

Pacific ocean perch Flathead sole Rock sole Yellowfin sole

Sector Eastern Central Western
Aleutian Aleutian Aleutian BSAI BSAI BSAI
district district district

TAC .......................................................... 7,900 7,000 9,000 14,076 46,825 154,699
CDQ ......................................................... 845 749 963 1,128 4,765 17,177
ICA ........................................................... 100 60 10 4,000 5,000 4,500
BSAI trawl limited access ........................ 695 619 161 0 0 18,151
Amendment 80 ......................................... 6,259 5,572 7,866 8,949 37,060 114,871
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ............... 3,319 2,954 4,171 918 9,168 45,638
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES

Alaska Seafood Cooperative ................... 2,940 2,617 3,695 8,031 27,893 69,233
Note: Sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Nov 02, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\03NOR1.SGM 03NOR1

$Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 212 / Friday, November 3, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 51169 TABLE 13—FINAL 2017 AND 2018 ABC SURPLUS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) ABC RESERVES, AND AMENDMENT 80 ABC RESERVES IN THE BSAI FOR FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE [Amounts are in metric tons] 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 Sector Flathead sole Rock sole Yellowfin sole Flathead sole Rock sole Yellowfin sole ABC .......................................................... 68,278 155,100 260,800 66,164 143,100 250,800 TAC .......................................................... 14,076 46,825 154,699 14,500 47,100 154,000 ABC surplus ............................................. 54,202 108,275 106,101 51,664 96,000 96,800 ABC reserve ............................................. 54,202 108,275 106,101 51,664 96,000 96,800 CDQ ABC reserve ................................... 6,178 11,831 10,729 5,528 10,272 10,358 Amendment 80 ABC reserve ................... 48,024 96,444 95,372 46,136 85,728 86,442 Alaska Groundfish Cooperative for 2017 1 ................................................... 4,926 23,857 37,891 n/a n/a n/a Alaska Seafood Cooperative for 2017 1 .. 43,098 72,587 57,481 n/a n/a n/a 1 The 2018 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2017. Classification APICDA in the BSAI. Since these date of this action under 5 U.S.C. This action responds to the best fisheries are currently open, it is 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon available information recently obtained important to immediately inform the the reasons provided above for waiver of from the fishery. The Assistant industry as to the revised allocations. prior notice and opportunity for public Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA Immediate notification is necessary to comment. (AA), finds good cause to waive the allow for the orderly conduct and This action is required by § 679.20 requirement to provide prior notice and efficient operation of this fishery, to and is exempt from review under opportunity for public comment allow the industry to plan for the fishing season, and to avoid potential Executive Order 12866. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is disruption to the fishing fleet as well as Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. impracticable and contrary to the public processors. NMFS was unable to Dated: October 31, 2017. interest. This requirement is publish a notice providing time for Emily H. Menashes, impracticable and contrary to the public public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became Acting Director, Office of Sustainable interest as it would prevent NMFS from Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. responding to the most recent fisheries available as of October 25, 2017. [FR Doc. 2017–24015 Filed 10–31–17; 4:15 pm] data in a timely fashion and would The AA also finds good cause to delay the flatfish exchange by the waive the 30-day delay in the effective BILLING CODE 3510–22–P jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Nov 02, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\03NOR1.SGM 03NOR1$

Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:22:29
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:22:29

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; reallocation.
Dates		Effective November 3, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
Contact		Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation		82 FR 51168
RIN Number		0648-XF80

82 FR 51168 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 212 (November 3, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration