82 FR 60327 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)
| Page Range | 60327-60329 | |
| FR Document | 2017-27429 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 20, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 60327-60329] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-27429] [[Page 60327]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 160920866-7167-02] RIN 0648-XF867 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock 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 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information for pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. DATES: Effective 0000 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2018, until the effective date of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register.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 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by FDMS Docket Number NOAA-NMFS-2016-0127 by any of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0127, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Address 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). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) set the 2018 pollock TAC at 163,479 metric tons (mt) and the 2018 Pacific cod TAC at 57,825 mt in the GOA. In December 2017, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2018 pollock TAC of 166,228 mt for the GOA, which is more than the 163,479 mt established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA. The Council also recommended a 2018 Pacific cod TAC of 13,096 mt for the GOA, which is less than the 57,825 mt established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA. The Council's recommended 2018 TACs, and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November 2017, which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific information for these fisheries. Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock and Pacific cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the GOA. The seasonal apportionment of pollock 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. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv) specify how the pollock TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(ii) and Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i) specify how the Pacific cod 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 2017 SAFE report for this fishery, the current GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Consequently, pursuant to Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2018 GOA pollock TAC to 166,228 mt and the 2018 GOA Pacific cod TAC to 13,096 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) is revised consistent with this adjustment. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv), Table 4 of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) is revised for the 2018 TACs of pollock in the Central and Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. 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)....................... 1,317 3.497% 27,314 72.537% 9,025 23.966% 37,656 B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 1,317 3.497% 32,155 85.392% 4,184 11.111% 37,656 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 13,777 36.587% 10,013 26.591% 13,865 36.821% 37,656 [[Page 60328]] D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 13,777 36.587% 10,013 26.591% 13,865 36.821% 37,656 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Total........................ 30,188 .............. 79,495 .............. 40,939 .............. 150,622 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \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. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(ii) and Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i), Table 6 of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) is revised for the 2018 seasonal apportionments and allocation of Pacific cod TAC in the GOA consistent with this adjustment. 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)............... 141 N/A 85 N/A 57 Hook-and-line CV................ 77 0.70 39 0.70 39 Hook-and-line C/P............... 1,092 10.90 601 8.90 491 Trawl CV........................ 2,118 27.70 1,528 10.70 590 Trawl C/P....................... 132 0.90 50 1.50 83 All Pot CV and Pot C/P.......... 2,096 19.80 1,092 18.20 1,004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 5,657 60.00 3,394 40.00 2,263 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central GOA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jig (1.0% of TAC)............... 61 N/A 37 N/A 24 Hook-and-line <50 CV............ 880 9.32 562 5.29 319 Hook-and-line >=50 CV........... 404 5.61 338 1.10 66 Hook-and-line C/P............... 308 4.11 248 1.00 60 Trawl CV \1\.................... 2,507 21.14 1,274 20.45 1,233 Trawl C/P....................... 253 2.00 121 2.19 132 All Pot CV and Pot C/P.......... 1,676 17.83 1,075 9.97 601 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 6,089 60.00 3,653 40.00 2,436 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,350 1,215 135 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Seasonal apportionments may not total precisely due to 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 and Pacific cod 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 13, 2017, 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 [[Page 60329]] 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 4, 2018. 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: December 15, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-27429 Filed 12-19-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 60327
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE complete the required fields, and enter GOA. The Council also recommended a
or attach your comments. 2018 Pacific cod TAC of 13,096 mt for
National Oceanic and Atmospheric • Mail: Address written comments to the GOA, which is less than the 57,825
Administration Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional mt established by the final 2017 and
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries 2018 harvest specifications for
50 CFR Part 679 Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: groundfish in the GOA. The Council’s
[Docket No. 160920866–7167–02]
Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. recommended 2018 TACs, and the area
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. and seasonal apportionments, are based
RIN 0648–XF867 Instructions: Comments sent by any on the Stock Assessment and Fishery
other method, to any other address or Evaluation report (SAFE), dated
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic individual, or received after the end of November 2017, which NMFS has
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment the comment period, may not be determined is the best available
to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock and considered by NMFS. All comments scientific information for these fisheries.
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch received are a part of the public record
Amounts and will generally be posted for public Steller sea lions occur in the same
viewing on www.regulations.gov location as the pollock and Pacific cod
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries fisheries and are listed as endangered
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address), under the Endangered Species Act
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (ESA). Pollock and Pacific cod are a
Commerce. confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information principal prey species for Steller sea
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason lions in the GOA. The seasonal
adjustment; request for comments. submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. NMFS will apportionment of pollock and Pacific
accept anonymous comments (enter cod harvest is necessary to ensure the
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2018
‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish groundfish fisheries are not likely to
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for
to remain anonymous). Attachments to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse
the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and
electronic comments will be accepted in modification of critical habitat for
Pacific cod fisheries. This action is
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF Steller sea lions. The regulations at
necessary because NMFS has
file formats only. § 679.20(a)(5)(iv) specify how the
determined these TACs are incorrectly
pollock TAC will be apportioned. The
specified, and will ensure the GOA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
regulations at § 679.20(a)(6)(ii) and
pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the Obren Davis, 907–586–7228. § 679.20(a)(12)(i) specify how the Pacific
appropriate amounts based on the best SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS cod TAC will be apportioned.
available scientific information for manages the groundfish fishery in the
pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. GOA exclusive economic zone In accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
This action is consistent with the goals according to the Fishery Management (a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv) the
and objectives of the Fishery Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North (Regional Administrator), has
Gulf of Alaska. Pacific Fishery Management Council determined that, based on the November
DATES: Effective 0000 hours, Alaska (Council) under authority of the 2017 SAFE report for this fishery, the
local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2018, until Magnuson-Stevens Fishery current GOA pollock and Pacific cod
the effective date of the final 2018 and Conservation and Management Act. TACs are incorrectly specified.
2019 harvest specifications for GOA Regulations governing fishing by U.S. Consequently, pursuant to
groundfish, unless otherwise modified vessels in accordance with the FMP § 679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional
or superseded through publication of a appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 Administrator is adjusting the 2018
notification in the Federal Register. and 50 CFR part 679. GOA pollock TAC to 166,228 mt and the
Comments must be received at the The final 2017 and 2018 harvest 2018 GOA Pacific cod TAC to 13,096
following address no later than 4:30 specifications for groundfish in the GOA mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2017
p.m., A.l.t., January 4, 2018. (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) set the and 2018 harvest specifications for
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 2018 pollock TAC at 163,479 metric groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032,
on this document, identified by FDMS tons (mt) and the 2018 Pacific cod TAC February 27, 2017) is revised consistent
Docket Number NOAA–NMFS–2016– at 57,825 mt in the GOA. In December with this adjustment.
0127 by any of the following methods: 2017, the North Pacific Fishery Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iv), Table 4
• Electronic Submission: Submit all Management Council (Council) of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
electronic public comments via the recommended a 2018 pollock TAC of specifications for groundfish in the GOA
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 166,228 mt for the GOA, which is more (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) is
http://www.regulations.gov/#! than the 163,479 mt established by the revised for the 2018 TACs of pollock in
docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016- final 2017 and 2018 harvest the Central and Western Regulatory
0127, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, specifications for groundfish in the Area of the GOA.
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]
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Season 1 Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ....... 1,317 3.497% 27,314 72.537% 9,025 23.966% 37,656
B (Mar 10–May 31) ...... 1,317 3.497% 32,155 85.392% 4,184 11.111% 37,656
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ......... 13,777 36.587% 10,013 26.591% 13,865 36.821% 37,656
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![60328 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
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—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ........... 13,777 36.587% 10,013 26.591% 13,865 36.821% 37,656
Annual Total .......... 30,188 ........................ 79,495 ........................ 40,939 ........................ 150,622
1As established 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.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(6)(ii) and groundfish in the GOA (82 FR 12032, allocation of Pacific cod TAC in the
§ 679.20(a)(12)(i), Table 6 of the final February 27, 2017) is revised for the GOA consistent with this adjustment.
2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for 2018 seasonal apportionments and
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 annual
(mt) (mt)
non-jig TAC non-jig TAC
Western GOA
Jig (2.5% of TAC) ................................................................ 141 N/A 85 N/A 57
Hook-and-line CV ................................................................. 77 0.70 39 0.70 39
Hook-and-line C/P ................................................................ 1,092 10.90 601 8.90 491
Trawl CV .............................................................................. 2,118 27.70 1,528 10.70 590
Trawl C/P ............................................................................. 132 0.90 50 1.50 83
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ....................................................... 2,096 19.80 1,092 18.20 1,004
Total .............................................................................. 5,657 60.00 3,394 40.00 2,263
Central GOA
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ................................................................ 61 N/A 37 N/A 24
Hook-and-line <50 CV ......................................................... 880 9.32 562 5.29 319
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV ......................................................... 404 5.61 338 1.10 66
Hook-and-line C/P ................................................................ 308 4.11 248 1.00 60
Trawl CV 1 ............................................................................ 2,507 21.14 1,274 20.45 1,233
Trawl C/P ............................................................................. 253 2.00 121 2.19 132
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ....................................................... 1,676 17.83 1,075 9.97 601
Total .............................................................................. 6,089 60.00 3,653 40.00 2,436
Eastern GOA ........................ Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
1,350 1,215 135
Note: Seasonal apportionments may not total precisely due to due to rounding.
Classification interest. This requirement is most recent, relevant data only became
impracticable and contrary to the public available as of December 13, 2017, and
This action responds to the best interest as it would prevent NMFS from additional time for prior public
available information recently obtained responding to the most recent fisheries comment would result in conservation
from the fishery. The Assistant data in a timely fashion and would concerns for the ESA-listed Steller sea
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
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allow for harvests that exceed the lions.
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
appropriate allocations for pollock and The AA also finds good cause to
requirement to provide prior notice and
Pacific cod based on the best scientific waive the 30-day delay in the effective
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 information available. NMFS was date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is unable to publish a notice providing 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
impracticable and contrary to the public time for public comment because the the reasons provided above for waiver of
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 60329
prior notice and opportunity for public groundfish, unless otherwise modified pollock TAC of 1,364,341 mt, which is
comment. or superseded through publication of a more than the 1,345,000 mt TAC
Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested notification in the Federal Register. established by the final 2017 and 2018
persons are invited to submit written Comments must be received at the harvest specifications for groundfish in
comments on this action to the above following address no later than 4:30 the BSAI. The Council also
address until January 4, 2018. p.m., A.l.t., January 4, 2018. recommended a 2018 BSAI Atka
This action is required by § 679.20 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments mackerel TAC of 71,000 mt, which is
and § 679.25 and is exempt from review on this document, identified by NOAA– more than the 65,000 mt TAC
under Executive Order 12866. NMFS–2016–0140, by any of the established by the final 2017 and 2018
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. following methods: harvest specifications for groundfish in
• Electronic Submission: Submit all the BSAI. The Council recommended a
Dated: December 15, 2017. 2018 BS Pacific cod TAC of 188,136 mt,
electronic public comments via the
Emily H. Menashes, Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to and an AI Pacific cod TAC of 15,695 mt,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable www.regulations.gov/ which is less than the BS Pacific cod
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016- TAC of 223,704 mt, and the same as the
[FR Doc. 2017–27429 Filed 12–19–17; 8:45 am] 0140, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, AI Pacific cod TAC of 15,695 mt
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P complete the required fields, and enter established by the final 2017 and 2018
or attach your comments. harvest specifications for groundfish in
• Mail: Submit written comments to the BSAI. The Council’s recommended
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional 2018 TACs, and the area and seasonal
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries apportionments, are based on the Stock
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Assessment and Fishery Evaluation
Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
Administration report (SAFE), dated November 2017,
Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. which NMFS has determined is the best
50 CFR Part 679 Instructions: Comments sent by any available scientific information for these
[Docket No. 161020985–7181–02] other method, to any other address or fisheries.
individual, or received after the end of Amendment 113 to the FMP (81 FR
RIN 0648–XF866 the comment period, may not be 84434, November 23, 2016) and
considered by NMFS. All comments regulations at § 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic NMFS to announce whether the
received are a part of the public record
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment Aleutian Islands incidental catch
and will generally be posted for public
to the 2018 Bering Sea and Aleutian allowance, directed fishing allowance,
viewing on www.regulations.gov
Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and CV Harvest Set-Aside, and Unrestricted
without change. All personal identifying
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Fishery, as well as the Bering Sea Trawl
information (e.g., name, address),
Amounts CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information in effect for 2018. NMFS received
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
submitted voluntarily by the sender will notification from Adak that a shoreplant
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
be publicly accessible. NMFS will will be processing Aleutian Islands
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
accept anonymous comments (enter Pacific cod in 2018. Therefore, the
Commerce.
‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish Pacific cod TACs in Table 9A of this
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason inseason adjustment will be effective for
adjustment; request for comments. to remain anonymous).
2018 and the harvest limits will apply
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
in 2018.
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2018 Mary Furuness, 907–586–7228. Steller sea lions occur in the same
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS location as the pollock, Atka mackerel,
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands manages the groundfish fishery in the and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed
(BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and BSAI exclusive economic zone as endangered under the Endangered
Pacific cod fisheries. This action is according to the Fishery Management Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka
necessary because NMFS has Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea mackerel, and Pacific cod are a
determined these TACs are incorrectly and Aleutian Islands Management Area principal prey species for Steller sea
specified, and will ensure the BSAI (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific lions in the BSAI. The seasonal
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod Fishery Management Council under apportionment of pollock, Atka
TACs are the appropriate amounts based authority of the Magnuson-Stevens mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is
on the best available scientific Fishery Conservation and Management necessary to ensure the groundfish
information. Also, NMFS is announcing Act. Regulations governing fishing by fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy
the Aleutian Islands Catcher Vessel (CV) U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP of extinction or adverse modification of
Harvest Set-Aside and Bering Sea Trawl appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 critical habitat for Steller sea lions.
CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be and 50 CFR part 679. NMFS published regulations and the
in effect for 2018, and TACs in this The final 2017 and 2018 harvest revised harvest limit amounts for Atka
inseason adjustment will apply for specifications for groundfish in the mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock
2018. This action is consistent with the BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017) fisheries to implement Steller sea lion
goals and objectives of the Fishery set the 2018 Bering Sea (BS) pollock protection measures to insure that
Management Plan for Groundfish of the TAC at 1,345,000 mt, the 2018 BSAI
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groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel TAC at 65,000 mt, the likely to jeopardize the continued
Management Area. 2018 BS Pacific cod TAC at 223,704 mt, existence of the western distinct
DATES: Effective 0000 hours, Alaska and the 2018 AI Pacific cod TAC at population segment of Steller sea lions
local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2018, until 15,695 mt. In December 2017, the North or destroy or adversely modify their
the effective date of the final 2018 and Pacific Fishery Management Council designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286,
2019 harvest specifications for BSAI (Council) recommended a 2018 BS November 25, 2014). The regulations at
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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:57:36
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:57:36
| 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 0000 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2018, until the effective date of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register. | |
| Contact | Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 60327 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF86 |
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