82_FR_9554 82 FR 9530 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

82 FR 9530 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 24 (February 7, 2017)

Page Range9530-9531
FR Document2017-02486

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2017 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9530-9531]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-02486]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 150916863-6211-02]
RIN 0648-XF204


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using 
Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear 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; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by 
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall 
(LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent 
exceeding the 2017 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to 
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or 
pot gear in the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 2, 
2017, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 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 2017 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to 
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or 
pot gear in the BSAI is 5,959 metric tons (mt) as established by the 
final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI 
(81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016), inseason adjustment (82 FR 2916, January 
10, 2017), and reallocation (82 FR 8905, February 1, 2017).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Administrator, 
Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has

[[Page 9531]]

determined that the 2017 Pacific cod TAC allocated as a directed 
fishing allowance to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA 
using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI will soon be reached. 
Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by 
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or 
pot gear in the BSAI.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Acting 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 closure of directed fishing for Pacific cod 
by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line 
or pot gear in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing 
time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only 
became available as of January 31, 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: February 2, 2017.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-02486 Filed 2-2-17; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

9530 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 7, 2017 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE the objectives of Amendment 7 to the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management Plan. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administration On January 20, 2017, the White House issued a memo instructing Federal 50 CFR Part 635 50 CFR Part 679 agencies to temporarily postpone the [Docket No. 160527473–6999–02] effective date for 60 days after January [Docket No. 150916863–6211–02] RIN 0648–BG09 20, 2017, of any regulations or guidance RIN 0648–XF204 documents that have published in the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Federal Register but not yet taken effect, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Individual Bluefin Quota Program; for the purpose of ‘‘reviewing questions Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Inseason Transfers; Correction of fact, law, and policy they raise.’’ Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet Because its effective date has already (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries passed, we enacted a stay of the rule Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and published on December 29, 2016, at 81 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), FR 95903 (see DATES above) until March Management Area Commerce. ACTION: Stay of final rule; correction. 21, 2017, in a ‘‘Stay of final rule’’ AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries document published on January 31, Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and SUMMARY: NMFS published a ‘‘Stay of 2017 (82 FR 8821). Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), final rule’’ on January 31, 2017—in Commerce. accordance with the memorandum of Need for Correction ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to After the ‘‘Stay of final rule’’ the President and Chief of Staff, entitled published on January 31, 2017, NMFS is SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed ‘‘Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,’’ fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels correcting the effective date of ‘‘March published in the Federal Register on less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length 21, 2017’’ to ‘‘February 10, 2017’’ to January 24, 2017 (the Memorandum)— overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or better align with current fisheries pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian to delay the effective date of the final rule NMFS published on December 29, management goals. NMFS publishes this Islands management area (BSAI). This 2016. This notification corrects the notification to correct the stay of action is necessary to prevent exceeding effectiveness date from ‘‘March 21, effective date. the 2017 Pacific cod total allowable 2017’’ to ‘‘February 10, 2017.’’ For Corrections catch allocated to catcher vessels less consistency and clarity, the complete than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook- new DATES section has been set out In the Federal Register of January 31, and-line or pot gear in the BSAI. below in its entirety. 2017, in FR Doc. 2017–02043, ‘‘March DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska DATES: Effective February 7, 2017, the 21, 2017’’ is corrected to read ‘‘February local time (A.l.t.), February 2, 2017, final rule amending 50 CFR part 635, 10, 2017’’ in the following places: through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, that published on December 29, 2016, at 1. In the DATES section on page 8821 2017. 81 FR 95903, is stayed until February in the first column, which is also set out FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh 10, 2017. in its entirety above for clarity and Keaton, 907–586–7228. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: consistency; SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS Thomas Warren or Sarah McLaughlin, manages the groundfish fishery in the 978–281–9260; Carrie Soltanoff, 301– 2. On page 8821, second column, first BSAI exclusive economic zone 427–8503. paragraph, last sentence; and according to the Fishery Management SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 3. On page 8821, in amendatory Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea instruction 2. and Aleutian Islands Management Area Background Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific On December 29, 2016, NMFS Fishery Management Council under published this final rule modifying the Dated: February 2, 2017. authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) Alan D. Risenhoover, Fishery Conservation and Management regulations regarding the distribution of Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Act. Regulations governing fishing by inseason Atlantic bluefin tuna quota Regulatory Programs, National Marine U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP transfers to the Longline category. This Fisheries Service. appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 final rule provides NMFS the ability to [FR Doc. 2017–02462 Filed 2–6–17; 8:45 am] and 50 CFR part 679. distribute quota inseason either to all BILLING CODE 3510–22–P The 2017 Pacific cod total allowable qualified Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) catch (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels share recipients (i.e., share recipients less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using who have associated their permit with hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI is a vessel) or only to permitted Atlantic 5,959 metric tons (mt) as established by Tunas Longline vessels with recent the final 2016 and 2017 harvest fishing activity, whether or not they are specifications for groundfish in the mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES associated with IBQ shares. This action BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016), is necessary to optimize fishing inseason adjustment (82 FR 2916, opportunity in the directed pelagic January 10, 2017), and reallocation (82 longline fishery for target species such FR 8905, February 1, 2017). as tuna and swordfish and to improve In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the functioning of the IBQ Program and the Administrator, Alaska Region, its leasing provisions consistent with NMFS (Regional Administrator), has VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Feb 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07FER1.SGM 07FER1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 7, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 9531 determined that the 2017 Pacific cod DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh TAC allocated as a directed fishing Keaton, 907–586–7228. allowance to catcher vessels less than 60 National Oceanic and Atmospheric SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line Administration manages the groundfish fishery in the or pot gear in the BSAI will soon be GOA exclusive economic zone reached. Consequently, NMFS is 50 CFR Part 679 according to the Fishery Management prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific [Docket No. 150818742–6210–02] Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North RIN 0648–XF206 Pacific Fishery Management Council (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI. under authority of the Magnuson- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Stevens Fishery Conservation and After the effective date of this closure Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Management Act. Regulations governing the maximum retainable amounts at Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 during a trip. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), The A season allowance of the 2017 Classification Commerce. total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in This action responds to the best ACTION: Temporary rule; opening. Statistical Area 610 of the GOA is 2,232 available information recently obtained metric tons (mt) as established by the from the fishery. The Acting Assistant SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed final 2016 and 2017 harvest Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA fishing for pollock in Statistical Area specifications for groundfish of the (81 (AA), finds good cause to waive the 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This FR 14740; March 16, 2016) and inseason action is necessary to fully use the A adjustment (81 FR 95063; December 27, requirement to provide prior notice and season allowance of the 2017 total 2016). opportunity for public comment NMFS closed directed fishing for pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the GOA. pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is GOA under § 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on impracticable and contrary to the public DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 6, 2017, January 27, 2017 (82 FR 8821; January interest. This requirement is 31, 2017). impracticable and contrary to the public through 1200 hours, A.l.t., March 10, As of February 2, 2017, NMFS has interest as it would prevent NMFS from 2017. determined that approximately 2,225 Comments must be received at the responding to the most recent fisheries metric tons of pollock remain in the A following address no later than 4:30 data in a timely fashion and would season directed fishing allowance for p.m., A.l.t., February 21, 2017. delay the closure of directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the ADDRESSES: You may submit comments GOA. Therefore, in accordance with Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than on this document, identified by FDMS § 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and- Docket Number NOAA–NMFS–2015– (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the A line or pot gear in the BSAI. NMFS was 0110 by either of the following methods: season allowance of the 2017 TAC of unable to publish a notice providing • Electronic Submission: Submit all time for public comment because the pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the electronic public comments via the GOA, NMFS is terminating the previous most recent, relevant data only became Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to closure and is reopening directed available as of January 31, 2017. www.regulations.gov/ fishing pollock in Statistical Area 610 of The AA also finds good cause to #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2013- the GOA, effective 1200 hours, A.l.t., waive the 30-day delay in the effective 0147, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, February 6, 2017. date of this action under 5 U.S.C. complete the required fields, and enter The Administrator, Alaska Region 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon or attach your comments. (Regional Administrator) considered the the reasons provided above for waiver of • Mail: Address written comments to following factors in reaching this prior notice and opportunity for public Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional decision: (1) The current catch of comment. Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: GOA and, (2) the harvest capacity and This action is required by § 679.20 Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. stated intent on future harvesting and is exempt from review under Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. patterns of vessels in participating in Executive Order 12866. Instructions: Comments sent by any this fishery. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of Classification Dated: February 2, 2017. the comment period, may not be This action responds to the best Karen H. Abrams, considered by NMFS. All comments available information recently obtained Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable received are a part of the public record from the fishery. The Acting Assistant Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. and will generally be posted for public Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA [FR Doc. 2017–02486 Filed 2–2–17; 4:15 pm] viewing on www.regulations.gov (AA), finds good cause to waive the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P without change. All personal identifying requirement to provide prior notice and information (e.g., name, address), opportunity for public comment mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES confidential business information, or pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 otherwise sensitive information U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is submitted voluntarily by the sender will impracticable and contrary to the public be publicly accessible. NMFS will interest. This requirement is accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ impracticable and contrary to the public A’’ in the required fields if you wish to interest as it would prevent NMFS from remain anonymous). responding to the most recent fisheries VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Feb 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07FER1.SGM 07FER1


Document Created: 2017-02-07 00:27:19
Document Modified: 2017-02-07 00:27:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary rule; closure.
DatesEffective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 2, 2017, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2017.
ContactJosh Keaton, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation82 FR 9530 
RIN Number0648-XF20
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