83_FR_11698 83 FR 11646 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

83 FR 11646 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 52 (March 16, 2018)

Page Range11646-11647
FR Document2018-05412

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 52 (Friday, March 16, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 52 (Friday, March 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11646-11647]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05412]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 170816769-8162-02]
RIN 0648-XF895


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall 
Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 
Alaska

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 greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall (LOA) 
using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A 
season allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch 
apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet LOA 
using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 14, 
2018, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 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 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. Regulations governing sideboard 
protections for GOA groundfish fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR 
part 680.
    The A season allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable 
catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 
feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the 
GOA is 338 metric tons (mt), as established by the final 2018 and 2019 
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (83 FR 8768, March 1, 
2018).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has determined that the A season 
allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC apportioned to catcher vessels 
greater than or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the 
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 
278 mt and is setting aside the remaining 60 mt as bycatch to support 
other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with Sec.  
679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed 
fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting 
directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or 
equal to 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory 
Area of the GOA. 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 Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and

[[Page 11647]]

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 
directed fishing closure of Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than 
or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central 
Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data only became available as of March 12, 2018.
    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: March 13, 2018.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-05412 Filed 3-13-18; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

11646 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND This notice of enforcement is issued DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska SECURITY under the authority of 33 CFR 165.930 local time (A.l.t.), March 14, 2018, and 5 U.S.C. 552(a). In addition to this through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, Coast Guard publication in the Federal Register, the 2018. Captain of the Port Lake Michigan will FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh 33 CFR Part 165 also provide notice through other Keaton, 907–586–7228. [Docket No. USCG–2018–0113] means, which will include Broadcast SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS Notice to Mariners and Local Notice to Mariners. Additionally, the Captain of manages the groundfish fishery in the Safety Zone, Brandon Road Lock and GOA exclusive economic zone Dam to Lake Michigan Including Des the Port Lake Michigan may notify representatives from the maritime according to the Fishery Management Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Ship Canal, Chicago River, and industry through telephonic notifications, email notifications, or by Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Calumet-Saganashkee Channel, Pacific Fishery Management Council Chicago, IL direct communication from on scene patrol commanders. If the Captain of the under authority of the Magnuson- AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. Port or a designated representative Stevens Fishery Conservation and ACTION: Notice of enforcement of determines that the regulated area need Management Act. Regulations governing regulation. not be enforced for the full duration fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance stated in this notice of enforcement, he with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 SUMMARY: The Coast Guard will enforce or she may use a Broadcast Notice to CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. a segment of the Safety Zone: Brandon Mariners to grant general permission to Regulations governing sideboard Road Lock and Dam to Lake Michigan enter the regulated area. The Captain of protections for GOA groundfish including Des Plaines River, Chicago the Port Lake Michigan or a designated fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago River, on-scene representative may be part 680. Calumet-Saganashkee Channel on all The A season allowance of the 2018 contacted via Channel 16, VHF–FM or waters of the Main Branch of the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) at (414) 747–7182. Chicago River between Columbus Drive apportioned to catcher vessels greater Dated: February 28, 2018. than or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook- Bridge, mile marker 326.5, and Dearborn Street Bridge, mile marker 326.1. This Thomas J. Stuhlreyer, and-line gear in the Central Regulatory action is necessary to prevent collisions Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Area of the GOA is 338 metric tons (mt), between mariners and to facilitate safety Port Lake Michigan. as established by the final 2018 and during the dying of the Chicago River. [FR Doc. 2018–05390 Filed 3–15–18; 8:45 am] 2019 harvest specifications for DATES: The regulations in 33 Code of BILLING CODE 9110–04–P groundfish of the GOA (83 FR 8768, Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.930 will March 1, 2018). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), be enforced from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE the Administrator, Alaska Region, on March 17, 2018. NMFS (Regional Administrator) has FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If National Oceanic and Atmospheric determined that the A season allowance you have questions about this notice of Administration of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC enforcement, call or email LT John apportioned to catcher vessels greater Ramos, Waterways Management 50 CFR Part 679 than or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook- Division, Marine Safety Unit Chicago, at and-line gear in the Central Regulatory 630–986–2155, email address D09-DG- [Docket No. 170816769–8162–02] Area of the GOA will soon be reached. MSUChicago-Waterways@uscg.mil. RIN 0648–XF895 Therefore, the Regional Administrator is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast establishing a directed fishing Guard will enforce a segment of the Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic allowance of 278 mt and is setting aside Safety Zone: Brandon Road Lock and Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by the remaining 60 mt as bycatch to Dam to Lake Michigan including Des Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal support other anticipated groundfish Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook- fisheries. In accordance with Ship Canal, Chicago River, Calumet- and-Line Gear in the Central § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Saganashkee Channel, Chicago, IL, Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Administrator finds that this directed listed in 33 CFR 165.930. Specifically, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries fishing allowance has been reached. the Coast Guard will enforce this safety Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting zone on all waters of the Main Branch Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), directed fishing for Pacific cod by of the Chicago River between Columbus Commerce. catcher vessels greater than or equal to Drive Bridge, mile marker 326.5, and ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in Dearborn Street Bridge, mile marker the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. 326.1. Enforcement will occur from 7:30 SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed After the effective date of this closure a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on March 17, 2018. fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels the maximum retainable amounts at During the enforcement period, no greater than or equal to 50 feet length § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time vessel may transit this regulated area overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear during a trip. without approval from the Captain of in the Central Regulatory Area of the jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES the Port Lake Michigan or a designated Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is Classification representative. Vessels and persons necessary to prevent exceeding the A This action responds to the best granted permission to enter the safety season allowance of the 2018 Pacific available information recently obtained zone shall obey all lawful orders or cod total allowable catch apportioned to from the fishery. The Assistant directions of the Captain of the Port catcher vessels greater than or equal to Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA Lake Michigan, or his or her on-scene 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in (AA), finds good cause to waive the representative. the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. requirement to provide prior notice and VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 Mar 15, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16MRR1.SGM 16MRR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 11647 opportunity for public comment and-line gear in the Central Regulatory This action is required by § 679.20 pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to and is exempt from review under U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is publish a notice providing time for Executive Order 12866. impracticable and contrary to the public public comment because the most Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. interest. This requirement is recent, relevant data only became impracticable and contrary to the public available as of March 12, 2018. Dated: March 13, 2018. interest as it would prevent NMFS from The AA also finds good cause to Emily H. Menashes, responding to the most recent fisheries waive the 30-day delay in the effective Acting Director, Office of Sustainable date of this action under 5 U.S.C. Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. data in a timely fashion and would 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon delay the directed fishing closure of [FR Doc. 2018–05412 Filed 3–13–18; 4:15 pm] the reasons provided above for waiver of Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater prior notice and opportunity for public BILLING CODE 3510–22–P than or equal to 50 feet LOA using hook- comment. jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:39 Mar 15, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\16MRR1.SGM 16MRR1


Document Created: 2018-03-16 01:12:01
Document Modified: 2018-03-16 01:12:01
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.), March 14, 2018, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2018.
ContactJosh Keaton, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation83 FR 11646 
RIN Number0648-XF89
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