83 FR 3281 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 16 (January 24, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 16 (January 24, 2018)
| Page Range | 3281-3282 | |
| FR Document | 2018-01286 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 24, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 3281-3282] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-01286] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 161020985-7181-02] RIN 0648-XF925 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet Length Overall Using 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using pot gear in the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 19, 2018, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, 2018. 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 A season apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using pot gear in the BSAI is 7,770 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017) and inseason adjustment (82 FR 60329, December 20, 2017). In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has [[Page 3282]] determined that the A season apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC allocated as a directed fishing allowance to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using pot gear in the BSAI will soon be reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using 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 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 greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using 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 17, 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: January 19, 2018. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-01286 Filed 1-19-18; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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(iii) Travel costs are exempt from clause In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
552.238–74 Industrial Funding Fee and Sales the Administrator, Alaska Region,
Reporting. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
NMFS (Regional Administrator), has
(End of Clause) determined that the A season Administration
[FR Doc. 2018–01232 Filed 1–23–18; 8:45 am] apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod
BILLING CODE 6820–61–P TAC allocated as a directed fishing 50 CFR Part 679
allowance to catcher/processors using [Docket No. 161020985–7181–02]
pot gear in the BSAI will soon be
RIN 0648–XF925
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
National Oceanic and Atmospheric cod by pot catcher/processors in the
Administration Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by
BSAI. Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal
50 CFR Part 679 After the effective date of this closure to 60 Feet Length Overall Using Pot
the maximum retainable amounts at Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
[Docket No. 161020985–7181–02] Islands Management Area
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
RIN 0648–XF924 during a trip. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Classification Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot
This action responds to the best Commerce.
Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Management Area available information recently obtained ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
from the fishery. The Assistant
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (AA), finds good cause to waive the fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3
requirement to provide prior notice and
Commerce. meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using
opportunity for public comment
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 Islands management area (BSAI). This
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is action is necessary to prevent exceeding
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/ impracticable and contrary to the public the A season apportionment of the 2018
processors using pot gear in the Bering interest. This requirement is Pacific cod total allowable catch
Sea and Aleutian Islands management impracticable and contrary to the public allocated to catcher vessels greater than
area (BSAI). This action is necessary to interest as it would prevent NMFS from or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using
prevent exceeding the A season responding to the most recent fisheries pot gear in the BSAI.
apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod data in a timely fashion and would DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
total allowable catch allocated to delay the closure of directed fishing for local time (A.l.t.), January 19, 2018,
catcher/processors using pot gear in the Pacific cod by pot catcher/processors in through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1,
BSAI. the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish 2018.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska a notice providing time for public FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
local time (A.l.t.), January 20, 2018, comment because the most recent, Keaton, 907–586–7228.
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, relevant data only became available as SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
2018. of January 18, 2018. manages the groundfish fishery in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh The AA also finds good cause to BSAI exclusive economic zone
Keaton, 907–586–7228. waive the 30-day delay in the effective according to the Fishery Management
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS date of this action under 5 U.S.C. Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
manages the groundfish fishery in the 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon and Aleutian Islands Management Area
BSAI exclusive economic zone the reasons provided above for waiver of (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
according to the Fishery Management prior notice and opportunity for public Fishery Management Council under
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea comment. authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
and Aleutian Islands Management Area Fishery Conservation and Management
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific This action is required by § 679.20 Act. Regulations governing fishing by
Fishery Management Council under and is exempt from review under U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Executive Order 12866. appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
Fishery Conservation and Management Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. and 50 CFR part 679.
Act. Regulations governing fishing by The A season apportionment of the
Dated: January 18, 2018.
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 Emily H. Menashes, (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels
and 50 CFR part 679. Acting Director, Office of Sustainable greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m)
The A season apportionment of the Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. LOA using pot gear in the BSAI is 7,770
2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch [FR Doc. 2018–01223 Filed 1–19–18; 4:15 pm] metric tons (mt) as established by the
(TAC) allocated to catcher/processors BILLING CODE 3510–22–P final 2017 and 2018 harvest
using pot gear in the BSAI is 1,387
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
specifications for groundfish in the
metric tons (mt) as established by the BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017)
final 2017 and 2018 harvest and inseason adjustment (82 FR 60329,
specifications for groundfish in the December 20, 2017).
BSAI (82 FR 11826, February 27, 2017) In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
and inseason adjustment (82 FR 60329, the Administrator, Alaska Region,
December 20, 2017). NMFS (Regional Administrator), has
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:32 Jan 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24JAR1.SGM 24JAR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_3297/page/1.svg)
![3282 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 16 / Wednesday, January 24, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
determined that the A season DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in
apportionment of the 2018 Pacific cod the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
TAC allocated as a directed fishing National Oceanic and Atmospheric is necessary to account for the
allowance to catcher vessels greater than Administration incidental catch in other anticipated
or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using fisheries. Therefore, the Regional
pot gear in the BSAI will soon be 50 CFR Part 679 Administrator is establishing a directed
reached. Consequently, NMFS is [Docket No. 160920866–7167–02] fishing allowance of 0 mt and is setting
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific aside the remaining 1,274 mt as bycatch
RIN 0648–XF896 to support other anticipated groundfish
cod by catcher vessels greater than or
equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using pot fisheries. In accordance with
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional
gear in the BSAI. Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Trawl Administrator finds that this directed
After the effective date of this closure Catcher Vessels in the Central fishing allowance has been reached.
the maximum retainable amounts at Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries directed fishing for Pacific cod by
during a trip. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and catcher vessels using trawl gear in the
Classification Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Commerce. After the effective date of this closure
This action responds to the best ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. the maximum retainable amounts at
available information recently obtained § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
from the fishery. The Assistant SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed during a trip. This closure does not
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels apply to fishing by vessels participating
(AA), finds good cause to waive the using trawl gear in the Central in the cooperative fishery of the
requirement to provide prior notice and Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program for the Central GOA.
(GOA). This action is necessary to
opportunity for public comment Classification
prevent exceeding the A season
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total This action responds to the best
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is allowable catch apportioned to trawl
impracticable and contrary to the public available information recently obtained
catcher vessels in the Central Regulatory from the fishery. The Assistant
interest. This requirement is Area of the GOA.
impracticable and contrary to the public Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska (AA), finds good cause to waive the
interest as it would prevent NMFS from local time (A.l.t.), January 20, 2018,
responding to the most recent fisheries requirement to provide prior notice and
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, opportunity for public comment
data in a timely fashion and would 2018. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
delay the closure of directed fishing for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater Keaton, 907–586–7228. impracticable and contrary to the public
than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS interest. This requirement is
using pot gear in the BSAI. NMFS was manages the groundfish fishery in the impracticable and contrary to the public
unable to publish a notice providing GOA exclusive economic zone interest as it would prevent NMFS from
time for public comment because the according to the Fishery Management responding to the most recent fisheries
most recent, relevant data only became Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of data in a timely fashion and would
available as of January 17, 2018. Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North delay the directed fishing closure of
The AA also finds good cause to Pacific Fishery Management Council Pacific cod by catcher vessels using
waive the 30-day delay in the effective under authority of the Magnuson- trawl gear in the Central Regulatory
date of this action under 5 U.S.C. Stevens Fishery Conservation and Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon Management Act. Regulations governing publish a notice providing time for
the reasons provided above for waiver of fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance public comment because the most
prior notice and opportunity for public with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 recent, relevant data only became
comment. CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. available as of January 18, 2018.
Regulations governing sideboard The AA also finds good cause to
This action is required by § 679.20 protections for GOA groundfish
and is exempt from review under waive the 30-day delay in the effective
fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
Executive Order 12866. part 680. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. The A season allowance of the 2018 the reasons provided above for waiver of
Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) prior notice and opportunity for public
Dated: January 19, 2018.
apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in comment.
Emily H. Menashes, the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable is 1,274 metric tons (mt), as established This action is required by § 679.20
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest and is exempt from review under
[FR Doc. 2018–01286 Filed 1–19–18; 4:15 pm] specifications for groundfish of the GOA Executive Order 12866.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) and Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
inseason adjustment (82 FR 60327, Dated: January 19, 2018.
December 20, 2017).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), Emily H. Menashes,
the Administrator, Alaska Region, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
NMFS (Regional Administrator) has Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
determined that the A season allowance [FR Doc. 2018–01268 Filed 1–19–18; 4:15 pm]
of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:32 Jan 23, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\24JAR1.SGM 24JAR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_3297/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-26 10:00:13
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 10:00:13
| 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; closure. | |
| Dates | Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 19, 2018, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, 2018. | |
| Contact | Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 3281 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF92 |
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