83 FR 42609 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 164 (August 23, 2018)

Page Range		42609-42609
FR Document		2018-18218

NMFS is adjusting the 2018 C seasonal apportionments of the total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2018 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42609]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18218]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 170816769-8162-02]
RIN 0648-XG378


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason 
Adjustment to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2018 C seasonal apportionments of the 
total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by 
re-apportioning unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical Area 630 of the 
GOA. This action is necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 
2018 pollock TAC, consistent with the goals and objectives of the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 20, 
2018, until 2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2018.

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 annual pollock TACs in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 of 
the GOA are apportioned among four seasons, in accordance with Sec.  
679.23(d)(2). Regulations at Sec.  679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) allow the 
underharvest of a seasonal apportionment to be added to subsequent 
seasonal apportionments, provided that any revised seasonal 
apportionment does not exceed 20 percent of the seasonal apportionment 
for a given statistical area. Therefore, NMFS is increasing the C 
season apportionment of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA to 
reflect the underharvest of pollock in Statistical Area 630 during the 
B season. In addition, any underharvest remaining beyond 20 percent of 
the originally specified seasonal apportionment in a particular area 
may be further apportioned to other statistical areas. Therefore, NMFS 
also is increasing the C season apportionment of pollock to Statistical 
Areas 610 and 620 based on the underharvest of pollock in Statistical 
Area 630 of the GOA. These adjustments are described below.
    The C seasonal apportionment of the 2018 pollock TAC in Statistical 
Area 610 of the GOA is 13,777 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(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator), hereby increases the C season apportionment for 
Statistical Area 610 by 611 mt to account for the underharvest of the 
TAC in Statistical Area 630 in the B season. This increase is in 
proportion to the estimated pollock biomass and is not greater than 20 
percent of the C seasonal apportionment of the TAC in Statistical Area 
610. Therefore, the revised C seasonal apportionment of the pollock TAC 
in Statistical Area 610 is 14,388 mt (13,777 mt plus 611 mt).
    The C seasonal apportionment of the 2018 pollock TAC in Statistical 
Area 620 of the GOA is 10,013 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(a)(5)(iv)(B), the 
Regional Administrator hereby increases the C seasonal apportionment 
for Statistical Area 620 by 443 mt to account for the underharvest of 
the TAC in Statistical Area 630 in the B season. This increase is not 
greater than 20 percent of the C seasonal apportionment of the TAC in 
Statistical Area 620. Therefore, the revised C seasonal apportionment 
of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 620 is 10,456 mt (10,013 mt plus 
443 mt).
    The C seasonal apportionment of the 2018 pollock TAC in Statistical 
Area 630 of the GOA is 13,865 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(a)(5)(iv)(B), the 
Regional Administrator hereby increases the C seasonal apportionment 
for Statistical Area 630 by 2,773 mt to account for the underharvest of 
the TAC in Statistical Area 630 in the B season. This increase is in 
proportion to the estimated pollock biomass and is not greater than 20 
percent of the C seasonal apportionment of the TAC in Statistical Area 
630. Therefore, the revised C seasonal apportionment of pollock TAC in 
Statistical Area 630 is 16,638 mt (13,865 mt plus 2,773 mt).

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 provide opportunity to harvest increased pollock seasonal 
apportionments. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for 
public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became 
available as of August 15, 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: August 20, 2018.
Margo B. Schulze-Haugen,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18218 Filed 8-20-18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 42609

these reasons, there is good cause under The annual pollock TACs in Statistical Area 620 is 10,456 mt (10,013
5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30-day Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 of mt plus 443 mt).
delay in effectiveness. the GOA are apportioned among four The C seasonal apportionment of the
This action is being taken under seasons, in accordance with 2018 pollock TAC in Statistical Area
§ 635.23(a)(4), and is exempt from § 679.23(d)(2). Regulations at 630 of the GOA is 13,865 mt as
review under Executive Order 12866. § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) allow the
established by the final 2018 and 2019
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 underharvest of a seasonal
harvest specifications for groundfish of
et seq. apportionment to be added to
subsequent seasonal apportionments, the GOA (83 FR 8768, March 1, 2018).
Dated: August 20, 2018. In accordance with § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B),
provided that any revised seasonal
Margo B. Schulze-Haugen,
apportionment does not exceed 20 the Regional Administrator hereby
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable percent of the seasonal apportionment increases the C seasonal apportionment
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. for Statistical Area 630 by 2,773 mt to
for a given statistical area. Therefore,
[FR Doc. 2018–18196 Filed 8–20–18; 4:15 pm] NMFS is increasing the C season account for the underharvest of the TAC
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P apportionment of pollock in Statistical in Statistical Area 630 in the B season.
Area 630 of the GOA to reflect the This increase is in proportion to the
underharvest of pollock in Statistical estimated pollock biomass and is not
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Area 630 during the B season. In greater than 20 percent of the C seasonal
addition, any underharvest remaining apportionment of the TAC in Statistical
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration beyond 20 percent of the originally Area 630. Therefore, the revised C
specified seasonal apportionment in a seasonal apportionment of pollock TAC
50 CFR Part 679 particular area may be further in Statistical Area 630 is 16,638 mt
apportioned to other statistical areas. (13,865 mt plus 2,773 mt).
[Docket No. 170816769–8162–02] Therefore, NMFS also is increasing the
C season apportionment of pollock to Classification
RIN 0648–XG378
Statistical Areas 610 and 620 based on This action responds to the best
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic the underharvest of pollock in available information recently obtained
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. These
from the fishery. The Assistant
to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock adjustments are described below.
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
Seasonal Apportionments The C seasonal apportionment of the
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
2018 pollock TAC in Statistical Area
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries requirement to provide prior notice and
610 of the GOA is 13,777 metric tons
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (mt) as established by the final 2018 and opportunity for public comment
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2019 harvest specifications for pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
Commerce. groundfish of the GOA (83 FR 8768, U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason March 1, 2018). In accordance with impracticable and contrary to the public
adjustment. § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the Administrator, interest. This requirement is
Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional impracticable and contrary to the public
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2018 C interest as it would prevent NMFS from
Administrator), hereby increases the C
seasonal apportionments of the total responding to the most recent fisheries
season apportionment for Statistical
allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in the data in a timely fashion and would
Area 610 by 611 mt to account for the
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by re-apportioning provide opportunity to harvest
underharvest of the TAC in Statistical
unharvested pollock TAC in Statistical increased pollock seasonal
Area 630 in the B season. This increase
Area 630 of the GOA. This action is
is in proportion to the estimated pollock apportionments. NMFS was unable to
necessary to provide opportunity for
biomass and is not greater than 20 publish a notice providing time for
harvest of the 2018 pollock TAC,
percent of the C seasonal apportionment public comment because the most
consistent with the goals and objectives
of the TAC in Statistical Area 610. recent, relevant data only became
of the Fishery Management Plan for
Therefore, the revised C seasonal available as of August 15, 2018.
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.
apportionment of the pollock TAC in
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska The AA also finds good cause to
Statistical Area 610 is 14,388 mt (13,777
local time (A.l.t.), August 20, 2018, until waive the 30-day delay in the effective
mt plus 611 mt).
2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2018. date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
The C seasonal apportionment of the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
2018 pollock TAC in Statistical Area
Obren Davis, 907–586–7228. the reasons provided above for waiver of
620 of the GOA is 10,013 mt as
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS established by the final 2018 and 2019 prior notice and opportunity for public
manages the groundfish fishery in the harvest specifications for groundfish of comment.
GOA exclusive economic zone the GOA (83 FR 8768, March 1, 2018). This action is required by § 679.20
according to the Fishery Management In accordance with § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), and is exempt from review under
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of the Regional Administrator hereby Executive Order 12866.
Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North increases the C seasonal apportionment Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Pacific Fishery Management Council for Statistical Area 620 by 443 mt to
(Council) under authority of the account for the underharvest of the TAC Dated: August 20, 2018.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery in Statistical Area 630 in the B season. Margo B. Schulze-Haugen,
Conservation and Management Act. This increase is not greater than 20 Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Regulations governing fishing by U.S. percent of the C seasonal apportionment Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
vessels in accordance with the FMP of the TAC in Statistical Area 620. [FR Doc. 2018–18218 Filed 8–20–18; 4:15 pm]
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 Therefore, the revised C seasonal BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
and 50 CFR part 679. apportionment of the pollock TAC in

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Aug 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM 23AUR1

Document Created: 2018-08-23 00:32:43
Document Modified: 2018-08-23 00:32:43

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.
Dates		Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 20, 2018, until 2400 hours A.l.t., December 31, 2018.
Contact		Obren Davis, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation		83 FR 42609
RIN Number		0648-XG37

83 FR 42609 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2018 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Seasonal Apportionments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 164 (August 23, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration