83_FR_48746 83 FR 48559 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

83 FR 48559 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 187 (September 26, 2018)

Page Range48559-48560
FR Document2018-20928

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2018 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 187 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48559-48560]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20928]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 170816769-8162-02]
RIN 0648-XG502


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific 
Ocean Perch in the Western 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 ocean perch 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action 
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2018 total allowable catch of 
Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 21, 
2018, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 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.
    The 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the 
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 3,312 metric tons (mt) as 
established by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for 
groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (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 2018 TAC 
of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will 
soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing 
a directed fishing allowance of 3,212 mt, and is setting aside 100 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 ocean 
perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
    While this closure is effective 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

[[Page 48560]]

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 ocean perch in the Western 
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 September 20, 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: September 21, 2018.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20928 Filed 9-21-18; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 48559 extend the compliance date for 45 CFR the finding and the reasons for this ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. 1302.90(b) to September 30, 2019. finding in the notice. However, until Head Start programs We find good cause to waive public SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed have systems in place that fully comply comment under section 553(b) of the fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the with 45 CFR 1302.90(b), we require APA because it is unnecessary and Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of them to continue to adhere to the contrary to the public interest to provide Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary criminal record check requirements in for public comment in this instance. to prevent exceeding the 2018 total section 648A of the Head Start Act, as States, localities, and Head Start allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch amended by the Improving Head Start grantees will likely be subjected to in the Western Regulatory Area of the for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public undue and unnecessary administrative GOA. Law 110–134. burden as they expend time trying to DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska find ways to implement these standards local time (A.l.t.), September 21, 2018, QRIS Requirement in the Final Rule without support from local and state through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, We require programs that meet certain law enforcement agencies and without 2018. conditions, except for American Indian QRIS systems that can accommodate FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: and Alaska Native programs, to Head Start programs. A period for Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. participate in state or local QRIS, as public comment would only extend SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS prescribed at 45 CFR 1302.53(b)(2) in programs’ concerns as they attempt to manages the groundfish fishery in the the final rule. A QRIS is a systemic meet these standards by the compliance GOA exclusive economic zone approach to assess, improve, and dates. Head Start programs are still according to the Fishery Management communicate the level of quality in required to comply with statutory Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of early and school-age care and education background check requirements in the Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North programs within a state or locality. It Improving Head Start for School Pacific Fishery Management Council awards quality ratings to programs that Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110– under authority of the Magnuson- meet a set of criteria as defined by the 134, until they can develop systems that Stevens Fishery Conservation and QRIS. Criteria Head Start programs must will enable them to conduct complete Management Act. Regulations governing meet to enter the QRIS and maintain background checks with fingerprints. fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance participation greatly vary by state. We Therefore, if we delay compliance dates, with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 recognize many Head Start programs we will pose no harm or burden to CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. were already participating in their state programs or the public. Moreover, The 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) and local quality improvement efforts programs that already have systems in of Pacific ocean perch in the Western before we introduced this standard to place to meet background check Regulatory Area of the GOA is 3,312 the final rule. Now that we have standards at 45 CFR 1302.90(b) and to metric tons (mt) as established by the included this standard in the final rule, participate in their states’ QRIS at 45 final 2018 and 2019 harvest we understand programs have taken CFR 1302.53(b)(2) may voluntarily come specifications for groundfish of the Gulf steps to participate in QRIS and that into compliance by the compliance date. of Alaska (83 FR 8768, March 1, 2018). many states are assessing their QRIS However, programs that do not have In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), with new Head Start QRIS participation systems in place have until September the Administrator, Alaska Region, policies. However, programs and states 30, 2019 to comply. NMFS (Regional Administrator), has need additional time to align these Dated: September 14, 2018. determined that the 2018 TAC of Pacific systems. We want to minimize any Lynn A. Johnson, ocean perch in the Western Regulatory unintentional burden on states that Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. Area of the GOA will soon be reached. choose to adapt their systems to allow Therefore, the Regional Administrator is Approved: September 20, 2018. Head Start programs to participate in establishing a directed fishing QRIS, as well as alleviate programs’ Alex M. Azar II, allowance of 3,212 mt, and is setting concerns about meeting the current Secretary. aside 100 mt as bycatch to support other compliance date. To avoid duplication [FR Doc. 2018–20848 Filed 9–25–18; 8:45 am] anticipated groundfish fisheries. In efforts between Head Start and QRIS BILLING CODE 4184–40–P accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the monitoring systems as well as eliminate Regional Administrator finds that this undue burden on Head Start programs directed fishing allowance has been and states as they work to align these DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE reached. Consequently, NMFS is systems, we will delay the compliance prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific date for this standard for another year. National Oceanic and Atmospheric ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Administration Area of the GOA. Conclusion While this closure is effective the We ordinarily publish a notice of 50 CFR Part 679 maximum retainable amounts at proposed rulemaking in the Federal [Docket No. 170816769–8162–02] § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time Register to provide a period for public during a trip. comment before the provisions of a rule RIN 0648–XG502 take effect in accordance with section Classification Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch This action responds to the best Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). However, available information recently obtained daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES in the Western Regulatory Area of the we can waive this notice and comment Gulf of Alaska from the fishery. The Assistant procedure if the Secretary finds, for Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA good cause, that the notice and AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries (AA), finds good cause to waive the comment process is impracticable, Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and requirement to provide prior notice and unnecessary, or contrary to the public Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), opportunity for public comment interest, and incorporates a statement of Commerce. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Sep 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\26SER1.SGM 26SER1

48560 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is GOA exclusive economic zone the reasons provided above for waiver of impracticable and contrary to the public according to the Fishery Management prior notice and opportunity for public interest. This requirement is Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of comment. impracticable and contrary to the public Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North This action is required by § 679.20 interest as it would prevent NMFS from Pacific Fishery Management Council and is exempt from review under responding to the most recent fisheries under authority of the Magnuson- Executive Order 12866. data in a timely fashion and would Stevens Fishery Conservation and Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. delay the closure of directed fishing for Management Act. Regulations governing Pacific ocean perch in the Western fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance Dated: September 21, 2018. Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 Margo B. Schulze-Haugen, unable to publish a notice providing CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. Acting Director, Office of Sustainable time for public comment because the The 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. most recent, relevant data only became of dusky rockfish in the Western [FR Doc. 2018–20955 Filed 9–21–18; 4:15 pm] available as of September 20, 2018. Regulatory Area of the GOA is 146 BILLING CODE 3510–22–P The AA also finds good cause to metric tons (mt) as established by the waive the 30-day delay in the effective final 2018 and 2019 harvest date of this action under 5 U.S.C. specifications for groundfish of the (83 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon FR 8768, March 1, 2018). the reasons provided above for waiver of In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), National Oceanic and Atmospheric prior notice and opportunity for public the Administrator, Alaska Region, Administration comment. NMFS (Regional Administrator), has This action is required by § 679.20 determined that the 2018 TAC of dusky 50 CFR Part 679 and is exempt from review under rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area [Docket No. 170816769–8162–02] Executive Order 12866. of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is RIN 0648–XG504 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. establishing a directed fishing Dated: September 21, 2018. allowance of 100 mt, and is setting aside Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Alan D. Risenhoover, the remaining 46 mt as bycatch to Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, support other anticipated groundfish the Western Regulatory Area of the National Marine Fisheries Service. fisheries. In accordance with Gulf of Alaska [FR Doc. 2018–20928 Filed 9–21–18; 4:15 pm] § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Administrator finds that this directed Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and fishing allowance has been reached. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting Commerce. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE directed fishing for dusky rockfish in ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. the Western Regulatory Area of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration GOA. SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed While this closure is in effect the fishing for northern rockfish in the maximum retainable amounts at Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 50 CFR Part 679 § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary [Docket No. 170816769–8162–02] during a trip. to prevent exceeding the 2018 total RIN 0648–XG505 Classification allowable catch of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic This action responds to the best GOA. Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rockfish in the available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of local time (A.l.t.), September 21, 2018, Alaska Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries requirement to provide prior notice and 2018. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and opportunity for public comment FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. Commerce. U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. impracticable and contrary to the public manages the groundfish fishery in the interest. This requirement is GOA exclusive economic zone SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed impracticable and contrary to the public according to the Fishery Management fishing for dusky rockfish in the interest as it would prevent NMFS from Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of responding to the most recent fisheries Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary data in a timely fashion and would Pacific Fishery Management Council to prevent exceeding the 2018 total delay the closure of directed fishing for under authority of the Magnuson- allowable catch of dusky rockfish in the dusky rockfish in the Western Stevens Fishery Conservation and Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was Management Act. Regulations governing DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska unable to publish a notice providing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance local time (A.l.t.), September 21, 2018, daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES time for public comment because the with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, most recent, relevant data only became CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. 2018. available as of September 21, 2018. The 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The AA also finds good cause to of northern rockfish in the Western Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. waive the 30-day delay in the effective Regulatory Area of the GOA is 420 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS date of this action under 5 U.S.C. metric tons (mt) as established by the manages the groundfish fishery in the 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon final 2018 and 2019 harvest VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Sep 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\26SER1.SGM 26SER1


Document Created: 2018-09-26 00:46:31
Document Modified: 2018-09-26 00:46:31
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.), September 21, 2018, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2018.
ContactSteve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
FR Citation83 FR 48559 
RIN Number0648-XG50
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