83 FR 55109 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 213 (November 2, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 213 (November 2, 2018)
| Page Range | 55109-55110 | |
| FR Document | 2018-23990 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 213 (Friday, November 2, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 55109-55110] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-23990] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 170817779-8161-02] RIN 0648-XG572 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish Species 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; apportionment of reserves; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) and total allowable catch (TAC) of Aleutian Islands (AI) Greenland turbot, Bering Sea (BS) sablefish, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Alaska plaice, BSAI northern rockfish, BSAI ``other flatfish,'' BSAI shortraker rockfish, BSAI sculpins, BSAI skates, and Central and Western Aleutian Islands (CAI/ WAI) blackspotted/rougheye rockfish in the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area. DATES: Effective November 1, 2018 through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, December 31, 2018. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, November 16, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108, by either of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments if they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the comment period ends. All comments received are a part of the public record and NMFS will post the comments for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 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 2018 ITAC of AI Greenland turbot was established as 144 metric tons (mt), the 2018 ITAC of BS sablefish was established as 1,208 mt, the 2018 TAC of BSAI Alaska plaice was established as 16,100 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI northern rockfish was established as 5,185 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI ``other flatfish'' was established as 3,400 mt, the 2018 TAC of BSAI shortraker rockfish was established as 150 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI sculpins was established as 4,250 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI skates was established as 22,950 mt, and the 2018 TAC of CAI/ WAI blackspotted/rougheye rockfish was established as 150 mt by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for groundfish of the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018 and 83 FR 28169, June 18, 2018). In accordance with Sec. 679.20(a)(3) the Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has reviewed the most current available data and finds that the ITACs for AI Greenland turbot, BS sablefish, BSAI Alaska plaice, BSAI northern rockfish, BSAI ``other flatfish,'' BSAI shortraker rockfish, BSAI sculpins, BSAI skates, and CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye rockfish need to be supplemented from the non- specified reserve to promote efficiency in the utilization of fishery resources in the BSAI and allow fishing operations to continue. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(b)(3), NMFS apportions from the non-specified reserve of groundfish 25 mt to AI Greenland turbot, 55 mt to BS sablefish, 1,460 mt to BSAI Alaska plaice ITAC, 700 mt to BSAI northern rockfish ITAC, 700 mt to BSAI ``other flatfish'' ITAC, 100 mt to BSAI shortraker rockfish ITAC, 750 mt to BSAI sculpins ITAC, 6,130 mt to BSAI skates ITAC, and 28 mt to the CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye rockfish TAC in the BSAI management area. These apportionments are consistent with Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(i) and do not result in overfishing of any target species because the revised ITACs and TACs are equal to or less than the specifications of the acceptable biological catch in the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018). The harvest specification for the 2018 ITACs and TACs included in the harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI are revised as follows: 169 mt for AI Greenland turbot, 1,263 mt for BS sablefish, 17,560 mt for BSAI Alaska plaice, 5,885 mt for BSAI northern rockfish, 4,100 mt for BSAI ``other [[Page 55110]] flatfish'', 250 mt for BSAI shortraker rockfish, 5,000 mt for BSAI sculpins, 29,080 mt for BSAI skates, and 178 mt for CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye rockfish. 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) and Sec. 679.20(b)(3)(iii)(A) as such a 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 apportionment of the non-specified reserves of groundfish to the AI Greenland turbot, BS sablefish, BSAI Alaska plaice, BSAI northern rockfish, BSAI ``other flatfish,'' BSAI shortraker rockfish, BSAI sculpins, BSAI skates, and CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye rockfish in the BSAI. Immediate notification is necessary to allow for the orderly conduct and efficient operation of this fishery, to allow the industry to plan for the fishing season, and to avoid potential disruption to the fishing fleet and processors. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of October 26, 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. Under Sec. 679.20(b)(3)(iii), interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this action (see ADDRESSES) until November 16, 2018. 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: October 29, 2018. Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-23990 Filed 11-1-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 213 / Friday, November 2, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 55109
amendments provide for inseason total allowable catch (ITAC) and total Act. Regulations governing fishing by
actions to respond to the unpredictable allowable catch (TAC) of Aleutian U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
nature of BFT availability on the fishing Islands (AI) Greenland turbot, Bering appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
grounds, the migratory nature of this Sea (BS) sablefish, Bering Sea and and 50 CFR part 679.
species, and the regional variations in Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Alaska plaice, The 2018 ITAC of AI Greenland turbot
the BFT fishery. Affording prior notice BSAI northern rockfish, BSAI ‘‘other was established as 144 metric tons (mt),
and opportunity for public comment to flatfish,’’ BSAI shortraker rockfish, BSAI the 2018 ITAC of BS sablefish was
implement the fishery reopening is sculpins, BSAI skates, and Central and established as 1,208 mt, the 2018 TAC
impracticable and contrary to the public Western Aleutian Islands (CAI/WAI) of BSAI Alaska plaice was established
interest. The General category recently blackspotted/rougheye rockfish in the as 16,100 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI
closed, but based on available BFT BSAI management area. This action is northern rockfish was established as
quotas, recent fishery performance, and necessary to allow the fisheries to 5,185 mt, the 2018 ITAC of BSAI ‘‘other
the availability of BFT on the fishing continue operating. It is intended to flatfish’’ was established as 3,400 mt,
grounds, responsive reopening of the promote the goals and objectives of the the 2018 TAC of BSAI shortraker
fishery is warranted to allow fishermen fishery management plan for the BSAI rockfish was established as 150 mt, the
to take advantage of availability of fish management area. 2018 ITAC of BSAI sculpins was
and of quota. NMFS could not have DATES: Effective November 1, 2018 established as 4,250 mt, the 2018 ITAC
proposed this action earlier, as it needed through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, of BSAI skates was established as 22,950
to consider and respond to updated data December 31, 2018. Comments must be mt, and the 2018 TAC of CAI/WAI
and information about fishery received at the following address no blackspotted/rougheye rockfish was
conditions and this year’s landings. If later than 4:30 p.m., Alaska local time, established as 150 mt by the final 2018
NMFS was to offer a public comment November 16, 2018. and 2019 harvest specifications for
period now, after having appropriately groundfish of the BSAI (83 FR 8365,
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
considered that data, it would preclude February 27, 2018 and 83 FR 28169,
identified by NOAA–NMFS–2017–0108,
fishermen from harvesting BFT that are June 18, 2018). In accordance with
by either of the following methods:
legally available. Therefore, the AA • Electronic Submission: Submit all § 679.20(a)(3) the Regional
finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS,
electronic public comments via the
553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the has reviewed the most current available
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
opportunity for public comment. For all data and finds that the ITACs for AI
https://www.regulations.gov/
of the above reasons, there also is good Greenland turbot, BS sablefish, BSAI
docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108,
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the Alaska plaice, BSAI northern rockfish,
click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
30-day delay in effectiveness. BSAI ‘‘other flatfish,’’ BSAI shortraker
complete the required fields, and enter
This action is being taken under rockfish, BSAI sculpins, BSAI skates,
or attach your comments.
§ 635.27(a)(1), and is exempt from • Mail: Submit written comments to and CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye
review under Executive Order 12866. Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional rockfish need to be supplemented from
the non-specified reserve to promote
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
efficiency in the utilization of fishery
et seq. Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
resources in the BSAI and allow fishing
Dated: October 30, 2018. Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
operations to continue.
Karen H. Abrams
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Therefore, in accordance with
Instructions: NMFS may not consider
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable § 679.20(b)(3), NMFS apportions from
comments if they are sent by any other
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. the non-specified reserve of groundfish
method, to any other address or
[FR Doc. 2018–24041 Filed 10–30–18; 4:15 pm] 25 mt to AI Greenland turbot, 55 mt to
individual, or received after the
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P BS sablefish, 1,460 mt to BSAI Alaska
comment period ends. All comments
plaice ITAC, 700 mt to BSAI northern
received are a part of the public record
rockfish ITAC, 700 mt to BSAI ‘‘other
and NMFS will post the comments for flatfish’’ ITAC, 100 mt to BSAI
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
public viewing on www.regulations.gov shortraker rockfish ITAC, 750 mt to
National Oceanic and Atmospheric without change. All personal identifying BSAI sculpins ITAC, 6,130 mt to BSAI
Administration information (e.g., name, address, etc.), skates ITAC, and 28 mt to the CAI/WAI
confidential business information, or blackspotted/rougheye rockfish TAC in
50 CFR Part 679 otherwise sensitive information the BSAI management area. These
submitted voluntarily by the sender is apportionments are consistent with
[Docket No. 170817779–8161–02] publicly accessible. NMFS will accept § 679.20(b)(1)(i) and do not result in
RIN 0648–XG572 anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in overfishing of any target species because
the required fields if you wish to remain the revised ITACs and TACs are equal
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic anonymous). to or less than the specifications of the
Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: acceptable biological catch in the final
Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for
Islands Management Area SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR 8365,
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries manages the groundfish fishery in the February 27, 2018).
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (BSAI) exclusive economic zone The harvest specification for the 2018
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to the Fishery Management ITACs and TACs included in the harvest
Commerce. Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea specifications for groundfish in the
ACTION: Temporary rule; apportionment and Aleutian Islands Management Area BSAI are revised as follows: 169 mt for
of reserves; request for comments. (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific AI Greenland turbot, 1,263 mt for BS
Fishery Management Council under sablefish, 17,560 mt for BSAI Alaska
SUMMARY: NMFS apportions amounts of authority of the Magnuson-Stevens plaice, 5,885 mt for BSAI northern
the non-specified reserve to the initial Fishery Conservation and Management rockfish, 4,100 mt for BSAI ‘‘other
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Nov 01, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\02NOR1.SGM 02NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_55322/page/1.svg)
![55110 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 213 / Friday, November 2, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
flatfish’’, 250 mt for BSAI shortraker to the most recent fisheries data in a date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
rockfish, 5,000 mt for BSAI sculpins, timely fashion and would delay the 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
29,080 mt for BSAI skates, and 178 mt apportionment of the non-specified the reasons provided above for waiver of
for CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye reserves of groundfish to the AI prior notice and opportunity for public
rockfish. Greenland turbot, BS sablefish, BSAI comment.
Alaska plaice, BSAI northern rockfish,
Classification Under § 679.20(b)(3)(iii), interested
BSAI ‘‘other flatfish,’’ BSAI shortraker
This action responds to the best rockfish, BSAI sculpins, BSAI skates, persons are invited to submit written
available information recently obtained and CAI/WAI blackspotted/rougheye comments on this action (see
from the fishery. The Assistant rockfish in the BSAI. Immediate ADDRESSES) until November 16, 2018.
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, notification is necessary to allow for the This action is required by § 679.20
(AA) finds good cause to waive the orderly conduct and efficient operation and is exempt from review under
requirement to provide prior notice and of this fishery, to allow the industry to Executive Order 12866.
opportunity for public comment plan for the fishing season, and to avoid
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
potential disruption to the fishing fleet
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and and processors. NMFS was unable to Dated: October 29, 2018.
§ 679.20(b)(3)(iii)(A) as such a publish a notice providing time for Karen H. Abrams,
requirement is impracticable and public comment because the most Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
contrary to the public interest. This recent, relevant data only became Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
requirement is impracticable and available as of October 26, 2018. [FR Doc. 2018–23990 Filed 11–1–18; 8:45 am]
contrary to the public interest as it The AA also finds good cause to
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
would prevent NMFS from responding waive the 30-day delay in the effective
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Nov 01, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\02NOR1.SGM 02NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_55322/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-02 01:09:53
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 01:09:53
| 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; apportionment of reserves; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Effective November 1, 2018 through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, | |
| Contact | Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 55109 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XG57 |
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