83 FR 8768 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2018 and 2019 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 41 (March 1, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 41 (March 1, 2018)
| Page Range | 8768-8801 | |
| FR Document | 2018-04124 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 8768-8801] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-04124] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 170816769-8162-02] RIN 0648-XF633 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2018 and 2019 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications and closures. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2018 and 2019 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. DATES: Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 1, 2018, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Record of Decision (ROD), the Supplementary Information Report (SIR) to the EIS, and the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) prepared for this action are available from http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2017 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the groundfish resources of the GOA, dated November 2017, is available from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) at 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99510-2252, phone 907-271-2809, or from the Council's website at http://www.npfmc.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the GOA groundfish fisheries in the exclusive economic zone of the GOA under the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Regulations governing U.S. fisheries and implementing the FMP appear at 50 CFR parts 600, 679, and 680. The FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS, after consultation with the Council, to specify the total allowable catch (TAC) for each target species, the sum of which must be within the optimum yield (OY) range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons (mt) (50 CFR 679.20(a)(1)(i)(B)). Section 679.20(c)(1) further requires NMFS to publish and solicit public comment on proposed annual TACs and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and seasonal allowances of pollock and Pacific cod. Upon consideration of public comment received under Sec. 679.20(c)(1), NMFS must publish notice of final harvest specifications for up to two fishing years as annual TACs and apportionments, Pacific halibut PSC limits, and seasonal allowances of pollock and Pacific cod, per Sec. 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest specifications set forth in Tables 1 through 30 of this rule reflect the outcome of this process, as required at Sec. 679.20(c). The proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA and Pacific halibut PSC limits were published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2017 (82 FR 57924). Comments were invited and accepted through January 8, 2018. NMFS received two letters of comment on the proposed harvest specifications; the comments are summarized and responded to in the ``Response to Comments'' section of this rule. In December 2017, NMFS consulted with the Council regarding [[Page 8769]] the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. After considering public testimony, as well as biological and socioeconomic data that were available at the Council's December 2017 meeting, NMFS is implementing the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, as recommended by the Council. For 2018, the sum of the TAC amounts is 427,512 mt. For 2019, the sum of the TAC amounts is 376,417 mt. Other Actions Potentially Affecting the 2018 and 2019 Harvest Specifications Amendment 106: Reclassify Squid as an Ecosystem Species In June 2017, the Council recommended for Secretarial review Amendment 106 to the FMP. Amendment 106 would reclassify squid in the FMP as an ``Ecosystem Component Species,'' which is a category of non- target species that are not in need of conservation and management. Currently, NMFS annually sets an Overfishing Level (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), and TAC for squid in the GOA groundfish harvest specifications. Under Amendment 106, OFL, ABC, and TAC specifications would no longer be required. Proposed regulations to implement Amendment 106 would prohibit directed fishing for squid, require recordkeeping and reporting to monitor and report catch of squid species annually, and establish a squid maximum retainable amount when directed fishing for groundfish species at 20 percent to discourage retention, while allowing flexibility to prosecute groundfish fisheries. Further details will be available on publication of the proposed rule for Amendment 106. If Amendment 106 and its implementing regulations are approved by the Secretary of Commerce, Amendment 106 and its implementing regulations are anticipated to be effective by 2019. Until Amendment 106 is effective, NMFS will continue to publish OFLs, ABCs, and TACs for squid in the GOA groundfish harvest specifications. ABC and TAC Specifications In December 2017, the Council, its Advisory Panel (AP), and its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed the most recent biological and harvest information about the condition of groundfish stocks in the GOA. This information was compiled by the Council's GOA Groundfish Plan Team and was presented in the draft 2017 SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2017 (see ADDRESSES). The SAFE report contains a review of the latest scientific analyses and estimates of each species' biomass and other biological parameters, as well as summaries of the available information on the GOA ecosystem and the economic condition of the groundfish fisheries off Alaska. From these data and analyses, the Plan Team recommends an OFL and ABC for each species or species group. The 2017 SAFE report was made available for public review during the public comment period for the proposed harvest specifications. In previous years, the greatest changes from the proposed to the final harvest specifications have been based on recent NMFS stock surveys, which provide updated estimates of stock biomass and spatial distribution, and changes to the models used for producing stock assessments. At the November 2017 Plan Team meeting, NMFS scientists presented updated and new survey results, changes to stock assessment models, and accompanying stock assessment estimates for groundfish species and species groups that are included in the final 2017 SAFE report per the stock assessment schedule found in the 2017 SAFE report introduction. The SSC reviewed this information at the December 2017 Council meeting. Changes from the proposed to the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications are discussed below. The final 2018 and 2019 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are based on the best available biological and socioeconomic information, including projected biomass trends, information on assumed distribution of stock biomass, and revised methods used to calculate stock biomass. The FMP specifies the formulas, or tiers, to be used to compute OFLs and ABCs. The formulas applicable to a particular stock or stock complex are determined by the level of reliable information available to fisheries scientists. This information is categorized into a successive series of six tiers to define OFL and ABC amounts, with Tier 1 representing the highest level of information quality available and Tier 6 representing the lowest level of information quality available. The Plan Team used the FMP tier structure to calculate OFL and ABC amounts for each groundfish species. The SSC adopted the final 2018 and 2019 OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team for all groundfish species. The Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations, with one exception for the arrowtooth flounder TAC, discussed below. The final TAC recommendations were based on the ABCs as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the sum of all TACs within the required OY range of 116,000 to 800,000 mt. The Council recommended 2018 and 2019 TACs that are equal to ABCs for pollock in the Southeast Outside (SEO) District, sablefish, shallow-water flatfish in the Central GOA and the West Yakutat and SEO Districts, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole in the West Yakutat and SEO Districts, Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, ``other rockfish'' in the Western and Central GOA and the West Yakutat District, big skate, longnose skate, other skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses in the GOA. The Council recommended TACs for 2018 and 2019 that are less than the ABCs for pollock in the Western and Central GOA and the West Yakutat District, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish in the Western GOA, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole in the Western and Central GOA, ``other rockfish'' in the SEO District, and Atka mackerel. The combined Western, Central, and West Yakutat pollock TACs and the GOA Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State of Alaska's (State's) guideline harvest levels (GHLs) for Pacific cod so that the ABCs are not exceeded. The shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, and flathead sole TACs are set to allow for increased harvest opportunities for these target species while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized fisheries. The ``other rockfish'' TAC in the SEO District is set to reduce the amount of discards of the species in that complex. The Atka mackerel TAC is set to accommodate incidental catch amounts in other fisheries. As noted in the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for the GOA, the 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod OFL, ABC, and TAC is significantly lower than the 2018 Pacific cod OFL, ABC, and TAC published in the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017). Based on the final 2017 Pacific cod stock assessment, the 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod OFL and ABC is much lower than previously estimated. The final 2018 Pacific cod ABC and TAC is 18,000 mt and 13,096 mt, respectively, and the final 2019 Pacific cod ABC and TAC is 17,000 mt and 12,368 mt, respectively. The TACs are the basis for numerous seasonal and sector apportionments of Pacific cod, and such apportionments are significantly decreased as well. The final seasonal and sector [[Page 8770]] apportionments of Pacific cod TACs are provided in Tables 5 and 6 in this rule. The final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications approved by the Secretary are unchanged from those recommended by the Council and are consistent with the preferred harvest strategy alternative in the EIS (see ADDRESSES). NMFS finds that the Council's recommended OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of the groundfish stocks as described in the final 2017 SAFE report. NMFS also finds that the Council's recommendations for OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of groundfish stocks as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations, including maintaining the total TAC within the OY range. NMFS reviewed the Council's recommended TAC specifications and apportionments, and NMFS approves these harvest specifications under 50 CFR 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The apportionment of TAC amounts among gear types and sectors, processing sectors, and seasons is discussed below. Tables 1 and 2 list the final 2018 and 2019 OFLs, ABCs, TACs, and area apportionments of groundfish in the GOA. The sums of the 2018 and 2019 ABCs are 536,921 mt and 480,187 mt, respectively, which are lower than the 2017 ABC sum of 667,877 mt (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017). The 2018 harvest specifications set in this final action will supersede the 2018 harvest specifications previously set in the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017). The 2019 harvest specifications will be superseded in early 2019 when the final 2019 and 2020 harvest specifications are published. Pursuant to this final action, the 2018 harvest specifications therefore will apply for the remainder of the current year (2018), while the 2019 harvest specifications are projected only for the following year (2019) and will be superseded in early 2019 by the final 2019 and 2020 harvest specifications. Because this final action (published in early 2018) will be superseded in early 2019 by the publication of the final 2019 and 2020 harvest specifications, it is projected that this final action will implement the harvest specifications for the Gulf of Alaska for approximately one year. Specification and Apportionment of TAC Amounts NMFS' apportionment of groundfish species is based on the distribution of biomass among the regulatory areas over which NMFS manages the species. Additional regulations govern the apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish. Additional detail on the apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish are described below. The ABC for the pollock stock in the combined Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas (W/C/WYK) includes the amount for the GHL established by the State for the Prince William Sound (PWS) pollock fishery. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council have recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water pollock removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. For 2018 and 2019, the SSC recommended and the Council approved the W/C/WYK pollock ABC, including the amount to account for the State's PWS GHL. At the November 2017 Plan Team meeting, State fisheries managers recommended setting the PWS GHL at 2.5 percent of the annual W/C/WYK pollock ABC. For 2018, this yields a PWS pollock GHL of 4,037 mt, a decrease of 1,057 mt from the 2017 PWS GHL of 5,094 mt. For 2019, the PWS pollock GHL is 2,664 mt, a decrease of 2,430 mt from the 2017 PWS pollock GHL of 5,094 mt. After the GHL reductions, the 2018 and 2019 pollock ABC for the combined W/C/WYK areas is then apportioned between four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640) as both ABCs and TACs, as described below and detailed in Tables 1 and 2. The total ABCs and TACs for the four statistical areas, plus the State GHL, do not exceed the combined W/C/ WYK ABC. Apportionments of pollock to the W/C/WYK management areas are considered to be ``apportionments of annual catch limits (ACLs)'' rather than ``ABCs.'' This more accurately reflects that such apportionments address management, rather than biological or conservation, concerns. In addition, apportionments of the ACL in this manner allow NMFS to balance any transfer of TAC among Areas 610, 620, and 630 pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) to ensure that the area- wide ACL and ABC are not exceeded. NMFS establishes pollock TACs in the Western (Area 610) and Central (Areas 620 and 630) GOA and the West Yakutat (Area 640) and the SEO (Area 650) Districts of the GOA (see Tables 1 and 2). NMFS also establishes seasonal apportionments of the annual pollock TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630. These apportionments are divided equally among each of the following four seasons: The A season (January 20 through March 10), the B season (March 10 through May 31), the C season (August 25 through October 1), and the D season (October 1 through November 1) (Sec. Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), and 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A) and (B)). Additional detail is provided in this rule; Tables 3 and 4 list these amounts. The 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State's GHL for Pacific cod in State waters in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, as well as in PWS. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water Pacific cod removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. Accordingly, the Council set the 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod TACs in the Western, Central, and Eastern Regulatory Areas to account for State GHLs. Therefore, the 2018 Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs by the following amounts: (1) Western GOA, 2,425 mt; (2) Central GOA, 2,030 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 450 mt. The 2019 Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs by the following amounts: (1) Western GOA, 2,290 mt; (2) Central GOA, 1,917 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 425 mt. These amounts reflect the State's 2018 and 2019 GHLs in these areas, which are 30 percent of the Western GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Eastern and Central GOA ABCs. NMFS establishes seasonal apportionments of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Sixty percent of the annual TAC is apportioned to the A season for hook-and-line, pot, and jig gear from January 1 through June 10, and for trawl gear from January 20 through June 10. Forty percent of the annual TAC is apportioned to the B season for jig gear from June 10 through December 31, for hook-and-line and pot gear from September 1 through December 31, and for trawl gear from September 1 through November 1 (Sec. Sec. 679.23(d)(3) and 679.20(a)(12)). The Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs are allocated among various gear and operational sectors. The Pacific cod sector apportionments are discussed in detail in a subsequent section and in Tables 5 and 6 of this rule. The Council's recommendation for sablefish area apportionments takes into account the prohibition on the use of trawl gear in the SEO District of the Eastern Regulatory Area (Sec. 679.7(b)(1)) and makes available five percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area TACs to vessels using trawl gear for use as incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries in the WYK District (Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Tables 7 and 8 list the final 2018 and 2019 allocations of sablefish TAC to fixed gear and trawl gear in the GOA. [[Page 8771]] Changes From the Proposed 2018 and 2019 Harvest Specifications in the GOA In October 2017, the Council's recommendations for the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications (82 FR 57924, December 8, 2017) were based largely on information contained in the final 2016 SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2016. The final 2016 SAFE report for the GOA is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). The Council proposed that the final OFLs, ABCs, and TACs established for the 2018 groundfish fisheries (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) be used for the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications (82 FR 57924, December 8, 2017), pending completion and review of the final 2017 SAFE report at its December 2017 meeting. As described previously, the SSC adopted the final 2018 and 2019 OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team. The Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations for 2018 and 2019, with one exception for the Central GOA arrowtooth flounder TAC. The AP recommended 2018 and 2019 arrowtooth flounder TACs of 73,480 mt and 70,700 mt, respectively. The Council revised this TAC recommendation to 48,000 mt for both 2018 and 2019. The Council's rationale included a concern that a higher arrowtooth flounder TAC would result in bycatch concerns, and that lower arrowtooth flounder TACs than those recommended by the AP are appropriate because catch rarely, if ever, approach the proposed ABCs or TACs. Also, the Council set this TAC to allow for increased harvest opportunities while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized fisheries. The final 2018 ABCs are higher than the proposed 2018 ABCs published in the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications (82 FR 57924, December 8, 2017) for pollock, sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, and longnose skate. The final 2018 ABCs are lower than the proposed 2018 ABCs for Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole, shortraker rockfish, other rockfish, big skate, other skates, sculpins, squids, and octopuses. The final 2019 ABCs are higher than the proposed ABCs for sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, and longnose skate. The final 2019 ABCs are lower than the proposed 2019 ABCs for pollock, Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, dusky rockfish, other rockfish, big skates, other skates, sculpins, squids, and octopuses. For the remaining target species (Atka mackerel and sharks), the Council recommended the final 2018 and 2019 ABCs that are the same as the proposed 2018 and 2019 ABCs. Additional information explaining the changes between the proposed and final ABCs is included in the final 2017 SAFE report, which was not available when the Council made its proposed ABC and TAC recommendations in October 2017. At that time, the most recent stock assessment information was contained in the final 2016 SAFE report. The final 2017 SAFE report contains the best and most recent scientific information on the condition of the groundfish stocks, as previously discussed in this preamble, and is available for review (see ADDRESSES). The Council considered the final 2017 SAFE report in December 2017 when it made recommendations for the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. In the GOA, the total final 2018 TAC amount is 427,512 mt, a decrease of 8 percent from the total proposed 2018 TAC amount of 465,832 mt. The total final 2019 TAC amount is 376,417 mt, a decrease of 19 percent from the total proposed 2019 TAC amount of 465,832 mt. Table 1a summarizes the difference between the proposed and final TACs. Annual stock assessments incorporate a variety of new or revised inputs, such as survey data or catch information, as well as changes to the statistical models used to estimate a species' biomass and population trend. The biennial GOA trawl survey was conducted in 2017. Thus, changes to biomass and ABC estimates are based on survey biomass information, as well as fishery catch updates to species' assessment models. Some species, such as pollock and sablefish, have additional surveys conducted on an annual basis, which result in additional data being available for the assessments for these stocks. The changes from the proposed 2018 TACs to the final 2018 TACs are within a range of plus 83 percent or minus 80 percent, and the changes from the proposed 2019 TACs to the final 2019 TACs are within a range of plus 73 percent or minus 80 percent. Based on changes in the estimates of overall biomass made by stock assessment scientists for 2018 and 2019, as compared to the estimates previously made for 2017 and 2018, the species or species group with the greatest TAC percentage increases are sablefish, shallow-water flatfish, rex sole, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, and longnose skates. Based on changes in the estimates of biomass, the species or species group with the greatest decreases in TACs are Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, shortraker rockfish, big skate, other skates, and octopuses. For all other species and species groups, changes from the proposed 2018 TACs to the final 2018 TACs and changes from the proposed 2019 TACs to the final 2019 TACs are less than a 10 percent change (either increase or decrease). These TAC changes correspond to associated changes in the ABCs and TACs, as recommended by the SSC, AP, and Council. Detailed information providing the basis for the changes described above is contained in the final 2017 SAFE report. The final TACs are based on the best scientific information available. These TACs are specified in compliance with the harvest strategy described in the proposed and final rules for the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. The changes in TACs between the proposed rule and this final rule are compared in Table 1a. Table 1a--Comparison of Proposed and Final 2018 and 2019 GOA Total Allowable Catch Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 Final 2019 Final Species 2018 and 2019 2018 Final TAC minus 2018 Percentage 2019 Final TAC minus 2019 Percentage Proposed TAC proposed TAC difference proposed TAC difference -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock................................. 163,479 166,228 2,749 2 112,678 -50,801 -31 Pacific cod............................. 40,069 13,096 -26,973 -67 12,368 -27,701 -69 Sablefish............................... 10,207 11,505 1,298 13 16,194 5,987 59 Shallow-water flatfish.................. 36,979 42,732 5,753 16 43,128 6,149 17 [[Page 8772]] Deep-water flatfish..................... 9,382 9,385 3 0 9,499 117 1 Rex sole................................ 8,421 15,373 6,952 83 14,529 6,108 73 Arrowtooth flounder..................... 103,300 76,300 -27,000 -26 76,300 -27,000 -26 Flathead sole........................... 27,920 26,388 -1,532 -5 26,487 -1,433 -5 Pacific ocean perch..................... 23,454 29,236 5,782 25 28,605 5,151 22 Northern rockfish....................... 3,508 3,681 173 5 3,347 -161 -5 Shortraker rockfish..................... 1,286 863 -423 -33 864 -422 -33 Dusky rockfish.......................... 3,954 3,957 3 0 3,668 -286 -7 Rougheye rockfish....................... 1,318 1,444 126 10 1,427 109 8 Demersal shelf rockfish................. 227 250 23 10 250 23 10 Thornyhead rockfish..................... 1,961 2,038 77 4 2,038 77 4 Other rockfish.......................... 2,308 2,305 -3 0 2,305 -3 0 Atka mackerel........................... 3,000 3,000 0 0 3,000 0 0 Big skate............................... 3,814 2,848 -966 -25 2,848 -966 -25 Longnose skate.......................... 3,206 3,572 366 11 3,572 366 11 Other skates............................ 1,919 1,384 -535 -28 1,384 -535 -28 Sculpins................................ 5,591 5,301 -290 -5 5,301 -290 -5 Sharks.................................. 4,514 4,514 0 0 4,514 0 0 Squids.................................. 1,137 1,137 0 0 1,137 0 0 Octopuses............................... 4,878 975 -3,903 -80 975 -3,903 -80 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................... 465,832 427,512 -38,320 -8 376,418 -89,414 -19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The final 2018 and 2019 TAC recommendations for the GOA are within the OY range established for the GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any species or species group. Tables 1 and 2 list the final OFL, ABC, and TAC amounts for GOA groundfish for 2018 and 2019, respectively. Table 1--Final 2018 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central, Eastern Regulatory Areas, and in the West Yakutat, Southeast Outside, and Gulfwide Districts of the Gulf of Alaska [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Area \1\ OFL ABC TAC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock \2\.............................. Shumagin (610).................. n/a 30,188 30, 188 Chirikof (620).................. n/a 79,495 79, 495 Kodiak (630).................... n/a 40,939 40, 939 WYK (640)....................... n/a 6,833 6,8 33 W/C/WYK (subtotal) \2\.......... 187,059 161,492 157 ,45 5 SEO (650)....................... 11,697 8,773 8,7 73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 198,756 170,265 166 ,22 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod \3\.......................... W............................... n/a 8,082 5,6 57 C............................... n/a 8,118 6,0 89 E............................... n/a 1,800 1,3 50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 23,565 18,000 13, 096 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sablefish \4\............................ W............................... n/a 1,544 1,5 44 C............................... n/a 5,158 5,1 58 WYK............................. n/a 1,829 1,8 29 SEO............................. n/a 2,974 2,9 74 E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal)...... n/a 4,803 4,8 03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 22,703 11,505 11, 505 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water flatfish \5\............... W............................... n/a 25,206 13, 250 C............................... n/a 25,315 25, 315 WYK............................. n/a 2,242 2,2 42 SEO............................. n/a 1,925 1,9 25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 67,240 54,688 42, 732 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep-water flatfish \6\.................. W............................... n/a 413 413 C............................... n/a 3,400 3,4 00 [[Page 8773]] WYK............................. n/a 3,239 3,2 39 SEO............................. n/a 2,332 2,3 32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 11,294 9,385 9,3 85 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex sole................................. W............................... n/a 3,086 3,0 86 C............................... n/a 8,739 8,7 39 WYK............................. n/a 1,737 1,7 37 SEO............................. n/a 1,811 1,8 11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 18,706 15,373 15, 373 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrowtooth flounder...................... W............................... n/a 37,253 14, 500 C............................... n/a 73,480 48, 000 WYK............................. n/a 16,468 6,9 00 SEO............................. .............. 23,744 6,9 00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 180,697 150,945 76, 300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flathead sole............................ W............................... n/a 12,690 8,6 50 C............................... n/a 20,238 15, 400 WYK............................. n/a 1,932 1,9 32 SEO............................. n/a 406 406 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 43,011 35,266 26, 388 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch \7\.................. W............................... n/a 3,312 3,3 12 C............................... n/a 20,112 20, 112 WYK............................. n/a 3,371 3,3 71 W/C/WYK subtotal................ 31,860 26,795 26, 795 SEO............................. 2,902 2,441 2,4 41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 34,762 29,236 29, 236 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern rockfish \8\.................... W............................... n/a 420 420 C............................... n/a 3,261 3,2 61 E............................... n/a 4 ... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 4,380 3,685 3,6 81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish \9\.................. W............................... n/a 44 44 C............................... n/a 305 305 E............................... n/a 514 514 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 1,151 863 863 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusky rockfish \10\...................... W............................... n/a 146 146 C............................... n/a 3,502 3,5 02 WYK............................. n/a 232 232 SEO............................. n/a 77 77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 4,841 3,957 3,9 57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish \11\.. W............................... n/a 176 176 C............................... n/a 556 556 E............................... n/a 712 712 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 1,735 1,444 1,4 44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demersal shelf rockfish \12\............. SEO............................. 394 250 250 Thornyhead rockfish...................... W............................... n/a 344 344 C............................... n/a 921 921 E............................... n/a 773 773 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 2,717 2,038 2,0 38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other rockfish 13 14..................... W and C......................... n/a 1,737 1,7 37 WYK............................. n/a 368 368 SEO............................. n/a 3,489 200 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 8774]] Total........................ 7,356 5,594 2,3 05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atka mackerel............................ GW.............................. 6,200 4,700 3,0 00 Big skate \15\........................... W............................... n/a 504 504 C............................... n/a 1,774 1,7 74 E............................... n/a 570 570 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 3,797 2,848 2,8 48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Longnose skate \16\...................... W............................... n/a 149 149 C............................... n/a 2,804 2,8 04 E............................... n/a 619 619 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................ 4,763 3,572 3,5 72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other skates \17\........................ GW.............................. 1,845 1,384 1,3 84 Sculpins................................. GW.............................. 6,958 5,301 5,3 01 Sharks................................... GW.............................. 6,020 4,514 4,5 14 Squids................................... GW.............................. 1,516 1,137 1,1 37 Octopus.................................. GW.............................. 1,300 975 975 ------------------------------------ Total............................... ................................ 655,707 536,921 427 ,51 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Regulatory areas and districts are defined at Sec. 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf- wide). \2\ The total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 161,492 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (4,037 mt) of that ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 157,455 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3 (final 2018 seasonal biomass distribution of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances). In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances. \3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod TAC in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 5 lists the final 2018 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments. \4\ Sablefish is allocated to trawl and fixed gear in 2018. Table 7 lists the final 2018 allocations of sablefish TACs. \5\ ``Shallow-water flatfish'' means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder. \6\ ``Deep-water flatfish'' means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole. \7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus. \8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes, the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other rockfish'' species group. \9\ ``Shortraker rockfish'' means Sebastes borealis. \10\ ``Dusky rockfish'' means Sebastes variabilis. \11\ ``Rougheye rockfish'' means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted). \12\ ``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye). \13\ ``Other rockfish'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish, S. polyspinis. \14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish. \15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata. \16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina. \17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja and Raja spp. Table 2--Final 2019 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central, Eastern Regulatory Areas, and in the West Yakutat, Southeast Outside, and Gulfwide Districts of the Gulf of Alaska [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Area \1\ OFL ABC TAC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock \2\........................ Shumagin (610)............. n/a 19,921 19,921 Chirikof (620)............. n/a 52,459 52,459 Kodiak (630)............... n/a 27,016 27,016 WYK (640).................. n/a 4,509 4,509 W/C/WYK (subtotal) \2\..... 131,170 106,569 103,905 SEO (650).................. 11,697 8,773 8,773 ----------------------------------------------- [[Page 8775]] Total................... 142,867 115,341 112,678 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod \3\.................... W.......................... n/a 7,633 5,343 C.......................... n/a 7,667 5,750 E.......................... n/a 1,700 1,275 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 21,412 17,000 12,368 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sablefish \4\...................... W.......................... n/a 2,174 2,174 C.......................... n/a 7,260 7,260 WYK........................ n/a 2,573 2,573 SEO........................ n/a 4,187 4,187 E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal). n/a 6,760 6,760 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 35,989 16,194 16,194 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water flatfish \5\......... W.......................... n/a 25,544 13,250 C.......................... n/a 25,655 25,655 WYK........................ n/a 2,272 2,272 SEO........................ n/a 1,951 1,951 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 68,114 55,422 43,128 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep-water flatfish \6\............ W.......................... n/a 416 416 C.......................... n/a 3,442 3,442 WYK........................ n/a 3,279 3,279 SEO........................ n/a 2,361 2,361 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 11,431 9,499 9,499 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rex sole........................... W.......................... n/a 2,909 2,909 C.......................... n/a 8,236 8,236 WYK........................ n/a 1,657 1,657 SEO........................ n/a 1,727 1,727 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 17,692 14,529 14,529 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrowtooth flounder................ W.......................... n/a 35,844 14,500 C.......................... n/a 70,700 48,000 WYK........................ n/a 15,845 6,900 SEO........................ n/a 22,845 6,900 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 173,872 145,234 76,300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flathead sole...................... W.......................... n/a 13,222 8,650 C.......................... n/a 21,087 15,400 WYK........................ n/a 2,013 2,013 SEO........................ n/a 424 424 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 44,822 36,746 26,487 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch \7\............ W.......................... n/a 3,240 3,240 C.......................... n/a 19,678 19,678 WYK........................ n/a 3,298 3,298 W/C/WYK.................... 31,170 26,216 26,216 SEO........................ 2,840 2,389 2,389 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 34,010 28,605 28,605 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern rockfish \8\.............. W.......................... n/a 382 382 C.......................... n/a 2,965 2,965 E.......................... n/a 3 .............. ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 3,984 3,350 3,347 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shortraker rockfish \9\............ W.......................... n/a 44 44 C.......................... n/a 305 305 E.......................... n/a 514 514 ----------------------------------------------- [[Page 8776]] Total................... 1,151 863 863 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusky rockfish \10\................ W.......................... n/a 135 135 C.......................... n/a 3,246 3,246 WYK........................ n/a 215 215 SEO........................ n/a 72 72 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 4,488 3,668 3,668 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish W.......................... n/a 174 174 \11\. C.......................... n/a 550 550 E.......................... n/a 703 703 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 1,715 1,427 1,427 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demersal shelf rockfish \12\....... SEO........................ 394 250 250 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thornyhead rockfish................ W.......................... n/a 344 344 C.......................... n/a 921 921 E.......................... n/a 773 773 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 2,717 2,038 2,038 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other rockfish 13 14............... W and C.................... n/a 1,737 1,737 WYK........................ n/a 368 368 SEO........................ n/a 3,488 200 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 7,356 5,593 2,305 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atka mackerel...................... GW......................... 6,200 4,700 3,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Big skate \15\..................... W.......................... n/a 504 504 C.......................... n/a 1,774 1,774 E.......................... n/a 570 570 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 3,797 2,848 2,848 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Longnose skate \16\................ W.......................... n/a 149 149 C.......................... n/a 2,804 2,804 E.......................... n/a 619 619 ----------------------------------------------- Total................... 4,763 3,572 3,572 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other skates \17\.................. GW......................... 1,845 1,384 1,384 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sculpins........................... GW......................... 6,958 5,301 5,301 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sharks............................. GW......................... 6,020 4,514 4,514 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Squids............................. GW......................... 1,516 1,137 1,137 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Octopus............................ GW......................... 1,300 975 975 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total.......................... ........................... 604,413 480,187 376,417 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Regulatory areas and districts are defined at Sec. 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf- wide). \2\ The total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 106,569 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (2,664 mt) of that ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 103,905 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas (Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 4 (final 2019 seasonal biomass distribution of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances). In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances. \3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 6 lists the final 2019 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments. \4\ Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2019. Table 8 lists the final 2019 allocation of sablefish TACs to trawl gear. \5\ ``Shallow-water flatfish'' means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder. \6\ ``Deep-water flatfish'' means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole. \7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus. \8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 3 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other rockfish'' species group. [[Page 8777]] \9\ ``Shortraker rockfish'' means Sebastes borealis. \10\ ``Dusky rockfish'' means Sebastes variabilis. \11\ ``Rougheye rockfish'' means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted). \12\ ``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye). \13\ ``Other rockfish'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish, S. polyspinis. \14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish. \15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata. \16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina. \17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja and Raja spp. Apportionment of Reserves Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to set aside 20 percent of each TAC for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses in reserve for possible apportionment at a later date during the fishing year. For 2018 and 2019, NMFS proposed reapportionment of all the reserves in the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2017 (82 FR 57924). NMFS did not receive any public comments on the proposed reapportionments. For the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, NMFS reapportioned, as proposed, all the reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses back into the original TAC limit from which the reserve was derived. This was done because NMFS expects, based on recent harvest patterns, that such reserves are not necessary and the entire TAC for each of these species will be caught. The TACs listed in Tables 1 and 2 reflect reapportionments of reserve amounts to the original TAC limit for these species and species groups; i.e., each proposed TAC for the above mentioned species or species groups contains the full TAC recommended by the Council. Apportionments of Pollock TAC Among Seasons and Regulatory Areas, and Allocations for Processing by Inshore and Offshore Components In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by season and area, and is further allocated for processing by inshore and offshore components. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock TAC specified for the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is apportioned into four equal seasonal allowances of 25 percent. As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. Pollock TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA are apportioned among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630 in proportion to the distribution of the pollock biomass, pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B seasons, the apportionments previously were in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D seasons, the apportionments were in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the four most recent NMFS summer surveys. For 2018 and 2019, the Council recommended, and NMFS approved, following the apportionment methodology that was used previously for the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications. This methodology averages the winter and summer distribution of pollock in the Central Regulatory Area for the A season instead of using the distribution based on only the winter surveys. The average is intended to reflect the best available information about migration patterns, distribution of pollock, and the performance of the fishery in the area during the A season for the 2018 and 2019 fishing years. For the A season, the apportionment is based on an adjusted estimate of the relative distribution of pollock biomass of approximately 3 percent, 73 percent, and 24 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the B season, the apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass at 4 percent, 85 percent, and 11 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the C and D seasons, the apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass at 37 percent, 27 percent, and 37 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. The pollock chapter of the 2017 SAFE report (see ADDRESSES) contains a comprehensive description of the apportionment process and reasons for the minor changes from past apportionments. Within any fishing year, the amount by which a seasonal allowance is underharvested or overharvested may be added to, or subtracted from, subsequent seasonal allowances for the Western and Central Regulatory Areas in a manner to be determined by the Regional Administrator (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover amount is limited to 20 percent of the subsequent seasonal TAC apportionment for the statistical area. Any unharvested pollock above the 20-percent limit could be further distributed to the other statistical areas, in proportion to the estimated biomass in the subsequent season in those statistical areas and in an amount no more than 20 percent of the seasonal TAC apportionment in those statistical areas (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The pollock TACs in the WYK and the SEO Districts of 6,833 mt and 8,773 mt, respectively, in 2018, and 4,509 mt and 8,773 mt, respectively, in 2019, are not allocated by season. Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the allocation of 100 percent of the pollock TAC in all GOA regulatory areas and all seasonal allowances to vessels harvesting pollock for processing by the inshore component after subtraction of amounts projected by the Regional Administrator to be caught by, or delivered to, the offshore component incidental to directed fishing for other groundfish species. Thus, the amount of pollock available to vessels harvesting pollock for processing by the offshore component is that amount that will be taken as incidental catch during directed fishing for groundfish species other than pollock, up to the maximum retainable amounts allowed by Sec. 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these incidental catch amounts of pollock are unknown and will be determined during the fishing year during the course of fishing activities by the offshore component. Therefore, amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in Tables 3 and 4. Tables 3 and 4 list the final 2018 and 2019 seasonal biomass distribution of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances. [[Page 8778]] Table 3--Final 2018 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution; Area Apportionments; and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season \1\ Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total \2\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 1,317 3.50% 27,314 72.54% 9,025 23.97% 37,656 B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 1,317 4.50% 32,155 85.39% 4,184 11.11% 37,656 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 13,777 36.59% 10,013 26.59% 13,865 36.82% 37,656 D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 13,777 36.59% 10,013 26.59% 13,865 36.82% 37,656 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Total........................ 30,188 .............. 79,495 .............. 40,939 .............. 150,622 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table. \2\ The WYK District and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table. Table 4--Final 2019 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution; Area Apportionments; and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season \1\ Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total \2\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 869 3.50% 18,025 72.54% 5,955 23.97% 24,849 B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 869 4.50% 21,219 85.39% 2,761 11.11% 24,849 C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 9,091 36.59% 6,608 26.59% 9,150 36.82% 24,849 D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 9,091 36.59% 6,608 26.59% 9,150 36.82% 24,849 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Total........................ 19,921 .............. 52,459 .............. 27,016 .............. 99,395 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table. \2\ The WYK District and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table. Annual and Seasonal Apportionments of Pacific Cod TAC Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS seasonally allocates the Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear and operational sectors. NMFS also allocates the Pacific cod TACs annually between the inshore (90 percent) and offshore (10 percent) components in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA (Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(ii)). In the Central GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is apportioned seasonally first to vessels using jig gear, and then among catcher vessels (CVs) less than 50 feet in length overall using hook- and-line gear, CVs equal to or greater than 50 feet in length overall using hook-and-line gear, catcher/processors (C/Ps) using hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear (Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(B)). In the Western GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is apportioned seasonally first to vessels using jig gear, and then among CVs using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear (Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A)). The overall seasonal apportionments in the Western and Central GOA are 60 percent of the annual TAC to the A season and 40 percent of the annual TAC to the B season. Under Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage or underage of the Pacific cod harvest by each sector from the A season will be subtracted from, or added to, the subsequent B season allowance. In addition, any portion of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot, or jig sector allocations that NMFS determines is likely to go unharvested by a sector may be reallocated to other sectors for harvest during the remainder of the fishery year. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and (B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central GOA will be allocated to vessels with a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) that use jig gear before the remaining Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs are apportioned among other non-jig sectors. In accordance with the FMP, the annual jig sector allocations may increase to up to 6 percent of the annual Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs, depending on the annual performance of the jig sector (see Table 1 of Amendment 83 to the FMP for a detailed discussion of the jig sector allocation process (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011)). Jig sector allocation increases are established for a minimum of two years. NMFS has evaluated the 2017 harvest performance of the jig sector in the Western and Central GOA, and is establishing the 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod apportionments to this sector as follows. NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.5 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Western GOA. This is a decrease from the 2017 jig sector allocation of 2.5 percent because in 2016 and 2017 this sector harvested less than 90 percent of its initial annual allocation, thus triggering the deduction of the 1.0 percent performance increase that the Western GOA jig sector received in 2017. The 2018 and 2019 allocations consist of a base allocation of 1.5 percent of the Western GOA Pacific cod TAC, and no additional performance increase in the Western GOA. NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.0 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Central GOA. This is the same percent as the 2017 jig sector allocation because in 2017 this sector harvested less than 90 percent of its initial annual allocation. The 2018 and 2019 allocations consist of a base allocation of 1.0 percent of the Central GOA Pacific cod TAC, and no additional performance increase in the Central GOA. [[Page 8779]] Tables 5 and 6 list the seasonal apportionments and allocations of the 2018 and 2019 Pacific cod TACs. Table 5--Final 2018 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing Components [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual allocation amount] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A season B season --------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Sector Sector Regulatory area and sector allocation percentage of Seasonal percentage of Seasonal (mt) annual non-jig allowances annual non-jig allowances TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA: Jig (1.5% of TAC)........... 85 N/A 51 N/A 34 Hook-and-line CV............ 78 0.70 39 0.70 39 Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,103 10.90 607 8.90 496 Trawl CV.................... 2,140 27.70 1,543 10.70 596 Trawl C/P................... 134 0.90 50 1.50 84 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 2,117 19.80 1,103 18.20 1,014 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 5,657 60.00 3,394 40.00 2,263 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central GOA: Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 61 N/A 37 N/A 24 Hook-and-line <50 CV........ 880 9.32 562 5.29 319 Hook-and-line >=50 CV....... 404 5.61 338 1.10 66 Hook-and-line C/P........... 308 4.11 248 1.00 60 Trawl CV \1\................ 2,507 21.14 1,274 20.45 1,233 Trawl C/P................... 253 2.00 121 2.19 132 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 1,676 17.83 1,075 9.97 601 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 6,089 60.00 3,653 40.00 2,436 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA: .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) 1,350 1,215 135 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 232 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 12. Final 2018 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679). Table 6--Final 2019 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing Components [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual allocation amount] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A season B season --------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Sector Sector Regulatory area and sector allocation percentage of Seasonal percentage of Seasonal (mt) annual non-jig allowances annual non-jig allowances TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA: Jig (1.5% of TAC)........... 134 N/A 80 N/A 53 Hook-and-line CV............ 73 0.70 36 0.70 36 Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,031 10.90 568 8.90 464 Trawl CV.................... 2,000 27.70 1,443 10.70 557 Trawl C/P................... 125 0.90 47 1.50 78 All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 1,980 19.80 1,031 18.20 948 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 5,343 60.00 3,206 40.00 2,137 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central GOA: Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 58 N/A 35 N/A 23 Hook-and-line <50 CV........ 831 9.32 530 5.29 301 Hook-and-line >=50 CV....... 382 5.61 319 1.10 62 Hook-and-line C/P........... 291 4.11 234 1.00 57 Trawl CV \1\................ 2,367 21.14 1,203 20.45 1,164 Trawl C/P................... 239 2.00 114 2.19 125 [[Page 8780]] All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 1,583 17.83 1,015 9.97 568 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... 5,750 60.00 3,450 40.00 2,300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eastern GOA: .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC) 1,275 1,148 128 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 219 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 13. Final 2019 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679). Allocations of the Sablefish TACs Amounts to Vessels Using Fixed and Trawl Gear Section 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require allocations of sablefish TACs for each of the regulatory areas and districts to fixed and trawl gear. In the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, 80 percent of each TAC is allocated to fixed gear, and 20 percent of each TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In the Eastern Regulatory Area, which is comprised of the WYK and SEO Districts, 95 percent of the TAC is allocated to fixed gear, and 5 percent is allocated to trawl gear. The trawl gear allocation in the Eastern Regulatory Area may only be used to support incidental catch of sablefish in directed trawl fisheries for other target species (Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). In recognition of the prohibition against trawl gear in the SEO District of the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council recommended and NMFS approves the allocation of 5 percent of the Eastern Regulatory Area sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the WYK District, making the remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC available to vessels using fixed gear. NMFS allocates 100 percent of the sablefish TAC in the SEO District to vessels using fixed gear. This action results in a 2018 allocation of 240 mt to trawl gear and 1,589 mt to fixed gear in the WYK District, a 2018 allocation of 2,974 mt to fixed gear in the SEO District, and a 2019 allocation of 338 mt to trawl gear in the WYK District. Table 7 lists the allocations of the 2018 sablefish TACs to fixed and trawl gear. Table 8 lists the allocations of the 2019 sablefish TACs to trawl gear. The Council recommended that a trawl sablefish TAC be established for two years so that retention of incidental catch of sablefish by trawl gear could commence in January in the second year of the groundfish harvest specifications. Both the 2018 and 2019 trawl allocations are specified in these final harvest specifications, in Tables 7 and 8, respectively. The Council also recommended that the fixed gear sablefish TAC be established annually to ensure that this IFQ fishery is conducted concurrently with the halibut IFQ fishery and is based on the most recent sablefish survey information. Since there is an annual assessment for sablefish and since the final harvest specifications are expected to be published before the IFQ season begins on March 24, 2018, the Council recommended that the fixed gear sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis, rather than for two years, so that the best scientific information available could be considered in establishing the sablefish ABCs and TACs. Accordingly, while the 2018 fixed gear allocations are specified in Table 7, the 2019 fixed gear allocations are not specified in Table 8 and will be specified in the 2019 and 2020 harvest specifications. With the exception of the trawl allocations that were provided to the Central GOA Rockfish Program (Rockfish Program) cooperatives (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), directed fishing for sablefish with trawl gear in the GOA is closed during the fishing year. Also, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear is prohibited prior to January 20 (Sec. 679.23(c)). Therefore, it is not likely that the sablefish allocation to trawl gear would be reached before the effective date of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. Table 7--Final 2018 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocations to Fixed and Trawl Gear [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed gear Trawl gear Area/district TAC allocation allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western......................................................... 1,544 1,235 309 Central......................................................... 5,158 4,126 1,032 West Yakutat \1\................................................ 1,829 1,589 240 Southeast Outside............................................... 2,974 2,974 0 ----------------------------------------------- Total....................................................... 11,505 9,924 1,581 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. [[Page 8781]] Table 8--Final 2019 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocation to Trawl Gear \1\ [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed gear Trawl gear Area/district TAC allocation allocation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western......................................................... 2,174 n/a 435 Central......................................................... 7,260 n/a 1,452 West Yakutat \2\................................................ 2,573 n/a 338 Southeast Outside............................................... 4,187 n/a 0 ----------------------------------------------- Total........................................................... 16,194 n/a 2,225 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Council recommended that the 2018 (but not the 2019) harvest specifications for the fixed gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be specified in the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. \2\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District. Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) The recommended 2018 and 2019 DSR TAC is 250 mt, and management of DSR is delegated to the State. The Alaska Board of Fisheries has apportioned the annual SEO District DSR TACs between the commercial fishery (84 percent) and the sport fishery (16 percent) after deductions were made for anticipated subsistence harvests (7 mt). This results in 2018 and 2019 allocations of 204 mt to the commercial fishery and 39 mt to the sport fishery. The State deducts estimates of incidental catch of DSR in the commercial halibut fishery and pre-season ``test fishery'' DSR mortality from the DSR commercial fishery allocation. For example, in 2017, this resulted in 27 mt being available for the directed commercial DSR fishery apportioned in one DSR district. The State estimated that there was not sufficient DSR TAC available to have orderly fisheries in the three other DSR districts. DSR harvest in the halibut fishery is linked to the annual halibut catch limits; therefore, the State can only estimate potential DSR incidental catch because halibut catch limits are established by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). For 2018 and 2019, the State will determine from the available DSR TAC of 250 mt the allocation available for the directed commercial DSR fishery in the DSR districts. Federally permitted CVs using hook-and-line or jig gear fishing for groundfish and Pacific halibut in the SEO District of the GOA are required to retain all DSR (Sec. 679.20(j)). Apportionments to the Rockfish Program These final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for the GOA include the fishery cooperative allocations and sideboard limitations established by the Rockfish Program. Program participants are primarily trawl CVs and trawl C/Ps, with limited participation by vessels using longline gear. The Rockfish Program assigns quota share and cooperative quota to participants for primary (Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish) and secondary species (Pacific cod, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, sablefish, shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish); allows a participant holding a license limitation program (LLP) license with rockfish quota share to form a rockfish cooperative with other persons; and allows holders of C/P LLP licenses to opt out of the fishery. The Rockfish Program also has an entry level fishery for rockfish primary species for vessels using longline gear. Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear. Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish primary species in the Central GOA are allocated to participants after deducting for incidental catch needs in other directed groundfish fisheries (Sec. 679.81(a)(2)). Participants in the Rockfish Program also receive a portion of the Central GOA TAC of specific secondary species. In addition to groundfish species, the Rockfish Program allocates a portion of the halibut PSC limit (191 mt) from the third season deep-water species fishery allowance for the GOA trawl fisheries to Rockfish Program participants (Sec. 679.81(d) and Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679). Also, the Rockfish Program establishes sideboard limits to restrict the ability of harvesters operating under the Rockfish Program to increase their participation in other, non-Rockfish Program fisheries. These restrictions, as well as halibut PSC limits, are discussed in a subsequent section in this rule titled ``Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC Limitations.'' Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) and Table 28e to 50 CFR part 679 require allocations of 5 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 50 mt of dusky rockfish to the entry level longline fishery in 2018 and 2019. The allocation of each primary species for the entry level longline fishery may increase incrementally each year if the catch exceeds 90 percent of the allocation of that species. The incremental increase in the allocation would continue each year until it reaches the maximum percent of the TAC that may be allocated to the rockfish entry level longline fishery for that species. In 2017, the catch of Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish did not attain the 90 percent threshold, and those allocations for 2018 do not increase above the 2017 allocations. The remainder of the TACs for the rockfish primary species would be allocated to the CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 9 lists the allocations of the 2018 and 2019 TACs for each rockfish primary species to the entry level longline fishery, the potential incremental increases for future years, and the maximum percent of the TACs assigned to the Rockfish Program that may be allocated to the rockfish entry level longline fishery. [[Page 8782]] Table 9--Final 2018 and Initial 2019 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species to the Entry Level Longline Fishery in the Central Gulf of Alaska ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incremental increase in 2019 Rockfish primary species 2018 and 2019 allocations if >90% of 2018 allocation Up to maximum is harvested % of TAC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch................. 5 metric tons............... 5 metric tons............... 1 Northern rockfish................... 5 metric tons............... 5 metric tons............... 2 Dusky rockfish...................... 50 metric tons.............. 20 metric tons.............. 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 679.81 requires allocations of the rockfish primary species among various sectors of the Rockfish Program. Tables 10 and 11 list the final 2018 and 2019 allocations of rockfish primary species in the Central GOA to the entry level longline fishery, and CV and C/P cooperatives in the Rockfish Program. NMFS also is setting aside incidental catch amounts (ICAs) for other directed fisheries in the Central GOA of 4,000 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 300 mt of northern rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky rockfish. These amounts are based on recent average incidental catches in the Central GOA by other groundfish fisheries. Allocations among vessels belonging to CV or C/P cooperatives are not included in these final harvest specifications. Rockfish Program applications for CV cooperatives and C/P cooperatives are not due to NMFS until March 1 of each calendar year; therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2018 and 2019 allocations in conjunction with these final harvest specifications. NMFS will post these allocations on the Alaska Region website at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-rockfish-program when they become available after March 1. Table 10--Final 2018 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to Allocation to Incidental the entry the Rockfish Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level longline cooperatives allowance \1\ fishery \2\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch............. 20,112 4,000 16,112 5 16,107 Northern rockfish............... 3,261 300 2,961 5 2,956 Dusky rockfish.................. 3,502 250 3,252 50 3,202 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 26,875 4,050 22,825 60 22,265 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear (50 CFR 679.2). \2\ Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives (50 CFR 679.81). Table 11--Final 2019 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to Allocation to Incidental the entry the Rockfish Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level longline cooperatives allowance \1\ fishery \2\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific ocean perch............. 19,678 4,000 15,678 5 15,673 Northern rockfish............... 2,965 300 2,665 5 2,660 Dusky rockfish.................. 3,246 250 2,996 50 2,946 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................... 25,889 4,050 21,839 60 21,279 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear (50 CFR 679.2). \2\ Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives (50 CFR 679.81). Section 679.81(c) and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679 requires allocations of rockfish secondary species to CV and C/P cooperatives in the Central GOA. CV cooperatives receive allocations of Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. C/P cooperatives receive allocations of sablefish from the trawl gear allocation, rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish. Tables 12 and 13 list the apportionments of the 2018 and 2019 TACs of rockfish secondary species in the Central GOA to CV and C/P cooperatives. [[Page 8783]] Table 12--Final 2018 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives Annual --------------------------------------------------------------- Rockfish secondary species central GOA Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment TAC TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod..................... 6,089 3.81 232 0.00 0 Sablefish....................... 5,158 6.78 350 3.51 181 Shortraker rockfish............. 305 0.00 0 40.00 122 Rougheye rockfish............... 556 0.00 0 58.87 327 Thornyhead rockfish............. 921 7.84 72 26.50 244 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 13--Final 2019 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives Annual --------------------------------------------------------------- Rockfish secondary species central GOA Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment TAC TAC (mt) TAC (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod..................... 5,750 3.81 219 0.00 0 Sablefish....................... 7,260 6.78 492 3.51 255 Shortraker rockfish............. 305 0.00 0 40.00 122 Rougheye rockfish............... 550 0.00 0 58.87 324 Thornyhead rockfish............. 921 7.84 72 26.50 244 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut PSC Limits Section 679.21(d) establishes the annual halibut PSC limit apportionments for trawl gear and hook-and-line gear, and authorizes the establishment of apportionments for pot gear. In December 2017, the Council recommended halibut PSC limits of 1,706 mt for trawl gear, 257 mt for hook-and-line gear, and 9 mt for the DSR fishery in the SEO District for both 2018 and 2019. The DSR fishery in the SEO District is defined at Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the halibut PSC limit in recognition of its small-scale harvests of groundfish (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(i)(A)). The separate halibut PSC limit for the DSR fishery is intended to prevent that fishery from being impacted from the halibut PSC incurred by other GOA fisheries. NMFS estimates low halibut bycatch in the DSR fishery because (1) the duration of the DSR fisheries and the gear soak times are short, (2) the DSR fishery occurs in the winter when there is less overlap in the distribution of DSR and halibut, and (3) the directed commercial DSR fishery has a low DSR TAC. The FMP authorizes the Council to exempt specific gear from the halibut PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation with the Council, exempts pot gear, jig gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and-line gear fishery categories from the non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2018 and 2019. The Council recommended, and NMFS approves, these exemptions because: (1) The pot gear fisheries have low annual halibut bycatch mortality, (2) IFQ program regulations prohibit discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ permit holder on board a catcher vessel holds unused halibut IFQ for that vessel category and the IFQ regulatory area in which the vessel is operating (Sec. 679.7(f)(11)), (3) some sablefish IFQ fishermen hold halibut IFQ permits and are therefore required to retain the halibut they catch while fishing sablefish IFQ, and (4) NMFS estimates negligible halibut mortality for the jig gear fisheries. NMFS estimates that halibut mortality is negligible in the jig gear fisheries given the small amount of groundfish harvested by jig gear, the selective nature of jig gear, and the high survival rates of halibut caught and released with jig gear. The best available information on estimated halibut bycatch consists of data collected by fisheries observers during 2017. The calculated halibut bycatch mortality through December 9, 2017, is 1,214 mt for trawl gear and 169 mt for hook-and-line gear for a total halibut mortality of 1,383 mt. This halibut mortality was calculated using groundfish and halibut catch data from the NMFS Alaska Region's catch accounting system. This accounting system contains historical and recent catch information compiled from each Alaska groundfish fishery. Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii) authorizes NMFS to seasonally apportion the halibut PSC limits after consultation with the Council. The FMP and regulations require the Council and NMFS to consider the following information in seasonally apportioning halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal distribution of halibut; (2) seasonal distribution of target groundfish species relative to halibut distribution; (3) expected halibut bycatch needs on a seasonal basis relative to changes in halibut biomass and expected catch of target groundfish species; (4) expected bycatch rates on a seasonal basis; (5) expected changes in directed groundfish fishing seasons; (6) expected actual start of fishing effort; and (7) economic effects of establishing seasonal halibut allocations on segments of the target groundfish industry. The Council considered information from the 2017 SAFE report, NMFS catch data, State of Alaska catch data, IPHC stock assessment and mortality data, and public testimony when apportioning the halibut PSC limits. NMFS concurs with the Council's recommendations listed in Table 14, which show the final 2018 and 2019 Pacific halibut PSC limits, allowances, and apportionments. Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) specify that any underages or overages of a seasonal apportionment of a halibut [[Page 8784]] PSC limit will be added to or deducted from the next respective seasonal apportionment within the fishing year. Table 14--Final 2018 and 2019 Pacific Halibut PSC Limits, Allowances, and Apportionments [Values are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear \1\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other than DSR DSR Season Percent Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Percent Amount Season Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 20-April 1.................. 27.5 469 January 1-June 10...... 86 221 January 1-December 31. 9 April 1-July 1...................... 20 341 June 10-September 1.... 2 5 July 1-September 1.................. 30 512 September 1-December 31 12 31 September 1-October 1............... 7.5 128 October 1-December 31............... 15 256 --------------------------- --------------------------- ------------ Total........................... ........... 1,706 ....................... ........... 257 ...................... 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery in the SEO District and to the hook-and-line fisheries other than the DSR fishery. The hook-and-line sablefish IFQ fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes further apportionment of the trawl halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery categories listed in Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(iii). The annual apportionments are based on each category's proportional share of the anticipated halibut bycatch mortality during the fishing year and optimization of the total amount of groundfish harvest under the halibut PSC limit. The fishery categories for the trawl halibut PSC limits are: (1) A deep-water species fishery, composed of sablefish, rockfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder; and (2) a shallow-water species fishery, composed of pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, and ``other species'' (sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses) (Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(iii)). Halibut mortality incurred while directed fishing for skates with trawl gear accrues towards the shallow-water fishery halibut PSC limit (69 FR 26320, May 12, 2004). NMFS will combine available trawl halibut PSC limit apportionments on May 15 during the second season deep-water and shallow-water fisheries for use in either fishery from May 15 through June 30 (Sec. 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(D)). This is intended to maintain groundfish harvest while minimizing halibut bycatch by these sectors to the extent practicable. This provides the deep-water and shallow-water trawl fisheries additional flexibility and the incentive to participate in fisheries at times of the year that may have lower halibut PSC rates relative to other times of the year. Table 15 lists the final 2018 and 2019 apportionments of halibut PSC trawl limits between the trawl gear deep-water and shallow-water species fishery categories. Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies the amount of the trawl halibut PSC limit that is assigned to the CV and C/P sectors that are participating in the Rockfish Program. This includes 117 mt of halibut PSC limit to the CV sector and 74 mt of halibut PSC limit to the C/P sector. These amounts are allocated from the trawl deep-water species fishery's halibut PSC third seasonal apportionment. After the combined CV and C/P halibut PSC limit allocation of 191 mt to the Rockfish Program, 150 mt remains for the trawl deep-water species fishery's halibut PSC third seasonal apportionment. Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the amount of the halibut PSC limit allocated to Rockfish Program participants that could be re- apportioned to the general GOA trawl fisheries during the current fishing year to no more than 55 percent of the unused annual halibut PSC limit apportioned to Rockfish Program participants. The remainder of the unused Rockfish Program halibut PSC limit is unavailable for use by any person for the remainder of the fishing year (Sec. 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(C)). Table 15--Final 2018 and 2019 Apportionment of Pacific Halibut PSC Trawl Limits Between the Trawl Gear Deep- Water Species Fishery and the Shallow-Water Species Fishery Categories [Values are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Shallow-water Deep-water \1\ Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 20-April 1.............................................. 384 85 469 April 1-July 1.................................................. 85 256 341 July 1-September 1.............................................. 171 341 512 September 1-October 1........................................... 128 (*) 128 Subtotal January 20-October 1................................... 768 682 1,450 October 1-December 31 \2\....................................... .............. .............. 256 ----------------------------------------------- [[Page 8785]] Total....................................................... .............. .............. 1,706 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Vessels participating in cooperatives in the Central GOA Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third season (July 1 through September 1) deep-water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment. \2\ There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fishery categories during the fifth season (October 1 through December 31). * Any remainder. Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' halibut PSC limit apportionment to vessels using hook-and- line gear must be apportioned between CVs and C/Ps in accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in conjunction with these harvest specifications. A comprehensive description and example of the calculations necessary to apportion the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' halibut PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV and C/P sectors were included in the proposed rule to implement Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR 44700, July 26, 2011) and are not repeated here. Pursuant to Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the hook-and-line halibut PSC limit for the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' is apportioned between the CV and C/P sectors in proportion to the total Western and Central GOA Pacific cod allocations, which vary annually based on the proportion of the Pacific cod biomass between the Western, Central, and Eastern GOA. Pacific cod is apportioned among these two management areas based on the percentage of overall biomass per area, as calculated in the 2016 Pacific cod stock assessment. Updated information in the final 2017 SAFE report describes this distributional calculation, which is based on allocating ABC among regulatory areas on the basis of the three most recent stock surveys. For 2018 and 2019, the distribution of the total GOA Pacific cod ABC is 45 percent to the Western GOA, 45 percent to the Central GOA, and 10 percent to the Eastern GOA. Therefore, the calculations made in accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii) incorporate the most recent information on GOA Pacific cod distribution with respect to establishing the annual halibut PSC limits for the CV and C/P hook-and-line sectors. The annual halibut PSC limits for both the CV and C/P sectors of the ``other hook- and-line fishery'' are divided into three seasonal apportionments, using seasonal percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent, and 12 percent. For 2018 and 2019, NMFS apportions halibut PSC limits of 120 mt and 137 mt to the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P sectors, respectively. Table 16 lists the final 2018 and 2019 apportionments of halibut PSC limits between the hook-and-line CV and the hook-and-line C/P sectors of the ``other hook-and-line fishery.'' No later than November 1 of each year, NMFS will calculate the projected unused amount of halibut PSC limit by either of the CV or C/P hook-and-line sectors of the ``other hook-and-line fishery'' for the remainder of the year. The projected unused amount of halibut PSC limit is made available to the other hook-and-line sector for the remainder of that fishing year (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)), if NMFS determines that an additional amount of halibut PSC is necessary for that sector to continue its directed fishing operations. Table 16--Final 2018 and 2019 Apportionments of the ``Other Hook-and-Line Fishery'' Annual Halibut PSC Allowance Between the Hook-and-Line Gear Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Sectors [Values are in metric tons] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sector ``Other than DSR'' allowance Hook-and- line sector Sector annual amount Season Seasonal seasonal percentage amount -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 257.................................. Catcher Vessel.......... 120..................... January 1-June 10............ 86 103 June 10-September 1.......... 2 2 September 1-December 31...... 12 14 Catcher/Processor....... 137..................... January 1-June 10............ 86 118 June 10-September 1.......... 2 3 September 1-December 31...... 12 16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock Condition The IPHC annually assesses the abundance and potential yield of the Pacific halibut stock using all available data from the commercial and sport fisheries, other removals, and scientific surveys. Additional information on the Pacific halibut stock assessment may be found in the IPHC's 2017 Pacific halibut stock assessment (December 2017), available on the IPHC website at www.iphc.int. The IPHC considered the 2017 Pacific halibut stock assessment at its January 2018 annual meeting when it set the 2018 commercial halibut fishery catch limits. Halibut Discard Mortality Rates To monitor halibut bycatch mortality allowances and apportionments, the Regional Administrator uses observed halibut incidental catch rates, halibut discard mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of groundfish catch to project when a fishery's halibut bycatch mortality allowance or seasonal apportionment is reached. Halibut incidental catch rates are based on observers' estimates of halibut incidental catch in the groundfish fishery. DMRs are estimates of the proportion of incidentally caught halibut that do not survive after being returned to the sea. The cumulative halibut mortality that accrues to a [[Page 8786]] particular halibut PSC limit is the product of a DMR multiplied by the estimated halibut PSC. DMRs are estimated using the best scientific information available in conjunction with the annual GOA stock assessment process. The DMR methodology and findings are included as an appendix to the annual GOA groundfish SAFE report. In 2016, the DMR estimation methodology underwent revisions per the Council's directive. An interagency halibut working group (IPHC, Council, and NMFS staff) developed improved estimation methods that have undergone review by the GOA Plan Team, SSC, and the Council. A summary of the revised methodology is contained in the GOA proposed 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR 87881, December 6, 2016), and the comprehensive discussion of the working group's statistical methodology is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). The DMR working group's revised methodology is intended to improve estimation accuracy, as well as transparency and transferability in the methodology used, for calculating DMRs. The working group will continue to consider improvements to the methodology used to calculate halibut mortality, including potential changes to the reference period (the period of data used for calculating the DMRs). Future DMRs, including the 2019 DMRs, may change based on an additional year of observer sampling, which could provide more recent and accurate data and which could improve the accuracy of estimation and progress on methodology. The new methodology will continue to ensure that NMFS is using DMRs that more accurately reflect halibut mortality, which will inform the different sectors of their estimated halibut mortality and allow specific sectors to respond with methods that could reduce mortality and, eventually, the DMR for that sector. At the December 2017 meeting, the SSC, AP, and Council concurred with the revised DMR estimation methodology, and NMFS adopted for 2018 and 2019 the DMRs calculated under the revised methodology. The final 2018 and 2019 DMRs in this rule are unchanged from the DMRs in the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications (82 FR 57924, December 8, 2017). Table 17 lists these final 2018 and 2019 DMRs. Table 17--Final 2018 and 2019 Halibut Discard Mortality Rates for Vessels Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska [Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halibut discard Gear Sector Groundfish fishery mortality rate (percent) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pelagic trawl...................... Catcher vessel............. All....................... 100 Catcher/processor.......... All....................... 100 Non-pelagic trawl.................. Catcher vessel............. Rockfish Program.......... 62 Catcher vessel............. All others................ 67 Mothership and catcher/ All....................... 84 processor. Hook-and-line...................... Catcher/processor.......... All....................... 10 Catcher vessel............. All....................... 17 Pot................................ Catcher vessel and catcher/ All....................... 7 processor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits Amendment 93 to the FMP (77 FR 42629, July 20, 2012) established separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in the Western and Central GOA in the directed pollock trawl fishery. These limits require NMFS to close the pollock directed fishery in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA if the applicable Chinook salmon PSC limit in that regulatory area is reached (Sec. 679.21(h)(8)). The annual Chinook salmon PSC limits in the pollock directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the Central GOA are set at Sec. 679.21(h)(2)(i) and (ii). Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR 71350, December 2, 2014) established an initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 Chinook salmon for the trawl non- pollock groundfish fisheries in the Western and Central GOA. This limit is apportioned among three sectors directed fishing for groundfish species other than pollock: 3,600 Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps; 1,200 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs participating in the Rockfish Program; and 2,700 Chinook salmon to trawl CVs not participating in the Rockfish Program (Sec. 679.21(h)(4)). NMFS will monitor the Chinook salmon PSC in the non-pollock GOA groundfish fisheries and close an applicable sector if it reaches its Chinook salmon PSC limit. The Chinook salmon PSC limit for two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl CVs not participating in the Rockfish Program, may be increased in subsequent years based on the performance of these two sectors and their ability to minimize their use of their respective Chinook salmon PSC limits. If either or both of these two sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon PSC to a specified threshold amount in 2017 (3,120 for trawl C/Ps and 2,340 for trawl CVs), that sector will receive an incremental increase to its 2018 Chinook salmon PSC limit (Sec. 679.21(h)(4)). In 2017, the trawl C/P sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook salmon PSC; therefore, the 2018 trawl C/P sector Chinook salmon PSC limit will be 4,080 Chinook salmon. In 2017, the Non-Rockfish Program CV sector did not exceed 2,340 Chinook salmon PSC; therefore, the 2018 Non-Rockfish Program CV sector limit will be 3,060 Chinook salmon. American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/Processor and Catcher Vessel Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits Section 679.64 establishes groundfish harvesting and processing sideboard limitations on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the GOA. These sideboard limits are necessary to protect the interests of fishermen and processors who do not directly benefit from the AFA from those fishermen and processors who receive exclusive harvesting and processing privileges under the AFA. Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on a listed AFA C/P permit from harvesting any species of groundfish in the GOA. Additionally, Sec. 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on a listed AFA C/P permit from processing any pollock harvested in a directed pollock fishery in the GOA and any groundfish harvested in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. AFA CVs that are less than 125 feet (38.1 meters) length overall, have annual landings of pollock in the Bering [[Page 8787]] Sea and Aleutian Islands less than 5,100 mt, and have made at least 40 GOA groundfish landings from 1995 through 1997 are exempt from GOA CV groundfish sideboard limits under Sec. 679.64(b)(2)(ii). Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are based on their traditional harvest levels of TAC in groundfish fisheries covered by the FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv) establishes the CV groundfish sideboard limitations in the GOA based on the aggregate retained catch of non- exempt AFA CVs of each sideboard species or species group from 1995 through 1997 divided by the sum of the TACs for that species or species group available to CVs over the same period. Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2018 and 2019 groundfish sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will deduct all targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by non-exempt AFA CVs from the sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and 19. Table 18--Final 2018 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- Final 2018 Species Apportionments by season/ Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2018 non-exempt AFA gear catch to 1995- TACs CV sideboard 1997 TAC limit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock............................... A Season--January 20- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.6047 1,317 796 March 10. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.1167 27,314 3,188 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.2028 9,025 1,830 B Season--March 10-May 31 Shumagin (610)....................... 0.6047 1,317 796 Chirikof (620)....................... 0.1167 32,155 3,752 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.2028 4,184 848 C Season--August 25- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.6047 13,777 8,331 October 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.1167 10,013 1,169 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.2028 13,865 2,812 D Season--October 1- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.6047 13,777 8,331 November 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.1167 10,013 1,169 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.2028 13,865 2,812 Annual................... WYK (640)............................ 0.3495 6,833 2,388 SEO (650)............................ 0.3495 8,773 3,066 Pacific cod........................... A Season \1\--January 1- W.................................... 0.1331 3,394 452 June 10. C.................................... 0.0692 3,653 253 B Season \2\--September 1- W.................................... 0.1331 2,263 301 December 31. C.................................... 0.0692 2,436 169 Annual................... E inshore............................ 0.0079 1,215 10 E offshore........................... 0.0078 135 1 Sablefish............................. Annual, trawl gear....... W.................................... 0.0000 309 .............. C.................................... 0.0642 1,032 66 E.................................... 0.0433 240 10 Shallow-water flatfish................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0156 13,250 207 C.................................... 0.0587 25,315 1,486 E.................................... 0.0126 4,167 53 Deep-water flatfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0000 413 .............. C.................................... 0.0647 3,400 220 E.................................... 0.0128 5,571 71 Rex sole.............................. Annual................... W.................................... 0.0007 3,086 2 C.................................... 0.0384 8,739 336 E.................................... 0.0029 3,548 10 Arrowtooth flounder................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0021 14,500 30 C.................................... 0.0280 48,000 1,344 E.................................... 0.0002 13,800 3 Flathead sole......................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0036 8,650 31 C.................................... 0.0213 15,400 328 E.................................... 0.0009 2,338 2 Pacific ocean perch................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0023 3,312 8 C.................................... 0.0748 20,112 1,504 E.................................... 0.0466 5,812 271 Northern rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0003 420 0 C.................................... 0.0277 3,261 90 Shortraker rockfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0000 44 .............. C.................................... 0.0218 305 7 E.................................... 0.0110 515 6 Dusky rockfish........................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0001 146 0 C.................................... 0.0000 3,502 .............. E.................................... 0.0067 309 2 Rougheye rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0000 176 .............. C.................................... 0.0237 556 13 E.................................... 0.0124 712 9 Demersal shelf rockfish............... Annual................... SEO.................................. 0.0020 250 1 [[Page 8788]] Thornyhead rockfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0280 344 10 C.................................... 0.0280 921 26 E.................................... 0.0280 773 22 Other rockfish........................ Annual................... C.................................... 0.1699 1,737 295 E.................................... 0.0000 568 .............. Atka mackerel......................... Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0309 3,000 93 Big skates............................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0063 504 3 C.................................... 0.0063 1,774 11 E.................................... 0.0063 570 4 Longnose skates....................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0063 149 1 C.................................... 0.0063 2,804 18 E.................................... 0.0063 619 4 Other skates.......................... Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0063 1,384 9 Sculpins.............................. Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0063 5,301 33 Sharks................................ Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0063 4,514 28 Squids................................ Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0063 1,137 7 Octopuses............................. Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0063 975 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Table 19--Final 2019 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- Final 2019 Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2019 non-exempt AFA catch to 1995- TACs CV sideboard 1997 TAC limit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock................................ A Season--January 20-March 10.. Shumagin (610)................ 0.6047 869 525 Chirikof (620)................ 0.1167 18,025 2,103 Kodiak (630).................. 0.2028 5,955 1,208 B Season--March 10-May 31...... Shumagin (610)................ 0.6047 869 525 Chirikof (620)................ 0.1167 21,219 2,476 Kodiak (630).................. 0.2028 2,761 560 C Season--August 25-October 1.. Shumagin (610)................ 0.6047 9,091 5,498 Chirikof (620)................ 0.1167 6,608 771 Kodiak (630).................. 0.2028 9,150 1,856 D Season--October 1-November 1. Shumagin (610)................ 0.6047 9,091 5,498 Chirikof (620)................ 0.1167 6,608 771 Kodiak (630).................. 0.2028 9,150 1,856 Annual......................... WYK (640)..................... 0.3495 4,509 1,576 SEO (650)..................... 0.3495 8,773 3,066 Pacific cod............................ A Season \1\--January 1-June 10 W............................. 0.1331 3,206 427 C............................. 0.0692 3,450 239 B Season \2\--September 1- W............................. 0.1331 2,137 284 December 31. C............................. 0.0692 2,300 159 Annual......................... E inshore..................... 0.0079 1,148 9 E offshore.................... 0.0078 128 1 Sablefish.............................. Annual, trawl gear............. W............................. 0.0000 435 .............. C............................. 0.0642 1,452 93 E............................. 0.0433 338 15 Shallow-water flatfish................. Annual......................... W............................. 0.0156 13,250 207 C............................. 0.0587 25,655 1,506 E............................. 0.0126 4,223 53 Deep-water flatfish.................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0000 416 .............. C............................. 0.0647 3,442 223 E............................. 0.0128 5,640 72 Rex sole............................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0007 2,909 2 C............................. 0.0384 8,236 316 E............................. 0.0029 3,384 10 [[Page 8789]] Arrowtooth flounder.................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0021 14,500 30 C............................. 0.0280 48,000 1,344 E............................. 0.0002 13,800 3 Flathead sole.......................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0036 8,650 31 C............................. 0.0213 15,400 328 E............................. 0.0009 2,437 2 Pacific ocean perch.................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0023 3,240 7 C............................. 0.0748 19,678 1,472 E............................. 0.0466 5,687 265 Northern rockfish...................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0003 382 0 C............................. 0.0277 2,965 82 Shortraker rockfish.................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0000 44 .............. C............................. 0.0218 305 7 E............................. 0.0110 515 6 Dusky rockfish......................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0001 135 0 C............................. 0.0000 3,246 .............. E............................. 0.0067 287 2 Rougheye rockfish...................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0000 174 .............. C............................. 0.0237 550 13 E............................. 0.0124 703 9 Demersal shelf rockfish................ Annual......................... SEO........................... 0.0020 250 1 Thornyhead rockfish.................... Annual......................... W............................. 0.0280 344 10 C............................. 0.0280 921 26 E............................. 0.0280 773 22 Other rockfish......................... Annual......................... W/C........................... 0.1699 1,737 295 E............................. 0.0000 568 .............. Atka mackerel.......................... Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0309 3,000 93 Big skates............................. Annual......................... W............................. 0.0063 504 3 C............................. 0.0063 1,774 11 E............................. 0.0063 570 4 Longnose skates........................ Annual......................... W............................. 0.0063 149 1 C............................. 0.0063 2,804 18 E............................. 0.0063 619 4 Other skates........................... Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0063 1,384 9 Sculpins............................... Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0063 5,301 33 Sharks................................. Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0063 4,514 28 Squids................................. Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0063 1,137 7 Octopuses.............................. Annual......................... Gulfwide...................... 0.0063 975 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel Halibut PSC Limits The halibut PSC sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are based on the aggregate retained groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA CVs in each PSC target category from 1995 through 1997 divided by the retained catch of all vessels in that fishery from 1995 through 1997 (Sec. 679.64(b)(4)(ii)). Table 20 lists the final 2018 and 2019 non- exempt AFA CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA, respectively. Table 20--Final 2018 and 2019 Non-Exempt AFA CV Halibut Prohibited Species Catch (PSC) Limits for Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the GOA [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1995- 1997 non- exempt AFA CV 2018 and 2019 2018 and 2019 Season Season dates Target fishery retained catch PSC limit non-exempt AFA to total CV PSC limit retained catch -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1..................................... January 20-April 1....... shallow-water........................ 0.340 384 131 deep-water........................... 0.070 85 6 [[Page 8790]] 2..................................... April 1-July 1........... shallow-water........................ 0.340 85 29 deep-water........................... 0.070 256 18 3..................................... July 1-September 1....... shallow-water........................ 0.340 171 58 deep-water........................... 0.070 341 24 4..................................... September 1-October 1.... shallow-water........................ 0.340 128 44 deep-water........................... 0.070 0 0 5..................................... October 1-December 31.... all targets.......................... 0.205 256 52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual: Total shallow-water.................. .............. .............. 262 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deep-water..................... .............. .............. 48 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand Total, all season and categories 1,706 362 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Limitations Section 680.22 establishes groundfish catch limits for vessels with a history of participation in the Bering Sea snow crab fishery to prevent these vessels from using the increased flexibility provided by the Crab Rationalization Program to expand their level of participation in the GOA groundfish fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these vessels' catch to their collective historical landings in each GOA groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also apply to catch made using an LLP license derived from the history of a restricted vessel, even if that LLP license is used on another vessel. The basis for these sideboard limits is described in detail in the final rules implementing the major provisions of Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2, 2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab FMP (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011), Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011), and Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80 FR 28539, May 19, 2015). Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2018 and 2019 groundfish sideboard limitations for non-AFA crab vessels. All targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by non-AFA crab vessels or associated LLP licenses will be deducted from these sideboard limits. Table 21--Final 2018 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1996- 2000 non-AFA Final 2018 non- crab vessel Final 2018 AFA crab Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel 2000 total sideboard harvest limit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock............................... A Season--January 20- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.0098 1,317 13 March 10. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.0031 27,314 85 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.0002 9,025 2 B Season--March 10-May 31 Shumagin (610)....................... 0.0098 1,317 13 Chirikof (620)....................... 0.0031 32,155 100 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.0002 4,184 1 C Season--August 25- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.0098 13,777 135 October 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.0031 10,013 31 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.0002 13,865 3 D Season--October 1- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.0098 13,777 135 November 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.0031 10,013 31 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.0002 13,865 3 Annual................... WYK (640)............................ 0.0000 6,833 .............. SEO (650)............................ 0.0000 8,773 .............. Pacific cod........................... A Season \1\--January 1- WG Jig............................... 0.0000 3,394 .............. June 10. WG Hook-and-line CV.................. 0.0004 3,394 1 WG Pot CV............................ 0.0997 3,394 338 WG Pot C/P........................... 0.0078 3,394 26 WG Trawl CV.......................... 0.0007 3,394 2 CG Jig............................... 0.0000 3,653 .............. [[Page 8791]] CG Hook-and-line CV.................. 0.0001 3,653 0 CG Pot CV............................ 0.0474 3,653 173 CG Pot C/P........................... 0.0136 3,653 50 CG Trawl CV.......................... 0.0012 3,653 4 B Season \2\--September 1- WG Jig............................... 0.0000 2,263 .............. December 31. WG Hook-and-line CV.................. 0.0004 2,263 1 WG Pot CV............................ 0.0997 2,263 226 WG Pot C/P........................... 0.0078 2,263 18 WG Trawl CV.......................... 0.0007 2,263 2 CG Jig............................... 0.0000 2,436 .............. CG Hook-and-line CV.................. 0.0001 2,436 0 CG Pot CV............................ 0.0474 2,436 115 CG Pot C/P........................... 0.0136 2,436 33 CG Trawl CV.......................... 0.0012 2,436 3 Annual................... EG inshore........................... 0.0110 1,215 13 EG offshore.......................... 0.0000 135 .............. Sablefish............................. Annual, trawl gear....... W.................................... 0.0000 309 .............. C.................................... 0.0000 1,032 .............. E.................................... 0.0000 240 .............. Shallow-water flatfish................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0059 13,250 78 C.................................... 0.0001 25,315 3 E.................................... 0.0000 4,167 .............. Deep-water flatfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0035 413 1 C.................................... 0.0000 3,400 .............. E.................................... 0.0000 5,571 .............. Rex sole.............................. Annual................... W.................................... 0.0000 3,086 .............. C.................................... 0.0000 8,739 .............. E.................................... 0.0000 3,548 .............. Arrowtooth flounder................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0004 14,500 6 C.................................... 0.0001 48,000 5 E.................................... 0.0000 13,800 .............. Flathead sole......................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0002 8,650 2 C.................................... 0.0004 15,400 6 E.................................... 0.0000 2,338 .............. Pacific ocean perch................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0000 3,312 .............. C.................................... 0.0000 20,112 .............. 0.0000............................... 5,812 .............. Northern rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0005 420 0 C.................................... 0.0000 3,261 .............. Shortraker rockfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0013 44 0 C.................................... 0.0012 305 0 E.................................... 0.0009 515 0 Dusky rockfish........................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0017 146 0 C.................................... 0.0000 3,502 .............. E.................................... 0.0000 309 .............. Rougheye rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0067 176 1 C.................................... 0.0047 556 3 E.................................... 0.0008 712 1 Demersal shelf rockfish............... Annual................... SEO.................................. 0.0000 250 .............. Thornyhead rockfish................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.0047 344 2 C.................................... 0.0066 921 6 E.................................... 0.0045 773 3 Other rockfish........................ Annual................... W/C.................................. 0.0033 1,737 6 E.................................... 0.0000 568 .............. Atka mackerel......................... Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0000 3,000 .............. Big skate............................. Annual................... W.................................... 0.0392 504 20 C.................................... 0.0159 1,774 28 E.................................... 0.0000 570 .............. Longnose skate........................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.0392 149 6 C.................................... 0.0159 2,804 45 E.................................... 0.0000 619 .............. Other skates.......................... Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0176 1,384 24 Sculpins.............................. Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0176 5,301 93 Sharks................................ Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0176 4,514 79 Squids................................ Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0176 1,137 20 [[Page 8792]] Octopuses............................. Annual................... Gulfwide............................. 0.0176 975 17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for jig gear opens June 10. The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Table 22--Final 2019 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of 1996- 2000 non-AFA Final 2019 non- Area/component/ crab vessel Final 2019 AFA crab Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel 2000 total sideboard harvest limit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock...................... A Season-- Shumagin (610). 0.0098 869 9 January 20- March 10. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 18,025 56 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 5,955 1 B Season--March Shumagin (610). 0.0098 869 9 10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 21,219 66 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 2,761 1 C Season--August Shumagin (610). 0.0098 9,091 89 25-October 1. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 6,608 20 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 9,150 2 D Season-- Shumagin (610). 0.0098 9,091 89 October 1- November 1. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 6,608 20 Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 9,150 2 Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.0000 4,509 .............. SEO (650)...... 0.0000 8,773 .............. Pacific cod.................. A Season \1\-- WG Jig......... 0.0000 3,206 .............. January 1-June 10. WG Hook-and- 0.0004 3,206 1 line CV. WG Pot CV...... 0.0997 3,206 320 WG Pot C/P..... 0.0078 3,206 25 WG Trawl CV.... 0.0007 3,206 2 CG Jig......... 0.0000 3,450 .............. CG Hook-and- 0.0001 3,450 0 line CV. CG Pot CV...... 0.0474 3,450 164 CG Pot C/P..... 0.0136 3,450 47 CG Trawl CV.... 0.0012 3,450 4 B Season \2\-- WG Jig......... 0.0000 2,137 .............. September 1- WG Hook-and- 0.0004 2,137 1 December 31. line CV. WG Pot CV...... 0.0997 2,137 213 WG Pot C/P..... 0.0078 2,137 17 WG Trawl CV.... 0.0007 2,137 1 CG Jig......... 0.0000 2,300 .............. CG Hook-and- 0.0001 2,300 0 line CV. CG Pot CV...... 0.0474 2,300 109 CG Pot C/P..... 0.0136 2,300 31 CG Trawl CV.... 0.0012 2,300 3 Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0110 1,148 13 E offshore..... 0.0000 128 .............. Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 435 .............. gear. C.............. 0.0000 1,452 .............. E.............. 0.0000 338 .............. Shallow-water flatfish....... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0059 13,250 78 C.............. 0.0001 25,655 3 E.............. 0.0000 4,223 .............. Deep-water flatfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0035 416 1 C.............. 0.0000 3,442 .............. E.............. 0.0000 5,640 .............. [[Page 8793]] Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 2,909 .............. C.............. 0.0000 8,236 .............. E.............. 0.0000 3,384 .............. Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0004 14,500 6 C.............. 0.0001 48,000 5 E.............. 0.0000 13,800 .............. Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0002 8,650 2 C.............. 0.0004 15,400 6 E.............. 0.0000 2,437 .............. Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 3,240 .............. C.............. 0.0000 19,678 .............. E.............. 0.0000 5,687 .............. Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0005 382 0 C.............. 0.0000 2,965 .............. Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0013 44 0 C.............. 0.0012 305 0 E.............. 0.0009 515 0 Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0017 135 0 C.............. 0.0000 3,246 .............. E.............. 0.0000 287 .............. Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0067 174 1 C.............. 0.0047 550 3 E.............. 0.0008 703 1 Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0000 250 .............. Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0047 344 2 C.............. 0.0066 921 6 E.............. 0.0045 773 3 Other rockfish............... Annual.......... W/C............ 0.0033 1,737 6 E.............. 0.0000 568 .............. Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0000 3,000 .............. Big skate.................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 504 20 C.............. 0.0159 1,774 28 E.............. 0.0000 570 .............. Longnose skate............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 149 6 C.............. 0.0159 2,804 45 E.............. 0.0000 619 .............. Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,384 24 Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 5,301 93 Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 4,514 79 Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,137 20 Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 975 17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for jig gear opens June 10. The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC Limitations The Rockfish Program establishes three classes of sideboard provisions: CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, C/P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and C/P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions (Sec. 679.82(c)(1)). These sideboards are intended to limit the ability of rockfish harvesters to expand into other fisheries. CVs participating in the Rockfish Program may not participate in directed fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and northern rockfish in the West Yakutat District and Western GOA from July 1 through July 31. Also, CVs may not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(d)(3)-(4)). C/Ps participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives are restricted by rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from directed fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and northern rockfish in the West Yakutat District and Western GOA from July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(e)(2)). Holders of C/P-designated LLP licenses that opt out of participating in a Rockfish Program cooperative will be able to access that portion of each rockfish sideboard limit that is not assigned to rockfish cooperatives (Sec. 679.82(e)(3) and (e)(7)). The sideboard ratio for each fishery in the West Yakutat District and the Western GOA is set forth in Sec. 679.82(e)(4). Tables 23 and 24 list the final 2018 and 2019 Rockfish Program C/P sideboard limits in the West Yakutat District and the Western GOA. Due to confidentiality requirements associated with fisheries data, the sideboard limits for the West Yakutat District are not displayed. [[Page 8794]] Table 23--Final 2018 Rockfish Program Sideboard Limits for the Western GOA and West Yakutat District by Fishery for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Fishery C/P sector (% of TAC) Final 2018 TACs Final 2018 C/P limit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA....................... Dusky rockfish....... 72.3.......................... 146........................... 106. Pacific ocean perch.. 50.6.......................... 3,312......................... 1,676. Northern rockfish.... 74.3.......................... 420........................... 312. West Yakutat District............. Dusky rockfish....... Confidential \1\.............. 232........................... Confidential.\1\ Pacific ocean perch.. Confidential \1\.............. 3,371......................... Confidential.\1\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska. Table 24--Final 2019 Rockfish Program Sideboard Limits for the Western GOA and West Yakutat District GOA by Fishery for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Fishery C/P sector (% of TAC) Final 2019 TACs Final 2019 C/P limit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western GOA....................... Dusky rockfish....... 72.3.......................... 135........................... 98. Pacific ocean perch.. 50.6.......................... 3,240......................... 1,639. Northern rockfish.... 74.3.......................... 382........................... 284. West Yakutat District............. Dusky rockfish....... Confidential \1\.............. 215........................... Confidential.\1\ Pacific ocean perch.. Confidential \1\.............. 3,298......................... Confidential.\1\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska. Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P sector is subject to halibut PSC sideboard limits for the trawl deep-water and shallow-water species fisheries from July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(e)(3) and (e)(5)). Halibut PSC sideboard ratios by fishery are set forth in Sec. 679.82(e)(5). No halibut PSC sideboard limits apply to the CV sector, as vessels participating in cooperatives receive a portion of the annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt out of the Rockfish Program are able to access that portion of the deep-water and shallow-water halibut PSC sideboard limit not assigned to C/P rockfish cooperatives. The sideboard provisions for C/Ps that elect to opt out of participating in a rockfish cooperative are described in Sec. 679.82(c), (e), and (f). Sideboard limits are linked to the catch history of specific vessels that may choose to opt out. After March 1, NMFS will determine which C/ Ps have opted-out of the Rockfish Program in 2018, and NMFS will know the ratios and amounts used to calculate opt-out sideboard ratios. NMFS will then calculate any applicable opt-out sideboards and post these limits on the Alaska Region website at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/rockfish/. Table 25 lists the final 2018 and 2019 Rockfish Program halibut PSC limits for the C/P sector. Table 25--Final 2018 and 2019 Rockfish Program Halibut PSC Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector [Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shallow-water Deep-water species species Annual shallow- Annual deep- fishery fishery 2018 and 2019 water species water species Sector halibut PSC halibut PSC halibut fishery fishery sideboard sideboard mortality halibut PSC halibut PSC ratio ratio limit (mt) sideboard sideboard (percent) (percent) limit (mt) limit (mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catcher/processor............... 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment 80 Program Groundfish and PSC Sideboard Limits Amendment 80 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (Amendment 80 Program) established a limited access privilege program for the non-AFA trawl C/ P sector. The Amendment 80 Program established groundfish and halibut PSC catch limits for Amendment 80 Program participants to limit the ability of participants eligible for the Amendment 80 Program to expand their harvest efforts in the GOA. Section 679.92 establishes groundfish harvesting sideboard limits on all Amendment 80 program vessels, other than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts no greater than the limits listed in Table 37 to 50 CFR part 679. Under Sec. 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is prohibited from directed fishing for pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean perch, dusky rockfish, and northern rockfish in the GOA. Groundfish sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels operating in the GOA are based on their average aggregate harvests from 1998 through 2004 (72 FR 52668, September 14, 2007). Tables 26 and 27 list the final 2018 and 2019 groundfish sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels. NMFS will deduct all targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by Amendment 80 Program vessels from the sideboard limits in Tables 26 and 27. [[Page 8795]] Table 26--Final 2018 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of Amendment 80 2018 Amendment Species Apportionments and Area sector vessels 2018 TAC (mt) 80 vessel allocations by season 1998-2004 sideboards catch to TAC (mt) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock............................... A Season--January 20- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 1,317 4 March 10. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 27,314 55 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 9,025 18 B Season--March 10-May 31 Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 1,317 4 Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 32,155 64 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 4,184 8 C Season--August 25- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 13,777 41 October 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 10,013 20 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 13,865 28 D Season--October 1- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 13,777 41 November 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 10,013 20 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 13,865 28 Annual................... WYK (640)............................ 0.002 6,833 14 Pacific cod........................... A Season \1\--January 1- W.................................... 0.020 3,394 68 June 10. C.................................... 0.044 3,653 161 B Season \2\--September 1- W.................................... 0.020 2,263 45 December 31. C.................................... 0.044 2,436 107 Annual................... WYK.................................. 0.034 1,350 46 Pacific ocean perch................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.994 3,312 3,292 WYK.................................. 0.961 3,371 3,240 Northern rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 1.000 420 420 Dusky rockfish........................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.764 146 112 WYK.................................. 0.896 232 208 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. Table 27--Final 2019 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratio of Amendment 80 2019 Amendment Species Apportionments and Area sector vessels 2019 TAC (mt) 80 vessel allocations by season 1998-2004 sideboards catch to TAC (mt) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock............................... A Season--January 20- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 869 3 March 10. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 18,025 36 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 5,955 12 B Season--March 10-May 31 Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 869 3 Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 21,219 42 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 2,761 6 C Season--August 25- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 9,091 27 October 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 6,608 13 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 9,150 18 D Season--October 1- Shumagin (610)....................... 0.003 9,091 27 November 1. Chirikof (620)....................... 0.002 6,608 13 Kodiak (630)......................... 0.002 9,150 18 Annual................... WYK (640)............................ 0.002 4,509 9 Pacific cod........................... A Season \1\--January 1- W.................................... 0.020 3,206 64 June 10. C.................................... 0.044 3,450 152 B Season \2\--September 1- W.................................... 0.020 2,137 43 December 31. C.................................... 0.044 2,300 101 Annual................... WYK.................................. 0.034 1,275 43 Pacific ocean perch................... Annual................... W.................................... 0.994 3,240 3,221 WYK.................................. 0.961 3,298 3,169 Northern rockfish..................... Annual................... W.................................... 1.000 382 382 Dusky rockfish........................ Annual................... W.................................... 0.764 135 103 WYK.................................. 0.896 215 193 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20. \2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1. [[Page 8796]] The halibut PSC sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels in the GOA are based on the historic use of halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program vessels in each PSC target category from 1998 through 2004. These values are slightly lower than the average historic use to accommodate two factors: Allocation of halibut PSC cooperative quota under the Rockfish Program and the exemption of the F/V Golden Fleece from this restriction (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)). Table 28 lists the final 2018 and 2019 halibut PSC limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels. These tables incorporate the maximum percentages of the halibut PSC sideboard limits that may be used by Amendment 80 Program vessels as contained in Table 38 to 50 CFR part 679. Any residual amount of a seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard halibut PSC limit may carry forward to the next season limit (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)). Table 28--Final 2018 and 2019 Halibut PSC Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels in the GOA [Values are rounded to nearest metric ton] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historic Amendment 80 2018 and 2019 use of the 2018 and 2019 Amendment 80 Season Season dates Target fishery annual halibut annual PSC vessel PSC PSC limit limit (mt) limit catch (ratio) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1..................................... January 20-April 1....... shallow-water........................ 0.0048 1,706 8 deep-water........................... 0.0115 1,706 20 2..................................... April 1-July 1........... shallow-water........................ 0.0189 1,706 32 deep-water........................... 0.1072 1,706 183 3..................................... July 1-September 1....... shallow-water........................ 0.0146 1,706 25 deep-water........................... 0.0521 1,706 89 4..................................... September 1-October 1.... shallow-water........................ 0.0074 1,706 13 deep-water........................... 0.0014 1,706 2 5..................................... October 1-December 31.... shallow-water........................ 0.0227 1,706 39 ......................... deep-water........................... 0.0371 1,706 63 ----------------------------------------------- Total............................. ......................... ..................................... .............. .............. 474 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directed Fishing Closures Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the Regional Administrator determines (1) that any allocation or apportionment of a target species or species group allocated or apportioned to a fishery will be reached; or (2) with respect to pollock and Pacific cod, that an allocation or apportionment to an inshore or offshore component or sector allocation will be reached, then the Regional Administrator may establish a directed fishing allowance (DFA) for that species or species group. If the Regional Administrator establishes a DFA and that allowance is or will be reached before the end of the fishing year, NMFS will prohibit directed fishing for that species or species group in the specified GOA subarea, regulatory area, or district (Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii)). The Regional Administrator has determined that the TACs for the species listed in Table 29 are necessary to account for the incidental catch of these species in other anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2018 and 2019 fishing years. Table 29--2018 and 2019 Directed Fishing Closures in the GOA [Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incidental catch amount and year (if Target Area/component/gear amounts differ by year) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pollock.............................. all/offshore................. not applicable.\1\ Sablefish \2\........................ all/trawl.................... 1,581 (2018), 2,225 (2019). Pacific cod.......................... Western, catcher/processor, 134 (2018), 125 (2019). trawl. Central, catcher/processor, 253 (2018), 239 (2019). trawl. Shortraker rockfish \2\.............. all.......................... 864. Rougheye rockfish \2\................ all.......................... 1,444 (2018), 1,427 (2019). Thornyhead rockfish \2\.............. all.......................... 2,038. Other rockfish....................... all.......................... 2,305. Atka mackerel........................ all.......................... 3,000. Big skate............................ all.......................... 2,848. Longnose skate....................... all.......................... 3,572. Other skates......................... all.......................... 1,384. Sharks............................... all.......................... 4,514. Squids............................... all.......................... 1,137. Octopuses............................ all.......................... 975. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Pollock is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(i). \2\ Closures not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program, as cooperatives are prohibited from exceeding their allocations (Sec. 679.7(n)(6)(viii)). [[Page 8797]] Consequently, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional Administrator establishes the DFA for the species or species groups listed in Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for those species, areas, gear types, and components in the GOA listed in Table 29. These closures will remain in effect through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019. Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for management of AFA CV groundfish harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits using directed fishing closures and PSC closures according to procedures set out at Sec. Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and 679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional Administrator has determined that, in addition to the closures listed above, many of the non-exempt AFA CV sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and 19 are necessary as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2018 and 2019 fishing years. In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional Administrator sets the DFAs for the species and species groups in Table 30 at zero mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the species and specified areas listed in Table 30. These closures will remain in effect through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019. Table 30--2018 and 2019 Non-Exempt AFA CV Sideboard Directed Fishing Closures for All Gear Types in the GOA [Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulatory area/ Species district Incidental catch amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pacific cod................... Eastern............... 10 (inshore) and 9 (offshore) [2018]. 1 (inshore) and 1 (offshore) [2019]. Shallow-water flatfish........ Eastern............... 53. Deep-water flatfish........... Western............... 0. Rex sole...................... Western and Eastern... 2 and 10. Arrowtooth flounder........... Western and Eastern... 30 and 3. Flathead sole................. Western and Eastern... 31 and 2. Pacific ocean perch........... Western............... 8. Northern rockfish............. Western............... 0. Dusky rockfish................ Entire GOA............ 2. Demersal shelf rockfish....... SEO District.......... 1. Sculpins...................... Entire GOA............ 33. Squids........................ Entire GOA............ 7. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 680.22 provides for the management of non-AFA crab vessel sideboards using directed fishing closures in accordance with Sec. 680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional Administrator has determined that the non-AFA crab vessel sideboards listed in Tables 21 and 22 are insufficient to support a directed fishery and has set the sideboard DFA at zero mt, with the exception of Pacific cod pot CV sector apportionments in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Therefore, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by non-AFA crab vessels in the GOA for all species and species groups listed in Tables 21 and 22, with the exception of the Pacific cod pot CV sector apportionments in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Closures implemented under the 2017 and 2018 GOA harvest specifications for groundfish (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) remain effective under authority of these final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications and until the date specified in those notices. Closures are posted at the following website: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/infobulletins/search. While these closures are in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a fishing trip. These closures to directed fishing are in addition to closures and prohibitions found at 50 CFR part 679. NMFS may implement other closures during the 2018 and 2019 fishing years as necessary for effective conservation and management. Comments and Responses NMFS received two letters during the public comment period for the proposed GOA groundfish harvest specifications. No changes were made to the final rule in response to the comment letters received. NMFS' response to public comments on the proposed GOA groundfish harvest specifications is provided below. Comment 1: The proposed harvest specifications are based on stock assessment information from the 2016 SAFE. That information is not the most up-to-date, and may not be sufficient to support the Council's recommendations for the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, as contained in the proposed rule. Response: NMFS noted in the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications that, while the proposed specifications were based on information from the 2016 SAFE report, the final 2017 SAFE report would be available to support the Council's recommendations and NMFS' determinations for the final GOA 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. The final 2017 SAFE report, which contains the most recent GOA groundfish stock assessment information on the biological condition of groundfish stocks as well as other biological and socioeconomic information, became available in November 2017. The Council reviewed the final 2017 SAFE report during its December 2017 meeting and based its recommendations for appropriate 2018 and 2019 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs on information provided in the final 2017 SAFE report. NMFS also considered the information in the final 2017 SAFE report in adopting the Council's recommendations and in setting the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. The 2017 SAFE is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). Comment 2: NOAA has done an adequate job protecting baby longnose skates in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska and should keep doing what it is doing. Response: NMFS acknowledges this comment. Classification NMFS has determined that these final harvest specifications are consistent with the FMP and with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and [[Page 8798]] Management Act and other applicable laws. This action is authorized under 50 CFR 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. NMFS prepared an EIS for this action (see ADDRESSES) and made it available to the public on January 12, 2007 (72 FR 1512). On February 13, 2007, NMFS issued the ROD for the EIS. In January 2017, NMFS prepared a SIR for this action. Copies of the EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The EIS analyzes the environmental consequences of the groundfish harvest specifications and alternative harvest strategies on resources in the action area. The EIS found no significant environmental consequences of this action and its alternatives. The preferred alternative is a harvest strategy in which TACs are set at a level that falls within the range of ABCs recommended by the Council's SSC; the sum of the TACs must achieve the OY specified in the FMP. The SIR evaluates the need to prepare a Supplemental EIS (SEIS) for the 2018 and 2019 groundfish harvest specifications. An SEIS should be prepared if (1) the agency makes substantial changes in the proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns, or (2) significant new circumstances or information exist relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed action or its impacts (40 CFR 1502.9(c)(1)). After reviewing the information contained in the SIR and SAFE reports, the Regional Administrator has determined that (1) approval of the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications, which were set according to the preferred harvest strategy in the EIS, does not constitute a substantial change in the action; and (2) there are no significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the action or its impacts. Additionally, the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications will result in environmental impacts within the scope of those analyzed and disclosed in the EIS. Therefore, supplemental National Environmental Policy Act documentation is not necessary to implement the 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 604) requires that, when an agency promulgates a final rule under section 553 of Title 5 of the United States Code, after being required by that section, or any other law, to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking, the agency shall prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA). The following constitutes the FRFA prepared in the final action. Section 604 describes the required contents of a FRFA: (1) A statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule; (2) a statement of the significant issues raised by the public comments in response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a statement of the assessment of the agency of such issues, and a statement of any changes made in the proposed rule as a result of such comments; (3) the response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in response to the proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change made to the proposed rule in the final rule as a result of the comments; (4) a description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate is available; (5) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement and the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report or record; and (6) a description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the significant economic impact on small entities consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, including a statement of the factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the alternative adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other significant alternatives to the rule considered by the agency that affect the impact on small entities was rejected. A description of this action, its purpose, and its legal basis are contained at the beginning of the preamble to this final rule and are not repeated here. NMFS published the proposed rule on December 8, 2017 (82 FR 57924). NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to accompany this action, and included a summary in the proposed rule. The comment period closed on January 8, 2018. No comments were received on the IRFA or on the economic impacts of the rule more generally. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration did not file any comments on the proposed rule. The entities directly regulated by this action include: (1) Entities operating vessels with groundfish FFPs catching FMP groundfish in Federal waters; (2) all entities operating vessels, regardless of whether they hold groundfish FFPs, catching FMP groundfish in the State-waters parallel fisheries; and (3) all entities operating vessels fishing for halibut inside three miles of the shore (whether or not they have FFPs). For RFA purposes only, NMFS has established a small business size standard for businesses, including their affiliates, whose primary industry is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2). A business primarily engaged in commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411) is classified as a small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual gross receipts not in excess of $11 million for all its affiliated operations worldwide. Based on data from 2016 fishing activity, there were 920 individual catcher vessel entities with gross revenues meeting small entity criteria. Of these entities, 841 used hook-and-line gear, 114 used pot gear, and 31 used trawl gear (some of these entities used more than one gear type, thus the counts of entities using the different gear types do not sum to the total number of entities above). Three individual catcher/processors met the small entity criterion; two used hook-and- line gear, and one used trawl gear. Catcher/processor gross revenues were not reported for confidentiality reasons; however, small hook-and- line entities had average gross revenues of $340,000, small pot entities had average gross revenues of $720,000, and small trawl entities had average gross revenues of $1.83 million. Some of these vessels are members of AFA inshore pollock cooperatives, of GOA rockfish cooperatives, or of Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab rationalization cooperatives, and, therefore, under the RFA it is the aggregate gross receipts of all participating members of the cooperative that must meet the threshold. Vessels that participate in these cooperatives are considered to be large entities within the meaning of the RFA. These relationships are accounted for, along with corporate affiliations among vessels, to the extent that they are known, in the estimated number of small entities. If affiliations exist of which NMFS is unaware, or if entities had non- fishing revenue sources, the estimates above may overstate the number of directly regulated small entities. This action does not modify recordkeeping or reporting requirements. NMFS considered alternative harvest strategies when choosing the preferred harvest strategy (Alternative 2) in December 2006. These included the following: [[Page 8799]]Alternative 1: Set TACs to produce fishing mortality rates, F, that are equal to maxFABC, unless the sum of the TACs is constrained by the OY established in the fishery management plans. This is equivalent to setting TACs to produce harvest levels equal to the maximum permissible ABCs, as constrained by OY. The term ``maxFABC'' refers to the maximum permissible value of FABC under Amendment 56 to the BSAI and GOA groundfish fishery management plans. Historically, the TAC has been set at or below the ABC; therefore, this alternative represents a likely upper limit for setting the TAC within the OY and ABC limits. Alternative 3: For species in Tiers 1, 2, and 3, set TAC to produce F equal to the most recent 5-year average actual F. For species in Tiers 4, 5, and 6, set TAC equal to the most recent 5-year average actual catch. For stocks with a high level of scientific information, TACs would be set to produce harvest levels equal to the most recent 5-year average actual fishing mortality rates. For stocks with insufficient scientific information, TACs would be set equal to the most recent 5-year average actual catch. This alternative recognizes that for some stocks, catches may fall well below ABCs, and recent average F may provide a better indicator of actual F than FABC does. Alternative 4: Set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 3 at F75%; set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 5 at F=0.5M; and set spatially explicit TACs for shortraker and rougheye rockfish in the GOA. Second, taking the rockfish TACs as calculated above, reduce all other TACs by a proportion that does not vary across species, so that the sum of all TACs, including rockfish TACs, is equal to the lower bound of the area OY (116,000 mt in the GOA). This alternative sets conservative and spatially explicit TACs for rockfish species that are long-lived and late to mature and sets conservative TACs for the other groundfish species. Alternative 5: (No Action) Set TACs at zero. Alternatives 1, 3, 4, and 5 do not meet the objectives of this action, and although Alternatives 1 and 3 may have a smaller adverse economic impact on small entities than the preferred alternative, Alternatives 4 and 5 would have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities. The Council rejected these alternatives as harvest strategies in 2006, and the Secretary did so in 2007. Alternative 2 is the preferred alternative chosen by the Council: Set TACs that fall within the range of ABCs recommended through the Council harvest specifications process and TACs recommended by the Council. Under this scenario, F is set equal to a constant fraction of maxFABC. The recommended fractions of maxFABC may vary among species or stocks, based on other considerations unique to each. This is the method for determining TACs that has been used in the past. Alternative 2 selected harvest rates that will allow fishermen to harvest stocks at the level of ABCs, unless total harvests are constrained by the upper bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 mt. The sums of ABCs in 2018 and 2019 are 536,921 mt and 480,187 mt, respectively. The sums of the TACs in 2018 and 2019 are 427,512 mt and 376,417 mt, respectively. Thus, although the sum of ABCs in each year is less than 800,000 mt, the sums of the TACs in each year are less than the sums of the ABCs. In most cases, the Council has set TACs equal to ABCs. The divergence between aggregate TACs and aggregate ABCs reflects a variety of special species- and fishery-specific circumstances: Pacific cod TACs are set equal to 70 percent in the Western GOA and 75 percent in the Central and Eastern GOA of the Pacific cod ABCs in each year to account for the GHL set by the State for its GHL Pacific cod fisheries (30 percent of the Western GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Central and Eastern GOA ABCs). Thus, the difference between the Federal TACs and ABCs does not actually reflect a Pacific cod harvest below the Pacific cod ABC, as the balance is available for the State's cod GHL fisheries. Shallow-water flatfish and flathead sole TACs are set below ABCs in the Western Regulatory Area. Arrowtooth flounder TACs are set below ABC in all GOA regulatory areas. Catches of these flatfish species rarely, if ever, approach the proposed ABCs or TACs. Important trawl fisheries in the GOA take halibut PSC, and are constrained by limits on the allowable halibut PSC mortality. These limits may force the closure of trawl fisheries before they have harvested the available groundfish ABC. Thus, actual harvests of groundfish in the GOA routinely fall short of some ABCs and TACs. Markets can also constrain harvests below the TACs, as has been the case with arrowtooth flounder, in the past. These TACs are set to allow for increased harvest opportunities for these targets while conserving the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized fisheries. The other rockfish TAC is set below the ABC in the Southeast Outside District based on several factors. In addition to conservation concerns for the rockfish species in this group, there is a regulatory prohibition against using trawl gear east of 140[deg] W longitude. Because most species of other rockfish are caught exclusively with trawl gear, the catch of such species with other gear types, such as hook-and-line, is low. The commercial catch of other rockfish in the Eastern Regulatory Area, which includes the West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts, has ranged from approximately 70 mt to 248 mt per year over the last decade. The GOA-wide Atka mackerel TAC is set below the ABC. The estimates of survey biomass continue to be unreliable in the GOA. Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS agrees that the Atka mackerel TAC in the GOA be set at an amount to support incidental catch in other directed fisheries. Alternative 1 selects harvest rates that would allow fishermen to harvest stocks at the level of the ABCs, unless total harvests were constrained by the upper bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 mt. Although Alternative 1 may be consistent with the preferred alternative (Alternative 2), meet the objectives of the action, and have small entity impacts equivalent to the preferred alternative, it is not likely that Alternative 1 would result in reduced adverse economic impacts to directly-regulated small entities relative to Alternative 2. The selection of Alternative 1, which could increase all TACs up to the sum of ABCs, would not reflect the practical implications that increased TACs for some species probably would not be fully harvested. This could be due to a variety of reasons, which are addressed in the preamble to this rule and are summarized briefly here. There may be a lack of commercial or market interest in some species. Additionally, an underharvest of flatfish TACs could result due to constraints such as the fixed, and therefore constraining, PSC limits associated with the harvest of the GOA groundfish species. Furthermore, TACs may be set lower than ABC for conservation purposes, as is the case with other rockfish in the Eastern GOA. Finally, the TACs for two species (pollock and Pacific cod) cannot be set equal to ABC, as the TAC must be reduced to account for the State of Alaska's guideline harvest levels in these fisheries. Alternative 3 selects harvest rates based on the most recent 5 years of harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1 through 3) or based on the most recent 5 years of harvests (for species in Tiers [[Page 8800]] 4 through 6). This alternative is inconsistent with the objectives of this action because it does not take account of the most recent biological information for this fishery. NMFS annually conducts at-sea surveys for different species, as well as statistical modeling, to estimate stock sizes and permissible harvest levels. Actual harvest rates or harvest amounts are a component of these estimates, but in and of themselves may not accurately portray stock sizes and conditions. Harvest rates are listed for each species or species group for each year in the SAFE report (see ADDRESSES). Alternative 4 would lead to significantly lower harvests of all species to reduce TACs from the upper end of the OY range in the GOA to its lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this alternative would reduce 2018 TACs by about 69 percent. This would lead to significant reductions in harvests of species by small entities. While production declines in the GOA likely would be associated with offsetting price increases in the GOA, the size of these increases is very uncertain. Price increases would still be constrained by the availability of substitutes, and there are close substitutes for GOA groundfish species available in significant quantities from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. In addition, price increases are very unlikely to offset revenue declines from smaller production. Thus, this action would have a detrimental economic impact on small entities. Alternative 5, which sets all harvests equal to zero, may also address conservation issues, but would have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities. Impacts on marine mammals resulting from fishing activities conducted under this rule are discussed in the EIS and SIR (see ADDRESSES). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness for this rule because delaying this rule would be contrary to the public interest. The Plan Team review occurred in November 2017, and the Council considered and recommended the final harvest specifications in December 2017. Accordingly, NMFS' review could not begin until after the December 2017 Council meeting, and after the public had time to comment on the proposed action. For all fisheries not currently closed because the TACs established under the final 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) were not reached, it is possible that they would be closed prior to the expiration of a 30-day delayed effectiveness period because their TACs could be reached within that period. If implemented immediately, this rule would allow these fisheries to continue fishing because some of the new TACs implemented by this rule are higher than the TACs under which they are currently fishing. In addition, immediate effectiveness of this action is required to provide consistent management and conservation of fishery resources based on the best available scientific information. This is particularly pertinent for those species that have lower 2018 ABCs and TACs than those established in the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications (82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017). If implemented immediately, this rule would ensure that NMFS can properly manage those fisheries for which this rule sets lower 2018 ABCs and TACs, which are based on the most recent biological information on the condition of stocks, rather than managing species under the higher TACs set in the previous year's harvest specifications. Certain fisheries, such as those for pollock and Pacific cod, are intensive, fast-paced fisheries. Other fisheries, such as those for sablefish, flatfish, rockfish, Atka mackerel, skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses, are critical as directed fisheries and as incidental catch in other fisheries. U.S. fishing vessels have demonstrated the capacity to catch the TAC allocations in many of these fisheries. If this rule allowed for a 30-day delay in effectiveness and if a TAC were reached during those 30 days, NMFS would close directed fishing or prohibit retention for the applicable species. Any delay in allocating the final TACs in these fisheries would cause confusion to the industry and potential economic harm through unnecessary discards, thus undermining the intent of this rule. Waiving the 30-day delay allows NMFS to prevent economic loss to fishermen that could otherwise occur should the 2018 TACs (set under the 2017 and 2018 harvest specifications) be reached. Determining which fisheries may close is impossible because these fisheries are affected by several factors that cannot be predicted in advance, including fishing effort, weather, movement of fishery stocks, and market price. Furthermore, the closure of one fishery has a cascading effect on other fisheries by freeing-up fishing vessels, allowing them to move from closed fisheries to open ones, increasing the fishing capacity in those open fisheries, and causing them to close at an accelerated pace. In fisheries subject to declining sideboard limits, a failure to implement the updated sideboard limits before initial season's end could deny the intended economic protection to the non-sideboarded sectors. Conversely, in fisheries with increasing sideboard limits, economic benefit could be denied to the sideboard-limited sectors. If the final harvest specifications are not effective by March 24, 2018, which is the start of the 2018 Pacific halibut season as specified by the IPHC, the hook-and-line sablefish fishery will not begin concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season. This would result in confusion for the industry and economic harm from unnecessary discard of sablefish that are caught along with Pacific halibut, as both hook-and-line sablefish and Pacific halibut are managed under the same IFQ program. Immediate effectiveness of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications will allow the sablefish IFQ fishery to begin concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season. Finally, immediate effectiveness also would provide the fishing industry the earliest possible opportunity to plan and conduct its fishing operations with respect to new information about TACs. Therefore, NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). Small Entity Compliance Guide This final rule is a plain language guide to assist small entities in complying with this final rule as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This final rule's primary purpose is to announce the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications and prohibited species bycatch allowances for the groundfish fisheries of the GOA. This action is necessary to establish harvest limits and associated management measures for groundfish during the 2018 and 2019 fishing years, and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the FMP. This action affects all fishermen who participate in the GOA fisheries. The specific OFL, ABC, TAC, and PSC amounts are provided in tables to assist the reader. NMFS will announce closures of directed fishing in the Federal Register and information bulletins released by the Alaska Region. Affected fishermen should keep themselves informed of such closures. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1540 (f), 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 106-31; Pub. L. 106-554; Pub. L. 108-199; Pub. L. 108-447; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L 109-479. [[Page 8801]] Dated: February 23, 2018. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-04124 Filed 2-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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catch estimate would have substantially proposed rule and is not repeated here. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA)
changed the projected butterfish ABCs. No comments were received regarding prepared for this action are available
Comment 9: One individual indicated this certification and no other from http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
that NMFS is not recognizing shifts in information has been obtained that The final 2017 Stock Assessment and
economic, governmental, and ecological suggests any other conclusion. As a Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the
trends in setting future catch levels. The result, a regulatory flexibility analysis groundfish resources of the GOA, dated
individual suggested that changes in tax was not required and none was November 2017, is available from the
law, economic booms, the impacts of prepared. North Pacific Fishery Management
offshore drilling, relative profitability Council (Council) at 605 West 4th
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
between small and large operations, Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK
technological innovation, and demand Dated: February 23, 2018. 99510–2252, phone 907–271–2809, or
may all affect future estimates of fish Samuel D. Rauch III, from the Council’s website at http://
stocks and the appropriate levels of Deputy Assistant Administrator for www.npfmc.org.
catch in future years. Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Response: Each year, Council staff
Obren Davis, 907–586–7228.
develop a fishery information document [FR Doc. 2018–04123 Filed 2–28–18; 8:45 am]
summarizing trends in fishery landings, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
revenues, and participation. In addition, manages the GOA groundfish fisheries
the Council’s Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, in the exclusive economic zone of the
and Butterfish Advisory Panel meets to DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GOA under the Fishery Management
develop and discuss a fishery Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
performance report. This report National Oceanic and Atmospheric Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the
describes the factors that influence Administration FMP under the authority of the
fishing effort and landings, including Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
markets, environmental/ecological 50 CFR Part 679 Conservation and Management Act, 16
issues (weather, temperature, U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Regulations
[Docket No. 170816769–8162–02]
availability), management measures, or governing U.S. fisheries and
other issues relevant to the fishery’s RIN 0648–XF633 implementing the FMP appear at 50
operations (see ADDRESSES). This input CFR parts 600, 679, and 680.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic The FMP and its implementing
is used to provide context to fishery
Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final regulations require NMFS, after
operations and help the Council and its
2018 and 2019 Harvest Specifications consultation with the Council, to
SSC understand catch patterns when
for Groundfish specify the total allowable catch (TAC)
setting ABCs in each fishery. Therefore,
we are considering many of the factors AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries for each target species, the sum of which
identified by the commenter when Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and must be within the optimum yield (OY)
setting catch levels. Further, the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons
profitability of affected entities, Commerce. (mt) (50 CFR 679.20(a)(1)(i)(B)). Section
including both large and small 679.20(c)(1) further requires NMFS to
ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications
operations, are explicitly considered in publish and solicit public comment on
and closures. proposed annual TACs and
the National Environmental Policy Act
and associated economic analyses SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2018 apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut
conducted in support of this action and and 2019 harvest specifications, prohibited species catch (PSC) limits,
included in the EA prepared by Council apportionments, and Pacific halibut and seasonal allowances of pollock and
staff (see ADDRESSES). prohibited species catch limits for the Pacific cod. Upon consideration of
groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska public comment received under
Classification § 679.20(c)(1), NMFS must publish
(GOA). This action is necessary to
Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the establish harvest limits for groundfish notice of final harvest specifications for
Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS during the 2018 and 2019 fishing years up to two fishing years as annual TACs
Assistant Administrator has determined and to accomplish the goals and and apportionments, Pacific halibut PSC
that this final rule is consistent with the objectives of the Fishery Management limits, and seasonal allowances of
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of pollock and Pacific cod, per
FMP, other provisions of the Magnuson- Alaska. The intended effect of this § 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest
Stevens Act, and other applicable law. action is to conserve and manage the specifications set forth in Tables 1
This final rule has been determined to groundfish resources in the GOA in through 30 of this rule reflect the
be not significant for purposes of accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens outcome of this process, as required at
Executive Order 12866. Fishery Conservation and Management § 679.20(c).
This final rule is not an Executive Act. The proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest
Order 13771 regulatory action because it specifications for groundfish of the GOA
is not significant under Executive Order DATES: Harvest specifications and and Pacific halibut PSC limits were
12866. closures are effective at 1200 hours, published in the Federal Register on
The Chief Counsel for Regulation of Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 1, 2018, December 8, 2017 (82 FR 57924).
the Department of Commerce certified through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, Comments were invited and accepted
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the 2019. through January 8, 2018. NMFS received
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Small Business Administration during ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the two letters of comment on the proposed
the proposed rule stage that this action Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest harvest specifications; the comments are
would not have a significant economic Specifications Environmental Impact summarized and responded to in the
impact on a substantial number of small Statement (EIS), Record of Decision ‘‘Response to Comments’’ section of this
entities. The factual basis for the (ROD), the Supplementary Information rule. In December 2017, NMFS
certification was published in the Report (SIR) to the EIS, and the Initial consulted with the Council regarding
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Changes From the Proposed 2018 and lower than the proposed 2018 ABCs for population trend. The biennial GOA
2019 Harvest Specifications in the GOA Pacific cod, arrowtooth flounder, trawl survey was conducted in 2017.
In October 2017, the Council’s flathead sole, shortraker rockfish, other Thus, changes to biomass and ABC
recommendations for the proposed 2018 rockfish, big skate, other skates, estimates are based on survey biomass
and 2019 harvest specifications (82 FR sculpins, squids, and octopuses. information, as well as fishery catch
57924, December 8, 2017) were based The final 2019 ABCs are higher than updates to species’ assessment models.
largely on information contained in the the proposed ABCs for sablefish, Some species, such as pollock and
final 2016 SAFE report for the GOA shallow-water flatfish, deep-water sablefish, have additional surveys
groundfish fisheries, dated November flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, Pacific conducted on an annual basis, which
2016. The final 2016 SAFE report for the ocean perch, rougheye and blackspotted result in additional data being available
GOA is available from the Council (see rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, for the assessments for these stocks.
ADDRESSES). The Council proposed that thornyhead rockfish, and longnose The changes from the proposed 2018
the final OFLs, ABCs, and TACs skate. The final 2019 ABCs are lower TACs to the final 2018 TACs are within
established for the 2018 groundfish than the proposed 2019 ABCs for a range of plus 83 percent or minus 80
fisheries (82 FR 12032, February 27, pollock, Pacific cod, arrowtooth percent, and the changes from the
2017) be used for the proposed 2018 and flounder, northern rockfish, shortraker proposed 2019 TACs to the final 2019
2019 harvest specifications (82 FR rockfish, dusky rockfish, other rockfish, TACs are within a range of plus 73
57924, December 8, 2017), pending big skates, other skates, sculpins, percent or minus 80 percent. Based on
completion and review of the final 2017 squids, and octopuses. For the changes in the estimates of overall
SAFE report at its December 2017 remaining target species (Atka mackerel biomass made by stock assessment
meeting. and sharks), the Council recommended scientists for 2018 and 2019, as
As described previously, the SSC the final 2018 and 2019 ABCs that are compared to the estimates previously
adopted the final 2018 and 2019 OFLs the same as the proposed 2018 and 2019 made for 2017 and 2018, the species or
and ABCs recommended by the Plan ABCs. species group with the greatest TAC
Team. The Council adopted the SSC’s Additional information explaining the percentage increases are sablefish,
OFL and ABC recommendations and the changes between the proposed and final shallow-water flatfish, rex sole, Pacific
AP’s TAC recommendations for 2018 ABCs is included in the final 2017 ocean perch, rougheye and blackspotted
and 2019, with one exception for the SAFE report, which was not available rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, and
Central GOA arrowtooth flounder TAC. when the Council made its proposed longnose skates. Based on changes in
The AP recommended 2018 and 2019 ABC and TAC recommendations in the estimates of biomass, the species or
arrowtooth flounder TACs of 73,480 mt October 2017. At that time, the most species group with the greatest
and 70,700 mt, respectively. The recent stock assessment information was decreases in TACs are Pacific cod,
Council revised this TAC contained in the final 2016 SAFE report. arrowtooth flounder, shortraker
recommendation to 48,000 mt for both The final 2017 SAFE report contains the rockfish, big skate, other skates, and
2018 and 2019. The Council’s rationale best and most recent scientific octopuses. For all other species and
included a concern that a higher information on the condition of the species groups, changes from the
arrowtooth flounder TAC would result groundfish stocks, as previously proposed 2018 TACs to the final 2018
in bycatch concerns, and that lower discussed in this preamble, and is TACs and changes from the proposed
arrowtooth flounder TACs than those available for review (see ADDRESSES). 2019 TACs to the final 2019 TACs are
recommended by the AP are appropriate The Council considered the final 2017 less than a 10 percent change (either
because catch rarely, if ever, approach SAFE report in December 2017 when it increase or decrease). These TAC
the proposed ABCs or TACs. Also, the made recommendations for the final changes correspond to associated
Council set this TAC to allow for 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications. In changes in the ABCs and TACs, as
increased harvest opportunities while the GOA, the total final 2018 TAC recommended by the SSC, AP, and
conserving the halibut PSC limit for use amount is 427,512 mt, a decrease of 8 Council.
in other, more fully utilized fisheries. percent from the total proposed 2018 Detailed information providing the
The final 2018 ABCs are higher than TAC amount of 465,832 mt. The total basis for the changes described above is
the proposed 2018 ABCs published in final 2019 TAC amount is 376,417 mt, contained in the final 2017 SAFE report.
the proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest a decrease of 19 percent from the total The final TACs are based on the best
specifications (82 FR 57924, December proposed 2019 TAC amount of 465,832 scientific information available. These
8, 2017) for pollock, sablefish, shallow- mt. Table 1a summarizes the difference TACs are specified in compliance with
water flatfish, deep-water flatfish, rex between the proposed and final TACs. the harvest strategy described in the
sole, Pacific ocean perch, northern Annual stock assessments incorporate proposed and final rules for the 2018
rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye and a variety of new or revised inputs, such and 2019 harvest specifications. The
blackspotted rockfish, demersal shelf as survey data or catch information, as changes in TACs between the proposed
rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, and well as changes to the statistical models rule and this final rule are compared in
longnose skate. The final 2018 ABCs are used to estimate a species’ biomass and Table 1a.
TABLE 1A—COMPARISON OF PROPOSED AND FINAL 2018 AND 2019 GOA TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage]
2018 and 2018 Final 2019 Final
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2018 Final Percentage 2019 Final Percentage
Species 2019 Pro- minus 2018 minus 2019
TAC difference TAC difference
posed TAC proposed TAC proposed TAC
Pollock .......................... 163,479 166,228 2,749 2 112,678 ¥50,801 ¥31
Pacific cod .................... 40,069 13,096 ¥26,973 ¥67 12,368 ¥27,701 ¥69
Sablefish ...................... 10,207 11,505 1,298 13 16,194 5,987 59
Shallow-water flatfish ... 36,979 42,732 5,753 16 43,128 6,149 17
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TABLE 1A—COMPARISON OF PROPOSED AND FINAL 2018 AND 2019 GOA TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage]
2018 and 2018 Final 2019 Final
2018 Final Percentage 2019 Final Percentage
Species 2019 Pro- minus 2018 minus 2019
TAC difference TAC difference
posed TAC proposed TAC proposed TAC
Deep-water flatfish ....... 9,382 9,385 3 0 9,499 117 1
Rex sole ....................... 8,421 15,373 6,952 83 14,529 6,108 73
Arrowtooth flounder ...... 103,300 76,300 ¥27,000 ¥26 76,300 ¥27,000 ¥26
Flathead sole ............... 27,920 26,388 ¥1,532 ¥5 26,487 ¥1,433 ¥5
Pacific ocean perch ..... 23,454 29,236 5,782 25 28,605 5,151 22
Northern rockfish .......... 3,508 3,681 173 5 3,347 ¥161 ¥5
Shortraker rockfish ....... 1,286 863 ¥423 ¥33 864 ¥422 ¥33
Dusky rockfish .............. 3,954 3,957 3 0 3,668 ¥286 ¥7
Rougheye rockfish ....... 1,318 1,444 126 10 1,427 109 8
Demersal shelf rockfish 227 250 23 10 250 23 10
Thornyhead rockfish .... 1,961 2,038 77 4 2,038 77 4
Other rockfish ............... 2,308 2,305 ¥3 0 2,305 ¥3 0
Atka mackerel .............. 3,000 3,000 0 0 3,000 0 0
Big skate ...................... 3,814 2,848 ¥966 ¥25 2,848 ¥966 ¥25
Longnose skate ............ 3,206 3,572 366 11 3,572 366 11
Other skates ................. 1,919 1,384 ¥535 ¥28 1,384 ¥535 ¥28
Sculpins ........................ 5,591 5,301 ¥290 ¥5 5,301 ¥290 ¥5
Sharks .......................... 4,514 4,514 0 0 4,514 0 0
Squids .......................... 1,137 1,137 0 0 1,137 0 0
Octopuses .................... 4,878 975 ¥3,903 ¥80 975 ¥3,903 ¥80
Total ...................... 465,832 427,512 ¥38,320 ¥8 376,418 ¥89,414 ¥19
The final 2018 and 2019 TAC GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any amounts for GOA groundfish for 2018
recommendations for the GOA are species or species group. Tables 1 and and 2019, respectively.
within the OY range established for the 2 list the final OFL, ABC, and TAC
TABLE 1—FINAL 2018 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
Pollock 2 .......................................................... Shumagin (610) .............................................. n/a 30,188 30,188
Chirikof (620) .................................................. n/a 79,495 79,495
Kodiak (630) ................................................... n/a 40,939 40,939
WYK (640) ...................................................... n/a 6,833 6,833
W/C/WYK (subtotal) 2 ..................................... 187,059 161,492 157,455
SEO (650) ...................................................... 11,697 8,773 8,773
Total ........................................................ 198,756 170,265 166,228
Pacific cod 3 .................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 8,082 5,657
C ..................................................................... n/a 8,118 6,089
E ..................................................................... n/a 1,800 1,350
Total ........................................................ 23,565 18,000 13,096
Sablefish 4 ....................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 1,544 1,544
C ..................................................................... n/a 5,158 5,158
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,829 1,829
SEO ................................................................ n/a 2,974 2,974
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) ......................... n/a 4,803 4,803
Total ........................................................ 22,703 11,505 11,505
Shallow-water flatfish 5 .................................... W .................................................................... n/a 25,206 13,250
C ..................................................................... n/a 25,315 25,315
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WYK ............................................................... n/a 2,242 2,242
SEO ................................................................ n/a 1,925 1,925
Total ........................................................ 67,240 54,688 42,732
Deep-water flatfish 6 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 413 413
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,400 3,400
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TABLE 1—FINAL 2018 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
WYK ............................................................... n/a 3,239 3,239
SEO ................................................................ n/a 2,332 2,332
Total ........................................................ 11,294 9,385 9,385
Rex sole .......................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 3,086 3,086
C ..................................................................... n/a 8,739 8,739
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,737 1,737
SEO ................................................................ n/a 1,811 1,811
Total ........................................................ 18,706 15,373 15,373
Arrowtooth flounder ......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 37,253 14,500
C ..................................................................... n/a 73,480 48,000
WYK ............................................................... n/a 16,468 6,900
SEO ................................................................ ........................ 23,744 6,900
Total ........................................................ 180,697 150,945 76,300
Flathead sole .................................................. W .................................................................... n/a 12,690 8,650
C ..................................................................... n/a 20,238 15,400
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,932 1,932
SEO ................................................................ n/a 406 406
Total ........................................................ 43,011 35,266 26,388
Pacific ocean perch 7 ...................................... W .................................................................... n/a 3,312 3,312
C ..................................................................... n/a 20,112 20,112
WYK ............................................................... n/a 3,371 3,371
W/C/WYK subtotal ......................................... 31,860 26,795 26,795
SEO ................................................................ 2,902 2,441 2,441
Total ........................................................ 34,762 29,236 29,236
Northern rockfish 8 .......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 420 420
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,261 3,261
E ..................................................................... n/a 4 ........................
Total ........................................................ 4,380 3,685 3,681
Shortraker rockfish 9 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 44 44
C ..................................................................... n/a 305 305
E ..................................................................... n/a 514 514
Total ........................................................ 1,151 863 863
Dusky rockfish 10 ............................................. W .................................................................... n/a 146 146
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,502 3,502
WYK ............................................................... n/a 232 232
SEO ................................................................ n/a 77 77
Total ........................................................ 4,841 3,957 3,957
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish 11 .......... W .................................................................... n/a 176 176
C ..................................................................... n/a 556 556
E ..................................................................... n/a 712 712
Total ........................................................ 1,735 1,444 1,444
Demersal shelf rockfish 12
............................... SEO ................................................................ 394 250 250
Thornyhead rockfish ....................................... W .................................................................... n/a 344 344
C ..................................................................... n/a 921 921
E ..................................................................... n/a 773 773
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Total ........................................................ 2,717 2,038 2,038
Other rockfish 13 14 .......................................... W and C ......................................................... n/a 1,737 1,737
WYK ............................................................... n/a 368 368
SEO ................................................................ n/a 3,489 200
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![8774 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1—FINAL 2018 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
Total ........................................................ 7,356 5,594 2,305
Atka mackerel ................................................. GW ................................................................. 6,200 4,700 3,000
Big skate 15 ...................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 504 504
C ..................................................................... n/a 1,774 1,774
E ..................................................................... n/a 570 570
Total ........................................................ 3,797 2,848 2,848
Longnose skate 16 ........................................... W .................................................................... n/a 149 149
C ..................................................................... n/a 2,804 2,804
E ..................................................................... n/a 619 619
Total ........................................................ 4,763 3,572 3,572
Other skates 17 ................................................ GW ................................................................. 1,845 1,384 1,384
Sculpins ........................................................... GW ................................................................. 6,958 5,301 5,301
Sharks ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 1,516 1,137 1,137
Octopus ........................................................... GW ................................................................. 1,300 975 975
Total ......................................................... ......................................................................... 655,707 536,921 427,512
1 Regulatory areas and districts are defined at § 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska;
WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-wide).
2 The total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 161,492 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (4,037 mt) of that ABC for the State’s
pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 157,455 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas
(Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment
purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3 (final 2018 seasonal biomass distribution
of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances). In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and
Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regu-
latory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod TAC in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and
10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 5 lists the final 2018 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is allocated to trawl and fixed gear in 2018. Table 7 lists the final 2018 allocations of sablefish TACs.
5 ‘‘Shallow-water flatfish’’ means flatfish not including ‘‘deep-water flatfish,’’ flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
6 ‘‘Deep-water flatfish’’ means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes, the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the East-
ern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group.
9 ‘‘Shortraker rockfish’’ means Sebastes borealis.
10 ‘‘Dusky rockfish’’ means Sebastes variabilis.
11 ‘‘Rougheye rockfish’’ means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
12 ‘‘Demersal shelf rockfish’’ means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S.
helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
13 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri
(darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S.
zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S.
reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish,
S. polyspinis.
14 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf
rockfish. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish.
15 ‘‘Big skate’’ means Raja binoculata.
16 ‘‘Longnose skate’’ means Raja rhina.
17 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja and Raja spp.
TABLE 2—FINAL 2019 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Pollock 2 .......................................................... Shumagin (610) .............................................. n/a 19,921 19,921
Chirikof (620) .................................................. n/a 52,459 52,459
Kodiak (630) ................................................... n/a 27,016 27,016
WYK (640) ...................................................... n/a 4,509 4,509
W/C/WYK (subtotal) 2 ..................................... 131,170 106,569 103,905
SEO (650) ...................................................... 11,697 8,773 8,773
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8775
TABLE 2—FINAL 2019 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
Total ........................................................ 142,867 115,341 112,678
Pacific cod 3 .................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 7,633 5,343
C ..................................................................... n/a 7,667 5,750
E ..................................................................... n/a 1,700 1,275
Total ........................................................ 21,412 17,000 12,368
Sablefish 4 ....................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 2,174 2,174
C ..................................................................... n/a 7,260 7,260
WYK ............................................................... n/a 2,573 2,573
SEO ................................................................ n/a 4,187 4,187
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) ......................... n/a 6,760 6,760
Total ........................................................ 35,989 16,194 16,194
Shallow-water flatfish 5 .................................... W .................................................................... n/a 25,544 13,250
C ..................................................................... n/a 25,655 25,655
WYK ............................................................... n/a 2,272 2,272
SEO ................................................................ n/a 1,951 1,951
Total ........................................................ 68,114 55,422 43,128
Deep-water flatfish 6 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 416 416
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,442 3,442
WYK ............................................................... n/a 3,279 3,279
SEO ................................................................ n/a 2,361 2,361
Total ........................................................ 11,431 9,499 9,499
Rex sole .......................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 2,909 2,909
C ..................................................................... n/a 8,236 8,236
WYK ............................................................... n/a 1,657 1,657
SEO ................................................................ n/a 1,727 1,727
Total ........................................................ 17,692 14,529 14,529
Arrowtooth flounder ......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 35,844 14,500
C ..................................................................... n/a 70,700 48,000
WYK ............................................................... n/a 15,845 6,900
SEO ................................................................ n/a 22,845 6,900
Total ........................................................ 173,872 145,234 76,300
Flathead sole .................................................. W .................................................................... n/a 13,222 8,650
C ..................................................................... n/a 21,087 15,400
WYK ............................................................... n/a 2,013 2,013
SEO ................................................................ n/a 424 424
Total ........................................................ 44,822 36,746 26,487
Pacific ocean perch 7 ...................................... W .................................................................... n/a 3,240 3,240
C ..................................................................... n/a 19,678 19,678
WYK ............................................................... n/a 3,298 3,298
W/C/WYK ....................................................... 31,170 26,216 26,216
SEO ................................................................ 2,840 2,389 2,389
Total ........................................................ 34,010 28,605 28,605
Northern rockfish 8 .......................................... W .................................................................... n/a 382 382
C ..................................................................... n/a 2,965 2,965
E ..................................................................... n/a 3 ........................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Total ........................................................ 3,984 3,350 3,347
Shortraker rockfish 9 ........................................ W .................................................................... n/a 44 44
C ..................................................................... n/a 305 305
E ..................................................................... n/a 514 514
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![8776 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2—FINAL 2019 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WEST-
ERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species Area 1 OFL ABC TAC
Total ........................................................ 1,151 863 863
Dusky rockfish 10 ............................................. W .................................................................... n/a 135 135
C ..................................................................... n/a 3,246 3,246
WYK ............................................................... n/a 215 215
SEO ................................................................ n/a 72 72
Total ........................................................ 4,488 3,668 3,668
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish 11 .......... W .................................................................... n/a 174 174
C ..................................................................... n/a 550 550
E ..................................................................... n/a 703 703
Total ........................................................ 1,715 1,427 1,427
Demersal shelf rockfish 12 ............................... SEO ................................................................ 394 250 250
Thornyhead rockfish ....................................... W .................................................................... n/a 344 344
C ..................................................................... n/a 921 921
E ..................................................................... n/a 773 773
Total ........................................................ 2,717 2,038 2,038
Other rockfish 13 14 .......................................... W and C ......................................................... n/a 1,737 1,737
WYK ............................................................... n/a 368 368
SEO ................................................................ n/a 3,488 200
Total ........................................................ 7,356 5,593 2,305
Atka mackerel ................................................. GW ................................................................. 6,200 4,700 3,000
Big skate 15 ...................................................... W .................................................................... n/a 504 504
C ..................................................................... n/a 1,774 1,774
E ..................................................................... n/a 570 570
Total ........................................................ 3,797 2,848 2,848
Longnose skate 16 ........................................... W .................................................................... n/a 149 149
C ..................................................................... n/a 2,804 2,804
E ..................................................................... n/a 619 619
Total ........................................................ 4,763 3,572 3,572
Other skates 17 ................................................ GW ................................................................. 1,845 1,384 1,384
Sculpins ........................................................... GW ................................................................. 6,958 5,301 5,301
Sharks ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids ............................................................. GW ................................................................. 1,516 1,137 1,137
Octopus ........................................................... GW ................................................................. 1,300 975 975
Total ......................................................... ......................................................................... 604,413 480,187 376,417
1 Regulatory areas and districts are defined at § 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska;
WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-wide).
2 The total for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas pollock ABC is 106,569 mt. After deducting 2.5 percent (2,664 mt) of that ABC for the State’s
pollock GHL fishery, the remaining pollock ABC of 103,905 mt (for the W/C/WYK Regulatory Areas) is apportioned among four statistical areas
(Areas 610, 620, 630, and 640). These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment
purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 4 (final 2019 seasonal biomass distribution
of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, area apportionments, and seasonal allowances). In the West Yakutat (Area 640) and
Southeast Outside (Area 650) Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regu-
latory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 6 lists the final 2019 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2019. Table 8 lists the final 2019 allocation of sablefish TACs to trawl gear.
5 ‘‘Shallow-water flatfish’’ means flatfish not including ‘‘deep-water flatfish,’’ flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
6 ‘‘Deep-water flatfish’’ means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 3 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the East-
ern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group.
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![8778 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 3—FINAL 2018 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION; AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1 Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ....... 1,317 3.50% 27,314 72.54% 9,025 23.97% 37,656
B (Mar 10–May 31) ...... 1,317 4.50% 32,155 85.39% 4,184 11.11% 37,656
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ......... 13,777 36.59% 10,013 26.59% 13,865 36.82% 37,656
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ........... 13,777 36.59% 10,013 26.59% 13,865 36.82% 37,656
Annual Total .......... 30,188 ........................ 79,495 ........................ 40,939 ........................ 150,622
1 Asestablished by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and off-
shore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK District and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this
table.
TABLE 4—FINAL 2019 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION; AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1 Shumagin (Area 610) Chirikof (Area 620) Kodiak (Area 630) Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) ....... 869 3.50% 18,025 72.54% 5,955 23.97% 24,849
B (Mar 10–May 31) ...... 869 4.50% 21,219 85.39% 2,761 11.11% 24,849
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) ......... 9,091 36.59% 6,608 26.59% 9,150 36.82% 24,849
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ........... 9,091 36.59% 6,608 26.59% 9,150 36.82% 24,849
Annual Total .......... 19,921 ........................ 52,459 ........................ 27,016 ........................ 99,395
1 Asestablished by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and off-
shore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK District and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this
table.
Annual and Seasonal Apportionments percent of the annual TAC to the A of two years. NMFS has evaluated the
of Pacific Cod TAC season and 40 percent of the annual 2017 harvest performance of the jig
TAC to the B season. sector in the Western and Central GOA,
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i), NMFS Under § 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage and is establishing the 2018 and 2019
seasonally allocates the Pacific cod or underage of the Pacific cod harvest by Pacific cod apportionments to this
TACs in the Western and Central each sector from the A season will be sector as follows.
Regulatory Areas of the GOA among subtracted from, or added to, the NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.5
gear and operational sectors. NMFS also subsequent B season allowance. In percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC
allocates the Pacific cod TACs annually addition, any portion of the hook-and- in the Western GOA. This is a decrease
between the inshore (90 percent) and line, trawl, pot, or jig sector allocations from the 2017 jig sector allocation of 2.5
offshore (10 percent) components in the that NMFS determines is likely to go percent because in 2016 and 2017 this
Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA unharvested by a sector may be sector harvested less than 90 percent of
(§ 679.20(a)(6)(ii)). In the Central GOA, reallocated to other sectors for harvest its initial annual allocation, thus
the Pacific cod TAC is apportioned during the remainder of the fishery year. triggering the deduction of the 1.0
seasonally first to vessels using jig gear, Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and percent performance increase that the
and then among catcher vessels (CVs) (B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod Western GOA jig sector received in
less than 50 feet in length overall using TACs in the Western and Central GOA 2017. The 2018 and 2019 allocations
hook-and-line gear, CVs equal to or will be allocated to vessels with a consist of a base allocation of 1.5
greater than 50 feet in length overall Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) that use percent of the Western GOA Pacific cod
using hook-and-line gear, catcher/ jig gear before the remaining Western TAC, and no additional performance
processors (C/Ps) using hook-and-line and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs are increase in the Western GOA.
gear, CVs using trawl gear, C/Ps using apportioned among other non-jig NMFS allocates the jig sector 1.0
trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear sectors. In accordance with the FMP, the percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC
(§ 679.20(a)(12)(i)(B)). In the Western annual jig sector allocations may in the Central GOA. This is the same
GOA, the Pacific cod TAC is increase to up to 6 percent of the annual percent as the 2017 jig sector allocation
apportioned seasonally first to vessels Western and Central GOA Pacific cod because in 2017 this sector harvested
using jig gear, and then among CVs TACs, depending on the annual less than 90 percent of its initial annual
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using performance of the jig sector (see Table allocation. The 2018 and 2019
hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl 1 of Amendment 83 to the FMP for a allocations consist of a base allocation
gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels detailed discussion of the jig sector of 1.0 percent of the Central GOA
using pot gear (§ 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A)). allocation process (76 FR 74670, Pacific cod TAC, and no additional
The overall seasonal apportionments in December 1, 2011)). Jig sector allocation performance increase in the Central
the Western and Central GOA are 60 increases are established for a minimum GOA.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8779
Tables 5 and 6 list the seasonal
apportionments and allocations of the
2018 and 2019 Pacific cod TACs.
TABLE 5—FINAL 2018 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
A season B season
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation Seasonal Seasonal
percentage percentage
(mt) allowances allowances
of annual of annual
(mt) (mt)
non-jig TAC non-jig TAC
Western GOA:
Jig (1.5% of TAC) ......................................................... 85 N/A 51 N/A 34
Hook-and-line CV ......................................................... 78 0.70 39 0.70 39
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 1,103 10.90 607 8.90 496
Trawl CV ....................................................................... 2,140 27.70 1,543 10.70 596
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 134 0.90 50 1.50 84
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 2,117 19.80 1,103 18.20 1,014
Total ....................................................................... 5,657 60.00 3,394 40.00 2,263
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ......................................................... 61 N/A 37 N/A 24
Hook-and-line <50 CV .................................................. 880 9.32 562 5.29 319
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV .................................................. 404 5.61 338 1.10 66
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 308 4.11 248 1.00 60
Trawl CV 1 ..................................................................... 2,507 21.14 1,274 20.45 1,233
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 253 2.00 121 2.19 132
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 1,676 17.83 1,075 9.97 601
Total ....................................................................... 6,089 60.00 3,653 40.00 2,436
Eastern GOA: ........................ Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
1,350 1,215 135
1 Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 232 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 12. Final 2018 Apportionments of Rockfish Sec-
ondary Species in the Central GOA and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679).
TABLE 6—FINAL 2019 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
A season B season
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation Seasonal Seasonal
percentage percentage
(mt) allowances allowances
of annual of annual
(mt) (mt)
non-jig TAC non-jig TAC
Western GOA:
Jig (1.5% of TAC) ......................................................... 134 N/A 80 N/A 53
Hook-and-line CV ......................................................... 73 0.70 36 0.70 36
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 1,031 10.90 568 8.90 464
Trawl CV ....................................................................... 2,000 27.70 1,443 10.70 557
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 125 0.90 47 1.50 78
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 1,980 19.80 1,031 18.20 948
Total ....................................................................... 5,343 60.00 3,206 40.00 2,137
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) ......................................................... 58 N/A 35 N/A 23
Hook-and-line <50 CV .................................................. 831 9.32 530 5.29 301
Hook-and-line ≥50 CV .................................................. 382 5.61 319 1.10 62
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................ 291 4.11 234 1.00 57
Trawl CV 1 ..................................................................... 2,367 21.14 1,203 20.45 1,164
Trawl C/P ...................................................................... 239 2.00 114 2.19 125
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TABLE 6—FINAL 2019 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
A season B season
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation Seasonal Seasonal
percentage percentage
(mt) allowances allowances
of annual of annual
(mt) (mt)
non-jig TAC non-jig TAC
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................ 1,583 17.83 1,015 9.97 568
Total ....................................................................... 5,750 60.00 3,450 40.00 2,300
Eastern GOA: ........................ Inshore (90% of Annual TAC) Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
1,275 1,148 128
1 Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 219 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 13. Final 2019 Apportionments of Rockfish Sec-
ondary Species in the Central GOA and Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679).
Allocations of the Sablefish TACs NMFS allocates 100 percent of the annual assessment for sablefish and
Amounts to Vessels Using Fixed and sablefish TAC in the SEO District to since the final harvest specifications are
Trawl Gear vessels using fixed gear. This action expected to be published before the IFQ
results in a 2018 allocation of 240 mt to season begins on March 24, 2018, the
Section 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require
trawl gear and 1,589 mt to fixed gear in Council recommended that the fixed
allocations of sablefish TACs for each of the WYK District, a 2018 allocation of
the regulatory areas and districts to gear sablefish TAC be set on an annual
2,974 mt to fixed gear in the SEO basis, rather than for two years, so that
fixed and trawl gear. In the Western and District, and a 2019 allocation of 338 mt
Central Regulatory Areas, 80 percent of the best scientific information available
to trawl gear in the WYK District. Table could be considered in establishing the
each TAC is allocated to fixed gear, and 7 lists the allocations of the 2018
20 percent of each TAC is allocated to sablefish ABCs and TACs. Accordingly,
sablefish TACs to fixed and trawl gear. while the 2018 fixed gear allocations are
trawl gear. In the Eastern Regulatory Table 8 lists the allocations of the 2019
Area, which is comprised of the WYK specified in Table 7, the 2019 fixed gear
sablefish TACs to trawl gear. allocations are not specified in Table 8
and SEO Districts, 95 percent of the The Council recommended that a
TAC is allocated to fixed gear, and 5 and will be specified in the 2019 and
trawl sablefish TAC be established for 2020 harvest specifications.
percent is allocated to trawl gear. The two years so that retention of incidental
trawl gear allocation in the Eastern catch of sablefish by trawl gear could With the exception of the trawl
Regulatory Area may only be used to commence in January in the second year allocations that were provided to the
support incidental catch of sablefish in of the groundfish harvest specifications. Central GOA Rockfish Program
directed trawl fisheries for other target Both the 2018 and 2019 trawl (Rockfish Program) cooperatives (see
species (§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)). allocations are specified in these final Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), directed
In recognition of the prohibition harvest specifications, in Tables 7 and 8, fishing for sablefish with trawl gear in
against trawl gear in the SEO District of respectively. the GOA is closed during the fishing
the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council The Council also recommended that year. Also, fishing for groundfish with
recommended and NMFS approves the the fixed gear sablefish TAC be trawl gear is prohibited prior to January
allocation of 5 percent of the Eastern established annually to ensure that this 20 (§ 679.23(c)). Therefore, it is not
Regulatory Area sablefish TAC to trawl IFQ fishery is conducted concurrently likely that the sablefish allocation to
gear in the WYK District, making the with the halibut IFQ fishery and is trawl gear would be reached before the
remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC based on the most recent sablefish effective date of the final 2018 and 2019
available to vessels using fixed gear. survey information. Since there is an harvest specifications.
TABLE 7—FINAL 2018 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATIONS TO FIXED AND TRAWL GEAR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Fixed gear Trawl gear
Area/district TAC allocation allocation
Western ........................................................................................................................................ 1,544 1,235 309
Central ......................................................................................................................................... 5,158 4,126 1,032
West Yakutat 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1,829 1,589 240
Southeast Outside ....................................................................................................................... 2,974 2,974 0
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Total ...................................................................................................................................... 11,505 9,924 1,581
1 The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Dis-
tricts) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8781
TABLE 8—FINAL 2019 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATION TO TRAWL GEAR 1
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Fixed gear Trawl gear
Area/district TAC allocation allocation
Western ........................................................................................................................................ 2,174 n/a 435
Central ......................................................................................................................................... 7,260 n/a 1,452
West Yakutat 2 ............................................................................................................................. 2,573 n/a 338
Southeast Outside ....................................................................................................................... 4,187 n/a 0
Total ............................................................................................................................................. 16,194 n/a 2,225
1 The Council recommended that the 2018 (but not the 2019) harvest specifications for the fixed gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fish-
eries be specified in the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications.
2 The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Dis-
tricts) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) Apportionments to the Rockfish part 679). Also, the Rockfish Program
Program establishes sideboard limits to restrict
The recommended 2018 and 2019 the ability of harvesters operating under
DSR TAC is 250 mt, and management of These final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for the GOA include the the Rockfish Program to increase their
DSR is delegated to the State. The participation in other, non-Rockfish
fishery cooperative allocations and
Alaska Board of Fisheries has Program fisheries. These restrictions, as
sideboard limitations established by the
apportioned the annual SEO District well as halibut PSC limits, are discussed
Rockfish Program. Program participants
DSR TACs between the commercial are primarily trawl CVs and trawl C/Ps, in a subsequent section in this rule
fishery (84 percent) and the sport with limited participation by vessels titled ‘‘Rockfish Program Groundfish
fishery (16 percent) after deductions using longline gear. The Rockfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC
were made for anticipated subsistence Program assigns quota share and Limitations.’’
harvests (7 mt). This results in 2018 and cooperative quota to participants for
2019 allocations of 204 mt to the Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) and Table 28e
primary (Pacific ocean perch, northern to 50 CFR part 679 require allocations
commercial fishery and 39 mt to the rockfish, and dusky rockfish) and
sport fishery. of 5 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 5 mt of
secondary species (Pacific cod, northern rockfish, and 50 mt of dusky
The State deducts estimates of rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, rockfish to the entry level longline
incidental catch of DSR in the sablefish, shortraker rockfish, and
fishery in 2018 and 2019. The allocation
commercial halibut fishery and pre- thornyhead rockfish); allows a
of each primary species for the entry
season ‘‘test fishery’’ DSR mortality participant holding a license limitation
level longline fishery may increase
from the DSR commercial fishery program (LLP) license with rockfish
incrementally each year if the catch
allocation. For example, in 2017, this quota share to form a rockfish
cooperative with other persons; and exceeds 90 percent of the allocation of
resulted in 27 mt being available for the that species. The incremental increase
directed commercial DSR fishery allows holders of C/P LLP licenses to
opt out of the fishery. The Rockfish in the allocation would continue each
apportioned in one DSR district. The year until it reaches the maximum
State estimated that there was not Program also has an entry level fishery
for rockfish primary species for vessels percent of the TAC that may be
sufficient DSR TAC available to have allocated to the rockfish entry level
orderly fisheries in the three other DSR using longline gear. Longline gear
includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and longline fishery for that species. In
districts. DSR harvest in the halibut 2017, the catch of Pacific ocean perch,
fishery is linked to the annual halibut handline gear.
Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish
catch limits; therefore, the State can did not attain the 90 percent threshold,
only estimate potential DSR incidental primary species in the Central GOA are
allocated to participants after deducting and those allocations for 2018 do not
catch because halibut catch limits are increase above the 2017 allocations. The
for incidental catch needs in other
established by the International Pacific remainder of the TACs for the rockfish
directed groundfish fisheries
Halibut Commission (IPHC). For 2018 primary species would be allocated to
(§ 679.81(a)(2)). Participants in the
and 2019, the State will determine from the CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 9
Rockfish Program also receive a portion
the available DSR TAC of 250 mt the lists the allocations of the 2018 and
of the Central GOA TAC of specific
allocation available for the directed 2019 TACs for each rockfish primary
secondary species. In addition to
commercial DSR fishery in the DSR species to the entry level longline
groundfish species, the Rockfish
districts. Program allocates a portion of the fishery, the potential incremental
Federally permitted CVs using hook- halibut PSC limit (191 mt) from the increases for future years, and the
and-line or jig gear fishing for third season deep-water species fishery maximum percent of the TACs assigned
groundfish and Pacific halibut in the allowance for the GOA trawl fisheries to to the Rockfish Program that may be
SEO District of the GOA are required to Rockfish Program participants allocated to the rockfish entry level
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
retain all DSR (§ 679.20(j)). (§ 679.81(d) and Table 28d to 50 CFR longline fishery.
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![8782 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 9—FINAL 2018 AND INITIAL 2019 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE
FISHERY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA
Up to
Incremental increase in 2019 if >90% of
Rockfish primary species 2018 and 2019 allocations maximum % of
2018 allocation is harvested TAC
Pacific ocean perch .................................. 5 metric tons ........................................... 5 metric tons ........................................... 1
Northern rockfish ...................................... 5 metric tons ........................................... 5 metric tons ........................................... 2
Dusky rockfish .......................................... 50 metric tons ......................................... 20 metric tons ......................................... 5
Section 679.81 requires allocations of of Pacific ocean perch, 300 mt of C/P cooperatives are not due to NMFS
the rockfish primary species among northern rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky until March 1 of each calendar year;
various sectors of the Rockfish Program. rockfish. These amounts are based on therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2018
Tables 10 and 11 list the final 2018 and recent average incidental catches in the and 2019 allocations in conjunction
2019 allocations of rockfish primary Central GOA by other groundfish with these final harvest specifications.
species in the Central GOA to the entry fisheries. NMFS will post these allocations on the
level longline fishery, and CV and C/P Allocations among vessels belonging Alaska Region website at http://alaska
cooperatives in the Rockfish Program. to CV or C/P cooperatives are not fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-
NMFS also is setting aside incidental included in these final harvest rockfish-program when they become
catch amounts (ICAs) for other directed specifications. Rockfish Program available after March 1.
fisheries in the Central GOA of 4,000 mt applications for CV cooperatives and
TABLE 10—FINAL 2018 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Allocation
Incidental Allocation
TAC minus to the entry
Rockfish primary species TAC catch to the Rockfish
ICA level longline 1 cooperatives 2
allowance fishery
Pacific ocean perch ............................................................. 20,112 4,000 16,112 5 16,107
Northern rockfish .................................................................. 3,261 300 2,961 5 2,956
Dusky rockfish ...................................................................... 3,502 250 3,252 50 3,202
Total .............................................................................. 26,875 4,050 22,825 60 22,265
1 Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear (50 CFR 679.2).
2 Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives (50 CFR 679.81).
TABLE 11—FINAL 2019 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Incidental Allocation Allocation
TAC minus to the entry
Rockfish primary species TAC catch to the Rockfish
ICA level longline 1 cooperatives 2
allowance fishery
Pacific ocean perch ............................................................. 19,678 4,000 15,678 5 15,673
Northern rockfish .................................................................. 2,965 300 2,665 5 2,660
Dusky rockfish ...................................................................... 3,246 250 2,996 50 2,946
Total .............................................................................. 25,889 4,050 21,839 60 21,279
1 Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear (50 CFR 679.2).
2 Rockfish cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives (50 CFR 679.81).
Section 679.81(c) and Table 28c to 50 allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. apportionments of the 2018 and 2019
CFR part 679 requires allocations of C/P cooperatives receive allocations of TACs of rockfish secondary species in
rockfish secondary species to CV and sablefish from the trawl gear allocation, the Central GOA to CV and C/P
C/P cooperatives in the Central GOA. rougheye and blackspotted rockfish, cooperatives.
CV cooperatives receive allocations of shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear rockfish. Tables 12 and 13 list the
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TABLE 12—FINAL 2018 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor
Annual cooperatives
Rockfish secondary species central GOA Percentage Apportionment
TAC Percentage Apportionment
of TAC (mt) of TAC (mt)
Pacific cod ............................................................................ 6,089 3.81 232 0.00 0
Sablefish .............................................................................. 5,158 6.78 350 3.51 181
Shortraker rockfish ............................................................... 305 0.00 0 40.00 122
Rougheye rockfish ............................................................... 556 0.00 0 58.87 327
Thornyhead rockfish ............................................................ 921 7.84 72 26.50 244
TABLE 13—FINAL 2019 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor
Annual cooperatives
Rockfish secondary species central GOA
Percentage Apportionment
TAC Percentage Apportionment
of TAC (mt) of TAC (mt)
Pacific cod ............................................................................ 5,750 3.81 219 0.00 0
Sablefish .............................................................................. 7,260 6.78 492 3.51 255
Shortraker rockfish ............................................................... 305 0.00 0 40.00 122
Rougheye rockfish ............................................................... 550 0.00 0 58.87 324
Thornyhead rockfish ............................................................ 921 7.84 72 26.50 244
Halibut PSC Limits non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2018 catch information compiled from each
and 2019. The Council recommended, Alaska groundfish fishery.
Section 679.21(d) establishes the Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii)
and NMFS approves, these exemptions
annual halibut PSC limit because: (1) The pot gear fisheries have authorizes NMFS to seasonally
apportionments for trawl gear and hook- low annual halibut bycatch mortality, apportion the halibut PSC limits after
and-line gear, and authorizes the (2) IFQ program regulations prohibit consultation with the Council. The FMP
establishment of apportionments for pot discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ and regulations require the Council and
gear. In December 2017, the Council permit holder on board a catcher vessel NMFS to consider the following
recommended halibut PSC limits of holds unused halibut IFQ for that vessel information in seasonally apportioning
1,706 mt for trawl gear, 257 mt for hook- category and the IFQ regulatory area in halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal
and-line gear, and 9 mt for the DSR which the vessel is operating distribution of halibut; (2) seasonal
fishery in the SEO District for both 2018 (§ 679.7(f)(11)), (3) some sablefish IFQ distribution of target groundfish species
and 2019. fishermen hold halibut IFQ permits and relative to halibut distribution; (3)
The DSR fishery in the SEO District are therefore required to retain the expected halibut bycatch needs on a
is defined at § 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This halibut they catch while fishing seasonal basis relative to changes in
fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the sablefish IFQ, and (4) NMFS estimates halibut biomass and expected catch of
halibut PSC limit in recognition of its negligible halibut mortality for the jig target groundfish species; (4) expected
small-scale harvests of groundfish gear fisheries. NMFS estimates that bycatch rates on a seasonal basis; (5)
(§ 679.21(d)(2)(i)(A)). The separate halibut mortality is negligible in the jig expected changes in directed groundfish
halibut PSC limit for the DSR fishery is gear fisheries given the small amount of fishing seasons; (6) expected actual start
intended to prevent that fishery from groundfish harvested by jig gear, the of fishing effort; and (7) economic
being impacted from the halibut PSC selective nature of jig gear, and the high effects of establishing seasonal halibut
incurred by other GOA fisheries. NMFS survival rates of halibut caught and allocations on segments of the target
estimates low halibut bycatch in the released with jig gear. groundfish industry. The Council
DSR fishery because (1) the duration of The best available information on considered information from the 2017
the DSR fisheries and the gear soak estimated halibut bycatch consists of SAFE report, NMFS catch data, State of
times are short, (2) the DSR fishery data collected by fisheries observers Alaska catch data, IPHC stock
occurs in the winter when there is less during 2017. The calculated halibut assessment and mortality data, and
overlap in the distribution of DSR and bycatch mortality through December 9, public testimony when apportioning the
halibut, and (3) the directed commercial 2017, is 1,214 mt for trawl gear and 169 halibut PSC limits. NMFS concurs with
DSR fishery has a low DSR TAC. mt for hook-and-line gear for a total the Council’s recommendations listed in
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
The FMP authorizes the Council to halibut mortality of 1,383 mt. This Table 14, which show the final 2018
exempt specific gear from the halibut halibut mortality was calculated using and 2019 Pacific halibut PSC limits,
PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation groundfish and halibut catch data from allowances, and apportionments.
with the Council, exempts pot gear, jig the NMFS Alaska Region’s catch Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv)
gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and- accounting system. This accounting specify that any underages or overages
line gear fishery categories from the system contains historical and recent of a seasonal apportionment of a halibut
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PSC limit will be added to or deducted from the next respective seasonal
apportionment within the fishing year.
TABLE 14—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMITS, ALLOWANCES, AND APPORTIONMENTS
[Values are in metric tons]
Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear 1
Other than DSR DSR
Season Percent Amount
Season Percent Amount Season Amount
January 20–April 1 ... 27.5 469 January 1–June 10 ... 86 221 January 1–December 9
31.
April 1–July 1 ............ 20 341 June 10–September 2 5
1.
July 1–September 1 30 512 September 1–De- 12 31
cember 31.
September 1–October 7.5 128
1.
October 1–December 15 256
31.
Total ................... .................... 1,706 ................................... .................... 257 ................................... 9
1 The Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery in the
SEO District and to the hook-and-line fisheries other than the DSR fishery. The hook-and-line sablefish IFQ fishery is exempt from halibut PSC
limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes NMFS will combine available trawl 74 mt of halibut PSC limit to the C/P
further apportionment of the trawl halibut PSC limit apportionments on sector. These amounts are allocated
halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery May 15 during the second season deep- from the trawl deep-water species
categories listed in § 679.21(d)(3)(iii). water and shallow-water fisheries for fishery’s halibut PSC third seasonal
The annual apportionments are based use in either fishery from May 15 apportionment. After the combined CV
on each category’s proportional share of through June 30 (§ 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(D)). and C/P halibut PSC limit allocation of
the anticipated halibut bycatch This is intended to maintain groundfish 191 mt to the Rockfish Program, 150 mt
mortality during the fishing year and harvest while minimizing halibut remains for the trawl deep-water species
optimization of the total amount of bycatch by these sectors to the extent fishery’s halibut PSC third seasonal
groundfish harvest under the halibut practicable. This provides the deep- apportionment.
PSC limit. The fishery categories for the water and shallow-water trawl fisheries
trawl halibut PSC limits are: (1) A deep- additional flexibility and the incentive Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the
water species fishery, composed of to participate in fisheries at times of the amount of the halibut PSC limit
sablefish, rockfish, deep-water flatfish, year that may have lower halibut PSC allocated to Rockfish Program
rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder; and rates relative to other times of the year. participants that could be re-
(2) a shallow-water species fishery, Table 15 lists the final 2018 and 2019 apportioned to the general GOA trawl
composed of pollock, Pacific cod, apportionments of halibut PSC trawl fisheries during the current fishing year
shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, limits between the trawl gear deep- to no more than 55 percent of the
Atka mackerel, and ‘‘other species’’ water and shallow-water species fishery unused annual halibut PSC limit
(sculpins, sharks, squids, and categories. apportioned to Rockfish Program
octopuses) (§ 679.21(d)(3)(iii)). Halibut Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies participants. The remainder of the
mortality incurred while directed the amount of the trawl halibut PSC unused Rockfish Program halibut PSC
fishing for skates with trawl gear limit that is assigned to the CV and limit is unavailable for use by any
accrues towards the shallow-water C/P sectors that are participating in the person for the remainder of the fishing
fishery halibut PSC limit (69 FR 26320, Rockfish Program. This includes 117 mt year (§ 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(C)).
May 12, 2004). of halibut PSC limit to the CV sector and
TABLE 15—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 APPORTIONMENT OF PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC TRAWL LIMITS BETWEEN THE TRAWL GEAR
DEEP-WATER SPECIES FISHERY AND THE SHALLOW-WATER SPECIES FISHERY CATEGORIES
[Values are in metric tons]
Season Shallow-water Deep-water 1 Total
January 20–April 1 ....................................................................................................................... 384 85 469
April 1–July 1 ............................................................................................................................... 85 256 341
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
July 1–September 1 ..................................................................................................................... 171 341 512
September 1–October 1 .............................................................................................................. 128 (*) 128
Subtotal January 20–October 1 ................................................................................................... 768 682 1,450
October 1–December 31 2 ........................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 256
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8785
TABLE 15—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 APPORTIONMENT OF PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC TRAWL LIMITS BETWEEN THE TRAWL GEAR
DEEP-WATER SPECIES FISHERY AND THE SHALLOW-WATER SPECIES FISHERY CATEGORIES—Continued
[Values are in metric tons]
Season Shallow-water Deep-water 1 Total
Total ...................................................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 1,706
1 Vesselsparticipating in cooperatives in the Central GOA Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third season (July 1 through September
1) deep-water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment.
2 There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fishery categories during the fifth season (October 1 through
December 31).
* Any remainder.
Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that and Eastern GOA. Pacific cod is percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent,
the ‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ apportioned among these two and 12 percent.
halibut PSC limit apportionment to management areas based on the For 2018 and 2019, NMFS apportions
vessels using hook-and-line gear must percentage of overall biomass per area, halibut PSC limits of 120 mt and 137 mt
be apportioned between CVs and C/Ps as calculated in the 2016 Pacific cod to the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-
in accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in stock assessment. Updated information line C/P sectors, respectively. Table 16
conjunction with these harvest in the final 2017 SAFE report describes lists the final 2018 and 2019
specifications. A comprehensive this distributional calculation, which is apportionments of halibut PSC limits
description and example of the based on allocating ABC among between the hook-and-line CV and the
calculations necessary to apportion the regulatory areas on the basis of the three hook-and-line C/P sectors of the ‘‘other
‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ halibut most recent stock surveys. For 2018 and hook-and-line fishery.’’
PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV 2019, the distribution of the total GOA No later than November 1 of each
and C/P sectors were included in the Pacific cod ABC is 45 percent to the year, NMFS will calculate the projected
proposed rule to implement Western GOA, 45 percent to the Central unused amount of halibut PSC limit by
Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR GOA, and 10 percent to the Eastern either of the CV or C/P hook-and-line
44700, July 26, 2011) and are not GOA. Therefore, the calculations made sectors of the ‘‘other hook-and-line
repeated here. in accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) fishery’’ for the remainder of the year.
Pursuant to § 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the incorporate the most recent information The projected unused amount of halibut
hook-and-line halibut PSC limit for the on GOA Pacific cod distribution with PSC limit is made available to the other
‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ is respect to establishing the annual hook-and-line sector for the remainder
apportioned between the CV and C/P halibut PSC limits for the CV and C/P of that fishing year
sectors in proportion to the total hook-and-line sectors. The annual (§ 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)), if NMFS
Western and Central GOA Pacific cod halibut PSC limits for both the CV and determines that an additional amount of
allocations, which vary annually based C/P sectors of the ‘‘other hook-and-line halibut PSC is necessary for that sector
on the proportion of the Pacific cod fishery’’ are divided into three seasonal to continue its directed fishing
biomass between the Western, Central, apportionments, using seasonal operations.
TABLE 16—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 APPORTIONMENTS OF THE ‘‘OTHER HOOK-AND-LINE FISHERY’’ ANNUAL HALIBUT PSC
ALLOWANCE BETWEEN THE HOOK-AND-LINE GEAR CATCHER VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTORS
[Values are in metric tons]
‘‘Other than Sector Sector
Hook-and- Seasonal
DSR’’ annual Season seasonal
line sector percentage
allowance amount amount
257 ............ Catcher Vessel ........... 120 ............................. January 1–June 10 ......................................... 86 103
June 10–September 1 .................................... 2 2
September 1–December 31 ............................ 12 14
Catcher/Processor ...... 137 ............................. January 1–June 10 ......................................... 86 118
June 10–September 1 .................................... 2 3
September 1–December 31 ............................ 12 16
Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock www.iphc.int. The IPHC considered the estimates of groundfish catch to project
Condition 2017 Pacific halibut stock assessment at when a fishery’s halibut bycatch
its January 2018 annual meeting when mortality allowance or seasonal
The IPHC annually assesses the
it set the 2018 commercial halibut apportionment is reached. Halibut
abundance and potential yield of the
fishery catch limits. incidental catch rates are based on
Pacific halibut stock using all available
data from the commercial and sport observers’ estimates of halibut
Halibut Discard Mortality Rates
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
fisheries, other removals, and scientific incidental catch in the groundfish
surveys. Additional information on the To monitor halibut bycatch mortality fishery. DMRs are estimates of the
Pacific halibut stock assessment may be allowances and apportionments, the proportion of incidentally caught
found in the IPHC’s 2017 Pacific halibut Regional Administrator uses observed halibut that do not survive after being
stock assessment (December 2017), halibut incidental catch rates, halibut returned to the sea. The cumulative
available on the IPHC website at discard mortality rates (DMRs), and halibut mortality that accrues to a
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![8786 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
particular halibut PSC limit is the 87881, December 6, 2016), and the methodology. The new methodology
product of a DMR multiplied by the comprehensive discussion of the will continue to ensure that NMFS is
estimated halibut PSC. DMRs are working group’s statistical methodology using DMRs that more accurately reflect
estimated using the best scientific is available from the Council (see halibut mortality, which will inform the
information available in conjunction ADDRESSES). The DMR working group’s different sectors of their estimated
with the annual GOA stock assessment revised methodology is intended to halibut mortality and allow specific
process. The DMR methodology and improve estimation accuracy, as well as sectors to respond with methods that
findings are included as an appendix to transparency and transferability in the could reduce mortality and, eventually,
the annual GOA groundfish SAFE methodology used, for calculating the DMR for that sector.
report. DMRs. The working group will continue At the December 2017 meeting, the
In 2016, the DMR estimation to consider improvements to the SSC, AP, and Council concurred with
methodology underwent revisions per methodology used to calculate halibut the revised DMR estimation
the Council’s directive. An interagency mortality, including potential changes methodology, and NMFS adopted for
halibut working group (IPHC, Council, to the reference period (the period of 2018 and 2019 the DMRs calculated
and NMFS staff) developed improved data used for calculating the DMRs). under the revised methodology. The
estimation methods that have Future DMRs, including the 2019 DMRs, final 2018 and 2019 DMRs in this rule
undergone review by the GOA Plan may change based on an additional year are unchanged from the DMRs in the
Team, SSC, and the Council. A of observer sampling, which could proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest
summary of the revised methodology is provide more recent and accurate data specifications (82 FR 57924, December
contained in the GOA proposed 2017 and which could improve the accuracy 8, 2017). Table 17 lists these final 2018
and 2018 harvest specifications (81 FR of estimation and progress on and 2019 DMRs.
TABLE 17—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 HALIBUT DISCARD MORTALITY RATES FOR VESSELS FISHING IN THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
Halibut discard
Gear Sector Groundfish fishery mortality rate
(percent)
Pelagic trawl ........................................... Catcher vessel ..................................... All ......................................................... 100
Catcher/processor ................................ All ......................................................... 100
Non-pelagic trawl ................................... Catcher vessel ..................................... Rockfish Program ................................. 62
Catcher vessel ..................................... All others .............................................. 67
Mothership and catcher/processor ....... All ......................................................... 84
Hook-and-line ......................................... Catcher/processor ................................ All ......................................................... 10
Catcher vessel ..................................... All ......................................................... 17
Pot .......................................................... Catcher vessel and catcher/processor All ......................................................... 7
Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species salmon to trawl CVs not participating in Program CV sector limit will be 3,060
Catch Limits the Rockfish Program (§ 679.21(h)(4)). Chinook salmon.
Amendment 93 to the FMP (77 FR NMFS will monitor the Chinook salmon
American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/
42629, July 20, 2012) established PSC in the non-pollock GOA groundfish
Processor and Catcher Vessel
separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in fisheries and close an applicable sector
Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits
the Western and Central GOA in the if it reaches its Chinook salmon PSC
directed pollock trawl fishery. These limit. Section 679.64 establishes groundfish
limits require NMFS to close the pollock The Chinook salmon PSC limit for harvesting and processing sideboard
directed fishery in the Western and two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl CVs limitations on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the
Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA if not participating in the Rockfish GOA. These sideboard limits are
the applicable Chinook salmon PSC Program, may be increased in necessary to protect the interests of
limit in that regulatory area is reached subsequent years based on the fishermen and processors who do not
(§ 679.21(h)(8)). The annual Chinook performance of these two sectors and directly benefit from the AFA from
salmon PSC limits in the pollock their ability to minimize their use of those fishermen and processors who
directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the their respective Chinook salmon PSC receive exclusive harvesting and
Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the limits. If either or both of these two processing privileges under the AFA.
Central GOA are set at § 679.21(h)(2)(i) sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed
and (ii). PSC to a specified threshold amount in AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on a
Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR 2017 (3,120 for trawl C/Ps and 2,340 for listed AFA C/P permit from harvesting
71350, December 2, 2014) established an trawl CVs), that sector will receive an any species of groundfish in the GOA.
initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 incremental increase to its 2018 Additionally, § 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits
Chinook salmon for the trawl non- Chinook salmon PSC limit listed AFA C/Ps and C/Ps designated on
pollock groundfish fisheries in the (§ 679.21(h)(4)). In 2017, the trawl C/P a listed AFA C/P permit from processing
Western and Central GOA. This limit is sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook any pollock harvested in a directed
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
apportioned among three sectors salmon PSC; therefore, the 2018 trawl C/ pollock fishery in the GOA and any
directed fishing for groundfish species P sector Chinook salmon PSC limit will groundfish harvested in Statistical Area
other than pollock: 3,600 Chinook be 4,080 Chinook salmon. In 2017, the 630 of the GOA.
salmon to trawl C/Ps; 1,200 Chinook Non-Rockfish Program CV sector did not AFA CVs that are less than 125 feet
salmon to trawl CVs participating in the exceed 2,340 Chinook salmon PSC; (38.1 meters) length overall, have
Rockfish Program; and 2,700 Chinook therefore, the 2018 Non-Rockfish annual landings of pollock in the Bering
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8787
Sea and Aleutian Islands less than 5,100 by the FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv) Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2018
mt, and have made at least 40 GOA establishes the CV groundfish sideboard and 2019 groundfish sideboard limits
groundfish landings from 1995 through limitations in the GOA based on the for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will
1997 are exempt from GOA CV aggregate retained catch of non-exempt deduct all targeted or incidental catch of
groundfish sideboard limits under AFA CVs of each sideboard species or sideboard species made by non-exempt
§ 679.64(b)(2)(ii). Sideboard limits for species group from 1995 through 1997 AFA CVs from the sideboard limits
non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are divided by the sum of the TACs for that listed in Tables 18 and 19.
based on their traditional harvest levels species or species group available to
of TAC in groundfish fisheries covered CVs over the same period.
TABLE 18—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 Final 2018
non-exempt Final 2018 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component AFA CV catch TACs AFA CV
to 1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Pollock ......................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ........... Shumagin (610) ........... 0.6047 1,317 796
Chirikof (620) .............. 0.1167 27,314 3,188
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.2028 9,025 1,830
B Season—March 10–May 31 ................. Shumagin (610) .......... 0.6047 1,317 796
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.1167 32,155 3,752
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.2028 4,184 848
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.6047 13,777 8,331
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.1167 10,013 1,169
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.2028 13,865 2,812
D Season—October 1–November 1 ........ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.6047 13,777 8,331
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.1167 10,013 1,169
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.2028 13,865 2,812
Annual ...................................................... WYK (640) .................. 0.3495 6,833 2,388
SEO (650) ................... 0.3495 8,773 3,066
Pacific cod ................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 ............. W ................................. 0.1331 3,394 452
C .................................. 0.0692 3,653 253
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W ................................. 0.1331 2,263 301
C .................................. 0.0692 2,436 169
Annual ...................................................... E inshore ..................... 0.0079 1,215 10
E offshore .................... 0.0078 135 1
Sablefish ...................... Annual, trawl gear .................................... W ................................. 0.0000 309 ........................
C .................................. 0.0642 1,032 66
E .................................. 0.0433 240 10
Shallow-water flatfish .. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0156 13,250 207
C .................................. 0.0587 25,315 1,486
E .................................. 0.0126 4,167 53
Deep-water flatfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0000 413 ........................
C .................................. 0.0647 3,400 220
E .................................. 0.0128 5,571 71
Rex sole ...................... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0007 3,086 2
C .................................. 0.0384 8,739 336
E .................................. 0.0029 3,548 10
Arrowtooth flounder ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0021 14,500 30
C .................................. 0.0280 48,000 1,344
E .................................. 0.0002 13,800 3
Flathead sole ............... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0036 8,650 31
C .................................. 0.0213 15,400 328
E .................................. 0.0009 2,338 2
Pacific ocean perch ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0023 3,312 8
C .................................. 0.0748 20,112 1,504
E .................................. 0.0466 5,812 271
Northern rockfish ......... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0003 420 0
C .................................. 0.0277 3,261 90
Shortraker rockfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0000 44 ........................
C .................................. 0.0218 305 7
E .................................. 0.0110 515 6
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Dusky rockfish ............. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0001 146 0
C .................................. 0.0000 3,502 ........................
E .................................. 0.0067 309 2
Rougheye rockfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0000 176 ........................
C .................................. 0.0237 556 13
E .................................. 0.0124 712 9
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ...................................................... SEO ............................. 0.0020 250 1
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![8788 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 18—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 Final 2018
non-exempt Final 2018 non-exempt
Species Apportionments by season/gear Area/component AFA CV catch TACs AFA CV
to 1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Thornyhead rockfish .... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0280 344 10
C .................................. 0.0280 921 26
E .................................. 0.0280 773 22
Other rockfish .............. Annual ...................................................... C .................................. 0.1699 1,737 295
E .................................. 0.0000 568 ........................
Atka mackerel ............. Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0309 3,000 93
Big skates .................... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0063 504 3
C .................................. 0.0063 1,774 11
E .................................. 0.0063 570 4
Longnose skates ......... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0063 149 1
C .................................. 0.0063 2,804 18
E .................................. 0.0063 619 4
Other skates ................ Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0063 1,384 9
Sculpins ....................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0063 5,301 33
Sharks ......................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids ......................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0063 1,137 7
Octopuses ................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0063 975 6
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
TABLE 19—FINAL 2019 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 Final 2019
Apportionments by season/ non-exempt Final 2019 non-exempt
Species Area/component
gear AFA CV catch TACs AFA CV
to 1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Pollock .................................... A Season—January 20– Shumagin (610) ................... 0.6047 869 525
March 10. Chirikof (620) ....................... 0.1167 18,025 2,103
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 5,955 1,208
B Season—March 10–May Shumagin (610) ................... 0.6047 869 525
31. Chirikof (620) ....................... 0.1167 21,219 2,476
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 2,761 560
C Season—August 25–Octo- Shumagin (610) ................... 0.6047 9,091 5,498
ber 1. Chirikof (620) ....................... 0.1167 6,608 771
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 9,150 1,856
D Season—October 1–No- Shumagin (610) ................... 0.6047 9,091 5,498
vember 1. Chirikof (620) ....................... 0.1167 6,608 771
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.2028 9,150 1,856
Annual .................................. WYK (640) ........................... 0.3495 4,509 1,576
SEO (650) ............................ 0.3495 8,773 3,066
Pacific cod .............................. A Season 1—January 1– W .......................................... 0.1331 3,206 427
June 10. C ........................................... 0.0692 3,450 239
B Season 2—September 1– W .......................................... 0.1331 2,137 284
December 31. C ........................................... 0.0692 2,300 159
Annual .................................. E inshore .............................. 0.0079 1,148 9
E offshore ............................. 0.0078 128 1
Sablefish ................................. Annual, trawl gear ................ W .......................................... 0.0000 435 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0642 1,452 93
E ........................................... 0.0433 338 15
Shallow-water flatfish ............. Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0156 13,250 207
C ........................................... 0.0587 25,655 1,506
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
E ........................................... 0.0126 4,223 53
Deep-water flatfish ................. Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0000 416 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0647 3,442 223
E ........................................... 0.0128 5,640 72
Rex sole ................................. Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0007 2,909 2
C ........................................... 0.0384 8,236 316
E ........................................... 0.0029 3,384 10
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8789
TABLE 19—FINAL 2019 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 Final 2019
Apportionments by season/ non-exempt Final 2019 non-exempt
Species Area/component
gear AFA CV catch TACs AFA CV
to 1995–1997 sideboard limit
TAC
Arrowtooth flounder ................ Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0021 14,500 30
C ........................................... 0.0280 48,000 1,344
E ........................................... 0.0002 13,800 3
Flathead sole .......................... Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0036 8,650 31
C ........................................... 0.0213 15,400 328
E ........................................... 0.0009 2,437 2
Pacific ocean perch ................ Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0023 3,240 7
C ........................................... 0.0748 19,678 1,472
E ........................................... 0.0466 5,687 265
Northern rockfish .................... Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0003 382 0
C ........................................... 0.0277 2,965 82
Shortraker rockfish ................. Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0000 44 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0218 305 7
E ........................................... 0.0110 515 6
Dusky rockfish ........................ Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0001 135 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,246 ........................
E ........................................... 0.0067 287 2
Rougheye rockfish .................. Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0000 174 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0237 550 13
E ........................................... 0.0124 703 9
Demersal shelf rockfish .......... Annual .................................. SEO ...................................... 0.0020 250 1
Thornyhead rockfish ............... Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0280 344 10
C ........................................... 0.0280 921 26
E ........................................... 0.0280 773 22
Other rockfish ......................... Annual .................................. W/C ...................................... 0.1699 1,737 295
E ........................................... 0.0000 568 ........................
Atka mackerel ......................... Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0309 3,000 93
Big skates ............................... Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0063 504 3
C ........................................... 0.0063 1,774 11
E ........................................... 0.0063 570 4
Longnose skates .................... Annual .................................. W .......................................... 0.0063 149 1
C ........................................... 0.0063 2,804 18
E ........................................... 0.0063 619 4
Other skates ........................... Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0063 1,384 9
Sculpins .................................. Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0063 5,301 33
Sharks .................................... Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids ..................................... Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0063 1,137 7
Octopuses .............................. Annual .................................. Gulfwide ............................... 0.0063 975 6
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel based on the aggregate retained fishery from 1995 through 1997
Halibut PSC Limits groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA (§ 679.64(b)(4)(ii)). Table 20 lists the
CVs in each PSC target category from final 2018 and 2019 non-exempt AFA
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for 1995 through 1997 divided by the CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using
non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are retained catch of all vessels in that trawl gear in the GOA, respectively.
TABLE 20—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV HALIBUT PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR
VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 2018
non-exempt 2018 and 2019
AFA CV
Season Season dates Target fishery and 2019 non-exempt
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
retained PSC limit AFA CV
catch to PSC limit
total
retained catch
1 .................................. January 20–April 1 ................................... shallow-water .............. 0.340 384 131
deep-water .................. 0.070 85 6
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![8790 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 20—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV HALIBUT PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR
VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA—Continued
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
1995–1997 2018
non-exempt 2018 and 2019
AFA CV
Season Season dates Target fishery and 2019 non-exempt
retained PSC limit AFA CV
catch to PSC limit
total
retained catch
2 .................................. April 1–July 1 ............................................ shallow-water .............. 0.340 85 29
deep-water .................. 0.070 256 18
3 .................................. July 1–September 1 ................................. shallow-water .............. 0.340 171 58
deep-water .................. 0.070 341 24
4 .................................. September 1–October 1 ........................... shallow-water .............. 0.340 128 44
deep-water .................. 0.070 0 0
5 .................................. October 1–December 31 .......................... all targets .................... 0.205 256 52
Annual:
Total shallow-water ..... ........................ ........................ 262
Total deep-water ......... ........................ ........................ 48
Grand Total, all season and categories 1,706 362
Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011),
Harvest Limitations sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR
apply to catch made using an LLP 74670, December 1, 2011), and
Section 680.22 establishes groundfish license derived from the history of a Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80 FR
catch limits for vessels with a history of restricted vessel, even if that LLP 28539, May 19, 2015).
participation in the Bering Sea snow license is used on another vessel.
crab fishery to prevent these vessels The basis for these sideboard limits is Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2018
from using the increased flexibility described in detail in the final rules and 2019 groundfish sideboard
provided by the Crab Rationalization implementing the major provisions of limitations for non-AFA crab vessels.
Program to expand their level of Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery All targeted or incidental catch of
participation in the GOA groundfish Management Plan for Bering Sea/ sideboard species made by non-AFA
fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs crab vessels or associated LLP licenses
vessels’ catch to their collective (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2, will be deducted from these sideboard
historical landings in each GOA 2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab FMP limits.
TABLE 21—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA Final 2018
crab vessel Final 2018 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to TACs crab vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Pollock ......................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ........... Shumagin (610) ........... 0.0098 1,317 13
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.0031 27,314 85
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.0002 9,025 2
B Season—March 10–May 31 ................. Shumagin (610) .......... 0.0098 1,317 13
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.0031 32,155 100
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.0002 4,184 1
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.0098 13,777 135
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.0031 10,013 31
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.0002 13,865 3
D Season—October 1–November 1 ........ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.0098 13,777 135
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.0031 10,013 31
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.0002 13,865 3
Annual ...................................................... WYK (640) .................. 0.0000 6,833 ........................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
SEO (650) ................... 0.0000 8,773 ........................
Pacific cod ................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 ............. WG Jig ........................ 0.0000 3,394 ........................
WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 3,394 1
WG Pot CV ................. 0.0997 3,394 338
WG Pot C/P ................ 0.0078 3,394 26
WG Trawl CV .............. 0.0007 3,394 2
CG Jig ......................... 0.0000 3,653 ........................
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:03 Feb 28, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_8809/page/23.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8791
TABLE 21—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA Final 2018
crab vessel Final 2018 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to TACs crab vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
CG Hook-and-line CV 0.0001 3,653 0
CG Pot CV .................. 0.0474 3,653 173
CG Pot C/P ................. 0.0136 3,653 50
CG Trawl CV ............... 0.0012 3,653 4
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 WG Jig ........................ 0.0000 2,263 ........................
WG Hook-and-line CV 0.0004 2,263 1
WG Pot CV ................. 0.0997 2,263 226
WG Pot C/P ................ 0.0078 2,263 18
WG Trawl CV .............. 0.0007 2,263 2
CG Jig ......................... 0.0000 2,436 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV 0.0001 2,436 0
CG Pot CV .................. 0.0474 2,436 115
CG Pot C/P ................. 0.0136 2,436 33
CG Trawl CV ............... 0.0012 2,436 3
Annual ...................................................... EG inshore .................. 0.0110 1,215 13
EG offshore ................. 0.0000 135 ........................
Sablefish ...................... Annual, trawl gear .................................... W ................................. 0.0000 309 ........................
C .................................. 0.0000 1,032 ........................
E .................................. 0.0000 240 ........................
Shallow-water flatfish .. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0059 13,250 78
C .................................. 0.0001 25,315 3
E .................................. 0.0000 4,167 ........................
Deep-water flatfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0035 413 1
C .................................. 0.0000 3,400 ........................
E .................................. 0.0000 5,571 ........................
Rex sole ...................... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0000 3,086 ........................
C .................................. 0.0000 8,739 ........................
E .................................. 0.0000 3,548 ........................
Arrowtooth flounder ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0004 14,500 6
C .................................. 0.0001 48,000 5
E .................................. 0.0000 13,800 ........................
Flathead sole ............... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0002 8,650 2
C .................................. 0.0004 15,400 6
E .................................. 0.0000 2,338 ........................
Pacific ocean perch ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0000 3,312 ........................
C .................................. 0.0000 20,112 ........................
0.0000 ......................... 5,812 ........................
Northern rockfish ......... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0005 420 0
C .................................. 0.0000 3,261 ........................
Shortraker rockfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0013 44 0
C .................................. 0.0012 305 0
E .................................. 0.0009 515 0
Dusky rockfish ............. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0017 146 0
C .................................. 0.0000 3,502 ........................
E .................................. 0.0000 309 ........................
Rougheye rockfish ...... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0067 176 1
C .................................. 0.0047 556 3
E .................................. 0.0008 712 1
Demersal shelf rockfish Annual ...................................................... SEO ............................. 0.0000 250 ........................
Thornyhead rockfish .... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0047 344 2
C .................................. 0.0066 921 6
E .................................. 0.0045 773 3
Other rockfish .............. Annual ...................................................... W/C ............................. 0.0033 1,737 6
E .................................. 0.0000 568 ........................
Atka mackerel ............. Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0000 3,000 ........................
Big skate ..................... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0392 504 20
C .................................. 0.0159 1,774 28
E .................................. 0.0000 570 ........................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Longnose skate ........... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.0392 149 6
C .................................. 0.0159 2,804 45
E .................................. 0.0000 619 ........................
Other skates ................ Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0176 1,384 24
Sculpins ....................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0176 5,301 93
Sharks ......................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids ......................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0176 1,137 20
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![8792 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 21—FINAL 2018 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA Final 2018
crab vessel Final 2018 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to TACs crab vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Octopuses ................... Annual ...................................................... Gulfwide ...................... 0.0176 975 17
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for jig gear opens June 10. The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
TABLE 22—FINAL 2019 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA Final 2019
crab vessel Final 2019 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to TACs crab vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Pollock ................................... A Season—January 20– Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 869 9
March 10.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 18,025 56
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 5,955 1
B Season—March 10–May Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 869 9
31.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 21,219 66
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 2,761 1
C Season—August 25–Octo- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 9,091 89
ber 1.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 6,608 20
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 9,150 2
D Season—October 1–No- Shumagin (610) .................... 0.0098 9,091 89
vember 1.
Chirikof (620) ........................ 0.0031 6,608 20
Kodiak (630) ......................... 0.0002 9,150 2
Annual ................................... WYK (640) ............................ 0.0000 4,509 ........................
SEO (650) ............................. 0.0000 8,773 ........................
Pacific cod ............................. A Season 1—January 1–June WG Jig .................................. 0.0000 3,206 ........................
10.
WG Hook-and-line CV .......... 0.0004 3,206 1
WG Pot CV ........................... 0.0997 3,206 320
WG Pot C/P .......................... 0.0078 3,206 25
WG Trawl CV ....................... 0.0007 3,206 2
CG Jig ................................... 0.0000 3,450 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV ........... 0.0001 3,450 0
CG Pot CV ............................ 0.0474 3,450 164
CG Pot C/P ........................... 0.0136 3,450 47
CG Trawl CV ........................ 0.0012 3,450 4
B Season 2—September 1– WG Jig .................................. 0.0000 2,137 ........................
December 31. WG Hook-and-line CV .......... 0.0004 2,137 1
WG Pot CV ........................... 0.0997 2,137 213
WG Pot C/P .......................... 0.0078 2,137 17
WG Trawl CV ....................... 0.0007 2,137 1
CG Jig ................................... 0.0000 2,300 ........................
CG Hook-and-line CV ........... 0.0001 2,300 0
CG Pot CV ............................ 0.0474 2,300 109
CG Pot C/P ........................... 0.0136 2,300 31
CG Trawl CV ........................ 0.0012 2,300 3
Annual ................................... E inshore .............................. 0.0110 1,148 13
E offshore ............................. 0.0000 128 ........................
Sablefish ................................ Annual, trawl gear ................ W .......................................... 0.0000 435 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0000 1,452 ........................
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
E ........................................... 0.0000 338 ........................
Shallow-water flatfish ............. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0059 13,250 78
C ........................................... 0.0001 25,655 3
E ........................................... 0.0000 4,223 ........................
Deep-water flatfish ................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0035 416 1
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,442 ........................
E ........................................... 0.0000 5,640 ........................
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:03 Feb 28, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_8809/page/25.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8793
TABLE 22—FINAL 2019 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA Final 2019
crab vessel Final 2019 non-AFA
Species Season/gear Area/component/gear catch to TACs crab vessel
1996–2000 sideboard limit
total harvest
Rex sole ................................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 2,909 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0000 8,236 ........................
E ........................................... 0.0000 3,384 ........................
Arrowtooth flounder ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0004 14,500 6
C ........................................... 0.0001 48,000 5
E ........................................... 0.0000 13,800 ........................
Flathead sole ......................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0002 8,650 2
C ........................................... 0.0004 15,400 6
E ........................................... 0.0000 2,437 ........................
Pacific ocean perch ............... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0000 3,240 ........................
C ........................................... 0.0000 19,678 ........................
E ........................................... 0.0000 5,687 ........................
Northern rockfish ................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0005 382 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 2,965 ........................
Shortraker rockfish ................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0013 44 0
C ........................................... 0.0012 305 0
E ........................................... 0.0009 515 0
Dusky rockfish ....................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0017 135 0
C ........................................... 0.0000 3,246 ........................
E ........................................... 0.0000 287 ........................
Rougheye rockfish ................. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0067 174 1
C ........................................... 0.0047 550 3
E ........................................... 0.0008 703 1
Demersal shelf rockfish ......... Annual ................................... SEO ...................................... 0.0000 250 ........................
Thornyhead rockfish .............. Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0047 344 2
C ........................................... 0.0066 921 6
E ........................................... 0.0045 773 3
Other rockfish ........................ Annual ................................... W/C ....................................... 0.0033 1,737 6
E ........................................... 0.0000 568 ........................
Atka mackerel ........................ Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0000 3,000 ........................
Big skate ................................ Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0392 504 20
C ........................................... 0.0159 1,774 28
E ........................................... 0.0000 570 ........................
Longnose skate ..................... Annual ................................... W .......................................... 0.0392 149 6
C ........................................... 0.0159 2,804 45
E ........................................... 0.0000 619 ........................
Other skates .......................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 1,384 24
Sculpins ................................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 5,301 93
Sharks ................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids .................................... Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 1,137 20
Octopuses ............................. Annual ................................... Gulfwide ................................ 0.0176 975 17
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for jig gear opens June 10. The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard not participate in directed fishing for portion of each rockfish sideboard limit
and Halibut PSC Limitations arrowtooth flounder, deep-water that is not assigned to rockfish
The Rockfish Program establishes flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from cooperatives (§ 679.82(e)(3) and (e)(7)).
three classes of sideboard provisions: July 1 through July 31 (§ 679.82(d)(3)– The sideboard ratio for each fishery in
CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, (4)). the West Yakutat District and the
C/P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and C/Ps participating in Rockfish Western GOA is set forth in
C/P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions Program cooperatives are restricted by § 679.82(e)(4). Tables 23 and 24 list the
(§ 679.82(c)(1)). These sideboards are rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard final 2018 and 2019 Rockfish Program
intended to limit the ability of rockfish limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from C/P sideboard limits in the West
harvesters to expand into other directed fishing for dusky rockfish, Yakutat District and the Western GOA.
fisheries. Pacific ocean perch, and northern Due to confidentiality requirements
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
CVs participating in the Rockfish rockfish in the West Yakutat District associated with fisheries data, the
Program may not participate in directed and Western GOA from July 1 through sideboard limits for the West Yakutat
fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean July 31 (§ 679.82(e)(2)). Holders of C/P- District are not displayed.
perch, and northern rockfish in the West designated LLP licenses that opt out of
Yakutat District and Western GOA from participating in a Rockfish Program
July 1 through July 31. Also, CVs may cooperative will be able to access that
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![8794 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 23—FINAL 2018 ROCKFISH PROGRAM SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND WEST YAKUTAT DISTRICT
BY FISHERY FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
C/P sector
Area Fishery Final 2018 TACs Final 2018 C/P limit
(% of TAC)
Western GOA ..................................... Dusky rockfish .................................... 72.3 ........................ 146 106.
Pacific ocean perch ........................... 50.6 ........................ 3,312 1,676.
Northern rockfish ................................ 74.3 ........................ 420 312.
West Yakutat District ......................... Dusky rockfish .................................... Confidential 1 .......... 232 Confidential.1
Pacific ocean perch ........................... Confidential 1 .......... 3,371 Confidential.1
1 Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
TABLE 24—FINAL 2019 ROCKFISH PROGRAM SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND WEST YAKUTAT DISTRICT
GOA BY FISHERY FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
C/P sector
Area Fishery Final 2019 TACs Final 2019 C/P limit
(% of TAC)
Western GOA ..................................... Dusky rockfish .................................... 72.3 ........................ 135 98.
Pacific ocean perch ........................... 50.6 ........................ 3,240 1,639.
Northern rockfish ................................ 74.3 ........................ 382 284.
West Yakutat District ......................... Dusky rockfish .................................... Confidential 1 .......... 215 Confidential.1
Pacific ocean perch ........................... Confidential 1 .......... 3,298 Confidential.1
1 Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P Rockfish Program are able to access that the Rockfish Program in 2018, and
sector is subject to halibut PSC portion of the deep-water and shallow- NMFS will know the ratios and amounts
sideboard limits for the trawl deep- water halibut PSC sideboard limit not used to calculate opt-out sideboard
water and shallow-water species assigned to C/P rockfish cooperatives. ratios. NMFS will then calculate any
fisheries from July 1 through July 31 The sideboard provisions for C/Ps that applicable opt-out sideboards and post
(§ 679.82(e)(3) and (e)(5)). Halibut PSC elect to opt out of participating in a these limits on the Alaska Region
sideboard ratios by fishery are set forth rockfish cooperative are described in website at http://
in § 679.82(e)(5). No halibut PSC § 679.82(c), (e), and (f). Sideboard limits alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/
sideboard limits apply to the CV sector, are linked to the catch history of sustainablefisheries/rockfish/. Table 25
as vessels participating in cooperatives specific vessels that may choose to opt lists the final 2018 and 2019 Rockfish
receive a portion of the annual halibut out. After March 1, NMFS will Program halibut PSC limits for the C/P
PSC limit. C/Ps that opt out of the determine which C/Ps have opted-out of sector.
TABLE 25—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HALIBUT PSC LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Annual Annual
Shallow-water Deep-water 2018 and shallow-water deep-water
species fishery species fishery 2019 halibut species fishery species fishery
Sector halibut PSC halibut PSC mortality limit halibut PSC halibut PSC
sideboard ratio sideboard ratio (mt) sideboard limit sideboard limit
(percent) (percent) (mt) (mt)
Catcher/processor ................................................................ 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43
Amendment 80 Program Groundfish 80 Program to expand their harvest operating in the GOA are based on their
and PSC Sideboard Limits efforts in the GOA. average aggregate harvests from 1998
Section 679.92 establishes groundfish through 2004 (72 FR 52668, September
Amendment 80 to the Fishery harvesting sideboard limits on all 14, 2007). Tables 26 and 27 list the final
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Amendment 80 program vessels, other 2018 and 2019 groundfish sideboard
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts limits for Amendment 80 Program
Management Area (Amendment 80 no greater than the limits listed in Table vessels. NMFS will deduct all targeted
Program) established a limited access 37 to 50 CFR part 679. Under or incidental catch of sideboard species
privilege program for the non-AFA trawl § 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
made by Amendment 80 Program
C/P sector. The Amendment 80 Program prohibited from directed fishing for
vessels from the sideboard limits in
established groundfish and halibut PSC pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean
Tables 26 and 27.
catch limits for Amendment 80 Program perch, dusky rockfish, and northern
participants to limit the ability of rockfish in the GOA.
participants eligible for the Amendment Groundfish sideboard limits for
Amendment 80 Program vessels
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8795
TABLE 26—FINAL 2018 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 2018
Amendment Amendment
80
Apportionments and 2018 TAC 80
Species Area sector
allocations by season (mt) vessel
vessels sideboards
1998–2004 (mt)
catch to TAC
Pollock ......................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ........... Shumagin (610) ........... 0.003 1,317 4
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 27,314 55
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 9,025 18
B Season—March 10–May 31 ................. Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 1,317 4
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 32,155 64
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 4,184 8
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 13,777 41
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 10,013 20
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 13,865 28
D Season—October 1–November 1 ........ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 13,777 41
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 10,013 20
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 13,865 28
Annual ...................................................... WYK (640) .................. 0.002 6,833 14
Pacific cod ................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 ............. W ................................. 0.020 3,394 68
C .................................. 0.044 3,653 161
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W ................................. 0.020 2,263 45
C .................................. 0.044 2,436 107
Annual ...................................................... WYK ............................ 0.034 1,350 46
Pacific ocean perch ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.994 3,312 3,292
WYK ............................ 0.961 3,371 3,240
Northern rockfish ......... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 1.000 420 420
Dusky rockfish ............. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.764 146 112
WYK ............................ 0.896 232 208
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
TABLE 27—FINAL 2019 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 2019
Amendment Amendment
80
Apportionments and 2019 TAC 80
Species Area sector
allocations by season (mt) vessel
vessels sideboards
1998–2004 (mt)
catch to TAC
Pollock ......................... A Season—January 20–March 10 ........... Shumagin (610) ........... 0.003 869 3
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 18,025 36
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 5,955 12
B Season—March 10–May 31 ................. Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 869 3
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 21,219 42
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 2,761 6
C Season—August 25–October 1 ............ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 9,091 27
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 6,608 13
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 9,150 18
D Season—October 1–November 1 ........ Shumagin (610) .......... 0.003 9,091 27
Chirikof (620) ............... 0.002 6,608 13
Kodiak (630) ................ 0.002 9,150 18
Annual ...................................................... WYK (640) .................. 0.002 4,509 9
Pacific cod ................... A Season 1—January 1–June 10 ............. W ................................. 0.020 3,206 64
C .................................. 0.044 3,450 152
B Season 2—September 1–December 31 W ................................. 0.020 2,137 43
C .................................. 0.044 2,300 101
Annual ...................................................... WYK ............................ 0.034 1,275 43
Pacific ocean perch ..... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.994 3,240 3,221
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
WYK ............................ 0.961 3,298 3,169
Northern rockfish ......... Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 1.000 382 382
Dusky rockfish ............. Annual ...................................................... W ................................. 0.764 135 103
WYK ............................ 0.896 215 193
1 The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
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![8796 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for Allocation of halibut PSC cooperative of the halibut PSC sideboard limits that
Amendment 80 Program vessels in the quota under the Rockfish Program and may be used by Amendment 80 Program
GOA are based on the historic use of the exemption of the F/V Golden Fleece vessels as contained in Table 38 to 50
halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program from this restriction (§ 679.92(b)(2)). CFR part 679. Any residual amount of
vessels in each PSC target category from Table 28 lists the final 2018 and 2019 a seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard
1998 through 2004. These values are halibut PSC limits for Amendment 80 halibut PSC limit may carry forward to
slightly lower than the average historic Program vessels. These tables the next season limit (§ 679.92(b)(2)).
use to accommodate two factors: incorporate the maximum percentages
TABLE 28—FINAL 2018 AND 2019 HALIBUT PSC LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Historic 2018 and
Amendment 2018 and 2019
80 use of the 2019 annual Amendment
Season Season dates Target fishery annual halibut PSC limit 80
PSC limit (mt) vessel
catch PSC limit
(ratio)
1 .................................. January 20–April 1 ................................... shallow-water .............. 0.0048 1,706 8
deep-water .................. 0.0115 1,706 20
2 .................................. April 1–July 1 ............................................ shallow-water .............. 0.0189 1,706 32
deep-water .................. 0.1072 1,706 183
3 .................................. July 1–September 1 ................................. shallow-water .............. 0.0146 1,706 25
deep-water .................. 0.0521 1,706 89
4 .................................. September 1–October 1 ........................... shallow-water .............. 0.0074 1,706 13
deep-water .................. 0.0014 1,706 2
5 .................................. October 1–December 31 .......................... shallow-water .............. 0.0227 1,706 39
.............................................................. deep-water .................. 0.0371 1,706 63
Total ..................... ................................................................... ..................................... ........................ ........................ 474
Directed Fishing Closures inshore or offshore component or sector in the specified GOA subarea, regulatory
allocation will be reached, then the area, or district (§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii)).
Pursuant to § 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the Regional Administrator may establish a
Regional Administrator determines (1) The Regional Administrator has
directed fishing allowance (DFA) for determined that the TACs for the
that any allocation or apportionment of that species or species group. If the
a target species or species group species listed in Table 29 are necessary
Regional Administrator establishes a
allocated or apportioned to a fishery to account for the incidental catch of
DFA and that allowance is or will be
will be reached; or (2) with respect to reached before the end of the fishing these species in other anticipated
pollock and Pacific cod, that an year, NMFS will prohibit directed groundfish fisheries for the 2018 and
allocation or apportionment to an fishing for that species or species group 2019 fishing years.
TABLE 29—2018 AND 2019 DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES IN THE GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Incidental catch
Target Area/component/gear amount and year
(if amounts differ by year)
Pollock .............................................................................. all/offshore ....................................................................... not applicable.1
Sablefish 2 ......................................................................... all/trawl ............................................................................ 1,581 (2018), 2,225 (2019).
Pacific cod ........................................................................ Western, catcher/processor, trawl .................................. 134 (2018), 125 (2019).
Central, catcher/processor, trawl .................................... 253 (2018), 239 (2019).
Shortraker rockfish 2 .......................................................... all ..................................................................................... 864.
Rougheye rockfish 2 .......................................................... all ..................................................................................... 1,444 (2018), 1,427 (2019).
Thornyhead rockfish 2 ....................................................... all ..................................................................................... 2,038.
Other rockfish ................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 2,305.
Atka mackerel ................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 3,000.
Big skate ........................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 2,848.
Longnose skate ................................................................ all ..................................................................................... 3,572.
Other skates ..................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 1,384.
Sharks ............................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 4,514.
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Squids ............................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 1,137.
Octopuses ......................................................................... all ..................................................................................... 975.
1 Pollock
is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under § 679.20(a)(6)(i).
2 Closures
not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program, as cooperatives are prohibited
from exceeding their allocations (§ 679.7(n)(6)(viii)).
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8797
Consequently, in accordance with Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for fisheries for the 2018 and 2019 fishing
§ 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional management of AFA CV groundfish years. In accordance with
Administrator establishes the DFA for harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits § 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional
the species or species groups listed in using directed fishing closures and PSC Administrator sets the DFAs for the
Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in closures according to procedures set out species and species groups in Table 30
accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), at §§ 679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and at zero mt. Therefore, in accordance
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is
those species, areas, gear types, and Administrator has determined that, in prohibiting directed fishing by non-
components in the GOA listed in Table addition to the closures listed above, exempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the
29. These closures will remain in effect many of the non-exempt AFA CV species and specified areas listed in
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and Table 30. These closures will remain in
2019. 19 are necessary as incidental catch to effect through 2400 hours, A.l.t.,
support other anticipated groundfish December 31, 2019.
TABLE 30—2018 AND 2019 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV SIDEBOARD DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES FOR ALL GEAR TYPES IN
THE GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Species Regulatory area/district Incidental catch amount
Pacific cod .......................................................... Eastern .............................................................. 10 (inshore) and 9 (offshore) [2018].
1 (inshore) and 1 (offshore) [2019].
Shallow-water flatfish ......................................... Eastern .............................................................. 53.
Deep-water flatfish ............................................. Western ............................................................. 0.
Rex sole ............................................................. Western and Eastern ........................................ 2 and 10.
Arrowtooth flounder ............................................ Western and Eastern ........................................ 30 and 3.
Flathead sole ...................................................... Western and Eastern ........................................ 31 and 2.
Pacific ocean perch ............................................ Western ............................................................. 8.
Northern rockfish ................................................ Western ............................................................. 0.
Dusky rockfish .................................................... Entire GOA ....................................................... 2.
Demersal shelf rockfish ...................................... SEO District ...................................................... 1.
Sculpins .............................................................. Entire GOA ....................................................... 33.
Squids ................................................................. Entire GOA ....................................................... 7.
Section 680.22 provides for the addition to closures and prohibitions and 2019 harvest specifications. The
management of non-AFA crab vessel found at 50 CFR part 679. NMFS may final 2017 SAFE report, which contains
sideboards using directed fishing implement other closures during the the most recent GOA groundfish stock
closures in accordance with 2018 and 2019 fishing years as assessment information on the
§ 680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional necessary for effective conservation and biological condition of groundfish
Administrator has determined that the management. stocks as well as other biological and
non-AFA crab vessel sideboards listed socioeconomic information, became
Comments and Responses
in Tables 21 and 22 are insufficient to available in November 2017. The
support a directed fishery and has set NMFS received two letters during the Council reviewed the final 2017 SAFE
the sideboard DFA at zero mt, with the public comment period for the proposed report during its December 2017
exception of Pacific cod pot CV sector GOA groundfish harvest specifications. meeting and based its recommendations
apportionments in the Western and No changes were made to the final rule for appropriate 2018 and 2019 OFLs,
Central Regulatory Areas. Therefore, in response to the comment letters ABCs, and TACs on information
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by received. NMFS’ response to public provided in the final 2017 SAFE report.
non-AFA crab vessels in the GOA for all comments on the proposed GOA NMFS also considered the information
species and species groups listed in groundfish harvest specifications is in the final 2017 SAFE report in
Tables 21 and 22, with the exception of provided below. adopting the Council’s
Comment 1: The proposed harvest recommendations and in setting the
the Pacific cod pot CV sector
specifications are based on stock final 2018 and 2019 harvest
apportionments in the Western and
assessment information from the 2016 specifications. The 2017 SAFE is
Central Regulatory Areas.
SAFE. That information is not the most available from the Council (see
Closures implemented under the 2017 up-to-date, and may not be sufficient to ADDRESSES).
and 2018 GOA harvest specifications for support the Council’s recommendations Comment 2: NOAA has done an
groundfish (82 FR 12032, February 27, for the 2018 and 2019 harvest adequate job protecting baby longnose
2017) remain effective under authority specifications, as contained in the skates in the Western Regulatory Area of
of these final 2018 and 2019 harvest proposed rule. the Gulf of Alaska and should keep
specifications and until the date Response: NMFS noted in the doing what it is doing.
specified in those notices. Closures are proposed 2018 and 2019 harvest Response: NMFS acknowledges this
posted at the following website: specifications that, while the proposed comment.
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http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ specifications were based on
infobulletins/search. While these information from the 2016 SAFE report, Classification
closures are in effect, the maximum the final 2017 SAFE report would be NMFS has determined that these final
retainable amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) available to support the Council’s harvest specifications are consistent
apply at any time during a fishing trip. recommendations and NMFS’ with the FMP and with the Magnuson-
These closures to directed fishing are in determinations for the final GOA 2018 Stevens Fishery Conservation and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 8801
Dated: February 23, 2018.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–04124 Filed 2–28–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-28 23:58:33
Document Modified: 2018-02-28 23:58:33
| 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 | Final rule; harvest specifications and closures. | |
| Dates | Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 1, 2018, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019. | |
| Contact | Obren Davis, 907-586-7228. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 8768 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF63 |
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