Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 41253-41254 [2016-15001]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
determined that this final rule is
consistent with the CPS FMP, other
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act, and other applicable law.
NMFS finds good cause under 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the 30-day
delay in effectiveness for the
establishment of these final harvest
specifications for the 2016–2017 Pacific
sardine fishing season. In accordance
with the FMP, this rule was
recommended by the Council at its
meeting in April 2016, the contents of
which were based on the best available
new information on the population
status of Pacific sardine that became
available at that time. Making these final
specifications effective on July 1 is
necessary for the conservation and
management of the Pacific sardine
resource. The FMP requires a
prohibition on directed fishing for
Pacific sardine for the 2016–2017
fishing year because the sardine biomass
is below the CUTOFF. The purpose of
the CUTOFF in the FMP—and
prohibiting directed fishing when the
biomass drops below this level—is to
protect the stock when biomass is low
and provide a buffer of spawning stock
that is protected from fishing and
available for use in rebuilding the stock.
A delay in the effectiveness of this rule
for a full 30 days would not allow the
implementation of this prohibition prior
to the expiration of the closure of the
directed fishery on July 1, 2016, which
was imposed under the 2015–2016
annual specifications.
Delaying the effective date of this rule
beyond July 1 would be contrary to the
public interest because reducing Pacific
sardine biomass beyond the limits set
out in this action could decrease the
sustainability of the Pacific sardine, as
well as cause future harvest limits to be
even lower under the harvest control
rule, thereby reducing future profits of
the fishery.
These final specifications are exempt
from review under Executive Order
12866.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation of
the Department of Commerce certified
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration during
the proposed rule stage that this action
would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for the
certification was published in the
proposed rule and is not repeated here.
No comments were received regarding
this certification. As a result, a
regulatory flexibility analysis was not
required and none was prepared.
This action does not contain a
collection-of-information requirement
for purposes of the Paper Reduction Act.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: June 17, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–14955 Filed 6–23–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863–6211–02]
RIN 0648–XE694
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish
in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.
AGENCY:
NMFS is exchanging unused
flathead sole and yellowfin sole
Community Development Quota (CDQ)
for rock sole CDQ acceptable biological
catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands management area.
This action is necessary to allow the
2016 total allowable catch of rock sole
in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area to be harvested.
SUMMARY:
41253
Effective June 24, 2016 through
December 31, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Obren Davis, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area (BSAI) according to
the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. Regulations governing fishing by
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2016 flathead sole, rock sole, and
yellowfin sole CDQ reserves specified in
the BSAI are 2,247 mt, 5,710 mt, and
15,808 mt as established by the final
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773,
March 18, 2016), and one flatfish
exchange (81 FR 21482, April 12, 2016).
The 2016 flathead sole, rock sole, and
yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves are
4,842 mt, 11,528 mt, and 6,844 mt as
established by the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18,
2016), and one flatfish exchange (81 FR
21482, April 12, 2016).
The Yukon Delta Fisheries
Development Association has requested
that NMFS exchange 15 mt of flathead
sole and 35 mt of yellowfin sole CDQ
reserves for 50 mt of rock sole CDQ ABC
reserve under § 679.31(d). Therefore, in
accordance with § 679.31(d), NMFS
exchanges 15 mt of flathead sole and 35
mt of yellowfin sole CDQ reserves for 50
mt of rock sole CDQ ABC reserves in the
BSAI. This action also decreases and
increases the associated total annual
catches (TAC) and CDQ ABC reserves by
the corresponding amounts. Tables 11
and 13 of the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18,
2016), as revised by one flatfish
exchange (81 FR 21842, April 12, 2016),
are revised as follows:
DATES:
TABLE 11—FINAL 2016 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) RESERVES, INCIDENTAL CATCH AMOUNTS (ICAS), AND
AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH, AND BSAI FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK
SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE TACS
sradovich on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Pacific ocean perch
Sector
Eastern
Aleutian
district
TAC ..........................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jun 23, 2016
Jkt 238001
7,900
PO 00000
Frm 00083
Central
Aleutian
district
Flathead
sole
Western
Aleutian
district
7,000
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Rock
sole
Yellowfin
sole
BSAI
BSAI
BSAI
9,000
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
20,985
24JNR1
56,750
144,365
41254
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 11—FINAL 2016 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) RESERVES, INCIDENTAL CATCH AMOUNTS (ICAS), AND
AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH, AND BSAI FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK
SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE TACS—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Pacific ocean perch
Sector
Eastern
Aleutian
district
CDQ .........................................................
ICA ...........................................................
BSAI trawl limited access ........................
Amendment 80 .........................................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ...............
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ...................
Central
Aleutian
district
845
200
685
6,169
3,271
2,898
Flathead
sole
Western
Aleutian
district
749
75
618
5,558
2,947
2,611
Rock
sole
Yellowfin
sole
BSAI
BSAI
BSAI
963
10
161
7,866
4,171
3,695
2,232
5,000
0
13,753
1,411
12,342
5,760
6,000
0
44,990
11,129
33,861
15,773
3,500
14,979
110,113
43,748
66,365
Note: Sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
TABLE 13—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 ABC SURPLUS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) ABC RESERVES, AND
AMENDMENT 80 ABC RESERVES IN THE BSAI FOR FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2016
Flathead sole
Sector
ABC ..........................................................
TAC ..........................................................
ABC surplus .............................................
ABC reserve .............................................
CDQ ABC reserve ...................................
Amendment 80 ABC reserve ...................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative for
2016 1 ...................................................
Alaska Seafood Cooperative for 2016 1 ..
2016
Rock sole
2016
Yellowfin sole
2017
Flathead sole
2017
Rock sole
2017
Yellowfin sole
66,250
20,985
45,265
45,265
4,857
40,408
161,100
56,750
104,350
104,350
11,478
92,872
211,700
144,365
67,335
67,335
6,879
60,456
64,580
21,000
43,580
43,580
4,663
38,917
145,000
57,100
87,900
87,900
9,405
78,495
203,500
144,000
59,500
59,500
6,367
53,134
4,145
36,263
22,974
69,898
24,019
36,437
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 The 2017 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not
be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2016.
Classification
sradovich on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would
delay the flatfish exchange by the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:19 Jun 23, 2016
Jkt 238001
Yukon Delta Fisheries Development
Association in the BSAI. Since these
fisheries are currently open, it is
important to immediately inform the
industry as to the revised allocations.
Immediate notification is necessary to
allow for the orderly conduct and
efficient operation of this fishery, to
allow the industry to plan for the fishing
season, and to avoid potential
disruption to the fishing fleet as well as
processors. NMFS was unable to
publish a notice providing time for
public comment because the most
recent, relevant data only became
available as of June 20, 2016.
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
This action is required by § 679.20
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: June 21, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–15001 Filed 6–23–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
24JNR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41253-41254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15001]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863-6211-02]
RIN 0648-XE694
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of
Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is exchanging unused flathead sole and yellowfin sole
Community Development Quota (CDQ) for rock sole CDQ acceptable
biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2016 total
allowable catch of rock sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area to be harvested.
DATES: Effective June 24, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) according to the
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S.
vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part
600 and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2016 flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole CDQ reserves
specified in the BSAI are 2,247 mt, 5,710 mt, and 15,808 mt as
established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016), and one flatfish
exchange (81 FR 21482, April 12, 2016). The 2016 flathead sole, rock
sole, and yellowfin sole CDQ ABC reserves are 4,842 mt, 11,528 mt, and
6,844 mt as established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18,
2016), and one flatfish exchange (81 FR 21482, April 12, 2016).
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association has requested
that NMFS exchange 15 mt of flathead sole and 35 mt of yellowfin sole
CDQ reserves for 50 mt of rock sole CDQ ABC reserve under Sec.
679.31(d). Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.31(d), NMFS
exchanges 15 mt of flathead sole and 35 mt of yellowfin sole CDQ
reserves for 50 mt of rock sole CDQ ABC reserves in the BSAI. This
action also decreases and increases the associated total annual catches
(TAC) and CDQ ABC reserves by the corresponding amounts. Tables 11 and
13 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016), as revised by one flatfish
exchange (81 FR 21842, April 12, 2016), are revised as follows:
Table 11--Final 2016 Community Development Quota (CDQ) Reserves, Incidental Catch Amounts (ICAs), and Amendment 80 Allocations of the Aleutian Islands
Pacific Ocean Perch, and BSAI Flathead Sole, Rock Sole, and Yellowfin Sole TACs
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch Flathead sole Rock sole Yellowfin
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- sole
Sector Eastern Central Western ---------------
Aleutian Aleutian Aleutian BSAI BSAI
district district district BSAI
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC..................................................... 7,900 7,000 9,000 20,985 56,750 144,365
[[Page 41254]]
CDQ..................................................... 845 749 963 2,232 5,760 15,773
ICA..................................................... 200 75 10 5,000 6,000 3,500
BSAI trawl limited access............................... 685 618 161 0 0 14,979
Amendment 80............................................ 6,169 5,558 7,866 13,753 44,990 110,113
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative........................... 3,271 2,947 4,171 1,411 11,129 43,748
Alaska Seafood Cooperative.............................. 2,898 2,611 3,695 12,342 33,861 66,365
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Table 13--Final 2016 and 2017 ABC Surplus, Community Development Quota (CDQ) ABC Reserves, and Amendment 80 ABC Reserves in the BSAI for Flathead Sole,
Rock Sole, and Yellowfin Sole
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 Flathead 2016 Rock 2016 2017 Flathead 2017 Rock 2017
Sector sole sole Yellowfin sole sole sole Yellowfin sole
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC..................................................... 66,250 161,100 211,700 64,580 145,000 203,500
TAC..................................................... 20,985 56,750 144,365 21,000 57,100 144,000
ABC surplus............................................. 45,265 104,350 67,335 43,580 87,900 59,500
ABC reserve............................................. 45,265 104,350 67,335 43,580 87,900 59,500
CDQ ABC reserve......................................... 4,857 11,478 6,879 4,663 9,405 6,367
Amendment 80 ABC reserve................................ 40,408 92,872 60,456 38,917 78,495 53,134
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative for 2016 \1\.............. 4,145 22,974 24,019 n/a n/a n/a
Alaska Seafood Cooperative for 2016 \1\................. 36,263 69,898 36,437 n/a n/a n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 2017 allocations for Amendment 80 species between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known until
eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2016.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would delay the flatfish exchange by the Yukon Delta Fisheries
Development Association in the BSAI. Since these fisheries are
currently open, it is important to immediately inform the industry as
to the revised allocations. Immediate notification is necessary to
allow for the orderly conduct and efficient operation of this fishery,
to allow the industry to plan for the fishing season, and to avoid
potential disruption to the fishing fleet as well as processors. NMFS
was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment
because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of June
20, 2016.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: June 21, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-15001 Filed 6-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
