Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan, 6395-6406 [05-2282]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
• E-mail: For California ESUs, send email comments to critical
habitat.swr@noaa.gov. For ESUs in
Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, send email comments to
critical.habitat.nwr@noaa.gov. In the
subject line of your e-mail please
include the pertinent docket and RIN
numbers specified above.
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Agency Web Site: https://
ocio.nmfs.noaa.gov/ibrm-ssi/
index.shtml. Follow the instructions for
submitting comments at https://
ocio.nmfs.noaa.gov/ibrm-ssi/
process.shtml.
• Mail: For California ESUs, submit
written comments and information to:
Assistant Regional Administrator,
Protected Resources Division, NMFS,
501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long
Beach, CA 90802–4213. For ESUs in
Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, submit
written comments and information to:
Chief, NMFS, Protected Resources
Division, 525 NE Oregon Street, Suite
500, Portland, OR 97232–2737. You may
hand-deliver written comments to our
offices during normal business hours at
the addresses given above (although
after February 18, 2005, the Portland
address will change to 1201 NE Lloyd
Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232).
• Fax: Submit fax comments to the
NMFS Southwest Regional Office at
562–980–4027, or the NMFS Northwest
Regional Office at 503–230–5441.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In
California, contact Craig Wingert at the
address above or at 562–980–4021. In
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, contact
Steve Stone at the above address or at
503–231–2317. The proposed rules,
maps, and other materials relating to
these proposals can be found on the
agency’s Southwest Region website at
https://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/salmon.htm
and the Northwest Region website at
https://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1salmon/
salmesa/crithab/CHsite.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Oregon, and Idaho, and announced a
public comment period extending
through February 14, 2005. The timeline
for completion of these proposed rules
was established pursuant to litigation
between NMFS and the Pacific Coast
Federation of Fishermen’s Associations,
Institute for Fisheries Resources, the
Center for Biological Diversity, the
Oregon Natural Resources Council, the
Pacific Rivers Council, and the
Environmental Protection Information
Center (PCFFA et al.) and are subject to
a Consent Decree and Stipulated Order
of Dismissal (Consent Decree) approved
by the D.C. District Court.
We received several requests,
including a request from PCFFA et al.,
to extend the public comment period.
We recently submitted to the D.C.
District Court a joint request with
PCFFA et al. to extend the comment
period and to modify the schedule for
submission of final rules designating
critical habitat for the 20 ESUs to the
Federal Register established in the
Consent Decree. The court approved the
joint request on January 26, 2005.
Pursuant to that approval we are
extending the deadline for accepting
public comments on both proposed
rules until March 14, 2005. Also, on or
before August 15, 2005, we will
complete both rulemakings by
submitting to the Federal Register for
publication the final rules designating
critical habitat for those of the 20 ESUs
that are included on the lists of
threatened and endangered species as of
August 15, 2005. These extensions will
allow the public additional time to
provide information related to the
proposed designations and will provide
us with the time needed to review,
consider, and respond to comments.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
Dated: January 1, 2005.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05–2292 Filed 2–4–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
On December 10 and 14, 2004, NMFS
published separate critical habitat
proposed rules addressing 20 ESUs of
Pacific salmon and O. mykiss (inclusive
of anadromous steelhead and resident
rainbow trout) listed under the ESA.
The first proposed rule (69 FR 71880,
December 10, 2004) addressed 7 ESUs
in California and announced a public
comment period extending through
February 8, 2005. The second proposed
rule (69 FR 74572, December 14, 2004)
addressed 13 ESUs in Washington,
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6395
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 300
[Docket No. 050125016–5016–01; I.D.
011805C]
RIN 0648–AS61
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch
Sharing Plan
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to approve
and implement changes to the
International Pacific Halibut
Commission’s (IPHC) regulatory Area
2A off Washington, Oregon, and
California (Area 2A) Pacific Halibut
Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) to: allow
remaining quota from Washington’s
south coast subarea to be used to
accommodate incidental catch in the
south coast nearshore fishery; allow
quota projected to be unused to be
transferred from Oregon’s central coast
subarea to another subarea south of
Leadbetter Point, WA; revise the season
structure for Oregon’s all-depth spring
and summer sport fisheries; provide
more flexibility for Oregon’s inseason
sport fishery management (triggers for
additional fishery openings and bag
limits in the all-depth summer fishery);
revise the public announcement process
for Oregon’s all-depth summer sport
fishery; revise the Columbia River
subarea quota contributions from
Oregon/California; remove the
minimum length requirement in all
subareas south of Leadbetter Point, WA;
prohibit retention of all groundfish,
except sablefish, in Oregon’s and
possibly Washington’s Columbia River
fishery on all days and in the Central
Coast fisheries on ‘‘all-depth’’ days;
implement a closed area off Oregon’s
coast; and revise all coordinates from
degrees minutes seconds to degrees
decimal minutes. NMFS also proposes
to revise the coordinates for the closed
area to Oregon’s central coast
recreational fishery and to non-treaty
commercial halibut fishing in Area 2A.
NMFS is also proposing to implement
the portions of the Plan and
management measures that are not
implemented through the IPHC, which
includes the sport fishery management
measures for Area 2A, the flexible
inseason management provisions in
Area 2A, fishery election in Area 2A,
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6396
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
and Area 2A non-treaty commercial
fishery closed areas. These actions are
intended to enhance the conservation of
Pacific halibut, to protect yelloweye
rockfish and other overfished
groundfish species from incidental
catch in the halibut fisheries, and to
provide greater angler opportunity
where available.
DATES: Comments on the proposed
changes to the Plan and on the proposed
domestic Area 2A halibut management
measures must be received no later than
5 p.m., local time on March 16, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the Plan,
Environmental Assessment (EA)/
Regulatory Impact Review (RIR)/Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA),
and/or Categorical Exclusion (CE) are
available from D. Robert Lohn, Regional
Administrator, Northwest Region,
NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE,
Seattle, WA 98115–0070. Electronic
copies of the Plan, including proposed
changes for 2005, and of the draft EA/
RIR/IRFA are also available at the NMFS
Northwest Region website: https://
www.nwr.noaa.gov, click on ‘‘Pacific
Halibut.’’
You may submit comments on the
proposed rule for the Plan and to
domestic Area 2A halibut management
measures or supporting documents,
identified by [011805C], by any of the
following methods:
• E-mail:
PHalibut2005.nwr@noaa.gov. Include
the I.D. number in the subject line of the
message.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: D. Robert Lohn,
Administrator, Northwest Region,
NMFS, Attn: Jamie Goen, 7600 Sand
Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115–0070.
• Fax: 206–526–6736, Attn: Jamie
Goen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jamie Goen or Yvonne deReynier
(Northwest Region, NMFS), phone: 206–
526–6150, fax: 206–526–6736 or e-mail:
jamie.goen@noaa.gov or
yvonne.dereynier@noaa.gov.
The
Northern Pacific Halibut Act (Halibut
Act) of 1982, at 16 U.S.C. 773c, gives the
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary)
general responsibility for implementing
the provisions of the Halibut
Convention between the United States
and Canada (Halibut Convention). It
requires the Secretary to adopt
regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the purposes and objectives of the
Halibut Convention and the Halibut Act.
Section 773c(c) of the Halibut Act
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
authorizes the Regional Fishery
Management Councils to develop
regulations governing the Pacific halibut
catch in their corresponding U.S.
Convention waters that are in addition
to, but not in conflict with, regulations
of the IPHC. Each year between 1988
and 1995, the Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Pacific Council)
developed a catch sharing plan in
accordance with the Halibut Act to
allocate the total allowable catch (TAC)
of Pacific halibut between treaty Indian
and non-treaty harvesters and among
non-treaty commercial and sport
fisheries in Area 2A.
In 1995, NMFS implemented the
Pacific Council-recommended long-term
Plan (60 FR 14651, March 20, 1995). In
each of the intervening years between
1995 and the present, minor revisions to
the Plan have been made to adjust for
the changing needs of the fisheries. The
Plan allocates 35 percent of the Area 2A
TAC plus 25,000 lb (11.3 mt) to
Washington treaty Indian tribes in
Subarea 2A–1 and 65 percent minus
25,000 lb (11.3 mt) to non-Indian
fisheries in Area 2A. The allocation to
non-Indian fisheries is divided into
three shares, with the Washington sport
fishery (north of the Columbia River)
receiving 36.6 percent, the Oregon/
California sport fishery receiving 31.7
percent, and the commercial fishery
receiving 31.7 percent. The commercial
fishery is further divided into a directed
commercial fishery that is allocated 85
percent of the commercial allocation
and an incidental catch in the salmon
troll fishery that is allocated 15 percent
of the commercial allocation. The
directed commercial fishery in Area 2A
is confined to southern Washington
(south of 46°53.30′ N. lat.), Oregon, and
California. North of 46°53.30′ N. lat. (Pt.
Chehalis), the Plan allows for incidental
halibut retention in the primary limited
entry longline sablefish fishery when
the overall Area 2A TAC is above
900,000 lb (408.2 mt). The Plan also
divides the sport fisheries into seven
geographic subareas, each with separate
allocations, seasons, and bag limits.
Pacific Council Recommended Changes
to the Plan and Domestic Fishing
Regulations
Each year, the states (Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife
(WDFW) and Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)) and tribes
consider whether changes to the Plan
are needed or desired by their fishery
participants. Fishery managers from the
states hold public meetings before both
the September and November Pacific
Council meetings to get public input on
revisions to the Plan. At the September
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2004 Pacific Council meeting, the states
recommended several changes to the
Plan and the tribes announced that they
had no proposal for revising the Plan in
2005. Following the meeting, the states
again reviewed their proposals with the
public and drafted their recommended
revisions for review by the Pacific
Council.
At its November 1–5, 2004, meeting in
Portland, OR, the Pacific Council
considered the results of statesponsored workshops on the proposed
changes to the Plan and public
comments, and made the final
recommendations for modifications to
the Plan as follows:
(1) Allow remaining quota from
Washington’s south coast subarea to be
used to accommodate incidental catch
in the south coast nearshore fishery.
(2) Revise the Columbia River subarea
quota contributions from Oregon/
California to equal the amount of
pounds contributed by Washington.
(3) Remove the minimum length
requirement in all subareas south of
Leadbetter Point, WA.
(4) Revise the season structure for
Oregon’s all-depth spring and summer
sport fisheries in Oregon’s central coast
subarea (Cape Falcon to Humbug
Mountain) from 2–days to 3–days by
adding Thursdays to all spring fishery
openings after the initial fixed day
openings and by adding Sundays to all
summer fishery openings.
(5) Provide more flexibility for
Oregon’s inseason sport fishery
management by adding triggers for
additional fishery openings and bag
limits in the central coast all-depth
summer fishery as follows: (a) if after
the first scheduled open period of the
summer fishery, the remaining central
coast quota (combined all-depth and
inside 40–fm (73–m) fishery quotas) is
60,000 lbs (27.2 mt) or more, the fishery
reopens every Friday through Sunday
until October 31 or quota attainment,
whichever is earlier; and (b) if after the
third scheduled open period of the
summer fishery, the remaining central
coast quota (combined all-depth and
inside 40–fm (73–m) fishery quotas) is
30,000 lbs (13.6 mt) or more, the fishery
reopens every Friday through Sunday
until October 31 or quota attainment,
whichever is earlier, and the bag limit
would increase to two fish per person
per day.
(6) Prohibit the retention of all
groundfish, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulation, in the
Columbia River fishery during all days
and in the Central Coast fisheries during
‘‘all-depth’’ days.
(7) Revise the public announcement
process for the Oregon central coast all-
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
depth summer sport fishery to allow
inseason changes to transfer quota and
to change the fishery season dates based
on the triggers mentioned above to be
announced by NMFS via an update to
the recreational halibut hotline (i.e., no
Federal Register document would be
required).
(8) Allow quota projected to be
unused to be transferred from Oregon’s
central coast subarea to another subarea
south of Leadbetter Point, WA.
(9) Implement a closed area to
recreational halibut fishing off Oregon’s
central coast on a portion of Stonewall
Bank to protect yelloweye rockfish, an
overfished groundfish species. This
closed area, called a ‘‘yelloweye
rockfish conservation area,’’ would be
defined by connecting the following
coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°24.92 W.
long.;
(2) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°23.63 W.
long.;
(3) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°21.80 W.
long.;
(4) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°24.10 W.
long.;
(5) 44°31.42 N. lat.; 124°25.47 W.
long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44°37.46
N. lat.; 124°24.92 W. long.
There is confusion over Pacific
Council recommendation ι6 (above) as
to how it would apply to the Columbia
River subarea, which is shared by
Washington and Oregon. Therefore,
NMFS has requested that the Pacific
Council clarify this recommendation at
the March 6–11, 2005, Pacific Council
meeting in Sacramento, CA. The
Council adopted a recommendation for
‘‘Sub-areas south of Leadbetter Point,
Washington’’ that stated ‘‘No groundfish
retention except sablefish allowed
during the all-depth fishery if halibut
are on-board the vessel except south of
Humbug Mt.’’ After the March meeting
it became apparent that various Council
participants were confused as to exactly
where this prohibition would apply.
Because of the introductory description
(Sub-areas south of Leadbetter Point,
Washington), some thought it applied in
the entire Columbia River area and the
Oregon Central Coast subarea. However,
others thought this would only apply off
Oregon because it was introduced by
Oregon, it had not been discussed in
Washington State meetings with
Washington fishermen, and because one
purpose was to allow dockside
enforcement during the groundfish
closure seaward of 40 fm (73 m), which
only is in place off of Oregon. NMFS has
concluded the two possible ways to
implement this provision in the
Columbia River subarea would be to
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
apply the groundfish retention
prohibition to all halibut fishing in the
Columbia River subarea or only to
vessels that land in Oregon.
Therefore, the Pacific Council will
clarify its recommendation at the March
2005 meeting, and the public comment
period on this proposed rule will end on
March 16, 2005.
Proposed Changes to the Plan
In addition to the Pacific Council’s
recommendations, NMFS is proposing
to revise all coordinates in the Plan from
degrees minutes seconds to degrees
decimal minutes in order to conform
with U.S. Coast Guard standards and the
Pacific coast groundfish regulations.
NMFS is proposing to approve the
Pacific Council recommendations and to
implement the above-described changes
by making the following changes to the
Plan:
In section (d) of the Plan, Treaty
Indian Fisheries, revise the first
sentence of the first paragraph to read as
follows:
Except as provided above in (b)(2), 35
percent of the Area 2A TAC is allocated
to 12 treaty Indian tribes in subarea 2A–
1, which includes that portion of Area
2A north of Point Chehalis, WA
(46°53.30′ N. lat.) and east of 125°44.00′
W. long.
In section (e) of the Plan, Non-Indian
Commercial Fisheries, revise the third
sentence of paragraph (2) to read as
follows:
This fishery is confined to the area
south of Subarea 2A–1 (south of Point
Chehalis, WA; 46°53.30′ N. lat.).
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise the second sentence of
paragraph (1)(i) to read as follows:
This subarea is defined as all U.S.
waters east of the mouth of the Sekiu
River, as defined by a line extending
from 48°17.30′ N. lat., 124°23.70′ W.
long. north to 48°24.10′ N. lat.,
124°23.70′ W. long., including Puget
Sound.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise the second sentence of
paragraph (1)(ii) to read as follows:
This subarea is defined as all U.S.
waters west of the mouth of the Sekiu
River, as defined above in paragraph
(f)(1)(i), and north of the Queets River
(47°31.70′ N. lat.).
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise the last sentence of
paragraph (1)(ii) to read as follows:
A ‘‘C-shaped’’ yelloweye rockfish
conservation area that is closed to
recreational groundfish and halibut
fishing is defined by the following
coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W.
long.;
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6397
(2) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(3) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(4) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W.
long.;
(5) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W.
long.;
(6) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(7) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(8) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W.
long.; and connecting back to 48°18.00′
N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W.long.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise paragraph (1)(iii) from
the second sentence to the end of the
paragraph to read as follows:
This subarea is defined as waters
south of the Queets River (47°31.70′ N.
lat.) and north of Leadbetter Point
(46°38.17′ N. lat.). The structuring
objective for this subarea is to maximize
the season length, while maintaining a
quality fishing experience. The fishery
will open on May 1. If May 1 falls on
a Friday or Saturday, the fishery will
open on the following Sunday. The
fishery will be open Sunday through
Thursday in all areas, except where
prohibited, and the fishery will be open
7 days per week in the area from Queets
River south to 47°00.00′ N. lat. and east
of 124°40.00′ W. long. Beginning July 1,
the halibut fishery will be open 7 days
per week. The fishery will continue
until September 30, or until the quota is
achieved, whichever occurs first.
Subsequent to this closure, if there is
insufficient quota remaining to reopen
the entire subarea for another fishing
day, then any remaining quota may be
used to accommodate incidental catch
in the nearshore area from Queets River
south to 47°00.00′ N. lat. and east of
124°40.00′ W. long. or be transferred
inseason to another Washington coastal
subarea by NMFS via an update to the
recreational halibut hotline. The daily
bag limit is one halibut per person, with
no size limit.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise paragraph (1)(iv)
regarding the Columbia River subarea to
read as follows:
This sport fishery subarea is allocated
2.0 percent of the first 130,845 lb (59.4
mt) allocated to the Washington sport
fishery, and 4.0 percent of the
Washington sport allocation between
130,845 lb (59.4 mt) and 224,110 lb
(101.7 mt) (except as provided in
section (e)(3) of this Plan). This subarea
also is allocated from the Oregon/
California sport allocation the number
of pounds equal to the Washington
contribution. Oregon’s contribution will
be 2.0 percent of the total Oregon/
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6398
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
California sport allocation. Any
additional pounds needed to equal the
number of pounds contributed to the
Columbia River subarea from the
Washington allocation will come from
the Oregon Central Coast subarea
allocation. This subarea is defined as
waters south of Leadbetter Point, WA
(46°38.17′ N. lat.) and north of Cape
Falcon, OR (45°46.00′ N. lat.). The
fishery will open on May 1, and
continue 7 days per week until the
subquota is estimated to have been
taken, or September 30, whichever is
earlier. Subsequent to this closure, if
there is insufficient quota remaining in
the Columbia River subarea for another
fishing day, then any remaining quota
may be transferred inseason to another
Washington and/or Oregon subarea by
NMFS via an update to the recreational
halibut hotline. Any remaining state’s
quota would be transferred to that state.
The daily bag limit is one halibut per
person, with no size limit. [The
following two options are being
considered. Option 1: No groundfish
may be retained, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulations, by
anglers landing in Oregon if halibut are
on board the vessel; or option 2: No
groundfish may be retained, except
sablefish when allowed by groundfish
regulations, if halibut are on board the
vessel.]
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise paragraph (1)(v) to read
as follows:
This subarea extends from Cape
Falcon (45°46.00′ N. lat.) to Humbug
Mountain, OR (42°40.50′ N. lat.) and is
allocated 95.0 percent of the Oregon/
California sport allocation minus any
amount of pounds needed to contribute
to the Oregon portion of the Columbia
River subarea quota. The structuring
objectives for this subarea are to provide
two periods of fishing opportunity in
spring and in summer in productive
deeper water areas along the coast,
principally for charterboat and larger
private boat anglers, and to provide a
period of fishing opportunity in the
summer for nearshore waters for small
boat anglers. Fixed season dates will be
established preseason for the spring
opening and will not be modified
inseason except that the spring opening
may be modified inseason if the
combined Oregon all-depth spring and
summer season total quotas are
estimated to be achieved. Recent year
catch rates will be used as a guideline
for estimating the catch rate for the
spring fishery each year. The number of
fixed season days established will be
based on the projected catch per day
with the intent of not exceeding the
subarea season quota. ODFW will
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
monitor landings and provide a postseason estimate of catch within one
week of the end of the fixed season. If
sufficient catch remains for an
additional day of fishing after the spring
season, openings will be provided if
possible in May - July. Potential
additional open dates for both the
spring (May - July) and summer (August
- October) seasons will be announced
preseason. If a decision is made
inseason to allow fishing on one or more
such additional days, notice of the
opening will be announced on the
NMFS hotline (206) 526–6667 or (800)
662–9825. No all-depth halibut fishing
will be allowed on the additional dates
unless the opening date has been
announced on the NMFS hotline. Any
poundage remaining unharvested in the
spring all-depth subquota will be added
to the summer all-depth sub-quota. Any
poundage that is not needed to extend
the inside 40–fm (73–m) fishery through
to October 31 will be added to the
summer all-depth season if it can be
used, and any poundage remaining
unharvested from the summer all-depth
fishery will be added to the inside 40–
fm (73–m) fishery subquota, if it can be
used. The daily bag limit is one halibut
per person, unless otherwise specified,
with no size limit. During days open to
all-depth halibut fishing, no groundfish
may be retained, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulations, if
halibut are on board the vessel. A
yelloweye rockfish conservation area
that is closed to recreational halibut
fishing is defined by the following
coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°24.92 W.
long.;
(2) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°23.63 W.
long.;
(3) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°21.80 W.
long.;
(4) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°24.10 W.
long.;
(5) 44°31.42 N. lat.; 124°25.47 W.
long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44°37.46
N. lat.; 124°24.92 W. long.
ODFW will sponsor a public
workshop shortly after the IPHC annual
meeting to develop recommendations to
NMFS on the open dates for each season
each year. The three seasons for this
subarea are as follows:
A. The first season opens on May 1,
only in waters inside the 40–fm (73–m)
curve, and continues daily until the
subquota (8 percent of the subarea
quota) is taken, or until October 31,
whichever is earlier. Poundage that is
estimated to be above the amount
needed to keep this season open
through October 31 will be transferred
to the summer all-depth fishery if it can
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
be used. Any overage in the all-depth
fisheries would not affect achievement
of allocation set aside for the inside 40–
fm (73–m) curve fishery.
B. The second season is an all-depth
fishery with two potential openings.
The first opening begins on the second
Thursday in May (if the season is five
more fishing days) or the second Friday
in May (if the season is four or fewer
fishing days) and is allocated 69 percent
of the subarea quota. Fixed season dates
for the first opening will be established
preseason based on projected catch per
day and number of days to achievement
of the subquota for this season. The first
opening will be structured for two days
per week (Friday and Saturday) if the
season is for four or fewer fishing days.
The fishery will be structured for three
days per week (Thursday through
Saturday) if the season is for five or
more fishing days. The fixed season
dates will be established preseason and
will occur in consecutive weeks starting
the second Thursday in May (if the
season is five or more fishing days) or
second Friday in May (if the season is
four or fewer fishing days), with
exceptions to avoid adverse tidal
conditions. If, following the ‘‘fixed’’
dates, quota for this season remains
unharvested, a second opening will be
held. The fishery will be open every
other week on Thursday through
Saturday except that week(s) could be
skipped to avoid adverse tidal
conditions. The potential open
Thursdays through Saturdays will be
identified preseason. The fishery will
continue until there is insufficient quota
for an additional day of fishing or July
31, whichever occurs first. Any
remaining quota will be added to the
summer quota. No inseason adjustments
will be made to the established fixed
season unless the combined Oregon alldepth spring and summer season total
subquotas are estimated to be achieved.
C. The last season is an all-depth
fishery that begins on the first Friday in
August and is allocated 23 percent of
the subarea quota. The fishery will be
structured to be open every other week
on Friday through Sunday except that
week(s) could be skipped to avoid
adverse tidal conditions. The potential
open Fridays through Sundays will be
identified preseason. If after the first
scheduled open period, the remaining
Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain
entire season quota (combined all-depth
and inside 40–fm (73–m) quotas) is
60,000 lb (27.2 mt) or more, the fishery
will re-open on every Friday through
Sunday (versus every other weekend), if
determined to be appropriate through
joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS,
and ODFW. Any excess quota projected
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
to remain after the needs of the inside
40–fm (73–m) fishery are met would be
transferred into the remaining all-depth
quota. The inseason action will be
announced by NMFS via an update to
the recreational halibut hotline. If after
the third scheduled open period, the
remaining Cape Falcon to Humbug
Mountain entire season quota
(combined all-depth and inside 40–fm
(73–m) quotas) is 30,000 lb (13.6 mt) or
more, the fishery will re-open on every
Friday through Sunday (versus every
other weekend), if determined to be
appropriate through joint consultation
between IPHC, NMFS, and ODFW.
Under this provision, after the third
scheduled open period, the bag limit
would be two fish per person, with no
size limit. Any excess quota projected to
remain after the needs of the inside 40–
fm (73–m) fishery are met would be
transferred into the remaining all-depth
quota. The inseason action will be
announced by NMFS via an update to
the recreational halibut hotline. The
fishery will continue until there is
insufficient quota for an additional day
of fishing or October 31, whichever
occurs first. Any remaining quota will
be transferred to the fishery inside the
40–fm (73–m) curve, if needed. If
inseason it is determined that the
combined all-depth and inside 40–fm
(73–m) fisheries will not harvest the
entire quota to the subarea, quota may
be transferred inseason to another
subarea south of Leadbetter Point, WA,
by NMFS via an update to the
recreational halibut hotline.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport
Fisheries, revise the second through
fourth sentences in paragraph (1)(vi) to
read as follows:
This area is defined as the area south
of Humbug Mountain, OR (42°40.50′ N.
lat.), including California waters. The
structuring objective for this subarea is
to provide anglers the opportunity to
fish in a continuous, fixed season that
is open from May 1 through October 31.
The daily bag limit is one halibut per
person, with no size limit.
Proposed 2005 Sport Fishery
Management Measures
NMFS is proposing sport fishery
management measures that are
necessary to implement the Plan in
2005. The 2005 TAC for Area 2A will
be determined by the IPHC at its annual
meeting on January 18–21, 2005, in
Victoria, B.C. Because the 2005 TAC has
not yet been determined, these proposed
sport fishery management measures use
the IPHC’s preliminary 2005 Area 2A
TAC recommendation of 1,330,000 lb
(603 mt), which is lower than the 2004
TAC of 1,480,000 lb (671 mt). The
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
proposed 2005 sport fishery regulations
based on the preliminary 2005 Area 2A
TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) are as
follows:
Washington Inside Waters Subarea
This subarea is defined as all U.S.
waters east of the mouth of the Sekiu
River, as defined by a line extending
from 48°17.30′ N. lat., 124°23.70′ W.
long. north to 48°24.10′ N. lat.,
124°23.70′ W. long., including Puget
Sound. This subarea would be allocated
64,800 lb (29 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of
1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in accordance
with the Plan. According to the Plan,
the structuring objective for this subarea
is to provide a stable sport fishing
opportunity and to maximize the season
length. For the 2005 fishing season, the
fishery in this subarea would be set to
meet the structuring objectives
described in the Plan. The final
determination of the season dates would
be based on the allowable harvest level
and projected 2005 catch rates after the
2005 TAC is set by the IPHC. The daily
bag limit would be one halibut of any
size per day, per person.
Washington North Coast Subarea
This subarea is defined as all U.S.
waters west of the mouth of the Sekiu
River and north of the Queets River
(47°31.70′ N. lat.). This subarea would
be allocated 115,437 lb (52 mt) at an
Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt)
in accordance with the Plan. According
to the Plan, the management objective
for this subarea is to provide a quality
recreational fishing opportunity during
May and the latter part of June. The
fishery opens on the first Tuesday
between May 9 and May 15 (May 10 in
2005), and continues 5 days per week
(Tuesday through Saturday) until 72
percent of the quota for the subarea has
been taken, 83,115 lb (38 mt), and the
season is closed by the IPHC. The
fishery will re-open during the third
week in June and continue Tuesday
through Saturday until the overall quota
for the subarea is taken and the season
is closed by the IPHC. The daily bag
limit would be one halibut of any size
per day per person. A portion of this
subarea would be closed to sport fishing
for halibut as a yelloweye rockfish
conservation area bounded by the
following coordinates:
(1) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W.
long.;
(2) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(3) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(4) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W.
long.;
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6399
(5) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W.
long.;
(6) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(7) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W.
long.;
(8) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W.
long.;
(9) and connecting back to 48°18.00′
N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W. long.
Washington South Coast Subarea
This subarea is defined as waters
south of the Queets River (47°31.70′ N.
lat.) and north of Leadbetter Point
(46°38.17′ N. lat.). This subarea would
be allocated 50,146 lb (23 mt)at an Area
2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in
accordance with the Plan. According to
the Plan, the structuring objective for
this subarea is to maximize the season
length, while maintaining a quality
fishing experience. The fishery would
open on May 1 and continue five days
per week (Sunday through Thursday)
until September 30, or until the quota is
achieved, and the fishery is closed by
the IPHC, whichever occurs first. The
fishery would be open Sunday through
Thursday in all areas, except where
prohibited, and the fishery will be open
seven days per week in the area from
the Queets River, WA south to 47°00.00′
N. lat. and east of 124°40.00′ W. long.
Beginning July 1, the halibut fishery
opens seven days per week in the
offshore and nearshore fisheries until
September 30, or until the quota is
achieved and the fishery is closed by the
IPHC, whichever occurs first. New for
2005, if there is insufficient quota to
reopen the entire south coast subarea for
another fishing day, then any remaining
quota may be transferred to the
nearshore area from the Queets River,
WA south to 47°00.00′ N. lat. and east
of 124°40.00′ W. long. to accommodate
incidental catch in that fishery. The
daily bag limit would be one halibut of
any size per day, per person.
Columbia River Subarea
This subarea is defined as waters
south of Leadbetter Point, WA
(46°38.17′ N. lat.) and north of Cape
Falcon, OR (45°46.00′ N. lat.). This
subarea would be allocated 13,747 lb (6
mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb
(603 mt) in accordance with the Plan.
New for 2005, language will be added to
the Plan to increase the number of
pounds contributed to this subarea from
Oregon/California to match the number
contributed by Washington. To reach
this matching number of pounds,
Oregon will contribute pounds from its
Central Coast subarea, as needed, in
addition to the 2 percent from the
Oregon/California sport allocation. If
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6400
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
there is insufficient quota for another
fishing day after closure of the subarea,
any remaining state’s quota would be
transferred to that state. The fishery
would open on May 1 and continue 7
days per week until the subarea quota
is reached and the fishery is closed by
the IPHC or September 30, whichever
occurs first. Also new for 2005, the
minimum length requirement for
halibut in this subarea will be removed.
Therefore, the daily bag limit would be
one halibut of any size per day, per
person.
In addition, as explained in the
section of this proposed rule’s preamble
on ‘‘Pacific Council recommended
changes to the Plan and domestic
fishing regulations,’’ there are two
options being considered for groundfish
retention in this subarea. Under Option
1 no groundfish may be retained, except
sablefish when allowed by groundfish
regulations, by anglers landing in
Oregon if halibut are on board the
vessel. Under Option 2 no groundfish
may be retained, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulations, if
halibut are on board the vessel.
Oregon Central Coast Subarea
This subarea extends from Cape
Falcon (45°46.00′ N. lat.) to Humbug
Mountain, OR (42°40.50′ N. lat.). This
subarea would be allocated 251,264 lb
(114 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000
lb (603 mt) in accordance with the Plan.
As mentioned in the Columbia River
subarea, the Oregon Central Coast
fishery will contribute quota pounds to
the Columbia River subarea to allow the
Oregon/California contribution to match
the Washington contribution. Thus, for
2005, the Central Coast allocation will
be 95 percent of the Oregon/California
sport allocation minus the amount of
pounds needed to contribute to the
Oregon portion of the Columbia River
subarea quota. The structuring
objectives for this subarea are to provide
two periods of fishing opportunity in
spring (May-June) and in summer
(August-October) in productive deeper
water areas along the coast, principally
for charterboat and larger private boat
anglers, and to provide a period of
fishing opportunity during the summer
in nearshore waters for small boat
anglers.
The central coast restricted depth
fishery, or ‘‘inside 40–fm (73–m)’’
fishery, which occurs inside of a
boundary line approximating the 40–fm
(73–m) depth contour, would be
allocated 20,101 lb (9 mt), starting May
1 through October 31 (seven days per
week) or until the allocated subquota is
attained, whichever occurs first. New
for 2005, all groundfish, except sablefish
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
when allowed by groundfish regulation,
may not be retained in the inside 40–fm
(73–m) fishery if halibut are onboard the
vessel during days open to all-depth
fishing. Proposed coordinates for the
boundary line approximating the 40–fm
(73–m) depth contour between 45°46.00′
N. lat. and 42°40.50′ N. lat. are defined
by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°04.49′ W.
long.;
(2) 45°44.34′ N. lat., 124°05.09′ W.
long.;
(3) 45°40.64′ N. lat., 124°04.90′ W.
long.;
(4) 45°33.00′ N. lat., 124°04.46′ W.
long.;
(5) 45°32.27′ N. lat., 124°04.74′ W.
long.;
(6) 45°29.26′ N. lat., 124°04.22′ W.
long.;
(7) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°04.67′ W.
long.;
(8) 45°19.99′ N. lat., 124°04.62′ W.
long.;
(9) 45°17.50′ N. lat., 124°04.91′ W.
long.;
(10) 45°11.29′ N. lat., 124°05.19′ W.
long.;
(11) 45°05.79′ N. lat., 124°05.40′ W.
long.;
(12) 45°05.07′ N. lat., 124°05.93′ W.
long.;
(13) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°06.47′ W.
long.;
(14) 45°01.70′ N. lat., 124°06.53′ W.
long.;
(15) 44°58.75′ N. lat., 124°07.14′ W.
long.;
(16) 44°51.28′ N. lat., 124°10.21′ W.
long.;
(17) 44°49.49′ N. lat., 124°10.89′ W.
long.;
(18) 44°44.96′ N. lat., 124°14.39′ W.
long.;
(19) 44°43.44′ N. lat., 124°14.78′ W.
long.;
(20) 44°42.27′ N. lat., 124°13.81′ W.
long.;
(21) 44°41.68′ N. lat., 124°15.38′ W.
long.;
(22) 44°34.87′ N. lat., 124°15.80′ W.
long.;
(23) 44°33.74′ N. lat., 124°14.43′ W.
long.;
(24) 44°27.66′ N. lat., 124°16.99′ W.
long.;
(25) 44°19.13′ N. lat., 124°19.22′ W.
long.;
(26) 44°15.35′ N. lat., 124°17.37′ W.
long.;
(27) 44°14.38′ N. lat., 124°17.78′ W.
long.;
(28) 44°12.80′ N. lat., 124°17.18′ W.
long.;
(29) 44°09.23′ N. lat., 124°15.96′ W.
long.;
(30) 44°08.38′ N. lat., 124°16.80′ W.
long.;
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(31) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°16.75′ W.
long.;
(32) 44°01.18′ N. lat., 124°15.42′ W.
long.;
(33) 43°51.60′ N. lat., 124°14.68′ W.
long.;
(34) 43°42.66′ N. lat., 124°15.46′ W.
long.;
(35) 43°40.49′ N. lat., 124°15.74′ W.
long.;
(36) 43°38.77′ N. lat., 124°15.64′ W.
long.;
(37) 43°34.52′ N. lat., 124°16.73′ W.
long.;
(38) 43°28.82′ N. lat., 124°19.52′ W.
long.;
(39) 43°23.91′ N. lat., 124°24.28′ W.
long.;
(40) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°26.63′ W.
long.;
(41) 43°17.96′ N. lat., 124°28.81′ W.
long.;
(42) 43°16.75′ N. lat., 124°28.42′ W.
long.;
(43) 43°13.98′ N. lat., 124°31.99′ W.
long.;
(44) 43°13.71′ N. lat., 124°33.25′ W.
long.;
(45) 43°12.26′ N. lat., 124°34.16′ W.
long.;
(46) 43°10.96′ N. lat., 124°32.34′ W.
long.;
(47) 43°05.65′ N. lat., 124°31.52′ W.
long.;
(48) 42°59.66′ N. lat., 124°32.58′ W.
long.;
(49) 42°54.97′ N. lat., 124°36.99′ W.
long.;
(50) 42°53.81′ N. lat., 124°38.58′ W.
long.;
(51) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°39.68′ W.
long.;
(52) 42°49.14′ N. lat., 124°39.92′ W.
long.;
(53) 42°46.47′ N. lat., 124°38.65′ W.
long.;
(54) 42°45.60′ N. lat., 124°39.04′ W.
long.;
(55) 42°44.79′ N. lat., 124°37.96′ W.
long.;
(56) 42°45.00′ N. lat., 124°36.39′ W.
long.;
(57) 42°44.14′ N. lat., 124°35.16′ W.
long.;
(58) 42°42.15′ N. lat., 124°32.82′ W.
long.;
(59) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°31.98′ W.
long.; and
(60) 42°38.82′ N. lat., 124°31.09′ W.
long.
If NMFS changes this boundary for
recreational groundfish fishing by an
inseason action to the Pacific Coast
groundfish regulations during the year
to protect overfished groundfish species,
NMFS will also publish a separate
inseason action in the Federal Register
to change nearshore recreational halibut
regulations for this subarea to mirror the
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
groundfish closure. Language will also
be added to the sport management
measures for 2005 such that, in times
when the all-depth halibut fishery is
closed and halibut fishing is permitted
only inshore of a boundary line
approximating the 40–fm (73–m) depth
contour, halibut possession and
retention by vessels operating offshore
of 40–fm (73–m) would be prohibited.
The spring all-depth season would be
allocated 173,372 lb (79 mt). Based on
an observed catch per day trend in this
fishery in recent years, an estimated
10,000 – 30,000 lb (5 – 14 mt) would be
caught per day in 2005, resulting in a 5
to 17–day fixed season. In accordance
with the Plan, the season would open
on Thursday, May 12 and continue on
Thursdays through Saturdays through
the fixed dates, with exceptions to avoid
adverse tidal conditions. The fixed dates
will be set in spring 2005 after the IPHC
sets the final Area 2A TAC and after
ODFW holds public meetings. After the
fixed date season, potential additional
fishing days for remaining quota in 2005
are structured differently than in
previous years. For 2005, if additional
quota remains after the fixed season, a
second opening would be held for the
spring fishery. The second opening
would be on every other week on
Thursday through Saturday except that
week(s) could be skipped to avoid
adverse tidal conditions. For 2005, the
weeks to be skipped due to adverse tidal
conditions in either the first or second
spring opener may include May 26 – 28,
June 23 – 25 and July 21 – 23. Final
determination of the week(s) that may
be skipped due to adverse tidal
conditions will occur after the 2005
TAC has been set by the IPHC and after
ODFW’s late January/early February
public meeting. If a decision is made
inseason by NMFS to allow fishing in
the potential spring season, notice of an
opening will be announced on the
NMFS hotline, (206)526–6667 or
(800)662–9825. No halibut fishing will
be allowed on the reopening dates
unless the date is announced on the
NMFS hotline. The second spring
season would continue until there is
insufficient quota for an additional
fishing day or until July 31, whichever
occurs first. Also new for 2005, all
groundfish, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulation, may
not be retained if halibut are onboard
the vessel during days open to all-depth
fishing. In addition, a new yelloweye
rockfish conservation area off Oregon
will be closed to recreational halibut
fishing and is defined by the following
coordinates:
(1) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°24.92 W.
long.;
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
(2) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°23.63 W.
long.;
(3) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°21.80 W.
long.;
(4) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124°24.10 W.
long.;
(5) 44°31.42 N. lat.; 124°25.47 W.
long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44°37.46
N. lat.; 124°24.92 W. long.
The summer all-depth fishery would
be allocated 57,791 lb (26 mt), and
would open on Friday, August 5. New
for 2005, this fishery’s season will be
restructured from being open every
other week on Friday and Saturday to
every other week on Friday through
Sunday, except that week(s) may be
skipped for adverse tidal conditions. For
2005, no adverse tidal conditions are
predicted to occur during the August
through October period. Final
determination of the week(s) that may
be skipped due to adverse tidal
conditions will occur after the 2005
TAC has been set by the IPHC and after
ODFW’s late January/early February
public meeting. Also new for 2005,
additional fishing days may be opened
if a certain amount of quota remains
after the first and third scheduled open
periods for the summer all-depth fishery
in this subarea. If after the first opener,
greater than or equal to 60,000 lbs (27.2
mt) remains in the combined all-depth
and inside 40–fm (73–m) quota, the
fishery may re-open on every Friday
through Sunday (versus every other
Friday through Sunday). If after the
third opener, greater than or equal to
30,000 lbs (13.6 mt) remains in the
combined all-depth and inside 40–fm
(73–m) quota, the fishery may re-open
on every Friday through Sunday and the
bag limit would be two fish of any size
per person, per day. NMFS will
announce on the NMFS hotline whether
the summer all-depth fishery will be
open on such additional fishing days
and what days will comprise such
opening. Any inseason adjustments will
also be announced on the NMFS
hotline. No halibut fishing will be
allowed in the summer all-depth fishery
unless the dates are announced on the
NMFS hotline. The summer all-depth
fishery would continue until there is
insufficient quota for an additional
fishing day and the fishery is closed by
the IPHC or until October 31, whichever
occurs first. Any remaining quota would
be added to the quota for the fishery
inside 40–fm (73–m), if needed. Also
new for 2005, language will be added to
the Plan to allow for any remaining
quota that the all-depth and inside 40–
fm (73–m) fisheries are not projected to
attain in this subarea to be transferred
inseason to another subarea south of
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6401
Leadbetter Point, WA, via an update to
the halibut hotline. For 2005, all
groundfish, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulation, may
not be retained if halibut are onboard
the vessel during days open to all-depth
fishing. In addition, a new yelloweye
rockfish conservation area off Oregon
will be closed to recreational halibut
fishing and is defined by the following
coordinates:
(1) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°24.92 W.
long.;
(2) 44°37.46 N. lat.; 124°23.63 W.
long.;
(3) 44°28.71 N. lat.; 124° 21.80 W.
long.;
(4) 44° 28.71 N. lat.; 124°24.10 W.
long.;
(5) 44°31.42 N. lat.; 124°25.47 W.
long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44°37.46
N. lat.; 124°24.92 W. long.
The final determination of the season
dates will be based on the allowable
harvest level, projected catch rates, and
recommendations developed in a public
workshop sponsored by ODFW in late
January/early February after the 2005
TAC has been set by the IPHC. Also new
for 2005, the minimum length
requirement for halibut in this subarea
will be removed. Therefore, the daily
bag limit would be one halibut, unless
otherwise specified, of any size per day,
per person.
Humbug Mountain, OR through
California Subarea
This area is defined as the area south
of Humbug Mountain, OR (42°40.50′ N.
lat.), including California waters. This
subarea would be allocated 7,984 lb (3.6
mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb
(603 mt) in accordance with the Plan.
The proposed 2005 sport season for this
subarea would be the same as last year,
with a May 1 opening and continuing
seven days per week, until October 31.
New for 2005, the minimum length
requirement for halibut in this subarea
will be removed. Therefore, the daily
bag limit would be one halibut of any
size per day, per person.
Flexible Inseason Management
Provisions in Area 2A
The flexible inseason management
provisions in Area 2A have not changed
since 2004, but are republished here to
provide opportunity for public
comment. Section 25 of the annual
halibut management measures
published in the Federal Register and
section (f)(5) of the Plan will read as
follows:
(1) The Regional Administrator,
NMFS Northwest Region, after
consultation with the Chairman of the
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6402
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Pacific Fishery Management Council,
the Commission Executive Director, and
the Fisheries Director(s) of the affected
state(s), or their designees, is authorized
to modify regulations during the season
after making the following
determinations.
(a) The action is necessary to allow
allocation objectives to be met.
(b) The action will not result in
exceeding the catch limit for the area.
(c) If any of the sport fishery subareas
north of Cape Falcon, OR are not
projected to utilize their respective
quotas by September 30, NMFS may
take inseason action to transfer any
projected unused quota to another
Washington sport subarea.
(d) If any of the sport fishery subareas
south of Leadbetter Point, WA are not
projected to utilize their respective
quotas by their season ending dates,
NMFS may take inseason action to
transfer any projected unused quota to
another Oregon sport subarea.
(2) Flexible inseason management
provisions include, but are not limited
to, the following:
(a) Modification of sport fishing
periods;
(b) Modification of sport fishing bag
limits;
(c) Modification of sport fishing size
limits;
(d) Modification of sport fishing days
per calendar week; and
(e) Modification of subarea quotas
north of Cape Falcon, OR.
(3) Notice procedures.
(a) Actions taken under this section
will be published in the Federal
Register.
(b) Actual notice of inseason
management actions will be provided by
a telephone hotline administered by the
Northwest Region, NMFS, at 206–526–
6667 or 800–662–9825 (May through
October) and by U.S. Coast Guard
broadcasts. These broadcasts are
announced on Channel 16 VHF-FM and
2182 kHz at frequent intervals. The
announcements designate the channel
or frequency over which the notice to
mariners will be immediately broadcast.
Since provisions of these regulations
may be altered by inseason actions,
sport fishers should monitor either the
telephone hotline or U.S. Coast Guard
broadcasts for current information for
the area in which they are fishing.
(4) Effective dates.
(a) Any action issued under this
section is effective on the date specified
in the publication or at the time that the
action is filed for public inspection with
the Office of the Federal Register,
whichever is later.
(b) If time allows, NMFS will invite
public comment prior to the effective
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
date of any inseason action filed with
the Federal Register. If the Regional
Administrator determines, for good
cause, that an inseason action must be
filed without affording a prior
opportunity for public comment, public
comments will be received for a period
of 15 days after publication of the action
in the Federal Register.
(c) Any inseason action issued under
this section will remain in effect until
the stated expiration date or until
rescinded, modified, or superseded.
However, no inseason action has any
effect beyond the end of the calendar
year in which it is issued.
(5) Availability of data. The Regional
Administrator will compile, in aggregate
form, all data and other information
relevant to the action being taken and
will make them available for public
review during normal office hours at the
Northwest Regional Office, NMFS,
Sustainable Fisheries Division, 7600
Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA.
Fishery Election in Area 2A
The fishery election process in Area
2A has not changed since 2004, except
to update the reference to the sablefish
regulations at 50 CFR 660.372 in
paragraph (1)(b). The management
measures are republished here to
provide opportunity for public
comment. Section 26 of the annual
halibut management measures
published in the Federal Register will
continue to read as follows:
(1) A vessel that fishes in Area 2A
may participate in only one of the
following three fisheries in Area 2A:
(a) The sport fishery under Section 24;
(b) The commercial directed fishery
for halibut during the fishing period(s)
established in Section 8 and/or the
incidental retention of halibut during
the primary sablefish fishery described
at 50 CFR 660.372; or
(c) The incidental catch fishery during
the salmon troll fishery as authorized in
Section 8.
(2) No person shall fish for halibut in
the sport fishery in Area 2A under
Section 24 from a vessel that has been
used during the same calendar year for
commercial halibut fishing in Area 2A
or that has been issued a permit for the
same calendar year for the commercial
halibut fishery in Area 2A.
(3) No person shall fish for halibut in
the directed halibut fishery during the
fishing periods established in Section 8
and/or retain halibut incidentally taken
in the primary sablefish fishery in Area
2A from a vessel that has been used
during the same calendar year for the
incidental catch fishery during the
salmon troll fishery as authorized in
Section 8.
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(4) No person shall fish for halibut in
the directed commercial halibut fishery
and/or retain halibut incidentally taken
in the primary sablefish fishery in Area
2A from a vessel that, during the same
calendar year, has been used in the
sport halibut fishery in Area 2A or that
is licensed for the sport charter halibut
fishery in Area 2A.
(5) No person shall retain halibut in
the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A as
authorized under Section 8 taken on a
vessel that, during the same calendar
year, has been used in the sport halibut
fishery in Area 2A, or that is licensed
for the sport charter halibut fishery in
Area 2A.
(6) No person shall retain halibut in
the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A as
authorized under Section 8 taken on a
vessel that, during the same calendar
year, has been used in the directed
commercial fishery during the fishing
periods established in Section 8 and/or
retain halibut incidentally taken in the
primary sablefish fishery for Area 2A or
that is licensed to participate in these
commercial fisheries during the fishing
periods established in Section 8 in Area
2A.
Area 2A Non-Treaty Commercial
Fishery Closed Area
Similar to 2003 and 2004, large closed
areas will apply to commercial vessels
operating in the directed non-treaty
commercial fishery for halibut in Area
2A. Some coordinates for the closed
areas have changed slightly from 2004.
For 2005, section 27 of the annual
halibut management measures will read
as follows:
Non-treaty commercial vessels
operating in the directed commercial
fishery for halibut in Area 2A are
required to fish outside of a closed area,
known as the Rockfish Conservation
Area (RCA), that extends along the coast
from the U.S./Canada border south to
40°10′ N. lat. Coordinates for the
specific closed area boundaries are as
follows:
(1) Between the U.S./Canada border
and 46°16′ N. lat., the eastern boundary
of the RCA is the shoreline.
(2) Between 46°16′ N. lat. and 40°10′
N. lat., the RCA is defined along an
eastern, inshore boundary
approximating 30–fm (55–m). Between
46°16′ N. lat. and 40°10′ N. lat., the
eastern boundary for the RCA is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°13.05′ W.
long.;
(2) 46°07.00′ N. lat., 124°07.01′ W.
long.;
(3) 45°55.95′ N. lat., 124°02.23′ W.
long.;
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
(4) 45°54.53′ N. lat., 124°02.57′ W.
long.;
(5) 45°50.65′ N. lat., 124°01.62′ W.
long.;
(6) 45°48.20′ N. lat., 124°02.16′ W.
long.;
(7) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°01.86′ W.
long.;
(8) 45°43.47′ N. lat., 124°01.28′ W.
long.;
(9) 45°40.48′ N. lat., 124°01.03′ W.
long.;
(10) 45°39.04′ N. lat., 124°01.68′ W.
long.;
(11) 45°35.48′ N. lat., 124°01.89′ W.
long.;
(12) 45°29.81′ N. lat., 124°02.45′ W.
long.;
(13) 45°27.96′ N. lat., 124°01.89′ W.
long.;
(14) 45°27.22′ N. lat., 124°02.67′ W.
long.;
(15) 45°24.20′ N. lat., 124°02.94′ W.
long.;
(16) 45°20.60′ N. lat., 124°01.74′ W.
long.;
(17) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°01.85′ W.
long.;
(18) 45°16.44′ N. lat., 124°03.22′ W.
long.;
(19) 45°13.63′ N. lat., 124°02.70′ W.
long.;
(20) 45°11.04′ N. lat., 124°03.59′ W.
long.;
(21) 45°08.55′ N. lat., 124°03.47′ W.
long.;
(22) 45°02.82′ N. lat., 124°04.64′ W.
long.;
(23) 45°03.38′ N. lat., 124°04.79′ W.
long.;
(24) 44°58.06′ N. lat., 124°05.03′ W.
long.;
(25) 44°53.97′ N. lat., 124°06.92′ W.
long.;
(26) 44°48.89′ N. lat., 124°07.04′ W.
long.;
(27) 44°46.94′ N. lat., 124°08.25′ W.
long.;
(28) 44°42.72′ N. lat., 124°08.98′ W.
long.;
(29) 44°38.16′ N. lat., 124°11.48′ W.
long.;
(30) 44°33.38′ N. lat., 124°11.54′ W.
long.;
(31) 44°28.51′ N. lat., 124°12.03′ W.
long.;
(32) 44°27.65′ N. lat., 124°12.56′ W.
long.;
(33) 44°19.67′ N. lat., 124°12.37′ W.
long.;
(34) 44°10.79′ N. lat., 124°12.22′ W.
long.;
(35) 44°09.22′ N. lat., 124°12.28′ W.
long.;
(36) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°12.30′ W.
long.;
(37) 44°00.22′ N. lat., 124°12.80′ W.
long.;
(38) 43°51.56′ N. lat., 124°13.17′ W.
long.;
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
(39) 43°44.26′ N. lat., 124°14.50′ W.
long.;
(40) 43°33.82′ N. lat., 124°16.28′ W.
long.;
(41) 43°28.66′ N. lat., 124°18.72′ W.
long.;
(42) 43°23.12′ N. lat., 124°24.04′ W.
long.;
(43) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°25.67′ W.
long.;
(44) 43°20.49′ N. lat., 124°25.90′ W.
long.;
(45) 43°16.41′ N. lat., 124°27.52′ W.
long.;
(46) 43°14.23′ N. lat., 124°29.28′ W.
long.;
(47) 43°14.03′ N. lat., 124°28.31′ W.
long.;
(48) 43°11.92′ N. lat., 124°28.26′ W.
long.;
(49) 43°11.02′ N. lat., 124°29.11′ W.
long.;
(50) 43°10.13′ N. lat., 124°29.15′ W.
long.;
(51) 43°09.27′ N. lat., 124°31.03′ W.
long.;
(52) 43°07.73′ N. lat., 124°30.92′ W.
long.;
(53) 43°05.93′ N. lat., 124°29.64′ W.
long.;
(54) 43°01.59′ N. lat., 124°30.64′ W.
long.;
(55) 42°59.73′ N. lat., 124°31.16′ W.
long.;
(56) 42°53.75′ N. lat., 124°36.09′ W.
long.;
(57) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°38.39′ W.
long.;
(58) 42°49.37′ N. lat., 124°38.81′ W.
long.;
(59) 42°46.42′ N. lat., 124°37.69′ W.
long.;
(60) 42°46.07′ N. lat., 124°38.56′ W.
long.;
(61) 42°45.29′ N. lat., 124°37.95′ W.
long.;
(62) 42°45.61′ N. lat., 124°36.87′ W.
long.;
(63) 42°44.28′ N. lat., 124°33.64′ W.
long.;
(64) 42°42.75′ N. lat., 124°31.84′ W.
long.;
(65) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°29.67′ W.
long.;
(66) 42°40.04′ N. lat., 124°29.19′ W.
long.;
(67) 42°38.09′ N. lat., 124°28.39′ W.
long.;
(68) 42°36.72′ N. lat., 124°27.54′ W.
long.;
(69) 42°36.56′ N. lat., 124°28.40′ W.
long.;
(70) 42°35.76′ N. lat., 124°28.79′ W.
long.;
(71) 42°34.03′ N. lat., 124°29.98′ W.
long.;
(72) 42°34.19′ N. lat., 124°30.58′ W.
long.;
(73) 42°31.27′ N. lat., 124°32.24′ W.
long.;
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6403
(74) 42°27.07′ N. lat., 124°32.53′ W.
long.;
(75) 42°24.21′ N. lat., 124°31.23′ W.
long.;
(76) 42°20.47′ N. lat., 124°28.87′ W.
long.;
(77) 42°14.60′ N. lat., 124°26.80′ W.
long.;
(78) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°26.25′ W.
long.;
(79) 42°10.90′ N. lat., 124°24.57′ W.
long.;
(80) 42°07.04′ N. lat., 124°23.35′ W.
long.;
(81) 42°02.16′ N. lat., 124°22.59′ W.
long.;
(82) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°21.81′ W.
long.;
(83) 41°55.75′ N. lat., 124°20.72′ W.
long.;
(84) 41°50.93′ N. lat., 124°23.76′ W.
long.;
(85) 41°42.53′ N. lat., 124°16.47′ W.
long.;
(86) 41°37.20′ N. lat., 124°17.05′ W.
long.;
(87) 41°24.58′ N. lat., 124°10.51′ W.
long.;
(88) 41°20.73′ N. lat., 124°11.73′ W.
long.;
(89) 41°17.59′ N. lat., 124°10.66′ W.
long.;
(90) 41°04.54′ N. lat., 124°14.47′ W.
long.;
(91) 40°54.26′ N. lat., 124°13.90′ W.
long.;
(92) 40°40.31′ N. lat., 124°26.24′ W.
long.;
(93) 40°34.00′ N. lat., 124°27.39′ W.
long.;
(94) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°31.32′ W.
long.;
(95) 40°28.89′ N. lat., 124°32.43′ W.
long.;
(96) 40°24.77′ N. lat., 124°29.51′ W.
long.;
(97) 40°22.47′ N. lat., 124°24.12′ W.
long.;
(98) 40°19.73′ N. lat., 124°23.59′ W.
long.;
(99) 40°18.64′ N. lat., 124°21.89′ W.
long.;
(100) 40°17.67′ N. lat., 124°23.07′ W.
long.;
(101) 40°15.58′ N. lat., 124°23.61′ W.
long.;
(102) 40°13.42′ N. lat., 124°22.94′ W.
long.; and
(103) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°16.65′ W.
long.
(3) Between the U.S./Canada border
and 40°10′ N. lat., the RCA is defined
along a western, offshore boundary
approximating 100-fm (183-m). North of
40°10′ N. lat., the western boundary for
the RCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in
the order stated:
(1) 48°15.00′ N. lat., 125°41.00′ W.
long.;
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6404
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
(2) 48°14.00′ N. lat., 125°36.00′ W.
long.;
(3) 48°09.50′ N. lat., 125°40.50′ W.
long.;
(4) 48°08.00′ N. lat., 125°38.00′ W.
long.;
(5) 48°05.00′ N. lat., 125°37.25′ W.
long.;
(6) 48°02.60′ N. lat., 125°34.70′ W.
long.;
(7) 47°59.00′ N. lat., 125°34.00′ W.
long.;
(8) 47°57.26′ N. lat., 125°29.82′ W.
long.;
(9) 47°59.87′ N. lat., 125°25.81′ W.
long.;
(10) 48°01.80′ N. lat., 125°24.53′ W.
long.;
(11) 48°02.08′ N. lat., 125°22.98′ W.
long.;
(12) 48°02.97′ N. lat., 125°22.89′ W.
long.;
(13) 48°04.47′ N. lat., 125°21.75′ W.
long.;
(14) 48°06.11′ N. lat., 125°19.33′ W.
long.;
(15) 48°07.95′ N. lat., 125°18.55′ W.
long.;
(16) 48°09.00′ N. lat., 125°18.00′ W.
long.;
(17) 48°11.31′ N. lat., 125°17.55′ W.
long.;
(18) 48°14.60′ N. lat., 125°13.46′ W.
long.;
(19) 48°16.67′ N. lat., 125°14.34′ W.
long.;
(20) 48°18.73′ N. lat., 125°14.41′ W.
long.;
(21) 48°19.67′ N. lat., 125°13.70′ W.
long.;
(22) 48°19.70′ N. lat., 125°11.13′ W.
long.;
(23) 48°22.95′ N. lat., 125°10.79′ W.
long.;
(24) 48°21.61′ N. lat., 125°02.54′ W.
long.;
(25) 48°23.00′ N. lat., 124°49.34′ W.
long.;
(26) 48°17.00′ N. lat., 124°56.50′ W.
long.;
(27) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W.
long.;
(28) 48°04.62′ N. lat., 125°01.73′ W.
long.;
(29) 48°04.84′ N. lat., 125°04.03′ W.
long.;
(30) 48°06.41′ N. lat., 125°06.51′ W.
long.;
(31) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°08.00′ W.
long.;
(32) 48°07.08′ N. lat., 125°09.34′ W.
long.;
(33) 48°07.28′ N. lat., 125°11.14′ W.
long.;
(34) 48°03.45′ N. lat., 125°16.66′ W.
long.;
(35) 47°59.50′ N. lat., 125°18.88′ W.
long.;
(36) 47°58.68′ N. lat., 125°16.19′ W.
long.;
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
(37) 47°56.62′ N. lat., 125°13.50′ W.
long.;
(38) 47°53.71′ N. lat., 125°11.96′ W.
long.;
(39) 47°51.70′ N. lat., 125°09.38′ W.
long.;
(40) 47°49.95′ N. lat., 125°06.07′ W.
long.;
(41) 47°49.00′ N. lat., 125°03.00′ W.
long.;
(42) 47°46.95′ N. lat., 125°04.00′ W.
long.;
(43) 47°46.58′ N. lat., 125°03.15′ W.
long.;
(44) 47°44.07′ N. lat., 125°04.28′ W.
long.;
(45) 47°43.32′ N. lat., 125°04.41′ W.
long.;
(46) 47°40.95′ N. lat., 125°04.14′ W.
long.;
(47) 47°39.58′ N. lat., 125°04.97′ W.
long.;
(48) 47°36.23′ N. lat., 125°02.77′ W.
long.;
(49) 47°34.28′ N. lat., 124°58.66′ W.
long.;
(50) 47°32.17′ N. lat., 124°57.77′ W.
long.;
(51) 47°30.27′ N. lat., 124°56.16′ W.
long.;
(52) 47°30.60′ N. lat., 124°54.80′ W.
long.;
(53) 47°29.26′ N. lat., 124°52.21′ W.
long.;
(54) 47°28.21′ N. lat., 124°50.65′ W.
long.;
(55) 47°27.38′ N. lat., 124°49.34′ W.
long.;
(56) 47°25.61′ N. lat., 124°48.26′ W.
long.;
(57) 47°23.54′ N. lat., 124°46.42′ W.
long.;
(58) 47°20.64′ N. lat., 124°45.91′ W.
long.;
(59) 47°17.99′ N. lat., 124°45.59′ W.
long.;
(60) 47°18.20′ N. lat., 124°49.12′ W.
long.;
(61) 47°15.01′ N. lat., 124°51.09′ W.
long.;
(62) 47°12.61′ N. lat., 124°54.89′ W.
long.;
(63) 47°08.22′ N. lat., 124°56.53′ W.
long.;
(64) 47°08.50′ N. lat., 124°57.74′ W.
long.;
(65) 47°01.92′ N. lat., 124°54.95′ W.
long.;
(66) 47°01.14′ N. lat., 124°59.35′ W.
long.;
(67) 46°58.48′ N. lat., 124°57.81′ W.
long.;
(68) 46°56.79′ N. lat., 124°56.03′ W.
long.;
(69) 46°58.01′ N. lat., 124°55.09′ W.
long.;
(70) 46°55.07′ N. lat., 124°54.14′ W.
long.;
(71) 46°59.60′ N. lat., 124°49.79′ W.
long.;
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(72) 46°58.72′ N. lat., 124°48.78′ W.
long.;
(73) 46°54.45′ N. lat., 124°48.36′ W.
long.;
(74) 46°53.99′ N. lat., 124°49.95′ W.
long.;
(75) 46°54.38′ N. lat., 124°52.73′ W.
long.;
(76) 46°52.38′ N. lat., 124°52.02′ W.
long.;
(77) 46°48.93′ N. lat., 124°49.17′ W.
long.;
(78) 46°41.50′ N. lat., 124°43.00′ W.
long.;
(79) 46°34.50′ N. lat., 124°28.50′ W.
long.;
(80) 46°29.00′ N. lat., 124°30.00′ W.
long.;
(81) 46°20.00′ N. lat., 124°36.50′ W.
long.;
(82) 46°18.00′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W.
long.;
(83) 46°17.52′ N. lat., 124°35.35′ W.
long.;
(84) 46°17.00′ N. lat., 124°22.50′ W.
long.;
(85) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°20.62′ W.
long.;
(86) 46°13.52′ N. lat., 124°25.49′ W.
long.;
(87) 46°12.17′ N. lat., 124°30.75′ W.
long.;
(88) 46°10.63′ N. lat., 124°37.95′ W.
long.;
(89) 46°09.29′ N. lat., 124°39.01′ W.
long.;
(90) 46°02.40′ N. lat., 124°40.37′ W.
long.;
(91) 45°56.45′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W.
long.;
(92) 45°51.92′ N. lat., 124°38.49′ W.
long.;
(93) 45°47.19′ N. lat., 124°35.58′ W.
long.;
(94) 45°46.41′ N. lat., 124°32.36′ W.
long.;
(95) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°32.10′ W.
long.;
(96) 45°41.75′ N. lat., 124°28.12′ W.
long.;
(97) 45°36.96′ N. lat., 124°24.48′ W.
long.;
(98) 45°31.84′ N. lat., 124°22.04′ W.
long.;
(99) 45°27.10′ N. lat., 124°21.74′ W.
long.;
(100) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°18.54′ W.
long.;
(101) 45°18.14′ N. lat., 124°17.59′ W.
long.;
(102) 45°11.08′ N. lat., 124°16.97′ W.
long.;
(103) 45°04.38′ N. lat., 124°18.36′ W.
long.;
(104) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°18.60′ W.
long.;
(105) 44°58.05′ N. lat., 124°21.58′ W.
long.;
(106) 44°47.67′ N. lat., 124°31.41′ W.
long.;
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
(107) 44°44.55′ N. lat., 124°33.58′ W.
long.;
(108) 44°39.88′ N. lat., 124°35.01′ W.
long.;
(109) 44°32.90′ N. lat., 124°36.81′ W.
long.;
(110) 44°30.33′ N. lat., 124°38.56′ W.
long.;
(111) 44°30.04′ N. lat., 124°42.31′ W.
long.;
(112) 44°26.84′ N. lat., 124°44.91′ W.
long.;
(113) 44°17.99′ N. lat., 124°51.03′ W.
long.;
(114) 44°13.68′ N. lat., 124°56.38′ W.
long.;
(115) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°55.99′ W.
long.;
(116) 43°56.67′ N. lat., 124°55.45′ W.
long.;
(117) 43°56.47′ N. lat., 124°34.61′ W.
long.;
(118) 43°42.73′ N. lat., 124°32.41′ W.
long.;
(119) 43°30.93′ N. lat., 124°34.43′ W.
long.;
(120) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°39.39′ W.
long.;
(121) 43°17.45′ N. lat., 124°41.16′ W.
long.;
(122) 43°07.04′ N. lat., 124°41.25′ W.
long.;
(123) 43°03.45′ N. lat., 124°44.36′ W.
long.;
(124) 43°03.90′ N. lat., 124°50.81′ W.
long.;
(125) 42°55.70′ N. lat., 124°52.79′ W.
long.;
(126) 42°54.12′ N. lat., 124°47.36′ W.
long.;
(127) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°45.33′ W.
long.;
(128) 42°44.00′ N. lat., 124°42.38′ W.
long.;
(129) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°41.71′ W.
long.;
(130) 42°38.23′ N. lat., 124°41.25′ W.
long.;
(131) 42°33.03′ N. lat., 124°42.38′ W.
long.;
(132) 42°31.89′ N. lat., 124°42.04′ W.
long.;
(133) 42°30.09′ N. lat., 124°42.67′ W.
long.;
(134) 42°28.28′ N. lat., 124°47.08′ W.
long.;
(135) 42°25.22′ N. lat., 124°43.51′ W.
long.;
(136) 42°19.23′ N. lat., 124°37.92′ W.
long.;
(137) 42°16.29′ N. lat., 124°36.11′ W.
long.;
(138) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°35.81′ W.
long.;
(139) 42°05.66′ N. lat., 124°34.92′ W.
long.;
(140) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°35.27′ W.
long.;
(141) 41°47.04′ N. lat., 124°27.64′ W.
long.;
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
(142) 41°32.92′ N. lat., 124°28.79′ W.
long.;
(143) 41°24.17′ N. lat., 124°28.46′ W.
long.;
(144) 41°10.12′ N. lat., 124°20.50′ W.
long.;
(145) 40°51.41′ N. lat., 124°24.38′ W.
long.;
(146) 40°43.71′ N. lat., 124°29.89′ W.
long.;
(147) 40°40.14′ N. lat., 124°30.90′ W.
long.;
(148) 40°37.35′ N. lat., 124°29.05′ W.
long.;
(149) 40°34.76′ N. lat., 124°29.82′ W.
long.;
(150) 40°36.78′ N. lat., 124°37.06′ W.
long.;
(151) 40°32.44′ N. lat., 124°39.58′ W.
long.;
(152) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°38.13′ W.
long.;
(153) 40°24.82′ N. lat., 124°35.12′ W.
long.;
(154) 40°23.30′ N. lat., 124°31.60′ W.
long.;
(155) 40°23.52′ N. lat., 124°28.78′ W.
long.;
(156) 40°22.43′ N. lat., 124°25.00′ W.
long.;
(157) 40°21.72′ N. lat., 124°24.94′ W.
long.;
(158) 40°21.87′ N. lat., 124°27.96′ W.
long.;
(159) 40°21.40′ N. lat., 124°28.74′ W.
long.;
(160) 40°19.68′ N. lat., 124°28.49′ W.
long.;
(161) 40°17.73′ N. lat., 124°25.43′ W.
long.;
(162) 40°18.37′ N. lat., 124°23.35′ W.
long.;
(163) 40°15.75′ N. lat., 124°26.05′ W.
long.;
(164) 40°16.75′ N. lat., 124°33.71′ W.
long.;
(165) 40°16.29′ N. lat., 124°34.36′ W.
long.; and
(166) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°21.12′ W.
long.;
NMFS requests public comments on
the Pacific Council’s recommended
modifications to the Plan and the
proposed domestic fishing regulations.
The Area 2A TAC will be set by the
IPHC at its annual meeting on January
18–21, 2005, in Victoria, B.C. NMFS
requests comments on the proposed
changes to the Plan and domestic
fishing regulations after the annual
meeting but before 5pm local time on
March 16, 2005, so that the public will
have the opportunity to consider the
final Area 2A TAC before submitting
comments on the proposed changes.
The States of Washington and Oregon
will conduct public workshops shortly
after the IPHC meeting to obtain input
on the sport season dates. After the Area
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
6405
2A TAC is known and after NMFS
reviews public comments and
comments from the states, NMFS will
issue a final rule for the Area 2A Pacific
halibut fisheries concurrent with the
IPHC regulations for the 2005 Pacific
halibut fisheries.
Classification
NMFS has prepared an EA/RIR/IRFA
and a CE on the proposed changes to the
Plan and annual domestic Area 2A
halibut management measures. Copies
of these documents are available from
NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
NMFS prepared an IRFA that
describes the economic impact this
proposed rule, if adopted, would have
on small entities. A description of the
action, why it is being considered, and
the legal basis for this action are
contained at the beginning of this
section in the preamble and in the
SUMMARY section of the preamble. The
IRFA is available from NMFS (see
ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA
follows:
A fish-harvesting business is
considered a ‘‘small’’ business by the
Small Business Administration (SBA) if
it has annual receipts not in excess of
$3.5 million. For related fish-processing
businesses, a small business is one that
employs 500 or fewer persons. For
marinas and charter/party boats, a small
business is one with annual receipts not
in excess of $6.0 million. All of the
businesses that would be affected by
this action are considered small
businesses under SBA guidance.
The proposed changes to the Plan,
which allocates the catch of Pacific
halibut among users in Washington,
Oregon and California, would: (1) allow
remaining quota from Washington’s
south coast subarea to be used to
accommodate incidental catch in the
south coast nearshore fishery; (2) allow
quota projected to be unused to be
transferred from the Oregon’s central
coast subarea to another subarea south
of Leadbetter Point, WA; (3) revise the
season structure for Oregon’s all-depth
spring and summer sport fisheries; (4)
provide more flexibility for Oregon’s
inseason sport fishery management
(triggers for additional fishery openings
and bag limits in the all-depth summer
fishery); (5) revise the public
announcement process for the Oregon
all-depth summer sport fishery; (6)
revise the Columbia River subarea quota
contributions from Oregon/California;
(7) remove the minimum length
requirement in all subareas south of
Leadbetter Point, WA; (8) prohibit
retention of all groundfish, except
sablefish, in the Columbia River fishery
during all days and in the Central Coast
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
6406
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 24 / Monday, February 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules
fisheries during ‘‘all-depth’’ days; (9)
implement a closed area off Oregon’s
coast; and (10) revise all coordinates
from degrees minutes seconds to
degrees decimal minutes. These
proposed changes to the Plan for each
issue are intended to increase protection
for overfished groundfish within the
recreational halibut fisheries and to
allow Oregon anglers easier access to
their halibut quota. The flexible
inseason management provisions, the
fishery election process, and the
domestic management measures in Area
2A have essentially not changed since
2004, but are included in the proposed
rule to provide opportunity for public
notice and comment.
These changes to the Plan and annual
domestic Area 2A halibut management
measures are authorized under the
Pacific Halibut Act and implementing
regulations at 50 CFR 300.60–65.
The proposed changes to the Plan will
affect charter fishing operations that
operate off Oregon. The IPHC issued 138
licenses to the charterboat fleet in 2004,
approximately 52 of which were issued
to Oregon charterboat operators.
Specific data on the economics of
halibut charter operations is
unavailable. However, in January 2004
the Pacific States Marine Fisheries
Commission (PSMFC) reported that
there were about 150 charterboat vessels
operating in waters off Oregon in 2000.
Compared with the 52 IPHC charter
licenses issued to Oregon addresses in
2004, this estimate suggests that
approximately 35–percent of the Oregon
charterboat fleet participates in the
halibut fishery. The PSMFC has
developed preliminary estimates of the
annual revenues earned by this fleet and
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:09 Feb 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
they vary by size class of the vessels and
home state. In 2000, small Oregon
charterboat vessels had an average
annual revenue of about $7,000, an
average length of 23.4 feet (7.2 meters),
and typically carried six passengers. In
2000, medium Oregon charterboat
vessels had an average annual revenue
of $85,000, an average length of 41.4 feet
and typically carried 19 to 20
passengers. These data confirm that
Oregon charterboat vessels qualify as
small entities under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
The proposed changes to the Plan are
not expected to result in any significant
economic impacts for small entities. The
proposed sport management measures
for 2005 implement the Plan by
managing the recreational fishery to
meet the differing fishery needs of the
various areas along the coast according
to the Plan’s objectives. The EA/RIR/
IRFA for this action reviewed
alternatives including no action,
adopting a closed area on Stonewall
Bank, prohibiting groundfish retention
in the Columbia River and Oregon’s
Central coast areas, and removing the
minimum length requirement. The
preferred alternatives were to adopt
both a closed area on Stonewall Bank
and prohibit groundfish retention in the
Columbia River and Oregon’s Central
coast areas as well as removing the
minimum length requirement. There
were no alternatives that could have
similarly improved angler enjoyment of
and participation in the fisheries while
simultaneously protecting halibut and
co-occurring groundfish species from
overharvest. These changes do not
include any reporting or recordkeeping
requirements. These changes will also
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
not duplicate, overlap or conflict with
other laws or regulations.
This action has been determined to be
not significant for purposes of Executive
Order 12866.
Pursuant to Executive Order 13175,
the Secretary of Commerce recognizes
the sovereign status and co-manager role
of Indian tribes over shared Federal and
tribal fishery resources. At section
302(b)(5), the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act reserves a seat on the Pacific
Council for a representative of an Indian
tribe with federally recognized fishing
rights from California, Oregon,
Washington, or Idaho.
The U.S. government formally
recognizes that the 12 Washington
Tribes have treaty rights to fish for
Pacific halibut. In general terms, the
quantification of those rights is 50
percent of the harvestable surplus of
Pacific halibut available in the tribes’
usual and accustomed (U and A) fishing
areas (described at 50 CFR 300.64). Each
of the treaty tribes has the discretion to
administer their fisheries and to
establish their own policies to achieve
program objectives. Accordingly, tribal
allocations and regulations, including
the proposed changes to the Plan, have
been developed in consultation with the
affected tribe(s) and, insofar as possible,
with tribal consensus.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773–773k
Dated: February 1, 2005.
John Oliver,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Operations, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 05–2282 Filed 2–4–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM
07FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6395-6406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2282]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 300
[Docket No. 050125016-5016-01; I.D. 011805C]
RIN 0648-AS61
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to approve and implement changes to the
International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC) regulatory Area 2A
off Washington, Oregon, and California (Area 2A) Pacific Halibut Catch
Sharing Plan (Plan) to: allow remaining quota from Washington's south
coast subarea to be used to accommodate incidental catch in the south
coast nearshore fishery; allow quota projected to be unused to be
transferred from Oregon's central coast subarea to another subarea
south of Leadbetter Point, WA; revise the season structure for Oregon's
all-depth spring and summer sport fisheries; provide more flexibility
for Oregon's inseason sport fishery management (triggers for additional
fishery openings and bag limits in the all-depth summer fishery);
revise the public announcement process for Oregon's all-depth summer
sport fishery; revise the Columbia River subarea quota contributions
from Oregon/California; remove the minimum length requirement in all
subareas south of Leadbetter Point, WA; prohibit retention of all
groundfish, except sablefish, in Oregon's and possibly Washington's
Columbia River fishery on all days and in the Central Coast fisheries
on ``all-depth'' days; implement a closed area off Oregon's coast; and
revise all coordinates from degrees minutes seconds to degrees decimal
minutes. NMFS also proposes to revise the coordinates for the closed
area to Oregon's central coast recreational fishery and to non-treaty
commercial halibut fishing in Area 2A. NMFS is also proposing to
implement the portions of the Plan and management measures that are not
implemented through the IPHC, which includes the sport fishery
management measures for Area 2A, the flexible inseason management
provisions in Area 2A, fishery election in Area 2A,
[[Page 6396]]
and Area 2A non-treaty commercial fishery closed areas. These actions
are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut, to protect
yelloweye rockfish and other overfished groundfish species from
incidental catch in the halibut fisheries, and to provide greater
angler opportunity where available.
DATES: Comments on the proposed changes to the Plan and on the proposed
domestic Area 2A halibut management measures must be received no later
than 5 p.m., local time on March 16, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the Plan, Environmental Assessment (EA)/Regulatory
Impact Review (RIR)/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA),
and/or Categorical Exclusion (CE) are available from D. Robert Lohn,
Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE,
Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Electronic copies of the Plan, including
proposed changes for 2005, and of the draft EA/RIR/IRFA are also
available at the NMFS Northwest Region website: https://
www.nwr.noaa.gov, click on ``Pacific Halibut.''
You may submit comments on the proposed rule for the Plan and to
domestic Area 2A halibut management measures or supporting documents,
identified by [011805C], by any of the following methods:
E-mail: PHalibut2005.nwr@noaa.gov. Include the I.D. number
in the subject line of the message.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: D. Robert Lohn, Administrator, Northwest Region,
NMFS, Attn: Jamie Goen, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-0070.
Fax: 206-526-6736, Attn: Jamie Goen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamie Goen or Yvonne deReynier
(Northwest Region, NMFS), phone: 206-526-6150, fax: 206-526-6736 or e-
mail: jamie.goen@noaa.gov or yvonne.dereynier@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Northern Pacific Halibut Act (Halibut
Act) of 1982, at 16 U.S.C. 773c, gives the Secretary of Commerce
(Secretary) general responsibility for implementing the provisions of
the Halibut Convention between the United States and Canada (Halibut
Convention). It requires the Secretary to adopt regulations as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Halibut
Convention and the Halibut Act. Section 773c(c) of the Halibut Act
authorizes the Regional Fishery Management Councils to develop
regulations governing the Pacific halibut catch in their corresponding
U.S. Convention waters that are in addition to, but not in conflict
with, regulations of the IPHC. Each year between 1988 and 1995, the
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) developed a catch
sharing plan in accordance with the Halibut Act to allocate the total
allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific halibut between treaty Indian and non-
treaty harvesters and among non-treaty commercial and sport fisheries
in Area 2A.
In 1995, NMFS implemented the Pacific Council-recommended long-term
Plan (60 FR 14651, March 20, 1995). In each of the intervening years
between 1995 and the present, minor revisions to the Plan have been
made to adjust for the changing needs of the fisheries. The Plan
allocates 35 percent of the Area 2A TAC plus 25,000 lb (11.3 mt) to
Washington treaty Indian tribes in Subarea 2A-1 and 65 percent minus
25,000 lb (11.3 mt) to non-Indian fisheries in Area 2A. The allocation
to non-Indian fisheries is divided into three shares, with the
Washington sport fishery (north of the Columbia River) receiving 36.6
percent, the Oregon/California sport fishery receiving 31.7 percent,
and the commercial fishery receiving 31.7 percent. The commercial
fishery is further divided into a directed commercial fishery that is
allocated 85 percent of the commercial allocation and an incidental
catch in the salmon troll fishery that is allocated 15 percent of the
commercial allocation. The directed commercial fishery in Area 2A is
confined to southern Washington (south of 46[deg]53.30' N. lat.),
Oregon, and California. North of 46[deg]53.30' N. lat. (Pt. Chehalis),
the Plan allows for incidental halibut retention in the primary limited
entry longline sablefish fishery when the overall Area 2A TAC is above
900,000 lb (408.2 mt). The Plan also divides the sport fisheries into
seven geographic subareas, each with separate allocations, seasons, and
bag limits.
Pacific Council Recommended Changes to the Plan and Domestic Fishing
Regulations
Each year, the states (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)) and tribes
consider whether changes to the Plan are needed or desired by their
fishery participants. Fishery managers from the states hold public
meetings before both the September and November Pacific Council
meetings to get public input on revisions to the Plan. At the September
2004 Pacific Council meeting, the states recommended several changes to
the Plan and the tribes announced that they had no proposal for
revising the Plan in 2005. Following the meeting, the states again
reviewed their proposals with the public and drafted their recommended
revisions for review by the Pacific Council.
At its November 1-5, 2004, meeting in Portland, OR, the Pacific
Council considered the results of state-sponsored workshops on the
proposed changes to the Plan and public comments, and made the final
recommendations for modifications to the Plan as follows:
(1) Allow remaining quota from Washington's south coast subarea to
be used to accommodate incidental catch in the south coast nearshore
fishery.
(2) Revise the Columbia River subarea quota contributions from
Oregon/California to equal the amount of pounds contributed by
Washington.
(3) Remove the minimum length requirement in all subareas south of
Leadbetter Point, WA.
(4) Revise the season structure for Oregon's all-depth spring and
summer sport fisheries in Oregon's central coast subarea (Cape Falcon
to Humbug Mountain) from 2-days to 3-days by adding Thursdays to all
spring fishery openings after the initial fixed day openings and by
adding Sundays to all summer fishery openings.
(5) Provide more flexibility for Oregon's inseason sport fishery
management by adding triggers for additional fishery openings and bag
limits in the central coast all-depth summer fishery as follows: (a) if
after the first scheduled open period of the summer fishery, the
remaining central coast quota (combined all-depth and inside 40-fm (73-
m) fishery quotas) is 60,000 lbs (27.2 mt) or more, the fishery reopens
every Friday through Sunday until October 31 or quota attainment,
whichever is earlier; and (b) if after the third scheduled open period
of the summer fishery, the remaining central coast quota (combined all-
depth and inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery quotas) is 30,000 lbs (13.6 mt)
or more, the fishery reopens every Friday through Sunday until October
31 or quota attainment, whichever is earlier, and the bag limit would
increase to two fish per person per day.
(6) Prohibit the retention of all groundfish, except sablefish when
allowed by groundfish regulation, in the Columbia River fishery during
all days and in the Central Coast fisheries during ``all-depth'' days.
(7) Revise the public announcement process for the Oregon central
coast all-
[[Page 6397]]
depth summer sport fishery to allow inseason changes to transfer quota
and to change the fishery season dates based on the triggers mentioned
above to be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut
hotline (i.e., no Federal Register document would be required).
(8) Allow quota projected to be unused to be transferred from
Oregon's central coast subarea to another subarea south of Leadbetter
Point, WA.
(9) Implement a closed area to recreational halibut fishing off
Oregon's central coast on a portion of Stonewall Bank to protect
yelloweye rockfish, an overfished groundfish species. This closed area,
called a ``yelloweye rockfish conservation area,'' would be defined by
connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W. long.;
(2) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]23.63 W. long.;
(3) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]21.80 W. long.;
(4) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.10 W. long.;
(5) 44[deg]31.42 N. lat.; 124[deg]25.47 W. long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W.
long.
There is confusion over Pacific Council recommendation 6
(above) as to how it would apply to the Columbia River subarea, which
is shared by Washington and Oregon. Therefore, NMFS has requested that
the Pacific Council clarify this recommendation at the March 6-11,
2005, Pacific Council meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Council adopted a
recommendation for ``Sub-areas south of Leadbetter Point, Washington''
that stated ``No groundfish retention except sablefish allowed during
the all-depth fishery if halibut are on-board the vessel except south
of Humbug Mt.'' After the March meeting it became apparent that various
Council participants were confused as to exactly where this prohibition
would apply. Because of the introductory description (Sub-areas south
of Leadbetter Point, Washington), some thought it applied in the entire
Columbia River area and the Oregon Central Coast subarea. However,
others thought this would only apply off Oregon because it was
introduced by Oregon, it had not been discussed in Washington State
meetings with Washington fishermen, and because one purpose was to
allow dockside enforcement during the groundfish closure seaward of 40
fm (73 m), which only is in place off of Oregon. NMFS has concluded the
two possible ways to implement this provision in the Columbia River
subarea would be to apply the groundfish retention prohibition to all
halibut fishing in the Columbia River subarea or only to vessels that
land in Oregon.
Therefore, the Pacific Council will clarify its recommendation at
the March 2005 meeting, and the public comment period on this proposed
rule will end on March 16, 2005.
Proposed Changes to the Plan
In addition to the Pacific Council's recommendations, NMFS is
proposing to revise all coordinates in the Plan from degrees minutes
seconds to degrees decimal minutes in order to conform with U.S. Coast
Guard standards and the Pacific coast groundfish regulations. NMFS is
proposing to approve the Pacific Council recommendations and to
implement the above-described changes by making the following changes
to the Plan:
In section (d) of the Plan, Treaty Indian Fisheries, revise the
first sentence of the first paragraph to read as follows:
Except as provided above in (b)(2), 35 percent of the Area 2A TAC
is allocated to 12 treaty Indian tribes in subarea 2A-1, which includes
that portion of Area 2A north of Point Chehalis, WA (46[deg]53.30' N.
lat.) and east of 125[deg]44.00' W. long.
In section (e) of the Plan, Non-Indian Commercial Fisheries, revise
the third sentence of paragraph (2) to read as follows:
This fishery is confined to the area south of Subarea 2A-1 (south
of Point Chehalis, WA; 46[deg]53.30' N. lat.).
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise the second
sentence of paragraph (1)(i) to read as follows:
This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters east of the mouth of the
Sekiu River, as defined by a line extending from 48[deg]17.30' N. lat.,
124[deg]23.70' W. long. north to 48[deg]24.10' N. lat., 124[deg]23.70'
W. long., including Puget Sound.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise the second
sentence of paragraph (1)(ii) to read as follows:
This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters west of the mouth of the
Sekiu River, as defined above in paragraph (f)(1)(i), and north of the
Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.).
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise the last
sentence of paragraph (1)(ii) to read as follows:
A ``C-shaped'' yelloweye rockfish conservation area that is closed
to recreational groundfish and halibut fishing is defined by the
following coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W. long.;
(2) 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(3) 48[deg]11.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(4) 48[deg]11.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]11.00' W. long.;
(5) 48[deg]04.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]11.00' W. long.;
(6) 48[deg]04.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(7) 48[deg]00.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(8) 48[deg]00.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W. long.; and connecting
back to 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W.long.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise paragraph
(1)(iii) from the second sentence to the end of the paragraph to read
as follows:
This subarea is defined as waters south of the Queets River
(47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and north of Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N.
lat.). The structuring objective for this subarea is to maximize the
season length, while maintaining a quality fishing experience. The
fishery will open on May 1. If May 1 falls on a Friday or Saturday, the
fishery will open on the following Sunday. The fishery will be open
Sunday through Thursday in all areas, except where prohibited, and the
fishery will be open 7 days per week in the area from Queets River
south to 47[deg]00.00' N. lat. and east of 124[deg]40.00' W. long.
Beginning July 1, the halibut fishery will be open 7 days per week. The
fishery will continue until September 30, or until the quota is
achieved, whichever occurs first. Subsequent to this closure, if there
is insufficient quota remaining to reopen the entire subarea for
another fishing day, then any remaining quota may be used to
accommodate incidental catch in the nearshore area from Queets River
south to 47[deg]00.00' N. lat. and east of 124[deg]40.00' W. long. or
be transferred inseason to another Washington coastal subarea by NMFS
via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The daily bag limit
is one halibut per person, with no size limit.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise paragraph
(1)(iv) regarding the Columbia River subarea to read as follows:
This sport fishery subarea is allocated 2.0 percent of the first
130,845 lb (59.4 mt) allocated to the Washington sport fishery, and 4.0
percent of the Washington sport allocation between 130,845 lb (59.4 mt)
and 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) (except as provided in section (e)(3) of this
Plan). This subarea also is allocated from the Oregon/California sport
allocation the number of pounds equal to the Washington contribution.
Oregon's contribution will be 2.0 percent of the total Oregon/
[[Page 6398]]
California sport allocation. Any additional pounds needed to equal the
number of pounds contributed to the Columbia River subarea from the
Washington allocation will come from the Oregon Central Coast subarea
allocation. This subarea is defined as waters south of Leadbetter
Point, WA (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and north of Cape Falcon, OR
(45[deg]46.00' N. lat.). The fishery will open on May 1, and continue 7
days per week until the subquota is estimated to have been taken, or
September 30, whichever is earlier. Subsequent to this closure, if
there is insufficient quota remaining in the Columbia River subarea for
another fishing day, then any remaining quota may be transferred
inseason to another Washington and/or Oregon subarea by NMFS via an
update to the recreational halibut hotline. Any remaining state's quota
would be transferred to that state. The daily bag limit is one halibut
per person, with no size limit. [The following two options are being
considered. Option 1: No groundfish may be retained, except sablefish
when allowed by groundfish regulations, by anglers landing in Oregon if
halibut are on board the vessel; or option 2: No groundfish may be
retained, except sablefish when allowed by groundfish regulations, if
halibut are on board the vessel.]
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise paragraph
(1)(v) to read as follows:
This subarea extends from Cape Falcon (45[deg]46.00' N. lat.) to
Humbug Mountain, OR (42[deg]40.50' N. lat.) and is allocated 95.0
percent of the Oregon/California sport allocation minus any amount of
pounds needed to contribute to the Oregon portion of the Columbia River
subarea quota. The structuring objectives for this subarea are to
provide two periods of fishing opportunity in spring and in summer in
productive deeper water areas along the coast, principally for
charterboat and larger private boat anglers, and to provide a period of
fishing opportunity in the summer for nearshore waters for small boat
anglers. Fixed season dates will be established preseason for the
spring opening and will not be modified inseason except that the spring
opening may be modified inseason if the combined Oregon all-depth
spring and summer season total quotas are estimated to be achieved.
Recent year catch rates will be used as a guideline for estimating the
catch rate for the spring fishery each year. The number of fixed season
days established will be based on the projected catch per day with the
intent of not exceeding the subarea season quota. ODFW will monitor
landings and provide a post-season estimate of catch within one week of
the end of the fixed season. If sufficient catch remains for an
additional day of fishing after the spring season, openings will be
provided if possible in May - July. Potential additional open dates for
both the spring (May - July) and summer (August - October) seasons will
be announced preseason. If a decision is made inseason to allow fishing
on one or more such additional days, notice of the opening will be
announced on the NMFS hotline (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662-9825. No all-
depth halibut fishing will be allowed on the additional dates unless
the opening date has been announced on the NMFS hotline. Any poundage
remaining unharvested in the spring all-depth subquota will be added to
the summer all-depth sub-quota. Any poundage that is not needed to
extend the inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery through to October 31 will be
added to the summer all-depth season if it can be used, and any
poundage remaining unharvested from the summer all-depth fishery will
be added to the inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery subquota, if it can be
used. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, unless otherwise
specified, with no size limit. During days open to all-depth halibut
fishing, no groundfish may be retained, except sablefish when allowed
by groundfish regulations, if halibut are on board the vessel. A
yelloweye rockfish conservation area that is closed to recreational
halibut fishing is defined by the following coordinates in the order
listed:
(1) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W. long.;
(2) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]23.63 W. long.;
(3) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]21.80 W. long.;
(4) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.10 W. long.;
(5) 44[deg]31.42 N. lat.; 124[deg]25.47 W. long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W.
long.
ODFW will sponsor a public workshop shortly after the IPHC annual
meeting to develop recommendations to NMFS on the open dates for each
season each year. The three seasons for this subarea are as follows:
A. The first season opens on May 1, only in waters inside the 40-fm
(73-m) curve, and continues daily until the subquota (8 percent of the
subarea quota) is taken, or until October 31, whichever is earlier.
Poundage that is estimated to be above the amount needed to keep this
season open through October 31 will be transferred to the summer all-
depth fishery if it can be used. Any overage in the all-depth fisheries
would not affect achievement of allocation set aside for the inside 40-
fm (73-m) curve fishery.
B. The second season is an all-depth fishery with two potential
openings. The first opening begins on the second Thursday in May (if
the season is five more fishing days) or the second Friday in May (if
the season is four or fewer fishing days) and is allocated 69 percent
of the subarea quota. Fixed season dates for the first opening will be
established preseason based on projected catch per day and number of
days to achievement of the subquota for this season. The first opening
will be structured for two days per week (Friday and Saturday) if the
season is for four or fewer fishing days. The fishery will be
structured for three days per week (Thursday through Saturday) if the
season is for five or more fishing days. The fixed season dates will be
established preseason and will occur in consecutive weeks starting the
second Thursday in May (if the season is five or more fishing days) or
second Friday in May (if the season is four or fewer fishing days),
with exceptions to avoid adverse tidal conditions. If, following the
``fixed'' dates, quota for this season remains unharvested, a second
opening will be held. The fishery will be open every other week on
Thursday through Saturday except that week(s) could be skipped to avoid
adverse tidal conditions. The potential open Thursdays through
Saturdays will be identified preseason. The fishery will continue until
there is insufficient quota for an additional day of fishing or July
31, whichever occurs first. Any remaining quota will be added to the
summer quota. No inseason adjustments will be made to the established
fixed season unless the combined Oregon all-depth spring and summer
season total subquotas are estimated to be achieved.
C. The last season is an all-depth fishery that begins on the first
Friday in August and is allocated 23 percent of the subarea quota. The
fishery will be structured to be open every other week on Friday
through Sunday except that week(s) could be skipped to avoid adverse
tidal conditions. The potential open Fridays through Sundays will be
identified preseason. If after the first scheduled open period, the
remaining Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain entire season quota (combined
all-depth and inside 40-fm (73-m) quotas) is 60,000 lb (27.2 mt) or
more, the fishery will re-open on every Friday through Sunday (versus
every other weekend), if determined to be appropriate through joint
consultation between IPHC, NMFS, and ODFW. Any excess quota projected
[[Page 6399]]
to remain after the needs of the inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery are met
would be transferred into the remaining all-depth quota. The inseason
action will be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational
halibut hotline. If after the third scheduled open period, the
remaining Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain entire season quota (combined
all-depth and inside 40-fm (73-m) quotas) is 30,000 lb (13.6 mt) or
more, the fishery will re-open on every Friday through Sunday (versus
every other weekend), if determined to be appropriate through joint
consultation between IPHC, NMFS, and ODFW. Under this provision, after
the third scheduled open period, the bag limit would be two fish per
person, with no size limit. Any excess quota projected to remain after
the needs of the inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery are met would be
transferred into the remaining all-depth quota. The inseason action
will be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut
hotline. The fishery will continue until there is insufficient quota
for an additional day of fishing or October 31, whichever occurs first.
Any remaining quota will be transferred to the fishery inside the 40-fm
(73-m) curve, if needed. If inseason it is determined that the combined
all-depth and inside 40-fm (73-m) fisheries will not harvest the entire
quota to the subarea, quota may be transferred inseason to another
subarea south of Leadbetter Point, WA, by NMFS via an update to the
recreational halibut hotline.
In section (f) of the Plan, Sport Fisheries, revise the second
through fourth sentences in paragraph (1)(vi) to read as follows:
This area is defined as the area south of Humbug Mountain, OR
(42[deg]40.50' N. lat.), including California waters. The structuring
objective for this subarea is to provide anglers the opportunity to
fish in a continuous, fixed season that is open from May 1 through
October 31. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with no size
limit.
Proposed 2005 Sport Fishery Management Measures
NMFS is proposing sport fishery management measures that are
necessary to implement the Plan in 2005. The 2005 TAC for Area 2A will
be determined by the IPHC at its annual meeting on January 18-21, 2005,
in Victoria, B.C. Because the 2005 TAC has not yet been determined,
these proposed sport fishery management measures use the IPHC's
preliminary 2005 Area 2A TAC recommendation of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt),
which is lower than the 2004 TAC of 1,480,000 lb (671 mt). The proposed
2005 sport fishery regulations based on the preliminary 2005 Area 2A
TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) are as follows:
Washington Inside Waters Subarea
This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters east of the mouth of the
Sekiu River, as defined by a line extending from 48[deg]17.30' N. lat.,
124[deg]23.70' W. long. north to 48[deg]24.10' N. lat., 124[deg]23.70'
W. long., including Puget Sound. This subarea would be allocated 64,800
lb (29 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in accordance
with the Plan. According to the Plan, the structuring objective for
this subarea is to provide a stable sport fishing opportunity and to
maximize the season length. For the 2005 fishing season, the fishery in
this subarea would be set to meet the structuring objectives described
in the Plan. The final determination of the season dates would be based
on the allowable harvest level and projected 2005 catch rates after the
2005 TAC is set by the IPHC. The daily bag limit would be one halibut
of any size per day, per person.
Washington North Coast Subarea
This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters west of the mouth of the
Sekiu River and north of the Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.). This
subarea would be allocated 115,437 lb (52 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of
1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in accordance with the Plan. According to the
Plan, the management objective for this subarea is to provide a quality
recreational fishing opportunity during May and the latter part of
June. The fishery opens on the first Tuesday between May 9 and May 15
(May 10 in 2005), and continues 5 days per week (Tuesday through
Saturday) until 72 percent of the quota for the subarea has been taken,
83,115 lb (38 mt), and the season is closed by the IPHC. The fishery
will re-open during the third week in June and continue Tuesday through
Saturday until the overall quota for the subarea is taken and the
season is closed by the IPHC. The daily bag limit would be one halibut
of any size per day per person. A portion of this subarea would be
closed to sport fishing for halibut as a yelloweye rockfish
conservation area bounded by the following coordinates:
(1) 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W. long.;
(2) 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(3) 48[deg]11.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(4) 48[deg]11.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]11.00' W. long.;
(5) 48[deg]04.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]11.00' W. long.;
(6) 48[deg]04.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(7) 48[deg]00.00' N. lat.; 124[deg]59.00' W. long.;
(8) 48[deg]00.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W. long.;
(9) and connecting back to 48[deg]18.00' N. lat.; 125[deg]18.00' W.
long.
Washington South Coast Subarea
This subarea is defined as waters south of the Queets River
(47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and north of Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N.
lat.). This subarea would be allocated 50,146 lb (23 mt)at an Area 2A
TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in accordance with the Plan. According to
the Plan, the structuring objective for this subarea is to maximize the
season length, while maintaining a quality fishing experience. The
fishery would open on May 1 and continue five days per week (Sunday
through Thursday) until September 30, or until the quota is achieved,
and the fishery is closed by the IPHC, whichever occurs first. The
fishery would be open Sunday through Thursday in all areas, except
where prohibited, and the fishery will be open seven days per week in
the area from the Queets River, WA south to 47[deg]00.00' N. lat. and
east of 124[deg]40.00' W. long. Beginning July 1, the halibut fishery
opens seven days per week in the offshore and nearshore fisheries until
September 30, or until the quota is achieved and the fishery is closed
by the IPHC, whichever occurs first. New for 2005, if there is
insufficient quota to reopen the entire south coast subarea for another
fishing day, then any remaining quota may be transferred to the
nearshore area from the Queets River, WA south to 47[deg]00.00' N. lat.
and east of 124[deg]40.00' W. long. to accommodate incidental catch in
that fishery. The daily bag limit would be one halibut of any size per
day, per person.
Columbia River Subarea
This subarea is defined as waters south of Leadbetter Point, WA
(46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and north of Cape Falcon, OR (45[deg]46.00' N.
lat.). This subarea would be allocated 13,747 lb (6 mt) at an Area 2A
TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603 mt) in accordance with the Plan. New for 2005,
language will be added to the Plan to increase the number of pounds
contributed to this subarea from Oregon/California to match the number
contributed by Washington. To reach this matching number of pounds,
Oregon will contribute pounds from its Central Coast subarea, as
needed, in addition to the 2 percent from the Oregon/California sport
allocation. If
[[Page 6400]]
there is insufficient quota for another fishing day after closure of
the subarea, any remaining state's quota would be transferred to that
state. The fishery would open on May 1 and continue 7 days per week
until the subarea quota is reached and the fishery is closed by the
IPHC or September 30, whichever occurs first. Also new for 2005, the
minimum length requirement for halibut in this subarea will be removed.
Therefore, the daily bag limit would be one halibut of any size per
day, per person.
In addition, as explained in the section of this proposed rule's
preamble on ``Pacific Council recommended changes to the Plan and
domestic fishing regulations,'' there are two options being considered
for groundfish retention in this subarea. Under Option 1 no groundfish
may be retained, except sablefish when allowed by groundfish
regulations, by anglers landing in Oregon if halibut are on board the
vessel. Under Option 2 no groundfish may be retained, except sablefish
when allowed by groundfish regulations, if halibut are on board the
vessel.
Oregon Central Coast Subarea
This subarea extends from Cape Falcon (45[deg]46.00' N. lat.) to
Humbug Mountain, OR (42[deg]40.50' N. lat.). This subarea would be
allocated 251,264 lb (114 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb (603
mt) in accordance with the Plan. As mentioned in the Columbia River
subarea, the Oregon Central Coast fishery will contribute quota pounds
to the Columbia River subarea to allow the Oregon/California
contribution to match the Washington contribution. Thus, for 2005, the
Central Coast allocation will be 95 percent of the Oregon/California
sport allocation minus the amount of pounds needed to contribute to the
Oregon portion of the Columbia River subarea quota. The structuring
objectives for this subarea are to provide two periods of fishing
opportunity in spring (May-June) and in summer (August-October) in
productive deeper water areas along the coast, principally for
charterboat and larger private boat anglers, and to provide a period of
fishing opportunity during the summer in nearshore waters for small
boat anglers.
The central coast restricted depth fishery, or ``inside 40-fm (73-
m)'' fishery, which occurs inside of a boundary line approximating the
40-fm (73-m) depth contour, would be allocated 20,101 lb (9 mt),
starting May 1 through October 31 (seven days per week) or until the
allocated subquota is attained, whichever occurs first. New for 2005,
all groundfish, except sablefish when allowed by groundfish regulation,
may not be retained in the inside 40-fm (73-m) fishery if halibut are
onboard the vessel during days open to all-depth fishing. Proposed
coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 40-fm (73-m) depth
contour between 45[deg]46.00' N. lat. and 42[deg]40.50' N. lat. are
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the
order stated:
(1) 45[deg]46.00' N. lat., 124[deg]04.49' W. long.;
(2) 45[deg]44.34' N. lat., 124[deg]05.09' W. long.;
(3) 45[deg]40.64' N. lat., 124[deg]04.90' W. long.;
(4) 45[deg]33.00' N. lat., 124[deg]04.46' W. long.;
(5) 45[deg]32.27' N. lat., 124[deg]04.74' W. long.;
(6) 45[deg]29.26' N. lat., 124[deg]04.22' W. long.;
(7) 45[deg]20.25' N. lat., 124[deg]04.67' W. long.;
(8) 45[deg]19.99' N. lat., 124[deg]04.62' W. long.;
(9) 45[deg]17.50' N. lat., 124[deg]04.91' W. long.;
(10) 45[deg]11.29' N. lat., 124[deg]05.19' W. long.;
(11) 45[deg]05.79' N. lat., 124[deg]05.40' W. long.;
(12) 45[deg]05.07' N. lat., 124[deg]05.93' W. long.;
(13) 45[deg]03.83' N. lat., 124[deg]06.47' W. long.;
(14) 45[deg]01.70' N. lat., 124[deg]06.53' W. long.;
(15) 44[deg]58.75' N. lat., 124[deg]07.14' W. long.;
(16) 44[deg]51.28' N. lat., 124[deg]10.21' W. long.;
(17) 44[deg]49.49' N. lat., 124[deg]10.89' W. long.;
(18) 44[deg]44.96' N. lat., 124[deg]14.39' W. long.;
(19) 44[deg]43.44' N. lat., 124[deg]14.78' W. long.;
(20) 44[deg]42.27' N. lat., 124[deg]13.81' W. long.;
(21) 44[deg]41.68' N. lat., 124[deg]15.38' W. long.;
(22) 44[deg]34.87' N. lat., 124[deg]15.80' W. long.;
(23) 44[deg]33.74' N. lat., 124[deg]14.43' W. long.;
(24) 44[deg]27.66' N. lat., 124[deg]16.99' W. long.;
(25) 44[deg]19.13' N. lat., 124[deg]19.22' W. long.;
(26) 44[deg]15.35' N. lat., 124[deg]17.37' W. long.;
(27) 44[deg]14.38' N. lat., 124[deg]17.78' W. long.;
(28) 44[deg]12.80' N. lat., 124[deg]17.18' W. long.;
(29) 44[deg]09.23' N. lat., 124[deg]15.96' W. long.;
(30) 44[deg]08.38' N. lat., 124[deg]16.80' W. long.;
(31) 44[deg]08.30' N. lat., 124[deg]16.75' W. long.;
(32) 44[deg]01.18' N. lat., 124[deg]15.42' W. long.;
(33) 43[deg]51.60' N. lat., 124[deg]14.68' W. long.;
(34) 43[deg]42.66' N. lat., 124[deg]15.46' W. long.;
(35) 43[deg]40.49' N. lat., 124[deg]15.74' W. long.;
(36) 43[deg]38.77' N. lat., 124[deg]15.64' W. long.;
(37) 43[deg]34.52' N. lat., 124[deg]16.73' W. long.;
(38) 43[deg]28.82' N. lat., 124[deg]19.52' W. long.;
(39) 43[deg]23.91' N. lat., 124[deg]24.28' W. long.;
(40) 43[deg]20.83' N. lat., 124[deg]26.63' W. long.;
(41) 43[deg]17.96' N. lat., 124[deg]28.81' W. long.;
(42) 43[deg]16.75' N. lat., 124[deg]28.42' W. long.;
(43) 43[deg]13.98' N. lat., 124[deg]31.99' W. long.;
(44) 43[deg]13.71' N. lat., 124[deg]33.25' W. long.;
(45) 43[deg]12.26' N. lat., 124[deg]34.16' W. long.;
(46) 43[deg]10.96' N. lat., 124[deg]32.34' W. long.;
(47) 43[deg]05.65' N. lat., 124[deg]31.52' W. long.;
(48) 42[deg]59.66' N. lat., 124[deg]32.58' W. long.;
(49) 42[deg]54.97' N. lat., 124[deg]36.99' W. long.;
(50) 42[deg]53.81' N. lat., 124[deg]38.58' W. long.;
(51) 42[deg]50.00' N. lat., 124[deg]39.68' W. long.;
(52) 42[deg]49.14' N. lat., 124[deg]39.92' W. long.;
(53) 42[deg]46.47' N. lat., 124[deg]38.65' W. long.;
(54) 42[deg]45.60' N. lat., 124[deg]39.04' W. long.;
(55) 42[deg]44.79' N. lat., 124[deg]37.96' W. long.;
(56) 42[deg]45.00' N. lat., 124[deg]36.39' W. long.;
(57) 42[deg]44.14' N. lat., 124[deg]35.16' W. long.;
(58) 42[deg]42.15' N. lat., 124[deg]32.82' W. long.;
(59) 42[deg]40.50' N. lat., 124[deg]31.98' W. long.; and
(60) 42[deg]38.82' N. lat., 124[deg]31.09' W. long.
If NMFS changes this boundary for recreational groundfish fishing
by an inseason action to the Pacific Coast groundfish regulations
during the year to protect overfished groundfish species, NMFS will
also publish a separate inseason action in the Federal Register to
change nearshore recreational halibut regulations for this subarea to
mirror the
[[Page 6401]]
groundfish closure. Language will also be added to the sport management
measures for 2005 such that, in times when the all-depth halibut
fishery is closed and halibut fishing is permitted only inshore of a
boundary line approximating the 40-fm (73-m) depth contour, halibut
possession and retention by vessels operating offshore of 40-fm (73-m)
would be prohibited.
The spring all-depth season would be allocated 173,372 lb (79 mt).
Based on an observed catch per day trend in this fishery in recent
years, an estimated 10,000 - 30,000 lb (5 - 14 mt) would be caught per
day in 2005, resulting in a 5 to 17-day fixed season. In accordance
with the Plan, the season would open on Thursday, May 12 and continue
on Thursdays through Saturdays through the fixed dates, with exceptions
to avoid adverse tidal conditions. The fixed dates will be set in
spring 2005 after the IPHC sets the final Area 2A TAC and after ODFW
holds public meetings. After the fixed date season, potential
additional fishing days for remaining quota in 2005 are structured
differently than in previous years. For 2005, if additional quota
remains after the fixed season, a second opening would be held for the
spring fishery. The second opening would be on every other week on
Thursday through Saturday except that week(s) could be skipped to avoid
adverse tidal conditions. For 2005, the weeks to be skipped due to
adverse tidal conditions in either the first or second spring opener
may include May 26 - 28, June 23 - 25 and July 21 - 23. Final
determination of the week(s) that may be skipped due to adverse tidal
conditions will occur after the 2005 TAC has been set by the IPHC and
after ODFW's late January/early February public meeting. If a decision
is made inseason by NMFS to allow fishing in the potential spring
season, notice of an opening will be announced on the NMFS hotline,
(206)526-6667 or (800)662-9825. No halibut fishing will be allowed on
the reopening dates unless the date is announced on the NMFS hotline.
The second spring season would continue until there is insufficient
quota for an additional fishing day or until July 31, whichever occurs
first. Also new for 2005, all groundfish, except sablefish when allowed
by groundfish regulation, may not be retained if halibut are onboard
the vessel during days open to all-depth fishing. In addition, a new
yelloweye rockfish conservation area off Oregon will be closed to
recreational halibut fishing and is defined by the following
coordinates:
(1) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W. long.;
(2) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]23.63 W. long.;
(3) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]21.80 W. long.;
(4) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.10 W. long.;
(5) 44[deg]31.42 N. lat.; 124[deg]25.47 W. long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W.
long.
The summer all-depth fishery would be allocated 57,791 lb (26 mt),
and would open on Friday, August 5. New for 2005, this fishery's season
will be restructured from being open every other week on Friday and
Saturday to every other week on Friday through Sunday, except that
week(s) may be skipped for adverse tidal conditions. For 2005, no
adverse tidal conditions are predicted to occur during the August
through October period. Final determination of the week(s) that may be
skipped due to adverse tidal conditions will occur after the 2005 TAC
has been set by the IPHC and after ODFW's late January/early February
public meeting. Also new for 2005, additional fishing days may be
opened if a certain amount of quota remains after the first and third
scheduled open periods for the summer all-depth fishery in this
subarea. If after the first opener, greater than or equal to 60,000 lbs
(27.2 mt) remains in the combined all-depth and inside 40-fm (73-m)
quota, the fishery may re-open on every Friday through Sunday (versus
every other Friday through Sunday). If after the third opener, greater
than or equal to 30,000 lbs (13.6 mt) remains in the combined all-depth
and inside 40-fm (73-m) quota, the fishery may re-open on every Friday
through Sunday and the bag limit would be two fish of any size per
person, per day. NMFS will announce on the NMFS hotline whether the
summer all-depth fishery will be open on such additional fishing days
and what days will comprise such opening. Any inseason adjustments will
also be announced on the NMFS hotline. No halibut fishing will be
allowed in the summer all-depth fishery unless the dates are announced
on the NMFS hotline. The summer all-depth fishery would continue until
there is insufficient quota for an additional fishing day and the
fishery is closed by the IPHC or until October 31, whichever occurs
first. Any remaining quota would be added to the quota for the fishery
inside 40-fm (73-m), if needed. Also new for 2005, language will be
added to the Plan to allow for any remaining quota that the all-depth
and inside 40-fm (73-m) fisheries are not projected to attain in this
subarea to be transferred inseason to another subarea south of
Leadbetter Point, WA, via an update to the halibut hotline. For 2005,
all groundfish, except sablefish when allowed by groundfish regulation,
may not be retained if halibut are onboard the vessel during days open
to all-depth fishing. In addition, a new yelloweye rockfish
conservation area off Oregon will be closed to recreational halibut
fishing and is defined by the following coordinates:
(1) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W. long.;
(2) 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]23.63 W. long.;
(3) 44[deg]28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg] 21.80 W. long.;
(4) 44[deg] 28.71 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.10 W. long.;
(5) 44[deg]31.42 N. lat.; 124[deg]25.47 W. long.;
(6) and connecting back to 44[deg]37.46 N. lat.; 124[deg]24.92 W.
long.
The final determination of the season dates will be based on the
allowable harvest level, projected catch rates, and recommendations
developed in a public workshop sponsored by ODFW in late January/early
February after the 2005 TAC has been set by the IPHC. Also new for
2005, the minimum length requirement for halibut in this subarea will
be removed. Therefore, the daily bag limit would be one halibut, unless
otherwise specified, of any size per day, per person.
Humbug Mountain, OR through California Subarea
This area is defined as the area south of Humbug Mountain, OR
(42[deg]40.50' N. lat.), including California waters. This subarea
would be allocated 7,984 lb (3.6 mt) at an Area 2A TAC of 1,330,000 lb
(603 mt) in accordance with the Plan. The proposed 2005 sport season
for this subarea would be the same as last year, with a May 1 opening
and continuing seven days per week, until October 31. New for 2005, the
minimum length requirement for halibut in this subarea will be removed.
Therefore, the daily bag limit would be one halibut of any size per
day, per person.
Flexible Inseason Management Provisions in Area 2A
The flexible inseason management provisions in Area 2A have not
changed since 2004, but are republished here to provide opportunity for
public comment. Section 25 of the annual halibut management measures
published in the Federal Register and section (f)(5) of the Plan will
read as follows:
(1) The Regional Administrator, NMFS Northwest Region, after
consultation with the Chairman of the
[[Page 6402]]
Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Commission Executive Director,
and the Fisheries Director(s) of the affected state(s), or their
designees, is authorized to modify regulations during the season after
making the following determinations.
(a) The action is necessary to allow allocation objectives to be
met.
(b) The action will not result in exceeding the catch limit for the
area.
(c) If any of the sport fishery subareas north of Cape Falcon, OR
are not projected to utilize their respective quotas by September 30,
NMFS may take inseason action to transfer any projected unused quota to
another Washington sport subarea.
(d) If any of the sport fishery subareas south of Leadbetter Point,
WA are not projected to utilize their respective quotas by their season
ending dates, NMFS may take inseason action to transfer any projected
unused quota to another Oregon sport subarea.
(2) Flexible inseason management provisions include, but are not
limited to, the following:
(a) Modification of sport fishing periods;
(b) Modification of sport fishing bag limits;
(c) Modification of sport fishing size limits;
(d) Modification of sport fishing days per calendar week; and
(e) Modification of subarea quotas north of Cape Falcon, OR.
(3) Notice procedures.
(a) Actions taken under this section will be published in the
Federal Register.
(b) Actual notice of inseason management actions will be provided
by a telephone hotline administered by the Northwest Region, NMFS, at
206-526-6667 or 800-662-9825 (May through October) and by U.S. Coast
Guard broadcasts. These broadcasts are announced on Channel 16 VHF-FM
and 2182 kHz at frequent intervals. The announcements designate the
channel or frequency over which the notice to mariners will be
immediately broadcast. Since provisions of these regulations may be
altered by inseason actions, sport fishers should monitor either the
telephone hotline or U.S. Coast Guard broadcasts for current
information for the area in which they are fishing.
(4) Effective dates.
(a) Any action issued under this section is effective on the date
specified in the publication or at the time that the action is filed
for public inspection with the Office of the Federal Register,
whichever is later.
(b) If time allows, NMFS will invite public comment prior to the
effective date of any inseason action filed with the Federal Register.
If the Regional Administrator determines, for good cause, that an
inseason action must be filed without affording a prior opportunity for
public comment, public comments will be received for a period of 15
days after publication of the action in the Federal Register.
(c) Any inseason action issued under this section will remain in
effect until the stated expiration date or until rescinded, modified,
or superseded. However, no inseason action has any effect beyond the
end of the calendar year in which it is issued.
(5) Availability of data. The Regional Administrator will compile,
in aggregate form, all data and other information relevant to the
action being taken and will make them available for public review
during normal office hours at the Northwest Regional Office, NMFS,
Sustainable Fisheries Division, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA.
Fishery Election in Area 2A
The fishery election process in Area 2A has not changed since 2004,
except to update the reference to the sablefish regulations at 50 CFR
660.372 in paragraph (1)(b). The management measures are republished
here to provide opportunity for public comment. Section 26 of the
annual halibut management measures published in the Federal Register
will continue to read as follows:
(1) A vessel that fishes in Area 2A may participate in only one of
the following three fisheries in Area 2A:
(a) The sport fishery under Section 24;
(b) The commercial directed fishery for halibut during the fishing
period(s) established in Section 8 and/or the incidental retention of
halibut during the primary sablefish fishery described at 50 CFR
660.372; or
(c) The incidental catch fishery during the salmon troll fishery as
authorized in Section 8.
(2) No person shall fish for halibut in the sport fishery in Area
2A under Section 24 from a vessel that has been used during the same
calendar year for commercial halibut fishing in Area 2A or that has
been issued a permit for the same calendar year for the commercial
halibut fishery in Area 2A.
(3) No person shall fish for halibut in the directed halibut
fishery during the fishing periods established in Section 8 and/or
retain halibut incidentally taken in the primary sablefish fishery in
Area 2A from a vessel that has been used during the same calendar year
for the incidental catch fishery during the salmon troll fishery as
authorized in Section 8.
(4) No person shall fish for halibut in the directed commercial
halibut fishery and/or retain halibut incidentally taken in the primary
sablefish fishery in Area 2A from a vessel that, during the same
calendar year, has been used in the sport halibut fishery in Area 2A or
that is licensed for the sport charter halibut fishery in Area 2A.
(5) No person shall retain halibut in the salmon troll fishery in
Area 2A as authorized under Section 8 taken on a vessel that, during
the same calendar year, has been used in the sport halibut fishery in
Area 2A, or that is licensed for the sport charter halibut fishery in
Area 2A.
(6) No person shall retain halibut in the salmon troll fishery in
Area 2A as authorized under Section 8 taken on a vessel that, during
the same calendar year, has been used in the directed commercial
fishery during the fishing periods established in Section 8 and/or
retain halibut incidentally taken in the primary sablefish fishery for
Area 2A or that is licensed to participate in these commercial
fisheries during the fishing periods established in Section 8 in Area
2A.
Area 2A Non-Treaty Commercial Fishery Closed Area
Similar to 2003 and 2004, large closed areas will apply to
commercial vessels operating in the directed non-treaty commercial
fishery for halibut in Area 2A. Some coordinates for the closed areas
have changed slightly from 2004. For 2005, section 27 of the annual
halibut management measures will read as follows:
Non-treaty commercial vessels operating in the directed commercial
fishery for halibut in Area 2A are required to fish outside of a closed
area, known as the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA), that extends along
the coast from the U.S./Canada border south to 40[deg]10' N. lat.
Coordinates for the specific closed area boundaries are as follows:
(1) Between the U.S./Canada border and 46[deg]16' N. lat., the
eastern boundary of the RCA is the shoreline.
(2) Between 46[deg]16' N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat., the RCA is
defined along an eastern, inshore boundary approximating 30-fm (55-m).
Between 46[deg]16' N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat., the eastern boundary
for the RCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 46[deg]16.00' N. lat., 124[deg]13.05' W. long.;
(2) 46[deg]07.00' N. lat., 124[deg]07.01' W. long.;
(3) 45[deg]55.95' N. lat., 124[deg]02.23' W. long.;
[[Page 6403]]
(4) 45[deg]54.53' N. lat., 124[deg]02.57' W. long.;
(5) 45[deg]50.65' N. lat., 124[deg]01.62' W. long.;
(6) 45[deg]48.20' N. lat., 124[deg]02.16' W. long.;
(7) 45[deg]46.00' N. lat., 124[deg]01.86' W. long.;
(8) 45[deg]43.47' N. lat., 124[deg]01.28' W. long.;
(9) 45[deg]40.48' N. lat., 124[deg]01.03' W. long.;
(10) 45[deg]39.04' N. lat., 124[deg]01.68' W. long.;
(11) 45[deg]35.48' N. lat., 124[deg]01.89' W. long.;
(12) 45[deg]29.81' N. lat., 124[deg]02.45' W. long.;
(13) 45[deg]27.96' N. lat., 124[deg]01.89' W. long.;
(14) 45[deg]27.22' N. lat., 124[deg]02.67' W. long.;
(15) 45[deg]24.20' N. lat., 124[deg]02.94' W. long.;
(16) 45[deg]20.60' N. lat., 124[deg]01.74' W. long.;
(17) 45[deg]20.25' N. lat., 124[deg]01.85' W. long.;
(18) 45[deg]16.44' N. lat., 124[deg]03.22' W. long.;
(19) 45[deg]13.63' N. lat., 124[deg]02.70' W. long.;
(20) 45[deg]11.04' N. lat., 124[deg]03.59' W. long.;
(21) 45[deg]08.55' N. lat., 124[deg]03.47' W. long.;
(22) 45[deg]02.82' N. lat., 124[deg]04.64' W. long.;
(23) 45[deg]03.38' N. lat., 124[deg]04.79' W. long.;
(24) 44[deg]58.06' N. lat., 124[deg]05.03' W. long.;
(25) 44[deg]53.97' N. lat., 124[deg]06.92' W. long.;
(26) 44[deg]48.89' N. lat., 124[deg]07.04' W. long.;
(27) 44[deg]46.94' N. lat., 124[deg]08.25' W. long.;
(28) 44[deg]42.72' N. lat., 124[deg]08.98' W. long.;
(29) 44[deg]38.16' N. lat., 124[deg]11.48' W. long.;
(30) 44[deg]33.38' N. lat., 124[deg]11.54' W. long.;
(31) 44[deg]28.51' N. lat., 124[deg]12.03' W. long.;
(32) 44[deg]27.65' N. lat., 124[deg]12.56' W. long.;
(33) 44[deg]19.67' N. lat., 124[deg]12.37' W. long.;
(34) 44[deg]10.79' N. lat., 124[deg]12.22' W. long.;
(35) 44[deg]09.22' N. lat., 124[deg]12.28' W. long.;
(36) 44[deg]08.30' N. lat., 124[deg]12.30' W. long.;
(37) 44[deg]00.22' N. lat., 124[deg]12.80' W. long.;
(38) 43[deg]51.56' N. lat., 124[deg]13.17' W. long.;
(39) 43[deg]44.26' N. lat., 124[deg]14.50' W. long.;
(40) 43[deg]33.82' N. lat., 124[deg]16.28' W. long.;
(41) 43[deg]28.66' N. lat., 124[deg]18.72' W. long.;
(42) 43[deg]23.12' N. lat., 124[deg]24.04' W. long.;
(43) 43[deg]20.83' N. lat., 124[deg]25.67' W. long.;
(44) 43[deg]20.49' N. lat., 124[deg]25.90' W. long.;
(45) 43[deg]16.41' N. lat., 124[deg]27.52' W. long.;
(46) 43[deg]14.23' N. lat., 124[deg]29.28' W. long.;
(47) 43[deg]14.03' N. lat., 124[deg]28.31' W. long.;
(48) 43[deg]11.92' N. lat., 124[deg]28.26' W. long.;
(49) 43[deg]11.02' N. lat., 124[deg]29.11' W. long.;
(50) 43[deg]10.13' N. lat., 124[deg]29.15' W. long.;
(51) 43[deg]09.27' N. lat., 124[deg]31.03' W. long.;
(52) 43[deg]07.73' N. lat., 124[deg]30.92' W. long.;
(53) 43[deg]05.93' N. lat., 124[deg]29.64' W. long.;
(54) 43[deg]01.59' N. lat., 124[deg]30.64' W. long.;
(55) 42[deg]59.73' N. lat., 124[deg]31.16' W. long.;
(56) 42[deg]53.75' N. lat., 124[deg]36.09' W. long.;
(57) 42[deg]50.00' N. lat., 124[deg]38.39' W. long.;
(58) 42[deg]49.37' N. lat., 124[deg]38.81' W. long.;
(59) 42[deg]46.42' N. lat., 124[deg]37.69' W. long.;
(60) 42[deg]46.07' N. lat., 124[deg]38.56' W. long.;
(61) 42[deg]45.29' N. lat., 124[deg]37.95' W. long.;
(62) 42[deg]45.61' N. lat., 124[deg]36.87' W. long.;
(63) 42[deg]44.28' N. lat., 124[deg]33.64' W. long.;
(64) 42[deg]42.75' N. lat., 124[deg]31.84' W. long.;
(65) 42[deg]40.50' N. lat., 124[deg]29.67' W. long.;
(66) 42[deg]40.04' N. lat., 124[deg]29.19' W. long.;
(67) 42[deg]38.09' N. lat., 124[deg]28.39' W. long.;
(68) 42[deg]36.72' N. lat., 124[deg]27.54' W. long.;
(69) 42[deg]36.56' N. lat., 124[deg]28.40' W. long.;
(70) 42[deg]35.76' N. lat., 124[deg]28.79' W. long.;
(71) 42[deg]34.03' N. lat., 124[deg]29.98' W. long.;
(72) 42[deg]34.19' N. lat., 124[deg]30.58' W. long.;
(73) 42[deg]31.27' N. lat., 124[deg]32.24' W. long.;
(74) 42[deg]27.07' N. lat., 124[deg]32.53' W. long.;
(75) 42[deg]24.21' N. lat., 124[deg]31.23' W. long.;
(76) 42[deg]20.47' N. lat., 124[deg]28.87' W. long.;
(77) 42[deg]14.60' N. lat., 124[deg]26.80' W. long.;
(78) 42[deg]13.67' N. lat., 124[deg]26.25' W. long.;
(79) 42[deg]10.90' N. lat., 124[deg]24.57' W. long.;
(80) 42[deg]07.04' N. lat., 124[deg]23.35' W. long.;
(81) 42[deg]02.16' N. lat., 124[deg]22.59' W. long.;
(82) 42[deg]00.00' N. lat., 124[deg]21.81' W. long.;
(83) 41[deg]55.75' N. lat., 124[deg]20.72' W. long.;
(84) 41[deg]50.93' N. lat., 124[deg]23.76' W. long.;
(85) 41[deg]42.53' N. lat., 124[deg]16.47' W. long.;
(86) 41[deg]37.20' N. lat., 124[deg]17.05' W. long.;
(87) 41[deg]24.58' N. lat., 124[deg]10.51' W. long.;
(88) 41[deg]20.73' N. lat., 124[deg]11.73' W. long.;
(89) 41[deg]17.59' N. lat., 124[deg]10.66' W. long.;
(90) 41[deg]04.54' N. lat., 124[deg]14.47' W. long.;
(91) 40[deg]54.26' N. lat., 124[deg]13.90' W. long.;
(92) 40[deg]40.31' N. lat., 124[deg]26.24' W. long.;
(93) 40[deg]34.00' N. lat., 124[deg]27.39' W. long.;
(94) 40[deg]30.00' N. lat., 124[deg]31.32' W. long.;
(95) 40[deg]28.89' N. lat., 124[deg]32.43' W. long.;
(96) 40[deg]24.77' N. lat., 124[deg]29.51' W. long.;
(97) 40[deg]22.47' N. lat., 124[deg]24.12' W. long.;
(98) 40[deg]19.73' N. lat., 124[deg]23.59' W. long.;
(99) 40[deg]18.64' N. lat., 124[deg]21.89' W. long.;
(100) 40[deg]17.67' N. lat., 124[deg]23.07' W. long.;
(101) 40[deg]15.58' N. lat., 124[deg]23.61' W. long.;
(102) 40[deg]13.42' N. lat., 124[deg]22.94' W. long.; and
(103) 40[deg]10.00' N. lat., 124[deg]16.65' W. long.
(3) Between the U.S./Canada border and 40[deg]10' N. lat., the RCA
is defined along a western, offshore boundary approximating 100-fm
(183-m). North of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the western boundary for the RCA
is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in
the order stated:
(1) 48[deg]15.00' N. lat., 125[deg]41.00' W. long.;
[[Page 6404]]
(2) 48[deg]14.00' N. lat., 125[deg]36.00' W. long.;
(3) 48[deg]09.50' N. lat., 125[deg]40.50' W. long.;
(4) 48[deg]08.00' N. lat., 125[deg]38.00' W. long.;
(5) 48[deg]05.00' N. lat., 125[deg]37.25' W. long.;
(6) 48[deg]02.60' N. lat., 125[deg]34.70' W. long.;
(7) 47[deg]59.00' N. lat., 125[deg]34.00' W. long.;
(8) 47[deg]57.26' N. lat., 125[deg]29.82' W. long.;
(9) 47[deg]59.87' N. lat., 125[deg]25.81' W. long.;
(10) 48[deg]01.80' N. lat., 125[deg]24.53' W. long.;
(11) 48[deg]02.08' N. lat., 125[deg]22.98' W. long.;
(12) 48[deg]02.97' N. lat., 125[deg]22.89' W. long.;
(13) 48[deg]04.47' N. lat., 125[deg]21.75' W. long.;
(14) 48[deg]06.11' N. lat., 125[deg]19.33' W. long.;
(15) 48[deg]07.95' N. lat., 125[deg]18.55' W. long.;
(16) 48[deg]09.00' N. lat., 125[deg]18.00' W. long.;
(17) 48[deg]11.31' N. lat., 125[deg]17.55' W. long.;
(18) 48[deg]14.60' N. lat., 125[deg]13.46' W. long.;
(19) 48[deg]16.67' N. lat., 125[deg]14.34' W. long.;
(20) 48[deg]18.73' N. lat., 125[deg]14.41' W. long.;
(21) 48[deg]19.67' N. lat., 125[deg]13.70' W. long.;
(22) 48[deg]19.70' N. lat., 125[deg]11.13' W. long.;
(23) 48[deg]22.95' N. lat., 125[deg]10.79' W. long.;
(24) 48[deg]21.61' N. lat., 125[deg]02.54' W. long.;
(25) 48[deg]23.00' N. lat., 124[deg]49.34' W. long.;
(26) 48[deg]17.00' N. lat., 124[deg]56.50' W. long.;
(27) 48[deg]06.00' N. lat., 125[deg]00.00' W. long.;
(28) 48[deg]04.62' N. lat., 125[deg]01.73' W. long.;
(29) 48[deg]04.84' N. lat., 125[deg]04.03' W. long.;
(30) 48[deg]06.41' N. lat., 125[deg]06.51' W. long.;
(31) 48[deg]06.00' N. lat., 125[deg]08.00' W. long.;
(32) 48[deg]07.08' N. lat., 125[deg]09.34' W. long.;
(33) 48[deg]07.28' N. lat., 125[deg]11.14' W. long.;
(34) 48[deg]03.45' N. lat., 125[deg]16.66' W. long.;
(35) 47[deg]59.50' N. lat., 125[deg]18.88' W. long.;
(36) 47[deg]58.68' N. lat., 125[deg]16.19' W. long.;
(37) 47[deg]56.62' N. lat., 125[deg]13.50' W. long.;
(38) 47[deg]53.71' N. lat., 125[deg]11.96' W. long.;
(39) 47[deg]51.70' N. lat., 125[deg]09.38' W. long.;
(40) 47[deg]49.95' N. lat., 125[deg]06.07' W. long.;
(41) 47[deg]49.00' N. lat., 125[deg]03.00' W. long.;
(42) 47[deg]46.95' N. lat., 125[deg]04.00' W. long.;
(43) 47[deg]46.58' N. lat., 125[deg]03.15' W. long.;
(44) 47[deg]44.07' N. lat., 125[deg]04.28' W. long.;
(45) 47[deg]43.32' N. lat., 125[deg]04.41' W. long.;
(46) 47[deg]40.95' N. lat., 125[deg]04.14' W. long.;
(47) 47[deg]39.58' N. lat., 125[deg]04.97' W. long.;
(48) 47[deg]36.23' N. lat., 125[deg]02.77' W. long.;
(49) 47[deg]34.28' N. lat., 124[deg]58.66' W. long.;
(50) 47[deg]32.17' N. lat., 124[deg]57.77' W. long.;
(51) 47[deg]30.27' N. lat., 124[deg]56.16' W. long.;
(52) 47[deg]30.60' N. lat., 124[deg]54.80' W. long.;
(53) 47[deg]29.26' N. lat., 124[deg]52.21' W. long.;
(54) 47[deg]28.21' N. lat., 124[deg]50.65' W. long.;
(55) 47[deg]27.38' N. lat., 124[deg]49.34' W. long.;
(56) 47[deg]25.61' N. lat., 124[deg]48.26' W. long.;
(57) 47[deg]23.54' N. lat., 124[deg]46.42' W. long.;
(58) 47[deg]20.64' N. lat., 124[deg]45.91' W. long.;
(59) 47[deg]17.99' N. lat., 124[deg]45.59' W. long.;
(60) 47[deg]18.20' N. lat., 124[deg]49.12' W. long.;
(61) 47[deg]15.01' N. lat., 124[deg]51.09' W. long.;
(62) 47[deg]12.61' N. lat., 124[deg]54.89' W. long.;
(63) 47[deg]08.22' N. lat., 124[deg]56.53' W. long.;
(64) 47[deg]08.50' N. lat., 124[deg]57.74' W. long.;
(65) 47[deg]01.92' N. lat., 124[deg]54.95' W. long.;
(66) 47[deg]01.14' N. lat., 124[deg]59.35' W. long.;
(67) 46[deg]58.48' N. lat., 124[deg]57.81' W. long.;
(68) 46[deg]56.79' N. lat., 124[deg]56.03' W. long.;
(69) 46[deg]58.01' N. lat., 124[deg]55.09' W. long.;
(70) 46[deg]55.07' N. lat., 124[deg]54.14' W. long.;
(71) 46[deg]59.60' N. lat., 124[deg]49.79' W. long.;
(72) 46[deg]58.72' N. lat., 124[deg]48.78' W. long.;
(73) 46[deg]54.45' N. lat., 124[deg]48.36' W. long.;
(74) 46[deg]53.99' N. lat., 124[deg]49.95' W. long.;
(75) 46[deg]54.38' N. lat., 124[deg]52.73' W. long.;
(76) 46[deg]52.38' N. lat., 124[deg]52.02' W. long.;
(77) 46[deg]48.93' N. lat., 124[deg]49.17' W. long.;
(78) 46[deg]41.50' N. lat., 124[deg]43.00' W. long.;
(79) 46[deg]34.50' N. lat., 124[deg]28.50' W. long.;
(80) 46[deg]29.00' N. lat., 124[deg]30.00' W. long.;
(81) 46[deg]20.00' N. lat., 124[deg]36.50' W. long.;
(82) 46[deg]18.00' N. lat., 124[deg]38.00' W. long.;
(83) 46[deg]17.52' N. lat., 124[deg]35.35' W. long.;
(84) 46[deg]17.00' N. lat., 124[deg]22.50' W. long.;
(85) 46[deg]16.00' N. lat., 124[deg]20.62' W. long.;
(86) 46[deg]13.52' N. lat., 124[deg]25.49' W. long.;
(87) 46[deg]1
