Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska, 10507-10508 [05-4284]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 42 / Friday, March 4, 2005 / Rules and Regulations The decision to restrict or prohibit trade in beluga sturgeon products on a national, basin, or region-wide scale will depend on the scope of the problem observed, the magnitude of the threat to wild beluga sturgeon, and whether remedial action is necessary at a national, basin, or region-wide scale. (i) Trade restrictions or suspensions may result basin-wide, for specific littoral states, or for non-littoral state aquaculture facilities under one or more of the following scenarios: (A) Failure to submit any of the reports, legislation, and management plans described above, or failure to respond to requests for additional information; (B) A change in regional cooperative management that threatens the recovery of wild beluga sturgeon; (C) A change in littoral state laws or regulations that compromises beluga sturgeon recovery or survival in the wild; (D) Adoption of scientifically unsound hatchery practices or restocking programs for beluga sturgeon; (E) A decline in wild Huso huso populations, as documented in national reports outlined above or the scientific literature, that goes unaddressed by regional or national management programs; (F) Failure to address poaching or smuggling in beluga sturgeon, their parts, or products in the littoral states or re-exporting countries, as documented in national reports described above or other law enforcement sources; (G) Failure of the littoral states to address the loss of beluga sturgeon habitat quality or quantity; (H) Failure of the littoral states or reexporting countries to follow the caviarlabeling recommendations of the CITES Parties (currently embodied in Resolution Conf. 12.7); (I) Recommendations from the CITES Standing Committee to suspend trade in beluga sturgeon from one or more countries; or (J) An aquaculture facility outside the littoral states has been issued a programmatic exemption from threatened species permits under paragraph (y)(5) of this section, but is not abiding by the provisions of paragraph (y)(5)(i) through (iii) or, based on the biennial reports required under (y)(5), has not actively cooperated with one or more littoral states in a meaningful way to support beluga sturgeon conservation. (K) Any other natural or humaninduced phenomenon that threatens the survival or recovery of beluga sturgeon. (ii) We will publish an information notice in the Federal Register, as well VerDate jul<14>2003 12:53 Mar 03, 2005 Jkt 205001 as on our Web site and at our wildlife ports of entry, if the Service’s Division of Scientific Authority administratively suspends or restricts trade in beluga sturgeon products after determining that wild beluga sturgeon stock status worsens or threats to the species increase. This information notice will provide: (A) The problem(s) identified in the biennial reports or other salient documents. (B) The scope of the problem and the number of nations involved. (C) The scope of the trade restriction or suspension we are imposing, including products covered, duration of the restriction or suspension, and criteria for lifting it and reinstating any exemption to threatened species permits. (D) How the public can provide input, make comments, and recommend remedial action to withdraw the trade measures imposed. Dated: January 10, 2005. Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 05–4278 Filed 3–3–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–U DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041202339–4339–01; I.D. 030105F] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 first seasonal allowance of the pollock total allowable catch (TAC) for Statistical Area 620 of the GOA. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 2, 2005, until superseded by the notice of 2005 and 2006 final harvest specifications of groundfish of the GOA, which will be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 10507 GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The 2005 first seasonal allowance of the pollock TAC for Statistical Area 620 of the GOA is 11,692 metric tons (mt) as established by the 2005 and 2006 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (70 FR 8958, February 24, 2005). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2005 first seasonal allowance of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 620 will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 11,492 mt, and is setting aside the remaining 200 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA. After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30 day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. E:\FR\FM\04MRR1.SGM 04MRR1 10508 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 42 / Friday, March 4, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126332–5039–02; I.D. 022805E] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Species in the Rock Sole/Flathead Sole/‘‘Other Flatfish’’ Fishery Category by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock sole/ flathead sole/‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the first seasonal apportionment of the 2005 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead sole/‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category in the BSAI. VerDate jul<14>2003 12:53 Mar 03, 2005 Jkt 205001 Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 1, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The first seasonal apportionment of the 2005 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead sole/‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category in the BSAI is 448 metric tons as established by the 2005 and 2006 final harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (70 FR 8979, February 24, 2005). In accordance with § 679.21(e)(7)(v), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the amount of the first seasonal apportionment of the 2005 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead sole/‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category in the BSAI has been caught. Consequently, NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock sole/ flathead sole/‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts at DATES: Dated: March 1, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–4284 Filed 3–1–05; 2:32 pm] PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of directed fishing for species in the rock sole/flathead sole/ ‘‘other flatfish’’ fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.21 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 28, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–4283 Filed 3–1–05; 2:32 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\04MRR1.SGM 04MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 42 (Friday, March 4, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10507-10508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4284]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041202339-4339-01; I.D. 030105F]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in 
Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska

AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:  Closure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in 
Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 first seasonal allowance of the 
pollock total allowable catch (TAC) for Statistical Area 620 of the 
GOA.

DATES:  Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 2, 2005, 
until superseded by the notice of 2005 and 2006 final harvest 
specifications of groundfish of the GOA, which will be published in the 
Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing 
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H 
of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    The 2005 first seasonal allowance of the pollock TAC for 
Statistical Area 620 of the GOA is 11,692 metric tons (mt) as 
established by the 2005 and 2006 harvest specifications for groundfish 
of the GOA (70 FR 8958, February 24, 2005).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2005 
first seasonal allowance of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 620 
will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is 
establishing a directed fishing allowance of 11,492 mt, and is setting 
aside the remaining 200 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated 
groundfish fisheries. In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), the 
Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has 
been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 
pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from 
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and 
would delay the closure of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.
    The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30 day delay in the 
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is 
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment.
    This action is required by Sec.  679.20 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.


[[Page 10508]]


    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: March 1, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-4284 Filed 3-1-05; 2:32 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.