Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, 42279-42280 [05-14446]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 050209033–5033–01; I.D. 071505C] Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Trip Limit Reduction for Gulf of Mexico Grouper Fishery National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason action. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS reduces the trip limit for the commercial shallow-water grouper fishery in the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) per trip. The intended effect of trip limit reduction is to moderate the rate of harvest of the available quotas and, thereby, reduce the adverse social and economic effects of derby fishing, enable more effective quota monitoring, and reduce the probability of overfishing. DATES: Effective 12:01 a.m., local time, August 4, 2005, through December 31, 2005, unless changed by further notification in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Steele, telephone: 727–824–5305, fax: 727–824–5308, e-mail: Phil.Steele@noaa.gov. The fishery for reef fish is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. This FMP was approved by NMFS and implemented under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by regulations at 50 CFR part 622. Regulations at 50 CFR 622.44(g)(1)(ii) require NMFS to reduce the commercial trip limit for Gulf deep-water and shallow-water grouper, combined, to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) if on or before October 1 more than 75 percent of either the shallow-water grouper quota or red grouper quota is reached or is projected to be reached. The commercial deepwater grouper fishery was closed on June 23, 2005. Therefore, this action only pertains to the commercial shallow-water grouper fishery. Based on current statistics, NMFS has determined more than 75 percent of the 5.31 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate jul<14>2003 15:02 Jul 21, 2005 Jkt 205001 million-lb (2.41 million-kg) commercial quota for red grouper will be reached on August 3, 2005. Accordingly, NMFS is reducing the trip limit for shallow-water grouper (black grouper, gag, red grouper, yellowfin grouper, scamp, yellowmouth grouper, rock hind, and red hind) to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) per trip in the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone effective 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 4, 2005, through December 31, 2005, unless changed by further notification in the Federal Register. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Classification 42279 AGENCY: 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 prior notice and opportunity for public comment is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures would be unnecessary because the rule itself already has been subject to notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the trip limit reduction. Allowing prior notice and opportunity for public comment is contrary to the public interest because of the need to immediately implement this action to protect the fishery since the capacity of the fishing fleet allows for rapid harvest of the quota. Prior notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and would potentially result in a harvest well in excess of the established quota. For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.44(g)(1)(ii) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 19, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14522 Filed 7–19–05; 2:24 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 071505D] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; Closure. SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 16, 2005, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2005. 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 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 TAC of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 2,567 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 TAC of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 2,317 mt, and is setting aside the remaining 250 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. E:\FR\FM\22JYR1.SGM 22JYR1 42280 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 140 / Friday, July 22, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area 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 Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area 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. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 15, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14446 Filed 7–18–05; 2:58 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 Classification [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 071505B] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; Closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch in the VerDate jul<14>2003 15:02 Jul 21, 2005 Jkt 205001 West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific Ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 16, 2005, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2005. 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 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 TAC of Pacific Ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA is 841 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 TAC of Pacific Ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 800 mt, and is setting aside the remaining 41 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 Pacific Ocean perch in the West Yakutat District 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. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of Pacific Ocean perch in the West Yakutat District 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. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 15, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14447 Filed 7–18–05; 2:57 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126332–5039–02; I.D. 071805A] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 Pacific Ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 18, 2005, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 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. E:\FR\FM\22JYR1.SGM 22JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 140 (Friday, July 22, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42279-42280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14446]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041126333-5040-02; I.D. 071505D]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific 
Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action 
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) 
of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 16, 2005, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2005.

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 TAC of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area 
of the GOA is 2,567 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 TAC 
of Pacific Ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will 
soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing 
a directed fishing allowance of 2,317 mt, and is setting aside the 
remaining 250 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.

[[Page 42280]]

 Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific Ocean 
perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec. 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 Pacific Ocean perch in the Western 
Regulatory Area 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.

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

    Dated: July 15, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-14446 Filed 7-18-05; 2:58 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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