Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, 43327-43328 [05-14854]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 214, which was published at 70 FR 7047 on February 10, 2005, is adopted as a final rule without change. Issued in Washington, DC on July 5, 2005. Joseph H. Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–14756 Filed 7–26–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 072205C] Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in 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 species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the third seasonal apportionment of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 24, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 1, 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 third seasonal apportionment of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl deepwater species fishery in the GOA is 400 metric tons as established by the 2005 and 2006 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (70 FR 8958, February 24, 2005), for the period 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 5, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 1, 2005. VerDate jul<14>2003 18:34 Jul 26, 2005 Jkt 205001 In accordance with § 679.21(d)(7)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the third seasonal apportionment of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water species fishery are all rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish. 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 the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in 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 § 679.21 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 22, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14855 Filed 7–22–05; 3:27 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S PO 00000 43327 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126332–5039–02; I.D. 072205B] Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of a closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the yellowfin sole fishery in the BSAI to resume. Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 25, 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 exclusive economic zone 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. NMFS closed directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the BSAI under § 679.21(d)(7)(i) on May 19, 2005 (70 FR 29458, May 23, 2005). NMFS has determined that as of June 20, 2005 approximately 7,862 metric tons of yellowfin sole remain in the 2005 yellowfin sole TAC in the BSAI . Therefore, in accordance with §§ 679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to allow the yellowfin sole fishery to resume, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the BSAI. The reopening is effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 25, 2005, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2005. DATES: Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Frm 00069 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM 27JYR1 43328 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 27, 2005 / Rules and Regulations 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 delay the opening of the fishery, not allow the full utilization of the yellowfin sole TAC in the BSAI, and therefore reduce the public’s ability to use and enjoy the fishery resource. 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 § 679.25 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 22, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14854 Filed 7–22–05; 3:27 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Classification National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 072205A] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; ‘‘Other Rockfish’’ 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; prohibition of retention. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of ‘‘other rockfish’’ in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of ‘‘other rockfish’’ in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the ‘‘other rockfish’’ 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) in this area has been reached. VerDate jul<14>2003 18:34 Jul 26, 2005 Jkt 205001 Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 22, 2005, until 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 CFR part 679. The 2005 TAC of ‘‘other rockfish’’ in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 40 metric tons 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)(2), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the ‘‘other rockfish’’ TAC in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of ‘‘other rockfish’’ in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited species in accordance with § 679.21(b). ‘‘Other rockfish’’ consists of all slope and demersal shelf rockfish. DATES: 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 prohibition of retention of ‘‘other rockfish’’ 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. PO 00000 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Frm 00070 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Dated: July 22, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–14853 Filed 7–22–05; 3:27 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 050421110–5192–02; I.D. 041505F] RIN 0648–AT03 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Individual Fishing Quota Program; Community Development Quota Program National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS issues a final rule to amend the Pacific halibut regulations for waters in and off Alaska. This action is necessary to modify the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program to allow quota share holders in International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Regulatory Area (Area) 4C to fish their Area 4C IFQ or CDQ in Area 4D. This action is intended to enhance harvesting opportunities for halibut by IFQ and CDQ fishermen and is necessary to promote the objectives of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act) with respect to the IFQ and CDQ Pacific halibut fisheries, consistent with the regulations and resource management objectives of the IPHC and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). DATES: Effective on July 22, 2005. ADDRESSES: Copies of the environmental assessment (EA), regulatory impact review (RIR), initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA), and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) prepared for this action are available from NMFS, Alaska Region, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668, Attn: Lori Gravel-Durall, or from NMFS, Alaska Region, 709 West 9th Street, Room 453, Juneau, AK 99801, or by calling the Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, at 907– 586–7228. E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM 27JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43327-43328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14854]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041126332-5039-02; I.D. 072205B]


Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin 
Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of a closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI). This action is necessary to 
allow the yellowfin sole fishery in the BSAI to resume.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 25, 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 exclusive economic zone 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.
    NMFS closed directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the BSAI under 
Sec.  679.21(d)(7)(i) on May 19, 2005 (70 FR 29458, May 23, 2005).
    NMFS has determined that as of June 20, 2005 approximately 7,862 
metric tons of yellowfin sole remain in the 2005 yellowfin sole TAC in 
the BSAI . Therefore, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) 
and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to allow the yellowfin sole fishery to resume, 
NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is reopening directed 
fishing for yellowfin sole in the BSAI. The reopening is effective 1200 
hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 25, 2005, through 2400 hrs, 
A.l.t., December 31, 2005.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant

[[Page 43328]]

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 delay the opening of the fishery, 
not allow the full utilization of the yellowfin sole TAC in the BSAI, 
and therefore reduce the public's ability to use and enjoy the fishery 
resource.
    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.  679.25 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: July 22, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-14854 Filed 7-22-05; 3:27 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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