Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska, 53970-53971 [05-18079]

Download as PDF 53970 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 13, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Comment 2: The other commenter indicated general concern about overfishing and opposition to the use of quota transfers in any fishery. Response: As discussed above, this action is purely administrative in nature, and is taken solely to facilitate the consideration and processing of state quota transfer requests to address unpredictable late-season events in these fisheries. Any quota transfer would continue to be valid only for the calendar year (and fishing year) for which the request is made. Thus, there would be no impacts on the resource or mortality objectives of the FMPs. This action would not make any substantive change in the state commercial quota transfer request or approval process for these fisheries. Classification This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. No comments were received regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. James W. Balsiger, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons stated in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is amended as follows: I PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 648.100, revise paragraph (d)(4) to read as follows: I § 648.100 Catch quotas and other restrictions. * * * * * (d) * * * (4) The transfer of quota or the combination of quotas will be valid only for the calendar year for which the request was made. * * * * * I 3. In § 648.160, revise paragraph (f)(2) to read as follows: VerDate Aug<18>2005 15:30 Sep 12, 2005 Jkt 205001 § 648.160 Catch quotas and other restrictions. * * * * * (f) * * * (2) The transfer of quota or the combination of quotas will be valid only for the calendar year for which the request was made. * * * * * [FR Doc. 05–18088 Filed 9–12–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333-5040-02 ; I.D. 090705D] 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; modification of a closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to allow the deep-water species fisheries by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to resume. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 10, 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. NMFS closed directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA under § 679.21(d)(7)(i) on September 4, 2005 (70 FR 52326, September 2, 2005). NMFS has determined that approximately 50 mt of halibut remain PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 in the fourth seasonal apportionments of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA. Therefore, in accordance with § § 679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to allow the deepwater species fisheries by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to resume, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. In accordance with § 679.21(d)(7)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl deepwater species fishery in the GOA will be reached after 48 hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA after 48 hours. Therefore the reopening is effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 10, 2005. 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. 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 unduly delay the opening of the fishery. NMFS was unable to publish an action providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of August 7, 2005. 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. E:\FR\FM\13SER1.SGM 13SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 13, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Dated: September 7, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–18079 Filed 9–8–05; 12:18 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 090605F] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska 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 pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the C season allowance of the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 10, 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. NMFS closed the directed fishery for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA under § 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on August 27, 2005 (70 FR 51300, August 30, 2005). NMFS has determined that approximately 3,677 mt of pollock remain in the directed fishing allowance. Therefore, in accordance with 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the C season allowance of the 2005 TAC of pollock in Statistical area 630, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for pollock in VerDate Aug<18>2005 15:30 Sep 12, 2005 Jkt 205001 Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance will be reached after 48 hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 10, 2005. 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 opening of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish an action providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of September 6, 2005. 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 50 CFR 679.20 and 679.25 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 7, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–18078 Filed 9–8–05; 12:18 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 041126333–5040–02; I.D. 090605E] 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. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 53971 Temporary rule; modification of a closure. ACTION: SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 96 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the C season allowance of the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 620. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 12, 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. NMFS closed the directed fishery for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA under § 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on August 29, 2005 (70 FR 51300, August 30, 2005). NMFS has determined that, approximately 3,039 mt of pollock remain in the directed fishing allowance. Therefore, in accordance with 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the C season allowance of the 2005 TAC of pollock in Statistical area 620, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance will be reached after 96 hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 12, 2005. 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 E:\FR\FM\13SER1.SGM 13SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53970-53971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18079]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041126333-5040-02 ; I.D. 090705D]


Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-water 
Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska

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 species that comprise the 
deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to allow the deep-
water species fisheries by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to 
resume.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 
2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., September 10, 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.
    NMFS closed directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-
water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA under 
Sec.  679.21(d)(7)(i) on September 4, 2005 (70 FR 52326, September 2, 
2005).
    NMFS has determined that approximately 50 mt of halibut remain in 
the fourth seasonal apportionments of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch 
allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA. 
Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  Sec.  679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) and 
(a)(2)(iii)(D), and to allow the deep-water species fisheries by 
vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to resume, NMFS is terminating the 
previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for species that 
comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in 
the GOA. In accordance with Sec.  679.21(d)(7)(i), the Administrator, 
Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the fourth seasonal 
apportionment of the 2005 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified 
for the trawl deep-water species fishery in the GOA will be reached 
after 48 hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 
the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA 
after 48 hours. Therefore the reopening is effective 1200 hrs, Alaska 
local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 2005, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., 
September 10, 2005.
    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.

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 unduly delay the opening of the fishery. NMFS was unable to 
publish an action providing time for public comment because the most 
recent, relevant data only became available as of August 7, 2005.
    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.  679.21 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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


[[Page 53971]]


    Dated: September 7, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18079 Filed 9-8-05; 12:18 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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