Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Adjustment of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, 13777-13781 [06-2616]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
exceeded. Table 1 listed incorrect
individual state commercial quota
allocations in the columns entitled
‘‘2006 Commercial Quota (lb) with
Research Set-Aside’’ and ‘‘2006
Commercial Quota (kg) with Research
Set-Aside.’’ The amounts that appear in
the row entitled ‘‘Total’’ remain the
same. The following corrections are
made:
1. On page 9473, Table 1. Commercial
State-by-State Allocations for 2006 as
Adjusted by the Research Set-Aside
(RSA) is corrected to read as follows:
TABLE 1. CORRECTED COMMERCIAL STATE-BY-STATE ALLOCATIONS FOR 2006 AS ADJUSTED BY THE RSA
States
Quota
2006 Commercial Quota
Percent
Share
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
1 Metric
(kg)
0.6685
0.4145
6.7167
6.8081
1.2663
10.3851
14.8162
1.8782
3.0018
11.8795
32.0608
0.0352
0.0095
10.0597
100.0001
ME
NH
MA
RI
CT
NY
NJ
DE
MD
VA
NC
SC
GA
FL
Total
(lb)
54,022
33,496
542,783
550,169
102,331
839,230
1,197,311
151,779
242,578
959,994
2,590,864
2,845
768
812,934
8,081,096
2006 Commercial
Quota (lb)
2006 Commercial
Quota (kg)
With Research SetAside
With Research SetAside
24,504
15,194
246,205
249,555
46,417
380,672
543,097
68,847
110,033
435,450
1,175,208
1,290
348
368,744
3,665,561
53,230
33,005
534,823
542,101
100,830
826,923
1,179,753
149,553
239,021
945,915
2,552,869
2,803
756
801,012
7,962,586
24,145
14,971
242,592
245,893
45,736
375,086
535,127
67,836
108,418
429,060
1,157,962
1,271
343
363,333
3,611,769
tons and kilograms are as converted from pounds and may not necessarily add due to rounding.
The Assistant Administrator for
fisheries, NOAA (AA) finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive
prior notice and the opportunity for
public comment because it would be
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This rule corrects a calculation
error in the state allocations for bluefish
in the final rule published on February
24, 2006 (71 FR 9471). When the final
state allocations where calculated to
reflect the new transfer amount, NMFS
inadvertently made an error in
calculation; i.e., the table that revised
the individual state quota allocations
carried over a conversion factor that did
not correctly account for the RSA quota
based on the new proportion
(recreational/commercial split).
Providing for a public comment period
for this rule would prevent the
correction of the aforementioned final
rule before it becomes effective.
Publication of incorrect state quota
allocations could cause some
unnecessary confusion among those
states whose allocation is different from
the levels previously calculated. The
correction provides a slightly higher
allocation to each of the states.
The AA further finds pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) good cause to waive the
thirty (30) delayed effectiveness period
for the reasons stated above. This rule
corrects a calculation error in the state
allocations for bluefish in the final rule
published on February 24, 2006 (71 FR
9471). When the final state allocations
were calculated to reflect the new
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transfer amount, NMFS inadvertently
made an error in calculation; i.e., the
table that revised the individual state
quota allocations carried over a
conversion factor that did not correctly
account for the RSA quota based on the
new proportion (recreational/
commercial split). Providing for a 30–
day delay in effectiveness for this rule
would prevent the correction of the
aforementioned final rule before it
becomes effective. Publication of
incorrect state quota allocations could
cause some unnecessary confusion
among those states whose allocation is
different from the levels previously
calculated.
This rule has been determined to be
not significant under Executive Order
12866.
Dated: March 13, 2006.
James W. Balsiger,
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 06–2617 Filed 3–16–06; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 060216045–6045–01; I.D.
031406B]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Adjustment of Pacific
Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
adjustment.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the Pacific
cod total allowable catch (TAC) amount
in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (BSAI). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the
Pacific cod acceptable biological catch
(ABC) in the BSAI and is consistent
with the goals and objectives of the
Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the BSAI (FMP).
DATES: Effective March 14, 2006,
through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time
(A.l.t.), December 31, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
Keaton, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI according to the FMP prepared by
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (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 2006 and 2007 final harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (71 FR 10894, March 3, 2006)
establish the 2006 and 2007 Pacific cod
ABCs as 194,000 metric tons (mt) and
148,000 mt, respectively. The TACs are
set equal to the ABCs for Pacific cod in
the BSAI.
On March 1, 2006, the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
announced by emergency regulation, a
Pacific cod guideline harvest level
(GHL), west of 170 degrees west
longitude in the Aleutian Islands
subarea, equal to 3% of the Pacific cod
ABC in the BSAI established in the final
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (71 FR 10984, March 3, 2006).
As of March 1, 2006, the
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS,
(Regional Administrator) has
determined that the current TACs are
incorrectly specified and an adjustment
is necessary to prevent exceeding the
ABC. The best available scientific
information for the Pacific cod fisheries
in the BSAI indicates that the addition
of a state waters GHL in the Aleutian
Islands subarea would result in overall
harvest amounts that exceed the 2006
and 2007 Pacific cod ABCs in the BSAI.
The Council, its Advisory Panel, and its
Scientific and Statistical Committee
have determined that the acceptable
harvest level for the combined State and
Federal Pacific cod fisheries should not
exceed the ABC since this could result
in an unacceptable change in the
biological stock status of Pacific cod in
the BSAI. Therefore, in accordance with
§ 679.25(a)(1)(iii) and (2)(iv), the
Regional Administrator adjusts the 2006
and 2007 Pacific cod TACs in the BSAI.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Tables 1, 2,
5, 12, and 14 of the 2006 and 2007 final
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (71 FR 10894, March 3, 2006)
are revised for the 2006 and 2007 Pacific
cod TACs consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 1.—2006 AND 2007 OVERFISHING LEVEL (OFL), ACCEPTABLE BIOLOGICAL CATCH (ABC), TOTAL ALLOWABLE
CATCH (TAC), INITIAL TAC (ITAC), AND CDQ RESERVE ALLOCATION OF GROUNDFISH IN THE BSAI 1
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2006
Species
2007
Area
OFL
ABC
TAC
ITAC 2
Squid .....................................
Other species 8 .....................
BS 2 ........
AI 2 .........
Bogoslof
BSAI .......
BS ..........
AI ............
BSAI .......
EAI/BS ...
CAI .........
WAI ........
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BS ..........
AI ............
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BS ..........
EAI .........
CAI .........
WAI ........
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
BS ..........
AI ............
BSAI .......
BSAI .......
2,090,000
39,100
50,600
230,000
3,680
3,740
130,000
n/a
n/a
n/a
144,000
150,000
14,200
n/a
n/a
166,000
71,800
24,200
237,000
17,600
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
10,100
774
299
1,870
n/a
n/a
2,620
89,404
1,930,000
29,400
5,500
194,000
3,060
3,100
110,000
21,780
46,860
41,360
121,000
126,000
2,740
1,890
850
136,000
59,800
18,100
188,000
14,800
2,960
3,256
3,212
5,372
8,530
580
224
1,400
810
590
1,970
58,882
1,485,000
19,000
10
188,180
2,820
3,000
63,000
7,500
40,000
15,500
95,701
41,500
2,740
1,890
850
13,000
19,500
3,500
8,000
12,600
1,400
3,080
3,035
5,085
4,500
580
224
1,050
460
590
1,275
29,000
1,336,500
17,100
10
159,953
2,327
2,438
53,550
6,375
34,000
13,175
81,346
35,275
2,329
1,607
723
11,050
16,575
2,975
6,800
10,710
1,190
2,618
2,580
4,322
3,825
493
190
893
391
502
1,084
24,650
Total ...............................
................
3,476,987
3,013,086
1,994,180
1,770,073
Pollock 4 ................................
Pacific cod ............................
Sablefish 5 .............................
Atka mackerel .......................
Yellowfin sole ........................
Rock sole ..............................
Greenland turbot ...................
Arrowtooth flounder ..............
Flathead sole ........................
Other flatfish 6 .......................
Alaska plaice .........................
Pacific ocean perch ..............
Northern rockfish ..................
Shortraker rockfish ................
Rougheye rockfish ................
Other rockfish 7 .....................
CDQ 3
OFL
ABC
TAC
ITAC 2
148,500
1,900
n/a
14,114
388
499
4,725
563
3,000
1,163
7,178
3,113
206
142
64
975
1,463
263
600
945
105
231
228
381
338
44
17
79
35
44
n/a
2,175
1,930,000
39,100
50,600
176,000
3,260
3,300
107,000
n/a
n/a
n/a
137,000
145,000
13,400
n/a
n/a
174,000
67,900
24,200
231,000
17,600
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
9,890
774
299
1,870
n/a
n/a
2,620
89,404
1,790,000
29,400
5,500
148,000
2,700
2,740
91,000
18,020
38,760
34,220
116,000
122,000
2,630
1,815
815
142,000
56,600
18,100
183,000
14,800
2,960
3,256
3,212
5,375
8,320
580
224
1,400
810
590
1,970
62,950
1,500,000
19,000
10
143,560
2,700
2,740
63,000
7,500
38,000
17,500
107,641
44,000
2,630
1,815
815
18,000
22,000
5,000
15,000
14,800
2,960
3,256
3,212
5,372
5,000
580
224
1,400
810
590
1,275
27,000
1,350,000
17,100
10
122,026
1,148
582
53,550
6,375
32,300
14,875
91,495
37,400
2,236
1,543
693
15,300
18,700
4,250
12,750
12,580
2,516
2,768
2,730
4,566
4,250
493
190
1,190
689
502
1,084
22,950
150,000
1,900
n/a
10,767
101
51
4,725
563
2,850
1,313
8,073
3,300
197
136
61
1,350
1,650
375
1,125
1,110
222
244
241
403
375
44
17
105
61
44
n/a
2,025
187,522
3,224,217
2,799,914
1,995,560
1,769,284
187,290
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
1 These
CDQ 3
amounts apply to the entire BSAI management area unless otherwise specified. With the exception of pollock, and for the purpose of these harvest specifications, the Bering Sea (BS) subarea includes the Bogoslof District.
2 Except for pollock and the portion of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line and pot gear, 15 percent of each TAC is put into a reserve. The ITAC for each
species is the remainder of the TAC after the subtraction of these reserves.
3 Except for pollock, squid and the hook-and-line or pot gear allocation of sablefish, one half of the amount of the TACs placed in reserve, or 7.5 percent of the
TACs, is designated as a CDQ reserve for use by CDQ participants (see §§ 679.20(b)(1)(iii) and 679.31).
4 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(1), the annual Bering Sea pollock TAC after subtraction for the CDQ directed fishing allowance¥10 percent and the ICA¥3.35
percent, is further allocated by sector for a directed pollock fishery as follows: Inshore¥50 percent; catcher/processor¥40 percent; and motherships¥10 percent.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance¥10 percent and second for the
ICA¥1,800 mt, is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a directed pollock fishery.
5 Twenty percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line gear or pot gear and 7.5 percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to trawl gear is reserved for use
by CDQ participants (see § 679.20(b)(1)(iii)).
6 ‘‘Other flatfish’’ includes all flatfish species, except for halibut (a prohibited species), flathead sole, Greenland turbot, rock sole, yellowfin sole, arrowtooth flounder
and Alaska plaice.
7 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ includes all Sebastes and Sebastolobus species except for Pacific ocean perch, northern, shortraker, and rougheye rockfish.
8 ‘‘Other species’’ includes sculpins, sharks, skates and octopus. Forage fish, as defined at § 679.2, are not included in the ‘‘other species’’ category.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2.—2006 AND 2007 APPORTIONMENT OF RESERVES TO ITAC CATEGORIES
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2006
reserve
amount
Species—area or subarea
2006
final
ITAC
2007
reserve
amount
2007
final
ITAC
Atka mackerel—Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea subarea ...............................
Atka mackerel—Central Aleutian District ........................................................................
Atka mackerel—Western Aleutian District .......................................................................
Pacific ocean perch—Eastern Aleutian District ...............................................................
Pacific ocean perch—Central Aleutian District ................................................................
Pacific ocean perch—Western Aleutian District ..............................................................
Pacific cod—BSAI ............................................................................................................
Shortraker rockfish—BSAI ...............................................................................................
Rougheye rockfish—BSAI ...............................................................................................
Northern rockfish—BSAI ..................................................................................................
Other rockfish—Bering Sea subarea ...............................................................................
563
3,000
1,163
231
228
381
14,113
44
17
338
35
6,938
37,000
14,338
2,849
2,808
4,703
174,066
537
207
4,163
426
563
2,850
1,313
244
241
403
10,767
44
17
375
61
6,938
35,150
16,188
3,012
2,971
4,969
132,793
537
207
4,625
750
Total ..........................................................................................................................
20,113
248,035
16,878
208,140
TABLE 5.—2006 AND 2007 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD ITAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
Total hook-and-line/pot gear
Hook-and-line/pot ICA .........
Hook-and-line/pot subtotal ..
Hook-and-line C/P ...............
Hook-and-line CV ................
Pot C/P ................................
Pot CV .................................
CV < 60 feet LOA using
Hook-and-line or Pot gear.
Total Trawl Gear ..........
Trawl CV ......................
Trawl CP ......................
Jig ........................................
Amount
2007
share of
gear
sector
total
2007
subtotal
percentages for
gear
sectors
2007
share of
gear
sector
total
n/a ....................
n/a ....................
n/a ....................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
June 10–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
June 10–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
Sept 1–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
Sept 1–Dec 31
n/a ....................
n/a
n/a
n/a
42,372
28,248
159
106
1,749
1,165
7,945
5,296
n/a
67,724
n/a
67,224
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
80
..............
0.3
..............
3.3
..............
15
..............
1.4
n/a
40,906
n/a
n/a
40,906
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a ....................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ...
Apr 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...
Jan 20–Apr 1 ...
Apr 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...
Jan 1–Apr 30 ...
Apr 30–Aug 31
Aug 31–Dec 31
n/a
28,634
4,091
8,181
20,453
12,272
8,181
1,393
696
1,392
62,413
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
2,656
..............
..............
n/a
n/a ....................
n/a
132,793
2006
share of
gear
sector
total
2006
subtotal
percentages for
gear
sectors
2006
share of
gear
sector
total
Date
51
n/a
n/a
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
88,774
n/a
88,274
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
..............
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
80
..............
0.3
..............
3.3
..............
15
..............
1.4
n/a
500
n/a
70,619
..............
265
..............
2,913
..............
13,241
..............
1,236
47
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
2
..............
..............
81,811
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
3,481
..............
..............
n/a
50
..............
..............
50
..............
..............
n/a
n/a
n/a
100
174,066
n/a
Percent
Total ......................
2006 seasonal
apportionment 1
2007 seasonal
apportionment 1
Date
Amount
n/a
500
n/a
53,780
..............
202
..............
2,218
..............
10,084
..............
941
n/a ....................
n/a ....................
n/a ....................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun10 ....
Sept 1–Dec 31
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...
Sept 1–Dec 31
n/a ....................
n/a
n/a
n/a
32,268
21,512
121
81
1,331
887
6,050
4,033
n/a
n/a
50
..............
..............
50
..............
..............
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
31,206
n/a
n/a
31,206
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a ....................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ...
Apr 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...
Jan 20–Apr 1 ...
Apr 1–Jun 10 ...
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...
Jan 1–Apr 30 ...
Apr 30–Aug 31
Aug 31–Dec 31
n/a
21,844
3,121
6,241
15,603
9,362
6,241
1,062
531
1,062
n/a
n/a
n/a ....................
n/a
1 For
most non-trawl gear the first season is allocated 60 percent of the ITAC and the second season is allocated 40 percent of the ITAC. For jig gear, the first season and third seasons are each allocated 40 percent of the ITAC and the second season is allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. No seasonal harvest constraints are imposed for the Pacific cod fishery by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear. For trawl gear, the first season is allocated 60
percent of the ITAC and the second and third seasons are each allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. The trawl catcher vessels’ allocation is further allocated as 70 percent in the first season, 10 percent in the second season and 20 percent in the third season. The trawl catcher/processors’ allocation is allocated 50 percent in the
first season, 30 percent in the second season and 20 percent in the third season. Any unused portion of a seasonal Pacific cod allowance will be reapportioned to the
next seasonal allowance.
TABLE 12.—2006 AND 2007 LISTED BSAI AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER/PROCESSOR GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD
LIMITS
[Amounts are in metric tons]
1995–1997
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
Target species
Area
Pacific cod trawl .............................................
Sablefish trawl ................................................
Atka mackerel .................................................
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Retained
catch
BSAI .............
BS ................
AI ..................
Central AI .....
A season 1 ....
HLA limit 2 ....
B season 1 ....
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Total catch
Ratio of retained catch
to total
catch
2006 ITAC
available to
trawl C/Ps
48,177
497
145
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.258
0.016
0.000
n/a
0.115
n/a
0.115
40,906
1,199
638
n/a
18,500
11,100
18,500
12,424
8
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
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2006 C/P
sideboard
limit
10,554
19
0
n/a
2,128
1,277
2,128
17MRR1
2007 ITAC
available to
trawl C/Ps
31,206
1,148
582
n/a
17,575
10,545
17,575
2007 C/P
sideboard
limit
8,051
18
0
n/a
2,021
1,213
2,021
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TABLE 12.—2006 AND 2007 LISTED BSAI AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER/PROCESSOR GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD
LIMITS—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
1995–1997
Target species
Area
Yellowfin sole ..................................................
Rock sole ........................................................
Greenland turbot .............................................
Arrowtooth flounder ........................................
Flathead sole ..................................................
Alaska plaice ..................................................
Other flatfish ...................................................
Pacific ocean perch ........................................
Northern rockfish ............................................
Shortraker rockfish .........................................
Rougheye rockfish ..........................................
Other rockfish .................................................
Squid ...............................................................
Other species .................................................
Retained
catch
HLA limit 2 ....
Western AI ...
A season 1 ....
HLA limit 2 ....
B season 1 ....
HLA limit 2 ....
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BS ................
AI ..................
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BS ................
Eastern AI ....
Central AI .....
Western AI ...
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
BS ................
AI ..................
BSAI .............
BSAI .............
Total catch
Ratio of retained catch
to total
catch
2006 ITAC
available to
trawl C/Ps
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
435,788
169,362
17,305
4,987
33,987
52,755
9,438
52,298
4,879
6,179
5,698
13,598
13,040
2,811
2,811
621
806
3,328
68,672
n/a
n/a
0.200
n/a
0.200
n/a
0.230
0.037
0.007
0.005
0.002
0.036
0.001
0.058
0.002
0.020
0.001
0.004
0.007
0.018
0.018
0.029
0.027
0.022
0.008
11,100
n/a
7,169
4,301
7,169
4,301
81,346
35,275
1,607
723
11,050
16,575
6,800
2,975
1,190
2,849
2,808
4,703
4,163
537
207
426
502
1,084
24,650
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
100,192
6,317
121
23
76
1,925
14
3,058
12
125
3
54
91
50
50
18
22
73
553
2006 C/P
sideboard
limit
2007 ITAC
available to
trawl C/Ps
1,277
n/a
1,434
860
1,434
860
18,710
1,305
11
4
22
597
7
173
2
57
3
19
29
10
4
12
14
24
197
10,545
n/a
8,094
4,856
8,094
4,856
91,495
37,400
1,543
693
15,300
18,700
12,750
4,250
2,516
3,012
2,971
4,969
4,625
537
207
750
502
1,084
22,950
2007 C/P
sideboard
limit
1,213
n/a
1,619
971
1,619
971
21,044
1,384
11
3
31
673
13
247
5
60
3
20
32
10
4
22
14
24
184
1 The seasonal apportionment of Atka mackerel in the open access fishery is 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season. Listed AFA catcher/processors are limited to harvesting no more than zero in the Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea subarea, 20 percent of the annual ITAC specified for the Western
Aleutian District, and 11.5 percent of the annual ITAC specified for the Central Aleutian District.
2 Harvest Limit Area (HLA) limit refers to the amount of each seasonal allowance that is available for fishing inside the HLA (see § 679.2). In 2006 and 2007, 60
percent of each seasonal allowance is available for fishing inside the HLA in the Western and Central Aleutian Districts.
TABLE 14.—2006 AND 2007 BSAI AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Species
Fishery by area/season/processor/gear
Pacific cod ....................................
BSAI ..............................................
Jig gear .........................................
Hook-and-line CV .........................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .............................
Pot gear CV ..................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ................................
Sept 1–Dec 31 ..............................
CV < 60 feet LOA using hookand-line or pot gear.
Trawl gear CV ..............................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ................................
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...............................
BS trawl gear ................................
AI trawl gear .................................
Eastern AI/BS ...............................
Jig gear .........................................
Other gear ....................................
Jan 1–Apr 15 ................................
Sept 1–Nov 1 ................................
Central AI ......................................
Jan–Apr 15 ...................................
HLA limit .......................................
Sept 1–Nov 1 ................................
HLA limit .......................................
Western AI ....................................
Jan–Apr 15 ...................................
Sablefish .......................................
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
Atka mackerel ...............................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:19 Mar 16, 2006
Jkt 208001
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4700
Ratio of
1995–1997
AFA CV
catch to
1995–1997
TAC
2006 initial
TAC
2006
catcher
vessel
sideboard
limits
2007 initial
TAC
2007
catcher
vessel
sideboard
limits
n/a
0.0000
n/a
0.0006
0.0006
n/a
0.0006
0.0006
0.0006
n/a
3,481
n/a
159
106
n/a
7,945
5,296
1,236
n/a
0
n/a
0
0
n/a
5
3
1
n/a
2,656
n/a
121
81
n/a
6,050
4,033
941
n/a
0
n/a
0
0
n/a
4
2
1
n/a
0.8609
0.8609
0.8609
0.0906
0.0645
n/a
0.0031
n/a
0.0032
0.0032
n/a
0.0001
0.0001
0.0001
0.0001
n/a
0.0000
n/a
28,634
4,091
8,181
1,199
638
n/a
69
n/a
3,434
3,434
n/a
18,500
11,100
18,500
11,100
n/a
7,169
n/a
24,651
3,522
7,043
109
41
n/a
0
n/a
11
11
n/a
2
1
2
1
n/a
0
n/a
21,844
3,121
6,241
1,148
582
n/a
69
n/a
3,434
3,434
n/a
17,575
10,545
17,575
10,545
n/a
8,094
n/a
18,805
2,687
5,373
104
38
n/a
0
n/a
11
11
n/a
2
1
2
1
n/a
0
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\17MRR1.SGM
17MRR1
13781
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 52 / Friday, March 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 14.—2006 AND 2007 BSAI AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Fishery by area/season/processor/gear
Species
Yellowfin sole ................................
Rock sole ......................................
Greenland Turbot .........................
Arrowtooth flounder ......................
Alaska plaice ................................
Other flatfish .................................
Pacific ocean perch ......................
Northern rockfish ..........................
Shortraker rockfish .......................
Rougheye rockfish ........................
Other rockfish ...............................
Squid .............................................
Other species ...............................
Flathead Sole ...............................
HLA limit .......................................
Sept 1–Nov 1 ................................
HLA limit .......................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BS .................................................
AI ..................................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BS .................................................
Eastern AI .....................................
Central AI ......................................
Western AI ....................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BS .................................................
AI ..................................................
BSAI ..............................................
BSAI ..............................................
BS trawl gear ................................
Classification
erjones on PROD1PC68 with RULES
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 adjustment of the 2006 and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:19 Mar 16, 2006
Jkt 208001
Ratio of
1995–1997
AFA CV
catch to
1995–1997
TAC
n/a
0.0000
n/a
0.0647
0.0341
0.0645
0.0205
0.0690
0.0441
0.0441
0.1000
0.0077
0.0025
0.0000
0.0084
0.0037
0.0037
0.0048
0.0095
0.3827
0.0541
0.0505
4,301
7,169
4,301
81,346
35,275
1,607
723
11,050
6,800
2,975
1,190
2,849
2,808
4,703
4,163
537
207
426
502
1,084
24,650
16,575
2007 Pacific cod TACs to account for
the state waters GHL in the Aleutian
Islands subarea. On March 1, 2006,
ADF&G announced the state waters GHL
in the Aleutian Islands subarea. Since
the 2006 fisheries are currently
underway and the 2006 and 2007 TACs
are jointly established, it is necessary to
immediately adjust the TACs to avoid
overharvesting gear shares and seasonal
allowances of Pacific cod in the BSAI.
Immediate adjustment is necessary to
allow for the orderly conduct and
efficient operation of this fishery, allow
the industry to plan for the remainder
of the 2006 and 2007 fishing seasons,
and avoid potential disruption to the
fishing fleet and processors.
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2006
catcher
vessel
sideboard
limits
2006 initial
TAC
2007 initial
TAC
0
0
0
5,263
1,203
104
15
762
300
131
119
22
7
0
35
2
1
2
5
415
1,334
837
2007
catcher
vessel
sideboard
limits
4,856
8,094
4,856
91,495
37,400
1,543
693
15,300
12,750
4,250
2,516
3,012
2,971
4,969
4,625
537
207
750
502
1,084
22,950
18,700
0
0
0
5,920
1,275
100
14
1,056
562
187
252
23
7
0
39
2
1
4
5
415
1,242
944
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 § 679.25 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 14, 2006.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 06–2616 Filed 3–14–06; 2:34 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\17MRR1.SGM
17MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 52 (Friday, March 17, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13777-13781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2616]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 060216045-6045-01; I.D. 031406B]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Adjustment
of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC)
amount in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI).
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the Pacific cod
acceptable biological catch (ABC) in the BSAI and is consistent with
the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish
of the BSAI (FMP).
DATES: Effective March 14, 2006, through 2400 hrs, Alaska local time
(A.l.t.), December 31, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI according to the FMP prepared by
[[Page 13778]]
the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (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 2006 and 2007 final harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (71 FR 10894, March 3, 2006) establish the 2006 and 2007
Pacific cod ABCs as 194,000 metric tons (mt) and 148,000 mt,
respectively. The TACs are set equal to the ABCs for Pacific cod in the
BSAI.
On March 1, 2006, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced
by emergency regulation, a Pacific cod guideline harvest level (GHL),
west of 170 degrees west longitude in the Aleutian Islands subarea,
equal to 3% of the Pacific cod ABC in the BSAI established in the final
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (71 FR 10984, March
3, 2006).
As of March 1, 2006, the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS,
(Regional Administrator) has determined that the current TACs are
incorrectly specified and an adjustment is necessary to prevent
exceeding the ABC. The best available scientific information for the
Pacific cod fisheries in the BSAI indicates that the addition of a
state waters GHL in the Aleutian Islands subarea would result in
overall harvest amounts that exceed the 2006 and 2007 Pacific cod ABCs
in the BSAI. The Council, its Advisory Panel, and its Scientific and
Statistical Committee have determined that the acceptable harvest level
for the combined State and Federal Pacific cod fisheries should not
exceed the ABC since this could result in an unacceptable change in the
biological stock status of Pacific cod in the BSAI. Therefore, in
accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii) and (2)(iv), the Regional
Administrator adjusts the 2006 and 2007 Pacific cod TACs in the BSAI.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Tables 1, 2, 5, 12, and 14 of the
2006 and 2007 final harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI
(71 FR 10894, March 3, 2006) are revised for the 2006 and 2007 Pacific
cod TACs consistent with this adjustment.
Table 1.--2006 and 2007 Overfishing Level (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), Total Allowable Catch (TAC), Initial TAC (ITAC), and CDQ Reserve
Allocation of Groundfish in the BSAI \1\
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2007
Species Area -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFL ABC TAC ITAC \2\ CDQ \3\ OFL ABC TAC ITAC \2\ CDQ \3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock \4\.................. BS \2\..... 2,090,000 1,930,000 1,485,000 1,336,500 148,500 1,930,000 1,790,000 1,500,000 1,350,000 150,000
AI \2\..... 39,100 29,400 19,000 17,100 1,900 39,100 29,400 19,000 17,100 1,900
Bogoslof... 50,600 5,500 10 10 n/a 50,600 5,500 10 10 n/a
Pacific cod.................. BSAI....... 230,000 194,000 188,180 159,953 14,114 176,000 148,000 143,560 122,026 10,767
Sablefish \5\................ BS......... 3,680 3,060 2,820 2,327 388 3,260 2,700 2,700 1,148 101
AI......... 3,740 3,100 3,000 2,438 499 3,300 2,740 2,740 582 51
Atka mackerel................ BSAI....... 130,000 110,000 63,000 53,550 4,725 107,000 91,000 63,000 53,550 4,725
EAI/BS..... n/a 21,780 7,500 6,375 563 n/a 18,020 7,500 6,375 563
CAI........ n/a 46,860 40,000 34,000 3,000 n/a 38,760 38,000 32,300 2,850
WAI........ n/a 41,360 15,500 13,175 1,163 n/a 34,220 17,500 14,875 1,313
Yellowfin sole............... BSAI....... 144,000 121,000 95,701 81,346 7,178 137,000 116,000 107,641 91,495 8,073
Rock sole.................... BSAI....... 150,000 126,000 41,500 35,275 3,113 145,000 122,000 44,000 37,400 3,300
Greenland turbot............. BSAI....... 14,200 2,740 2,740 2,329 206 13,400 2,630 2,630 2,236 197
BS......... n/a 1,890 1,890 1,607 142 n/a 1,815 1,815 1,543 136
AI......... n/a 850 850 723 64 n/a 815 815 693 61
Arrowtooth flounder.......... BSAI....... 166,000 136,000 13,000 11,050 975 174,000 142,000 18,000 15,300 1,350
Flathead sole................ BSAI....... 71,800 59,800 19,500 16,575 1,463 67,900 56,600 22,000 18,700 1,650
Other flatfish \6\........... BSAI....... 24,200 18,100 3,500 2,975 263 24,200 18,100 5,000 4,250 375
Alaska plaice................ BSAI....... 237,000 188,000 8,000 6,800 600 231,000 183,000 15,000 12,750 1,125
Pacific ocean perch.......... BSAI....... 17,600 14,800 12,600 10,710 945 17,600 14,800 14,800 12,580 1,110
BS......... n/a 2,960 1,400 1,190 105 n/a 2,960 2,960 2,516 222
EAI........ n/a 3,256 3,080 2,618 231 n/a 3,256 3,256 2,768 244
CAI........ n/a 3,212 3,035 2,580 228 n/a 3,212 3,212 2,730 241
WAI........ n/a 5,372 5,085 4,322 381 n/a 5,375 5,372 4,566 403
Northern rockfish............ BSAI....... 10,100 8,530 4,500 3,825 338 9,890 8,320 5,000 4,250 375
Shortraker rockfish.......... BSAI....... 774 580 580 493 44 774 580 580 493 44
Rougheye rockfish............ BSAI....... 299 224 224 190 17 299 224 224 190 17
Other rockfish \7\........... BSAI....... 1,870 1,400 1,050 893 79 1,870 1,400 1,400 1,190 105
BS......... n/a 810 460 391 35 n/a 810 810 689 61
AI......... n/a 590 590 502 44 n/a 590 590 502 44
Squid........................ BSAI....... 2,620 1,970 1,275 1,084 n/a 2,620 1,970 1,275 1,084 n/a
Other species \8\............ BSAI....... 89,404 58,882 29,000 24,650 2,175 89,404 62,950 27,000 22,950 2,025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.................... ........... 3,476,987 3,013,086 1,994,180 1,770,073 187,522 3,224,217 2,799,914 1,995,560 1,769,284 187,290
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ These amounts apply to the entire BSAI management area unless otherwise specified. With the exception of pollock, and for the purpose of these
harvest specifications, the Bering Sea (BS) subarea includes the Bogoslof District.
\2\ Except for pollock and the portion of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line and pot gear, 15 percent of each TAC is put into a reserve. The
ITAC for each species is the remainder of the TAC after the subtraction of these reserves.
\3\ Except for pollock, squid and the hook-and-line or pot gear allocation of sablefish, one half of the amount of the TACs placed in reserve, or 7.5
percent of the TACs, is designated as a CDQ reserve for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(iii) and 679.31).
\4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(1), the annual Bering Sea pollock TAC after subtraction for the CDQ directed fishing allowance-10 percent and
the ICA-3.35 percent, is further allocated by sector for a directed pollock fishery as follows: Inshore-50 percent; catcher/processor-40 percent; and
motherships-10 percent. Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ
directed fishing allowance-10 percent and second for the ICA-1,800 mt, is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a directed pollock fishery.
\5\ Twenty percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to hook-and-line gear or pot gear and 7.5 percent of the sablefish TAC allocated to trawl gear is
reserved for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. 679.20(b)(1)(iii)).
\6\ ``Other flatfish'' includes all flatfish species, except for halibut (a prohibited species), flathead sole, Greenland turbot, rock sole, yellowfin
sole, arrowtooth flounder and Alaska plaice.
\7\ ``Other rockfish'' includes all Sebastes and Sebastolobus species except for Pacific ocean perch, northern, shortraker, and rougheye rockfish.
\8\ ``Other species'' includes sculpins, sharks, skates and octopus. Forage fish, as defined at Sec. 679.2, are not included in the ``other species''
category.
[[Page 13779]]
Table 2.--2006 and 2007 Apportionment of Reserves to ITAC Categories
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2007
Species--area or subarea reserve 2006 final reserve 2007 final
amount ITAC amount ITAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atka mackerel--Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea 563 6,938 563 6,938
subarea....................................................
Atka mackerel--Central Aleutian District.................... 3,000 37,000 2,850 35,150
Atka mackerel--Western Aleutian District.................... 1,163 14,338 1,313 16,188
Pacific ocean perch--Eastern Aleutian District.............. 231 2,849 244 3,012
Pacific ocean perch--Central Aleutian District.............. 228 2,808 241 2,971
Pacific ocean perch--Western Aleutian District.............. 381 4,703 403 4,969
Pacific cod--BSAI........................................... 14,113 174,066 10,767 132,793
Shortraker rockfish--BSAI................................... 44 537 44 537
Rougheye rockfish--BSAI..................................... 17 207 17 207
Northern rockfish--BSAI..................................... 338 4,163 375 4,625
Other rockfish--Bering Sea subarea.......................... 35 426 61 750
---------------------------------------------------
Total................................................... 20,113 248,035 16,878 208,140
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 5.--2006 and 2007 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod ITAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 2006 2006 2006 seasonal apportionment \1\ 2007 2007 2007 2007 seasonal apportionment \1\
share of subtotal share of ------------------------------------ share of subtotal share of -----------------------------------
Gear sector Percent gear percentages gear gear percentages gear
sector for gear sector Date Amount sector for gear sector Date Amount
total sectors total total sectors total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total hook-and- 51................................. 88,774 n/a n/a n/a n/a..................... 67,724 n/a n/a n/a n/a
line/pot gear
Hook-and-line/pot n/a................................ n/a n/a 500 n/a n/a..................... n/a n/a 500 n/a n/a
ICA
Hook-and-line/pot n/a................................ 88,274 n/a n/a n/a n/a..................... 67,224 n/a n/a n/a n/a
subtotal
Hook-and-line C/P n/a................................ n/a 80 70,619 Jan 1- 42,372.................. n/a 80 53,780 Jan 1- 32,268
Jun 10 Jun 10
................................... ........ ........... ........ June 10- 28,248.................. ........ ........... ........ Jun 10- 21,512
Dec 31 Dec 31
Hook-and-line CV n/a................................ n/a 0.3 265 Jan 1- 159..................... n/a 0.3 202 Jan 1- 121
Jun 10 Jun 10
................................... ........ ........... ........ June 10- 106..................... ........ ........... ........ Jun 10- 81
Dec 31 Dec 31
Pot C/P n/a................................ n/a 3.3 2,913 Jan 1- 1,749................... n/a 3.3 2,218 Jan 1- 1,331
Jun 10 Jun10
................................... ........ ........... ........ Sept 1- 1,165................... ........ ........... ........ Sept 1- 887
Dec 31 Dec 31
Pot CV n/a................................ n/a 15 13,241 Jan 1- 7,945................... n/a 15 10,084 Jan 1- 6,050
Jun 10 Jun 10
................................... ........ ........... ........ Sept 1- 5,296................... ........ ........... ........ Sept 1- 4,033
Dec 31 Dec 31
CV < 60 feet LOA n/a................................ n/a 1.4 1,236 n/a n/a..................... n/a 1.4 941 n/a n/a
using Hook-and-
line or Pot gear
Total Trawl 47................................. 81,811 n/a n/a n/a n/a..................... 62,413 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Gear.
Trawl CV..... ................................... ........ 50 40,906 Jan 20- 28,634.................. ........ 50 31,206 Jan 20- 21,844
Apr 1 Apr 1
................................... ........ ........... n/a Apr 1- 4,091................... ........ ........... n/a Apr 1- 3,121
Jun 10 Jun 10
................................... ........ ........... n/a Jun 10- 8,181................... ........ ........... n/a Jun 10- 6,241
Nov 1 Nov 1
Trawl CP..... ................................... ........ 50 40,906 Jan 20- 20,453.................. ........ 50 31,206 Jan 20- 15,603
Apr 1 Apr 1
................................... ........ ........... n/a Apr 1- 12,272.................. ........ ........... n/a Apr 1- 9,362
Jun 10 Jun 10
................................... ........ ........... n/a Jun 10- 8,181................... ........ ........... n/a Jun 10- 6,241
Nov 1 Nov 1
Jig 2.................................. 3,481 n/a n/a Jan 1- 1,393................... 2,656 n/a n/a Jan 1- 1,062
Apr 30 Apr 30
................................... ........ n/a n/a Apr 30- 696..................... ........ n/a n/a Apr 30- 531
Aug 31 Aug 31
................................... ........ n/a n/a Aug 31- 1,392................... ........ n/a n/a Aug 31- 1,062
Dec 31 Dec 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.... 100................................ 174,066 n/a n/a n/a n/a..................... 132,793 n/a n/a n/a n/a
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For most non-trawl gear the first season is allocated 60 percent of the ITAC and the second season is allocated 40 percent of the ITAC. For jig gear, the first season and third seasons are
each allocated 40 percent of the ITAC and the second season is allocated 20 percent of the ITAC. No seasonal harvest constraints are imposed for the Pacific cod fishery by catcher vessels
less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear. For trawl gear, the first season is allocated 60 percent of the ITAC and the second and third seasons are each allocated 20
percent of the ITAC. The trawl catcher vessels' allocation is further allocated as 70 percent in the first season, 10 percent in the second season and 20 percent in the third season. The
trawl catcher/processors' allocation is allocated 50 percent in the first season, 30 percent in the second season and 20 percent in the third season. Any unused portion of a seasonal Pacific
cod allowance will be reapportioned to the next seasonal allowance.
Table 12.--2006 and 2007 Listed BSAI American Fisheries Act Catcher/Processor Groundfish Sideboard Limits
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995-1997
--------------------------------------- 2006 ITAC 2007 ITAC
Ratio of available 2006 C/P available 2007 C/P
Target species Area Retained retained to trawl C/ sideboard to trawl C/ sideboard
catch Total catch catch to Ps limit Ps limit
total catch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod trawl.................... BSAI.................. 12,424 48,177 0.258 40,906 10,554 31,206 8,051
Sablefish trawl...................... BS.................... 8 497 0.016 1,199 19 1,148 18
AI.................... 0 145 0.000 638 0 582 0
Atka mackerel........................ Central AI............ n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
A season \1\.......... n/a n/a 0.115 18,500 2,128 17,575 2,021
HLA limit \2\......... n/a n/a n/a 11,100 1,277 10,545 1,213
B season \1\.......... n/a n/a 0.115 18,500 2,128 17,575 2,021
[[Page 13780]]
HLA limit \2\......... n/a n/a n/a 11,100 1,277 10,545 1,213
Western AI............ n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
A season \1\.......... n/a n/a 0.200 7,169 1,434 8,094 1,619
HLA limit \2\......... n/a n/a n/a 4,301 860 4,856 971
B season \1\.......... n/a n/a 0.200 7,169 1,434 8,094 1,619
HLA limit \2\......... n/a n/a n/a 4,301 860 4,856 971
Yellowfin sole....................... BSAI.................. 100,192 435,788 0.230 81,346 18,710 91,495 21,044
Rock sole............................ BSAI.................. 6,317 169,362 0.037 35,275 1,305 37,400 1,384
Greenland turbot..................... BS.................... 121 17,305 0.007 1,607 11 1,543 11
AI.................... 23 4,987 0.005 723 4 693 3
Arrowtooth flounder.................. BSAI.................. 76 33,987 0.002 11,050 22 15,300 31
Flathead sole........................ BSAI.................. 1,925 52,755 0.036 16,575 597 18,700 673
Alaska plaice........................ BSAI.................. 14 9,438 0.001 6,800 7 12,750 13
Other flatfish....................... BSAI.................. 3,058 52,298 0.058 2,975 173 4,250 247
Pacific ocean perch.................. BS.................... 12 4,879 0.002 1,190 2 2,516 5
Eastern AI............ 125 6,179 0.020 2,849 57 3,012 60
Central AI............ 3 5,698 0.001 2,808 3 2,971 3
Western AI............ 54 13,598 0.004 4,703 19 4,969 20
Northern rockfish.................... BSAI.................. 91 13,040 0.007 4,163 29 4,625 32
Shortraker rockfish.................. BSAI.................. 50 2,811 0.018 537 10 537 10
Rougheye rockfish.................... BSAI.................. 50 2,811 0.018 207 4 207 4
Other rockfish....................... BS.................... 18 621 0.029 426 12 750 22
AI.................... 22 806 0.027 502 14 502 14
Squid................................ BSAI.................. 73 3,328 0.022 1,084 24 1,084 24
Other species........................ BSAI.................. 553 68,672 0.008 24,650 197 22,950 184
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The seasonal apportionment of Atka mackerel in the open access fishery is 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season. Listed AFA
catcher/processors are limited to harvesting no more than zero in the Eastern Aleutian District and Bering Sea subarea, 20 percent of the annual ITAC
specified for the Western Aleutian District, and 11.5 percent of the annual ITAC specified for the Central Aleutian District.
\2\ Harvest Limit Area (HLA) limit refers to the amount of each seasonal allowance that is available for fishing inside the HLA (see Sec. 679.2). In
2006 and 2007, 60 percent of each seasonal allowance is available for fishing inside the HLA in the Western and Central Aleutian Districts.
Table 14.--2006 and 2007 BSAI American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel Sideboard Limits
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of
1995-1997 2006 2007
Fishery by area/ AFA CV 2006 catcher 2007 catcher
Species season/processor/ catch to initial TAC vessel initial TAC vessel
gear 1995-1997 sideboard sideboard
TAC limits limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod.................. BSAI............ n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jig gear........ 0.0000 3,481 0 2,656 0
Hook-and-line CV n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan 1-Jun 10.... 0.0006 159 0 121 0
Jun 10-Dec 31... 0.0006 106 0 81 0
Pot gear CV..... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan 1-Jun 10.... 0.0006 7,945 5 6,050 4
Sept 1-Dec 31... 0.0006 5,296 3 4,033 2
CV < 60 feet LOA 0.0006 1,236 1 941 1
using hook-and-
line or pot
gear.
Trawl gear CV... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan 20-Apr 1.... 0.8609 28,634 24,651 21,844 18,805
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 0.8609 4,091 3,522 3,121 2,687
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0.8609 8,181 7,043 6,241 5,373
Sablefish.................... BS trawl gear... 0.0906 1,199 109 1,148 104
AI trawl gear... 0.0645 638 41 582 38
Atka mackerel................ Eastern AI/BS... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jig gear........ 0.0031 69 0 69 0
Other gear...... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan 1-Apr 15.... 0.0032 3,434 11 3,434 11
Sept 1-Nov 1.... 0.0032 3,434 11 3,434 11
Central AI...... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan-Apr 15...... 0.0001 18,500 2 17,575 2
HLA limit....... 0.0001 11,100 1 10,545 1
Sept 1-Nov 1.... 0.0001 18,500 2 17,575 2
HLA limit....... 0.0001 11,100 1 10,545 1
Western AI...... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Jan-Apr 15...... 0.0000 7,169 0 8,094 0
[[Page 13781]]
HLA limit....... n/a 4,301 0 4,856 0
Sept 1-Nov 1.... 0.0000 7,169 0 8,094 0
HLA limit....... n/a 4,301 0 4,856 0
Yellowfin sole............... BSAI............ 0.0647 81,346 5,263 91,495 5,920
Rock sole.................... BSAI............ 0.0341 35,275 1,203 37,400 1,275
Greenland Turbot............. BS.............. 0.0645 1,607 104 1,543 100
AI.............. 0.0205 723 15 693 14
Arrowtooth flounder.......... BSAI............ 0.0690 11,050 762 15,300 1,056
Alaska plaice................ BSAI............ 0.0441 6,800 300 12,750 562
Other flatfish............... BSAI............ 0.0441 2,975 131 4,250 187
Pacific ocean perch.......... BS.............. 0.1000 1,190 119 2,516 252
Eastern AI...... 0.0077 2,849 22 3,012 23
Central AI...... 0.0025 2,808 7 2,971 7
Western AI...... 0.0000 4,703 0 4,969 0
Northern rockfish............ BSAI............ 0.0084 4,163 35 4,625 39
Shortraker rockfish.......... BSAI............ 0.0037 537 2 537 2
Rougheye rockfish............ BSAI............ 0.0037 207 1 207 1
Other rockfish............... BS.............. 0.0048 426 2 750 4
AI.............. 0.0095 502 5 502 5
Squid........................ BSAI............ 0.3827 1,084 415 1,084 415
Other species................ BSAI............ 0.0541 24,650 1,334 22,950 1,242
Flathead Sole................ BS trawl gear... 0.0505 16,575 837 18,700 944
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 adjustment of the 2006 and 2007 Pacific cod TACs to
account for the state waters GHL in the Aleutian Islands subarea. On
March 1, 2006, ADF&G announced the state waters GHL in the Aleutian
Islands subarea. Since the 2006 fisheries are currently underway and
the 2006 and 2007 TACs are jointly established, it is necessary to
immediately adjust the TACs to avoid overharvesting gear shares and
seasonal allowances of Pacific cod in the BSAI. Immediate adjustment is
necessary to allow for the orderly conduct and efficient operation of
this fishery, allow the industry to plan for the remainder of the 2006
and 2007 fishing seasons, and avoid potential disruption to the fishing
fleet and processors.
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 Sec. 679.25 and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 14, 2006.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 06-2616 Filed 3-14-06; 2:34 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
