Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 4760-4761 [08-341]

Download as PDF 4760 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations § 660.312 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements. * * * * * (d)* * * (4)* * * (iv) Long-term departure exemption. A vessel participating in the open access fishery that is required to have VMS under § 660.312 (b)(3) may be exempted from VMS provisions after the end of the fishing year in which it participated in the open access fishery, providing the vessel submits a completed exemption report signed by the vessel owner that includes a statement signed by the vessel owner indicating that the vessel will not be used to take and retain or possess groundfish in the EEZ or land groundfish taken in the EEZ during the new fishing year. * * * * * [FR Doc. E8–1430 Filed 1–25–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 070213032–7032–01] RIN 0648–XF23 Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species Fishery by Amendment 80 Vessels Subject to Sideboard Limits in the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the first seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit specified for the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA has been reached. SUMMARY: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 23, 2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone sroberts on PROD1PC70 with RULES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:32 Jan 25, 2008 Jkt 214001 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 first seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut PSC limit specified for the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA is 10 metric tons as established by the 2007 and 2008 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (72 FR 9676, March 5, 2007) and revision (72 FR 71802, December 19, 2007), for the period 1200 hrs, A.l.t., January 20, 2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2008. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(vi)(C)(2), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the first seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut PSC limit specified for the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA. The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water species fishery are pollock, Pacific cod, shallowwater flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates and ‘‘other species.’’ 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 shallow-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits using trawl gear in the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 most recent, relevant data only became available as of January 18, 2008. 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: January 22, 2008. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 08–342 Filed 1–23–08; 2:49 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 070213033–7033–01] RIN 0648–XF25 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in 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 cod for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 23, 2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 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 E:\FR\FM\28JAR1.SGM 28JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on PROD1PC70 with RULES 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 A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod TAC allocated to vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI is 1,839 metric tons as established by the 2007 and 2008 final harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (72 FR 9451, March 2, 2007) and revision (72 FR 71802, December 19, 2007). See §§ 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A), 679.20(a)(7)(iv)(A), and 679.91(c)(4). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the entire A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod TAC allocated to vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI will be caught as incidental catch in directed fisheries for other groundfish fisheries. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 0 mt and is setting aside the remaining 1,839 mt VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:32 Jan 25, 2008 Jkt 214001 as incidental catch 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 cod by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 4761 responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of Pacific cod by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of January 22, 2008. 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 § 679.91 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 22, 2008. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 08–341 Filed 1–23–08; 2:48 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\28JAR1.SGM 28JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 18 (Monday, January 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4760-4761]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-341]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 070213033-7033-01]
RIN 0648-XF25


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Bering Sea 
and Aleutian Islands Management Area

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 cod for 
vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2008 
Pacific cod allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating 
in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 23, 
2008, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 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

[[Page 4761]]

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 A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod TAC allocated to 
vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the 
BSAI is 1,839 metric tons as established by the 2007 and 2008 final 
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (72 FR 9451, March 2, 
2007) and revision (72 FR 71802, December 19, 2007). See Sec. Sec.  
679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A), 679.20(a)(7)(iv)(A), and 679.91(c)(4).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the entire A 
season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod TAC allocated to vessels 
participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI 
will be caught as incidental catch in directed fisheries for other 
groundfish fisheries. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is 
establishing a directed fishing allowance of 0 mt and is setting aside 
the remaining 1,839 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated 
groundfish fisheries. In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), the 
Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has 
been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 
Pacific cod by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access 
fishery in the BSAI.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA, (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from 
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and 
would delay the closure of Pacific cod by vessels participating in the 
Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to 
publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most 
recent, relevant data only became available as of January 22, 2008.
    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.  679.91 and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: January 22, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 08-341 Filed 1-23-08; 2:48 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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