Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Thornyhead Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, 47851-47852 [E8-18934]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 159 / Friday, August 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Allowing prior notice and opportunity for public comment is contrary to the public interest because of the need to immediately implement this action to protect the fishery since the capacity of the fishing fleet allows for rapid harvest of the quota. Prior notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and would potentially result in a harvest well in excess of the established quota. For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.43(a) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2008. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–18937 Filed 8–12–08; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 635 [Docket No. 0612242866–8888–03] RIN 0648–AU89 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; effectiveness of collection-of-information requirements. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of collection-of-information requirements contained in regulations implementing Amendment 2 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This final rule sets forth the effective date of the collection-ofinformation requirements. DATES: The collection-of-information requirements in § 635.5 will be effective on September 15, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-ofinformation requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted to David Rostker, OMB, by e-mail to DavidlRostker@omb.eop.gov, or fax to 202–395–7285. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:44 Aug 14, 2008 Jkt 214001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jackie Wilson, NMFS HMS Management Division, 240–338–3936. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access This Federal Register document is also accessible on the internet at: www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. Background A final rule for Amendment 2 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2008 (73 FR 35778), and a correction was published on July 15, 2008 (73 FR 40658). That final rule became effective on July 24, 2008. The OMB approval of the collection-ofinformation requirements for § 635.5 had not been received by the date the final rule was submitted to the Office of the Federal Register for publication. Because OMB approval of the collection-of-information requirements had not been received by NMFS by the date the final rule was published, the effective date of the associated recordkeeping and reporting requirements in that rule was delayed. OMB approved the collection-ofinformation requirements contained in the rule on June 23, 2008. Accordingly, this final rule makes effective the collection-of-information requirements at § 635.5 contained in the final rule published on June 24, 2008. Classification This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.tanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection-ofinformation requirement subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that collection-of-information displays a currently valid OMB control number. This final rule contains revisions to collection-of- information requirements subject to the PRA under OMB Control Number 0648–0040. NMFS sought approval regarding the addition of a check box on the HMS dealer form. This check box would allow HMS dealers to note whether or not shark fins were naturally attached to the shark through offloading. NMFS does not expect that the addition of a check box regarding shark fins would add to the reporting burden. Send comments regarding these burden estimates or any other aspect of this data collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to David Rostker at PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 47851 DavidlRostker@omb.eop.gov, or fax to 202–395–7285. Dated: August 11, 2008. James W. Balsiger Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–18944 Filed 8–14–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 071106671–8010–02] RIN 0648–XJ72 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Thornyhead 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; closure. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 13, 2008, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 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 2008 TAC of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 267 metric tons (mt) as established by the 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (73 FR 10562, February 27, 2008). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(2), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2008 TAC of DATES: E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM 15AUR1 47852 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 159 / Friday, August 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that thornyhead rockfish caught in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited species in accordance with § 679.21(b). 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 prohibition of retention of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of August 11, 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 is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2008. Alan D. Risenhoover Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–18934 Filed 8–12–08; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 071106673–8011–02] sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS RIN 0648–XJ73 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel Lottery in Areas 542 and 543 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:44 Aug 14, 2008 Jkt 214001 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notification of fishery assignments. SUMMARY: NMFS is notifying the owners and operators of registered vessels of their assignments for the 2008 B season Atka mackerel fishery in harvest limit area (HLA) 542 and/or 543 of the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the harvest of the 2008 B season HLA limits established for area 542 and area 543 pursuant to the 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 12, 2008, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., November 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 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. In accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(A), owners and operators of vessels using trawl gear for directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the HLA are required to register with NMFS. Eight vessels have registered with NMFS to fish in the B season HLA fisheries in areas 542 and/or 543. In accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii)(B), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has randomly assigned each vessel to the HLA directed fishery for Atka mackerel for which they have registered and is now notifying each vessel of its assignment. For the Amendment 80 cooperative, the vessels authorized to participate in the first HLA directed fishery in area 542 and the second HLA directed fishery in area 543 in accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii) is as follows: Federal Fishery Permit number (FFP) 2733 Seafreeze Alaska and FFP 3835 Seafisher. The vessel authorized to participate in the first HLA directed fishery in area 543 and the second HLA directed fishery in area 542 in PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii) is as follows: FFP 2134 Ocean Peace. For the Amendment 80 limited access sector, vessels authorized to participate in the first HLA directed fishery in area 542 and in the second HLA directed fishery in area 543 in accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii) are as follows: FFP 4093 Alaska Victory and FFP 3819 Alaska Spirit. Vessels authorized to participate in the first HLA directed fishery in area 543 and in the second HLA directed fishery in area 542 in accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii) are as follows: FFP 2443 Alaska Juris and FFP 3423 Alaska Warrior. For the BSAI trawl limited access sector, the vessel authorized to participate in the first HLA directed fishery in area 542 in accordance with § 679.20(a)(8)(iii) is as follows: FFP 11770 Alaska Knight. Classification 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 unnecessary. This notice merely advises the owners of these vessels of the results of a random assignment required by regulation. The notice needs to occur immediately to notify the owner of each vessel of its assignment to allow these vessel owners to plan for participation in the B season HLA fisheries in area 542 and area 543. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2008. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–18935 Filed 8–12–08; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM 15AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 159 (Friday, August 15, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47851-47852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18934]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 071106671-8010-02]
RIN 0648-XJ72


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Thornyhead 
Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of thornyhead rockfish in the 
Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary because the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of thornyhead 
rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 13, 2008, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing 
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H 
of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    The 2008 TAC of thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area 
of the GOA is 267 metric tons (mt) as established by the 2008 and 2009 
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (73 FR 10562, February 
27, 2008).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(2), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2008 TAC 
of

[[Page 47852]]

thornyhead rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been 
reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that thornyhead rockfish caught 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited 
species in accordance with Sec.  679.21(b).

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 prohibition of retention of thornyhead rockfish in the 
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data only became available as of August 11, 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 is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: August 12, 2008.
Alan D. Risenhoover
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-18934 Filed 8-12-08; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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