Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska, 59064-59065 [2011-24499]

Download as PDF 59064 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2011 / Rules and Regulations implement this action to close the commercial sector for vermilion snapper constitutes good cause to waive the requirements to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such procedures would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures would be unnecessary because the rule itself has been subject to notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. 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: September 20, 2011. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2011–24502 Filed 9–20–11; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 654 [Docket No. 110707375–1578–02] RIN 0648–BB07 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Removal of Regulations AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. NMFS issues this final rule to repeal the Fishery Management Plan for the Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) and remove its implementing regulations, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). The stone crab fishery takes place primarily erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:40 Sep 22, 2011 Jkt 223001 in state waters off the coast of Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is extending its management of the fishery into Federal waters. Repealing the Federal regulations will eliminate duplication of management efforts, reduce costs for the Federal government, and align with the President’s Executive Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,’’ to ensure Federal regulations are more effective and less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The intended effect of this action is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of managing the stone crab fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). DATES: This rule is effective October 24, 2011. Electronic copies of documents supporting this final rule, which include an environmental assessment, may be obtained from Southeast Regional Office Web site at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/ StoneCrab.htm. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Gerhart, telephone: 727–824– 5305 or e-mail: Susan.Gerhart@noaa.gov. The stone crab fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Council and implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 654 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). On July 20, 2011, NMFS published a proposed rule to repeal the Federal stone crab FMP and requested public comment (76 FR 43250). The proposed rule and the environmental assessment outline the rationale for the measures contained in this final rule. This final rule will repeal the Federal stone crab FMP and its implementing regulations. The FWC has already voted to extend its authority to regulate stone crab in Federal waters. The intended effect of this rule is to eliminate duplication of management efforts, reduce costs, and enhance regulatory efficiency of the stone crab resource. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments and Responses NMFS received two comments on the proposed rule, one from a Federal agency that was non-substantive and one from an individual that expressed general support for the rule. Neither submission expressed substantive comments on the proposed rule and, therefore, are not repeated here. PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Classification The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined that this final rule is necessary to more efficiently manage the stone crab resource, and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws. This final 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. The factual basis for the certification was published in the proposed rule is not repeated here. No comments were received regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 654 Fisheries, Fishing, Incorporation by reference. Dated: September 15, 2011. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., part 654 is removed. PART 654—[REMOVED] ■ 1. Remove part 654. [FR Doc. 2011–24274 Filed 9–22–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 101126522–0640–02] RIN 0648–XA722 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species 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. SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for shallow-water species by E:\FR\FM\23SER1.SGM 23SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2011 / Rules and Regulations erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in of the GOA. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 20, 2011. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 11, 2011. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0648– XA722, by any one of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal Web site at https://www.regulations.gov. • Mail: Submit written comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. • Fax: (907) 586–7557. • Hand delivery to the Federal Building: 709 West 9th Street, Room 420A, Juneau, AK. Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods to ensure that the comments are received, documented, and considered by NMFS. Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (e.g., name, address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required fields, if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe portable document file (pdf) formats only. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:40 Sep 22, 2011 Jkt 223001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907–586–7228. 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 shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA under § 679.21(d)(7)(i) on September 3, 2011 (76 FR 55726, September 7, 2011) and subsequent reopener from September 14, 2011 to September 16, 2011 (76 FR 57679, September 16, 2011). As of September 19, 2011, NMFS has determined that approximately 481 metric tons remain in the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in the GOA. Therefore, in accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in the GOA, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. This will enhance the socioeconomic well-being of harvesters dependent upon shallow-water species in this area. The Administrator, Alaska Region (Regional Administrator) considered the following factors in reaching this decision: (1) The current catch of halibut by trawl vessels participating in the shallow-water species fisheries and, (2) the harvest capacity and stated intent on future harvesting patterns of vessels participating in this fishery. The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water species fishery are pollock, Pacific cod, shallow- SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 59065 water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates, sharks, sculpins, and octopus. 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 directed fishing for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent and relevant data only became available as of September 19, 2011. 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. Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to be harvested in an expedient manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this action to the above address until October 5, 2011. 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: September 20, 2011. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2011–24499 Filed 9–20–11; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\23SER1.SGM 23SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59064-59065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24499]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 101126522-0640-02]
RIN 0648-XA722


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-
Water Species 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 shallow-water species by

[[Page 59065]]

vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to fully use the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 
Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water 
species fishery in of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 20, 
2011. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 
4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional 
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, 
Attn: Ellen Sebastian. You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0648-
XA722, by any one of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal Web site at https://www.regulations.gov.
     Mail: Submit written comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, 
AK 99802.
     Fax: (907) 586-7557.
     Hand delivery to the Federal Building: 709 West 9th 
Street, Room 420A, Juneau, AK.
    Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods to ensure 
that the comments are received, documented, and considered by NMFS. 
Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, 
or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered.
    All comments received are a part of the public record and will 
generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov without change. All 
Personal Identifying Information (e.g., name, address) voluntarily 
submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit 
Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected 
information.
    NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required 
fields, if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or 
Adobe portable document file (pdf) formats only.

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 shallow-water species by vessels 
using trawl gear in the GOA under Sec.  679.21(d)(7)(i) on September 3, 
2011 (76 FR 55726, September 7, 2011) and subsequent reopener from 
September 14, 2011 to September 16, 2011 (76 FR 57679, September 16, 
2011).
    As of September 19, 2011, NMFS has determined that approximately 
481 metric tons remain in the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 
Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water 
species fishery in the GOA. Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  
679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize 
the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 Pacific halibut bycatch 
allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in the 
GOA, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed 
fishing for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the 
GOA. This will enhance the socioeconomic well-being of harvesters 
dependent upon shallow-water species in this area. The Administrator, 
Alaska Region (Regional Administrator) considered the following factors 
in reaching this decision: (1) The current catch of halibut by trawl 
vessels participating in the shallow-water species fisheries and, (2) 
the harvest capacity and stated intent on future harvesting patterns of 
vessels participating in this fishery.
    The species and species groups that comprise the shallow-water 
species fishery are pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish, 
flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates, sharks, sculpins, and octopus.

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 directed fishing for shallow-water species 
by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a 
notice providing time for public comment because the most recent and 
relevant data only became available as of September 19, 2011.
    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.
    Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery 
for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to be 
harvested in an expedient manner and in accordance with the regulatory 
schedule. Under Sec.  679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to 
submit written comments on this action to the above address until 
October 5, 2011.
    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: September 20, 2011.
 Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-24499 Filed 9-20-11; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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