Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska, 11789-11790 [2013-03771]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 34 / Wednesday, February 20, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
The current General category baseline
quota is 435.1 mt, with 23.1 mt
allocated for the January time period.
On November 30, 2011, NMFS
published a final rule to address
adjustments to the General and Harpoon
category regulations. Among other
actions, this final rule allowed the
General category BFT season to remain
open until the ‘‘January subquota’’
amount is reached or March 31
(whichever happens first).
Based on the best available BFT
landings information for the General
category BFT fishery (i.e., 20.4 mt of the
available 23.1 mt landed as of February
12, 2013), NMFS has determined that
the General category January subquota
will be reached by February 15, 2013.
Therefore, through May 31, 2013,
retaining, possessing, or landing large
medium or giant BFT by persons aboard
vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas
General and HMS Charter/Headboat
categories (while fishing commercially)
must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on
February 15, 2013. The General category
will reopen automatically on June 1,
2013, for the June through August
subperiod. This action is taken
consistent with the regulations at
§§ 635.27(a)(1)(iii) and 635.28(a)(1). The
intent of this closure is to prevent
overharvest of the General category
January BFT subquota.
Fishermen may catch and release (or
tag and release) BFT of all sizes, subject
to the requirements of the catch-andrelease and the tag-and-release programs
at § 635.26. Fishermen are also
reminded that all BFT that are released
must be handled in a manner that will
maximize survivability, and without
removing the fish from the water,
consistent with requirements at
§ 635.21(a)(1). For additional
information on safe handling, see the
‘‘Careful Catch and Release’’ brochure
available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/
hms/.
If needed, subsequent General
category adjustments will be published
in the Federal Register. In addition,
fishermen may call the Atlantic Tunas
Information Line at (888) 872–8862 or
(978) 281–9260, or access
www.hmspermits.noaa.gov, for updates.
Classification
The Assistant Administrator for
NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable
and contrary to the public interest to
provide prior notice of, and an
opportunity for public comment on, this
action for the following reasons:
The regulations implementing the
Consolidated HMS FMP provide for
inseason retention limit adjustments
and fishery closures to respond to the
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14:23 Feb 19, 2013
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unpredictable nature of BFT availability
on the fishing grounds, the migratory
nature of this species, and the regional
variations in the BFT fishery. The
closure of the General category January
BFT fishery is necessary to prevent
overharvest of the General category
January BFT subquota. NMFS provides
notification of closures by publishing
the notice in the Federal Register,
emailing individuals who have
subscribed to the Atlantic HMS News
electronic newsletter, and updating the
information posted on the Atlantic
Tunas Information Line and on
www.hmspermits.noaa.gov.
These fisheries are currently
underway and delaying this action
would be contrary to the public interest
as it could result in excessive BFT
landings that may result in future
potential quota reductions for the
General category. NMFS must close the
General category January BFT fishery
before landings of large medium and
giant BFT exceed the available
subquota. Therefore, the AA finds good
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive
prior notice and the opportunity for
public comment. For all of the above
reasons, there is good cause under 5
U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30-day delay
in effectiveness.
This action is being taken under
§§ 635.27(a)(1)(iii) and 635.28(a)(1), and
is exempt from review under Executive
Order 12866.
11789
50 CFR Part 679
630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This
action is necessary to prevent exceeding
the A season allowance of the 2013 total
allowable catch of pollock for Statistical
Area 630 in the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), February 14, 2013, through
1200 hrs, A.l.t., March 10, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
Keaton, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone
according to the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council
under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. Regulations governing
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance
with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50
CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
The A season allowance of the 2013
total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA is 5,998
metric tons (mt) as established by the
final 2012 and 2013 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA
(77 FR 15194, March 14, 2012) and
inseason adjustment (78 FR 267, January
3, 2013).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i),
the Regional Administrator has
determined that the A season allowance
of the 2013 TAC of pollock in Statistical
Area 630 of the GOA will soon be
reached. Therefore, the Regional
Administrator is establishing a directed
fishing allowance of 5,698 mt and is
setting aside the remaining 300 mt as
bycatch 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 pollock in Statistical
Area 630 of the GOA.
After the effective date of this closure
the maximum retainable amounts at
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
during a trip.
[Docket No. 111207737–2141–02]
Classification
RIN 0648–XC505
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Acting 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) and § 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as
such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This
requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801
et seq.
Dated: February 14, 2013.
Emily H. Menashes,
Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–03847 Filed 2–14–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical
Area 630 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 pollock in Statistical Area
SUMMARY:
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11790
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 34 / Wednesday, February 20, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
would prevent NMFS from responding
to the most recent fisheries data in a
timely fashion and would delay the
closure of directed fishing for pollock in
Statistical Area 630 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 February 12,
2013.
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: February 13, 2013.
Kara Meckley,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–03771 Filed 2–13–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 111207737–2141–02]
RIN 0648–XC502
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by
Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear 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:
NMFS is prohibiting directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
(CVs) using trawl gear in the Western
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
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14:23 Feb 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
(GOA). This action is necessary to
prevent exceeding the A season
allowance of the 2013 Pacific cod total
allowable catch apportioned to CVs
using trawl gear in the Western
Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), February 14, 2013,
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1,
2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Obren Davis, 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.
Regulations governing sideboard
protections for GOA groundfish
fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR
part 680.
The A season allowance of the 2013
Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC)
apportioned to CVs using trawl gear in
the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA
is 5,728 metric tons (mt), as established
by the final 2012 and 2013 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA
(77 FR 15194, March 14, 2012) and
inseason adjustment to the final 2013
harvest specifications for Pacific cod (78
FR 267, January 3, 2013).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i),
the Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS (Regional Administrator) has
determined that the A season allowance
of the 2013 Pacific cod TAC
apportioned to CVs using trawl gear in
the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA
will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a
directed fishing allowance of 5,428 mt,
and is setting aside the remaining 300
mt as bycatch to support other
anticipated groundfish fisheries. In
accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the
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Fmt 4700
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Regional Administrator finds that this
directed fishing allowance has been
reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific
cod by CVs using trawl gear in the
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
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 directed fishing closure of
Pacific cod for CVs using trawl gear 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 February 12, 2013.
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: February 13, 2013.
Kara Meckley,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–03767 Filed 2–13–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\20FER1.SGM
20FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11789-11790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03771]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 111207737-2141-02]
RIN 0648-XC505
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2013 total
allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 14,
2013, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., March 10, 2013.
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.
The A season allowance of the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of
pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA is 5,998 metric tons (mt) as
established by the final 2012 and 2013 harvest specifications for
groundfish of the GOA (77 FR 15194, March 14, 2012) and inseason
adjustment (78 FR 267, January 3, 2013).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional
Administrator has determined that the A season allowance of the 2013
TAC of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA will soon be reached.
Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed
fishing allowance of 5,698 mt and is setting aside the remaining 300 mt
as bycatch 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 pollock in
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
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 Acting 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) and Sec. 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as
such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest.
This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest
as it
[[Page 11790]]
would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in
a timely fashion and would delay the closure of directed fishing for
pollock in Statistical Area 630 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 February 12, 2013.
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: February 13, 2013.
Kara Meckley,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-03771 Filed 2-13-13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P