Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2015 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts, 188-192 [2014-30819]
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188
§ 195.444
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
[Amended]
61. Amend § 195.444 by removing the
term ‘‘API 1130’’ and adding in its place
‘‘API RP 1130 (incorporated by
reference, see § 195.3).’’
■ 62. In § 195.452, revise paragraphs
(h)(4)(i)(B), (h)(4)(iii)(D), and paragraph
(l)(1) to read as follows:
■
§ 195.452 Pipeline integrity management in
high consequence areas.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(h) * * *
(4) * * *
(i) * * *
(B) A calculation of the remaining
strength of the pipe shows a predicted
burst pressure less than the established
maximum operating pressure at the
location of the anomaly. Suitable
remaining strength calculation methods
include, but are not limited to, ASME/
ANSI B31G (incorporated by reference,
see § 195.3) and PRCI PR–3–805 (R–
STRENG) (incorporated by reference,
see § 195.3).
*
*
*
*
*
(iii) * * *
(D) A calculation of the remaining
strength of the pipe shows an operating
pressure that is less than the current
established maximum operating
pressure at the location of the anomaly.
Suitable remaining strength calculation
methods include, but are not limited to,
ASME/ANSI B31G and PRCI PR–3–805
(R–STRENG).
*
*
*
*
*
(l) What records must an operator
keep to demonstrate compliance?—(1)
An operator must maintain, for the
useful life of the pipeline, records that
demonstrate compliance with the
requirements of this subpart. At a
minimum, an operator must maintain
the following records for review during
an inspection:
(i) A written integrity management
program in accordance with paragraph
(b) of this section.
(ii) Documents to support the
decisions and analyses, including any
modifications, justifications, deviations
and determinations made, variances,
and actions taken, to implement and
evaluate each element of the integrity
management program listed in
paragraph (f) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 63. Section 195.565 is revised to read
as follows:
§ 195.565 How do I install cathodic
protection on breakout tanks?
After October 2, 2000, when you
install cathodic protection under
§ 195.563(a) to protect the bottom of an
aboveground breakout tank of more than
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500 barrels 79.49m3 capacity built to
API Spec 12F (incorporated by
reference, see § 195.3), API Std 620
(incorporated by reference, see § 195.3),
API Std 650 (incorporated by reference,
see § 195.3), or API Std 650’s
predecessor, Standard 12C, you must
install the system in accordance with
ANSI/API RP 651 (incorporated by
reference, see § 195.3). However, you
don’t need to comply with ANSI/API RP
651 when installing any tank for which
you note in the corrosion control
procedures established under
§ 195.402(c)(3) why complying with all
or certain provisions of ANSI/API RP
651 is not necessary for the safety of the
tank.
64. In § 195.573, revise paragraph (d)
to read as follows:
■
§ 195.573 What must I do to monitor
external corrosion control?
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Breakout tanks. You must inspect
each cathodic protection system used to
control corrosion on the bottom of an
aboveground breakout tank to ensure
that operation and maintenance of the
system are in accordance with API RP
651 (incorporated by reference, see
§ 195.3). However, this inspection is not
required if you note in the corrosion
control procedures established under
§ 195.402(c)(3) why complying with all
or certain operation and maintenance
provisions of API RP 651 is not
necessary for the safety of the tank.
*
*
*
*
*
§ 195.587 What methods are available to
determine the strength of corroded pipe?
Under § 195.585, you may use the
procedure in ASME/ANSI B31G
(incorporated by reference, see § 195.3)
or in PRCI PR–3–805 (R–STRENG)
(incorporated by reference, see § 195.3)
to determine the strength of corroded
pipe based on actual remaining wall
thickness. These procedures apply to
corroded regions that do not penetrate
the pipe wall, subject to the limitations
set out in the respective procedures.
PART 198—REGULATIONS FOR
GRANTS TO AID STATE PIPELINE
SAFETY PROGRAMS
67. The authority citation for Part 198
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60105, 60106, 60114,
and 49 CFR 1.53.
§ 198.37
[Amended]
68. Amend paragraph (f) by removing
the phrase ‘‘§ 192.614 (b)(4) through
(b)(6)’’ and adding in its place
‘‘§ 192.614 (c)(4) through (c)(6).’’
■
PART 199—DRUG AND ALCOHOL
TESTING
69. The authority citation for Part 199
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60102, 60104,
60108, 60117, and 60118; and 49 CFR 1.53.
§ 199.111
■
[Removed and Reserved]
70. Remove and reserve § 199.111.
■
65. In § 195.579, revise paragraph (d)
to read as follows:
§ 195.579 What must I do to mitigate
internal corrosion?
Issued in Washington, DC, on December
18, 2014, under authority delegated in 49
CFR 1.97(a).
Timothy P. Butters,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014–30336 Filed 1–2–15; 8:45 am]
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Breakout tanks. After October 2,
2000, when you install a tank bottom
lining in an aboveground breakout tank
built to API Spec 12F (incorporated by
reference, see § 195.3), API Std 620
(incorporated by reference, see § 195.3),
API Std 650 (incorporated by reference,
see § 195.3), or API Std 650’s
predecessor, Standard 12C, you must
install the lining in accordance with API
RP 652 (incorporated by reference, see
§ 195.3). However, you don’t need to
comply with API RP 652 when
installing any tank for which you note
in the corrosion control procedures
established under § 195.402(c)(3) why
compliance with all or certain
provisions of API RP 652 is not
necessary for the safety of the tank.
66. Section 195.587 is revised to read
as follows:
■
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BILLING CODE 4910–60–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 131021878–4158–02]
RIN 0648–XD693
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment
to the 2015 Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch
Amounts
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Temporary rule; inseason
adjustment; request for comments.
ACTION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
NMFS is adjusting the 2015
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
(BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and
Pacific cod fisheries. This action is
necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly
specified, and will ensure the BSAI
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
TACs are the appropriate amounts based
on the best available scientific
information. This action is consistent
with the goals and objectives of the
Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands Management Area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until the
effective date of the final 2015 and 2016
harvest specifications for BSAI
groundfish, unless otherwise modified
or superseded through publication of a
notification in the Federal Register.
Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by FDMS
Docket Number NOAA–NMFS–2013–
0152 by any of the following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20130152, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: Submit written comments to
Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.
Instructions: 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 by NMFS. All comments
received are a part of the public record
and will generally be posted for public
viewing on www.regulations.gov
without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address),
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information
submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. 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, or Adobe PDF
file formats only.
Mary Furuness, 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.
The final 2014 and 2015 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) set
the 2015 BSAI pollock TAC at 1,277,075
metric tons (mt), the 2015 BSAI Atka
mackerel TAC at 32,491 mt, the 2015
Bering Sea Pacific cod TAC at 251,712
mt, and the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod
TAC at 6,487 mt. In December 2014, the
North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) recommended a 2015
BSAI pollock TAC of 1,310,000 mt,
which is more than the 1,277,075 mt
TAC established by the final 2014 and
2015 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. The Council
also recommended a 2015 BSAI Atka
mackerel TAC of 54,500 mt, which is
more than the 32,491 mt TAC
established by the final 2014 and 2015
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council
recommended a 2015 Bering Sea Pacific
cod TAC of 240,000 mt, and an Aleutian
Islands Pacific cod TAC of 9,422 mt,
which is less than the Bering Sea Pacific
cod TAC of 251,712 mt, and more than
the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod TAC of
6,487 mt established by the final 2014
and 2015 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. The Council’s
recommended 2015 TACs, and the area
and seasonal apportionments, are based
on the Stock Assessment and Fishery
Evaluation report (SAFE), dated
November 2014, which NMFS has
determined is the best available
scientific information for these fisheries.
Steller sea lions occur in the same
location as the pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed
as endangered under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod are a
principal prey species for Steller sea
lions in the BSAI. The seasonal
apportionment of pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is
necessary to ensure the groundfish
fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy
of extinction or adverse modification of
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SUMMARY:
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189
critical habitat for Steller sea lions.
NMFS published regulations and the
revised harvest limit amounts for Atka
mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock
fisheries to implement Steller sea lion
protection measures to insure that
groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not
likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of the western distinct
population segment of Steller sea lions
or destroy or adversely modify their
designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286,
November 25, 2014). The regulations at
§ 679.20(a)(5) specify how the Bering
Sea pollock TAC will be apportioned.
The regulations at § 679.20(a)(7) specify
how the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be
apportioned. The regulations at
§ 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI
Atka mackerel TAC will be apportioned.
In accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
(a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv), the
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
(Regional Administrator), has
determined that, based on the November
2014 SAFE report for this fishery, the
current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly
specified. Pursuant to § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
the Regional Administrator is adjusting
the 2015 BSAI pollock TAC to 1,310,000
mt, the 2015 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC
to 54,500, the 2015 Bering Sea Pacific
cod TAC to 240,000 mt, and the
Aleutian Islands Pacific cod TAC to
9,422 mt. Therefore, Table 1 of the final
2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (79 FR 12108,
March 4, 2014) is revised consistent
with this adjustment.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 3
of the final 2014 and 2015 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) is
revised for the 2015 BSAI allocations of
pollock TAC to the directed pollock
fisheries and to the Community
Development Quota (CDQ) directed
fishing allowances consistent with this
adjustment. The Steller sea lion
protection measure final rule (79 FR
70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest
limits for pollock in the A season
(January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543,
542, and 541, see
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the
2015 A season pollock harvest limit is
no more than 30 percent, or 8,898 mt,
of the Aleutian Islands ABC of 29,659
mt. In Area 542, the 2015 A season
pollock harvest limit is no more than 15
percent, or 4,449 mt, of the Aleutian
Islands ABC of 29,659 mt. In Area 543,
the 2015 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 5 percent, or 1,483 mt,
of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC of
29,659 mt.
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 3—FINAL 2015 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2015 A season 1
2015
Allocations
Area and sector
2015 B
season 1
SCA harvest limit 2
A season DFA
B season DFA
Bering Sea subarea TAC 1 ......................................................
CDQ DFA .................................................................................
ICA 1 .........................................................................................
AFA Inshore .............................................................................
AFA Catcher/Processors 3 .......................................................
Catch by C/Ps ......................................................................
Catch by CVs 3 .....................................................................
Unlisted C/P Limit 4 ..............................................................
AFA Motherships .....................................................................
Excessive Harvesting Limit 5 ....................................................
Excessive Processing Limit 6 ...................................................
Total Bering Sea DFA .............................................................
1,310,000
131,000
47,160
565,920
452,736
414,253
38,483
2,264
113,184
198,072
339,552
1,131,840
n/a
52,400
n/a
226,368
181,094
165,701
15,393
905
45,274
n/a
n/a
452,736
n/a
36,680
n/a
158,458
126,766
n/a
n/a
n/a
31,692
n/a
n/a
316,915
n/a
78,600
n/a
339,552
271,642
248,552
23,090
1,358
67,910
n/a
n/a
679,104
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC .................................................
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC 1 ...............................................
CDQ DFA .................................................................................
ICA ...........................................................................................
Aleut Corporation .....................................................................
Area harvest limit:
541 ....................................................................................
542 ....................................................................................
543 ....................................................................................
Bogoslof District ICA 7 ..............................................................
29,659
19,000
1,900
2,400
15,100
n/a
n/a
760
1,200
12,259
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,140
1,200
2,841
1,483
4,449
8,898
100
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (4.0 percent), is allocated
as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector–50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)–40 percent, and mothership sector–10 percent. In the BS subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20–June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June
10–November 1). 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 the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A
season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
2 In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector’s annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1.
3 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest
only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/processors.
4 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/
processors sector’s allocation of pollock.
5 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
6 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
7 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in
Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
8 The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and
are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(8), Table 4 of
the final 2014 and 2015 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) is
revised for the 2015 seasonal and spatial
allowances, gear shares, CDQ reserve,
incidental catch allowance, and
Amendment 80 allocation of the BSAI
Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 4—FINAL 2015 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2015 allocation by area
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Sector 1
Season 2 3 4
TAC ........................................................
CDQ reserve ..........................................
n/a .........................................................
Total ......................................................
A ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
B ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
Total ......................................................
Total ......................................................
ICA .........................................................
Jig 6 ........................................................
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Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering Sea
Sfmt 4700
Central Aleutian
District 5
27,000
2,889
1,445
n/a
1,445
n/a
1,000
116
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17,000
1,819
910
546
910
546
75
0
05JAR1
Western Aleutian
District
10,500
1,124
562
337
562
337
40
0
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 4—FINAL 2015 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2015 allocation by area
Sector 1
Season 2 3 4
BSAI trawl limited access ......................
Total ......................................................
A ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
B ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
Total ......................................................
A ............................................................
B ............................................................
Total 6 ....................................................
A ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
B ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
Total 6 ....................................................
A ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
B ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
Amendment 80 sectors ..........................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative .............
Alaska Seafood Cooperative .................
Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering Sea
Central Aleutian
District 5
2,300
1,150
n/a
1,150
n/a
20,696
10,348
10,348
11,616
5,808
n/a
5,808
n/a
9,080
4,540
n/a
4,540
n/a
Western Aleutian
District
1,511
755
453
755
453
13,595
6,798
6,798
8,116
4,058
2,435
4,058
2,435
5,479
2,740
1,644
2,740
1,644
0
0
0
0
0
9,337
4,668
4,668
5,742
2,871
1,723
2,871
1,723
3,594
1,797
1,078
1,797
1,078
1 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and § 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see
§§ 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
2 Regulations at §§ 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery.
3 The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
4 Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from January 20 to June 10 and the B
season from June 10 to December 31.
5 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas and 542 and 543 to be caught inside of critical
habitat; and § 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divided between the A and B seasons as defined at § 679.23(e)(3) and (2) requires the TAC in
area 543 shall be no more than 65% of ABC.
6 Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear
after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Table 6 of
the final 2014 and 2015 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) is
revised for the 2015 gear shares and
seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific
cod TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 6—FINAL 2015 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
2015 share of
gear sector
total
Percent
2015 share of
sector total
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BS TAC .............................................................
BS CDQ ............................................................
BS non-CDQ TAC ............................................
AI TAC ..............................................................
AI CDQ .............................................................
AI non-CDQ TAC ..............................................
Western Aleutian Island Limit ...........................
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC 1 ..............................
Total hook-and-line/pot gear .............................
Hook-and-line/pot ICA 2 ....................................
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total ...............................
Hook-and-line catcher/processor ......................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
100
60.8
n/a
n/a
48.7
240,000
25,680
214,320
9,422
1,008
8,414
2,478
222,734
135,422
500
134,922
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
108,071
Hook-and-line catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA ........
0.2
n/a
444
Pot catcher/processor .......................................
1.5
n/a
3,329
Pot catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA .........................
8.4
n/a
18,641
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using hook-and-line
or pot gear.
Trawl catcher vessel .........................................
2
n/a
22.1
49,224
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Jan 02, 2015
Jkt 235001
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2015 seasonal apportionment
Seasons
Amount
4,438
n/a .....................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) ....
n/a .....................................
n/a .....................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) ....
n/a .....................................
n/a .....................................
n/a .....................................
n/a .....................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(B) ....
n/a .....................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ....................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ....................
Jun 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
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
55,116
52,955
226
217
1,698
1,631
9,507
9,134
n/a
n/a
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................
36,426
E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM
05JAR1
192
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 6—FINAL 2015 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
2015 share of
gear sector
total
Percent
2015 seasonal apportionment
2015 share of
sector total
Seasons
AFA trawl catcher/processor ............................
2.3
5,123
n/a
Amendment 80 .................................................
13.4
29,846
n/a
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ........................
n/a
n/a
4,711
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ............................
n/a
n/a
25,135
Jig .....................................................................
1.4
3,118
n/a
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...................
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 20–Apr 1 ....................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................
Jan 1–Apr 30 ....................
Apr 30–Aug 31 .................
Aug 31–Dec 31 ................
Amount
5,415
7,384
3,842
1,281
0
22,385
7,462
0
3,533
1,178
0
18,851
6,284
0
1,871
624
624
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
1 The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains.
2 The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line
and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2015 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
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
allow for harvests that exceed the
appropriate allocations for pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI
based on the best scientific information
available. NMFS was unable to publish
a notice providing time for public
comment because the most recent,
relevant data only became available as
of December 26, 2014, and additional
time for prior public comment would
result in conservation concerns for the
ESA-listed Steller sea lions.
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.
Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested
persons are invited to submit written
comments on this action to the above
address until January 16, 2015.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Jan 02, 2015
Jkt 235001
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: December 30, 2014.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–30819 Filed 12–30–14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 130925836–4174–02]
RIN 0648–XD688
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment
to the 2015 Gulf of Alaska Pollock and
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch
Amounts
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
adjustment; request for comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS is adjusting the 2015
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for
the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and
Pacific cod fisheries. This action is
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly
specified, and will ensure the GOA
pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the
appropriate amounts based on the best
available scientific information for
pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA.
This action is consistent with the goals
and objectives of the Fishery
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Gulf of Alaska.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015, until
the effective date of the final 2015 and
2016 harvest specifications for GOA
groundfish, which will be published in
the Federal Register.
Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by FDMS
Docket Number NOAA–NMFS–2013–
0147 by any of the following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20130147, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: Address written comments to
Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.
E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM
05JAR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 2 (Monday, January 5, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 188-192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30819]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 131021878-4158-02]
RIN 0648-XD693
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason
Adjustment to the 2015 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka
Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
[[Page 189]]
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2015 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts
for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the
BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate
amounts based on the best available scientific information. This action
is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2015,
until the effective date of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest
specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or
superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal
Register.
Comments must be received at the following address no later than
4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by FDMS
Docket Number NOAA-NMFS-2013-0152 by any of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2013-0152, click the
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or
attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region
NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau,
AK 99802-1668.
Instructions: 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 by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information,
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender
will be publicly accessible. 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, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 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.
The final 2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) set the 2015 BSAI pollock TAC at
1,277,075 metric tons (mt), the 2015 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC at 32,491
mt, the 2015 Bering Sea Pacific cod TAC at 251,712 mt, and the Aleutian
Islands Pacific cod TAC at 6,487 mt. In December 2014, the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2015 BSAI
pollock TAC of 1,310,000 mt, which is more than the 1,277,075 mt TAC
established by the final 2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. The Council also recommended a 2015 BSAI Atka
mackerel TAC of 54,500 mt, which is more than the 32,491 mt TAC
established by the final 2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council recommended a 2015
Bering Sea Pacific cod TAC of 240,000 mt, and an Aleutian Islands
Pacific cod TAC of 9,422 mt, which is less than the Bering Sea Pacific
cod TAC of 251,712 mt, and more than the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod
TAC of 6,487 mt established by the final 2014 and 2015 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council's recommended
2015 TACs, and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November
2014, which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific
information for these fisheries.
Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific
cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the BSAI. The
seasonal apportionment of pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
harvest is necessary to ensure the groundfish fisheries are not likely
to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification of critical
habitat for Steller sea lions. NMFS published regulations and the
revised harvest limit amounts for Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and
pollock fisheries to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to
insure that groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population
segment of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their
designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014). The
regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(5) specify how the Bering Sea pollock
TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7) specify
how the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at
Sec. 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will be
apportioned.
In accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i)(B), and
(a)(2)(iv), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional
Administrator), has determined that, based on the November 2014 SAFE
report for this fishery, the current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and
Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Pursuant to Sec.
679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2015
BSAI pollock TAC to 1,310,000 mt, the 2015 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to
54,500, the 2015 Bering Sea Pacific cod TAC to 240,000 mt, and the
Aleutian Islands Pacific cod TAC to 9,422 mt. Therefore, Table 1 of the
final 2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI
(79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014) is revised consistent with this
adjustment.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 3 of the final 2014 and
2015 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (79 FR 12108,
March 4, 2014) is revised for the 2015 BSAI allocations of pollock TAC
to the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community Development
Quota (CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with this
adjustment. The Steller sea lion protection measure final rule (79 FR
70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest limits for pollock in the A
season (January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543, 542, and 541, see Sec.
679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the 2015 A season pollock harvest
limit is no more than 30 percent, or 8,898 mt, of the Aleutian Islands
ABC of 29,659 mt. In Area 542, the 2015 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 15 percent, or 4,449 mt, of the Aleutian Islands ABC of
29,659 mt. In Area 543, the 2015 A season pollock harvest limit is no
more than 5 percent, or 1,483 mt, of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC
of 29,659 mt.
[[Page 190]]
Table 3--Final 2015 Allocations of Pollock TACs to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed
Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 A season \1\ 2015 B season \1\
--------------------------------------------------------
Area and sector 2015 Allocations SCA harvest limit
A season DFA \2\ B season DFA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\.......... 1,310,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA............................. 131,000 52,400 36,680 78,600
ICA \1\............................. 47,160 n/a n/a n/a
AFA Inshore......................... 565,920 226,368 158,458 339,552
AFA Catcher/Processors \3\.......... 452,736 181,094 126,766 271,642
Catch by C/Ps..................... 414,253 165,701 n/a 248,552
Catch by CVs \3\.................. 38,483 15,393 n/a 23,090
Unlisted C/P Limit \4\............ 2,264 905 n/a 1,358
AFA Motherships..................... 113,184 45,274 31,692 67,910
Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\...... 198,072 n/a n/a n/a
Excessive Processing Limit \6\...... 339,552 n/a n/a n/a
Total Bering Sea DFA................ 1,131,840 452,736 316,915 679,104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC........ 29,659 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\.... 19,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA............................. 1,900 760 n/a 1,140
ICA................................. 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200
Aleut Corporation................... 15,100 12,259 n/a 2,841
Area harvest limit:
541............................. 1,483 n/a n/a n/a
542............................. 4,449 n/a n/a n/a
543............................. 8,898 n/a n/a n/a
Bogoslof District ICA \7\........... 100 n/a n/a n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent)
and the ICA (4.0 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector-50 percent, catcher/processor
sector (C/P)-40 percent, and mothership sector-10 percent. In the BS subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is
allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-
November 1). 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 the ICA (2,400 mt), is
allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is
allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
\2\ In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before
April 1.
\3\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/
processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/
processors.
\4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting
not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock.
\5\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\6\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\7\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in
Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent
of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
\8\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The
amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(8), Table 4 of the final 2014 and 2015
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (79 FR 12108, March
4, 2014) is revised for the 2015 seasonal and spatial allowances, gear
shares, CDQ reserve, incidental catch allowance, and Amendment 80
allocation of the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
Table 4--Final 2015 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and
Amendment 80 Allocations of the BSAI Atka Mackerel TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 allocation by area
--------------------------------------------------------
Sector \1\ Season 2 3 4 Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering Central Aleutian Western Aleutian
Sea District \5\ District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC.............................. n/a................. 27,000 17,000 10,500
CDQ reserve...................... Total............... 2,889 1,819 1,124
A................... 1,445 910 562
Critical Habitat.... n/a 546 337
B................... 1,445 910 562
Critical Habitat.... n/a 546 337
ICA.............................. Total............... 1,000 75 40
Jig \6\.......................... Total............... 116 0 0
[[Page 191]]
BSAI trawl limited access........ Total............... 2,300 1,511 0
A................... 1,150 755 0
Critical Habitat.... n/a 453 0
B................... 1,150 755 0
Critical Habitat.... n/a 453 0
Amendment 80 sectors............. Total............... 20,696 13,595 9,337
A................... 10,348 6,798 4,668
B................... 10,348 6,798 4,668
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative.... Total \6\........... 11,616 8,116 5,742
A................... 5,808 4,058 2,871
Critical Habitat.... n/a 2,435 1,723
B................... 5,808 4,058 2,871
Critical Habitat.... n/a 2,435 1,723
Alaska Seafood Cooperative....... Total \6\........... 9,080 5,479 3,594
A................... 4,540 2,740 1,797
Critical Habitat.... n/a 1,644 1,078
B................... 4,540 2,740 1,797
Critical Habitat.... n/a 1,644 1,078
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear
allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for
Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679
and Sec. 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec.
679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
\2\ Regulations at Sec. Sec. 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for
the Atka mackerel fishery.
\3\ The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
\4\ Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from
January 20 to June 10 and the B season from June 10 to December 31.
\5\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas and 542 and 543
to be caught inside of critical habitat; and Sec. 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divided between the A
and B seasons as defined at Sec. 679.23(e)(3) and (2) requires the TAC in area 543 shall be no more than 65%
of ABC.
\6\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea
subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation
is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Table 6 of the final 2014 and 2015
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (79 FR 12108, March
4, 2014) is revised for the 2015 gear shares and seasonal allowances of
the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment.
Table 6--Final 2015 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 share of 2015 seasonal apportionment
Gear sector Percent gear sector 2015 share of --------------------------------------------------------------
total sector total Seasons Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BS TAC................................... n/a 240,000 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
BS CDQ................................... n/a 25,680 n/a see Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B)................ n/a
BS non-CDQ TAC........................... n/a 214,320 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
AI TAC................................... n/a 9,422 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
AI CDQ................................... n/a 1,008 n/a see Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B)................ n/a
AI non-CDQ TAC........................... n/a 8,414 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
Western Aleutian Island Limit............ n/a 2,478 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC \1\............... 100 222,734 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
Total hook-and-line/pot gear............. 60.8 135,422 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
Hook-and-line/pot ICA \2\................ n/a 500 n/a see Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(B)............... n/a
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total.............. n/a 134,922 n/a n/a.......................................... n/a
Hook-and-line catcher/processor.......... 48.7 n/a 108,071 Jan 1-Jun 10................................. 55,116
Jun 10-Dec 31................................ 52,955
Hook-and-line catcher vessel >=60 ft LOA. 0.2 n/a 444 Jan 1-Jun 10................................. 226
Jun 10-Dec 31................................ 217
Pot catcher/processor.................... 1.5 n/a 3,329 Jan 1-Jun 10................................. 1,698
Sept 1-Dec 31................................ 1,631
Pot catcher vessel >=60 ft LOA........... 8.4 n/a 18,641 Jan 1-Jun 10................................. 9,507
Sept 1-Dec 31................................ 9,134
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using hook-and- 2 n/a 4,438 n/a.......................................... n/a
line or pot gear.
Trawl catcher vessel..................... 22.1 49,224 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1................................. 36,426
[[Page 192]]
Apr 1-Jun 10................................. 5,415
Jun 10-Nov 1................................. 7,384
AFA trawl catcher/processor.............. 2.3 5,123 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1................................. 3,842
Apr 1-Jun 10................................. 1,281
Jun 10-Nov 1................................. 0
Amendment 80............................. 13.4 29,846 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1................................. 22,385
Apr 1-Jun 10................................. 7,462
Jun 10-Nov 1................................. 0
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative............ n/a n/a 4,711 Jan 20-Apr 1................................. 3,533
Apr 1-Jun 10................................. 1,178
Jun 10-Dec 31................................ 0
Alaska Seafood Cooperative............... n/a n/a 25,135 Jan 20-Apr 1................................. 18,851
Apr 1-Jun 10................................. 6,284
Jun 10-Dec 31................................ 0
Jig...................................... 1.4 3,118 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30................................. 1,871
Apr 30-Aug 31................................ 624
Aug 31-Dec 31................................ 624
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of
CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a
BSAI allowance remains.
\2\ The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line and pot
sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2015 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
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 allow for harvests that exceed the appropriate allocations for
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI based on the best
scientific information available. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of December 26, 2014, and additional time
for prior public comment would result in conservation concerns for the
ESA-listed Steller sea lions.
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.
Under Sec. 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit
written comments on this action to the above address until January 16,
2015.
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: December 30, 2014.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-30819 Filed 12-30-14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
