Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Amendment 24, 12567-12603 [2015-05395]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12567-12603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05395]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 140904754-5188-02]
RIN 0648-BE27


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and 
Management Measures; Amendment 24

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule would establish the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. 
exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and 
California, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (MSA) and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan (PCGFMP), and approve Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP. This 
final rule would also revise the management measures that are intended 
to keep the total catch of each groundfish species or species complex 
within the harvest specifications. This action also includes 
regulations to implement Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP, which establishes 
default harvest control rules for setting harvest specifications after 
2015-2016.

DATES: This final rule is effective March 10, 2015, except for the 
modifications to sorting requirements at Sec. Sec.  660.130(d)(1)(i), 
660.230(c)(2)(i), and 660.330(c)(2)(i), which are effective April 1, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: Information relevant to this final rule and Amendment 24, 
which includes a final environmental impact statement (EIS), the Record 
of Decision (ROD), a regulatory impact review (RIR), final regulatory 
flexibility analysis (FRFA), and amended PCGFMP, are available from 
William Stelle, Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 
Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Electronic copies of this 
final rule are also available at the NMFS West Coast Region Web site: 
https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Williams, phone: 206-526-4646, 
fax: 206-526-6736, or email: sarah.williams@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    This rule is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the 
Federal Register Web site at https://www.federalregister.gov. 
Background information and documents are available at the NMFS West 
Coast Region Web site at https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/groundfish/ and at the Council's Web site at https://www.pcouncil.org.

Executive Summary

Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    This final rule implements the 2015-2016 harvest specifications and 
management measures for groundfish species taken in the U.S. exclusive 
economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. The 
purpose of this action is to conserve and manage Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery resources to prevent overfishing, to rebuild 
overfished stocks, to ensure conservation, to facilitate long-term 
protection of essential fish habitats (EFH), and to realize the full 
potential of the Nation's fishery resources. The need for this action 
is to set catch limit specifications for 2015-2016 consistent with 
existing or revised harvest control rules for all stocks, and establish 
management measures designed to keep catch within the appropriate 
limits. These harvest specifications are set consistent with the 
optimum yield (OY) harvest management framework described in Chapter 4 
of the PCGFMP. This final rule also implements Amendment 24 to PCGFMP. 
Amendment 24 establishes the default harvest control rules used to 
determine harvest specifications after 2015-2016. This rule is 
authorized by 16 U.S.C. 1854-55 and by the PCGFMP.

Major Provisions

    This final rule contains two types of major provisions. The first 
are the harvest specifications (overfishing limits (OFLs), acceptable 
biological catches (ABCs), and annual catch limits (ACLs)), and the 
second are management measures designed to keep fishing mortality 
within the ACLs. The harvest specifications (OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs) in 
this rule have been developed through a rigorous scientific review and 
decision-making process, which is described in detail in the proposed 
rule for this action (80 FR 687, January 6, 2015) and is not repeated 
here.
    In summary, the OFL is the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) harvest 
level and is an estimate of the catch level above which overfishing is 
occurring. OFLs are based on recommendations by the Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) as the best scientific 
information available. The ABC is an annual catch specification that is 
the stock or stock complex's OFL reduced by an amount associated with 
scientific uncertainty. The SSC-recommended method for incorporating 
scientific uncertainty is referred to as the P star-sigma approach and 
is discussed in detail in the proposed and final rules for the 2011-
2012 (75 FR 67810, November 3, 2010 and 76 FR 27508, May 11, 2011)

[[Page 12568]]

and 2013-2014 (77 FR 67974, November 12, 2012, and 78 FR 580, January 
3, 2013) biennial harvest specifications and management measures. The 
ACL is a harvest specification set equal to or below the ABC. The ACLs 
are decided in a manner to achieve OY from the fishery, which is the 
amount of fish that will provide the greatest overall benefit to the 
Nation, particularly with respect to food production and recreational 
opportunities, and considering the protection of marine ecosystems. The 
ACLs are based on consideration of conservation objectives, socio-
economic concerns, management uncertainty, and other factors. All known 
sources of fishing and scientific research catch are counted against 
the ACL.
    This final rule includes ACLs for the seven overfished species 
managed under the PCGFMP. For the 2015-2016 biennium only one species, 
cowcod, requires rebuilding plan changes to its TMAX and 
TTARGET rebuilding parameters. TMAX is the 
maximum permissible time period for rebuilding the stock to its target 
biomass. TTARGET is the year by which the stock can be 
rebuilt as soon as possible, taking into account the status and biology 
of the stock, the needs of fishing communities, and the interaction of 
the stock of fish within the marine ecosystem. The changes are 
necessary because the rebuilding analyses prepared showed that the 
current TTARGET is 9 years longer than the new 
TMAX. Accordingly, for cowcod, the TTARGET is 
revised from 2068 to 2020, which is the median time to rebuild based on 
the established harvest control rule. The remaining overfished species 
(bocaccio, canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, 
petrale sole and yelloweye rockfish) are making adequate progress 
towards rebuilding or are estimated to be rebuilt in 2015. Therefore, 
this rule establishes harvest specifications consistent with the 
existing rebuilding plan provisions for those species.
    This action also approves and implements regulations for Amendment 
24 to the PCGFMP. Amendment 24 consists of three components: (1) 
Default harvest control rules; (2) a suite of minor changes, including 
clarification of routine management measures and adjustments to those 
measures, clarification to the harvest specifications decision making 
schedule, changes to the description of biennial management cycle 
process, updates to make the PCGFMP consistent with SSC guidance on the 
FMSY proxy for elasmobranchs, and clarifications to definitions; and 
(3) addition of two rockfish species to the PCGFMP and the designation 
of ecosystem component (EC) species.
    With respect to the Council's recommendations for EC species, in 
the preamble to the proposed rule, NMFS noted that reclassification of 
Pacific grenadier from a stock ``in the fishery'' to an EC species is 
arguably inconsistent with the NS 1 Guidelines, which state that EC 
species should not be a target stock and should generally not be 
retained. Recent Pacific grenadier landings average about 130 mt per 
year, and Pacific grenadier is landed, marketed, and possibly targeted 
in some regions, mainly in central California. However, despite 
relatively high amounts of catch when compared to catch of other 
proposed EC species, only about 10 percent of the estimated OFL 
contribution for Pacific grenadier was caught annually between 2009 and 
2011. In addition, because the stocks that are currently in the PCGFMP 
and are proposed to be reclassified as EC species were previously 
managed as part of the Other Fish complex rather than as individual 
species, the EC classification results in very limited changes from 
existing management practices. Because of this, NMFS believes that the 
change to EC status will not result in additional fishing pressure on 
Pacific grenadier. Therefore, NMFS is approving the Council's 
recommendation to designate Pacific grenadier as an EC species with the 
understanding that continued monitoring and evaluation of the stocks' 
classifications will occur.
    Like Pacific grenadier, big skate is also currently in the 
Groundfish FMP as part of the Other Fish complex, and is designated as 
an EC species through Amendment 24 and this final rule. The information 
the Council had before it at the time of its recommendations indicated 
that recent average catches of big skate were only 18 percent of the 
estimated OFL. However, at its February 2-6, 2015, work session the 
Council's Groundfish Management Team (GMT) discussed new information 
about the catch data that was used to review whether big skate was an 
appropriate stock for EC species classification. The GMT noted that it 
was recently discovered that the majority of landings contributing to 
an ``unspecified skate'' market category were in fact predominantly big 
skate and that recent catches of big skate were much closer to the 
estimated OFL. Anecdotal evidence also indicates targeting and 
marketing exist. The Council and its other advisory bodies have not yet 
reviewed the preliminary information described by the GMT. However, if 
accurate, big skate would likely be in need of conservation and 
management and not an acceptable candidate for EC species 
classification. Because this new information came to light after 
Amendment 24 was submitted for NFMS' review, and only a few weeks 
before the statutorily-mandated deadline for a decision on the 
amendment, it was not practicable for the information to be 
incorporated into Amendment 24. However, NMFS understands that the 
Council intends to review the new information regarding big skate at 
its April 2015 meeting. If trip limits in the trawl fishery are needed 
to prevent overfishing, the Council and NMFS have authority under 
existing regulations to implement those changes via inseason action. If 
the GMT verifies this preliminary information, the Council would need 
to initiate a process to reclassify big skate as a stock in need of 
conservation and management rather than an EC species.
    In order to keep mortality of the species managed under the PCGFMP 
within the ACLs the Council also recommended management measures for 
recreational and commercial fisheries. Generally speaking, management 
measures are intended to rebuild overfished species, prevent ACLs from 
being exceeded, and allow for the harvest of healthy stocks. Management 
measures include time and area restrictions, gear restrictions, trip or 
bag limits, size limits, and other management tools. Management 
measures may vary by fishing sector because different fishing sectors 
require different types of management to control catch. Most of the 
management measures the Council recommended for 2015-2016 were slight 
variations to existing management measures and do not represent a 
change from current management practices. These types of changes 
include changes to trip limits, bag limits, closed areas, etc. 
Additionally, several new management measures were recommended by the 
Council and proposed by NMFS. Those measures are described in detail in 
the proposed rule for this action.
    This final rule implements the same regulations that were described 
in the proposed rule with a few exceptions. All of these changes are 
discussed in detail below in Changes from the Proposed Rule.

Background

    The Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery is managed under the PCGFMP. 
The PCGFMP was prepared by the Council, approved on July 30, 1984, and 
has been amended numerous times. Regulations at 50 CFR part 660, 
subparts C through G, implement the provisions of the PCGFMP.

[[Page 12569]]

    The PCGFMP requires the harvest specifications and management 
measures for groundfish to be set at least biennially. This final rule 
is based on the Council's final recommendations that were made at its 
June 2014 meeting with updated harvest specifications for some stocks 
adopted at its November 2014 meeting. The Notice of Availability for 
the FEIS for this action was published on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 
2414). The final preferred alternative in the FEIS is the same as the 
Council's preferred alternative from June 2014, and includes the 
updated harvest specifications that the Council recommended at its 
November 2014 meeting. The final preferred alternative, including 
updated harvest specifications from November 2014, was described in the 
proposed rule for this action. See the preamble to the proposed rule 
for additional background information on the fishery and the provisions 
implemented in this final rule.

Comments and Responses

    NMFS published a proposed rule on January 6, 2015 (80 FR687) with a 
comment period that closed on January 26, 2015. NMFS received three 
letters of comment on the proposed rule. NMFS received one letter from 
the Department of the Interior stating it had no comment, one letter 
from an anonymous commenter, and one letter from the Washington 
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
    Comment 1: An anonymous commenter requested that PCGFMP Amendment 
24 incorporate mandatory protocols for when a species is discovered to 
be overfished or threatened, including reporting of that information.
    Response: Amendment 24 establishes NMFS' ability to implement 
harvest specifications based on the harvest control rules from the 
previous biennium, applied to the best available science, in the 
absence of Council action. If the best available science indicates that 
a species is subject to overfishing or is in an overfished condition, 
Section 4.6 of the PCGFMP describes procedures for the use of 
precautionary harvest control rules that will apply for that species in 
the interim until a rebuilding plan can be developed and implemented 
(e.g. the harvest control rules that applied in the previous biennium 
would change based on the best available science). Section 4.6.3.7 of 
the PCGFMP also describes the protocols used with regard to species 
listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA). Accordingly, the PCGFMP already addresses the issues raised by 
the commenter and this action does not change those protocols. 
Development of new rebuilding plans and steps taken to ensure the 
conservation of species listed under the ESA are considered through the 
Council process, which is open to the public.
    Comment 2: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife requested 
that NMFS delay the addition of shortraker and blackspotted/rougheye 
rockfish to the list of species that must be sorted coastwide because 
data is collected on a quarterly basis and April 1st is the beginning 
of a quarter.
    Response: NMFS supports this delay in effectiveness and therefore 
has modified the effective date of the sorting requirement changes. 
This delay does not change the current sorting requirements, only the 
addition of the new species. NMFS does not believe that the short delay 
in effectiveness with result in conservation concerns.

Changes From the Proposed Rule

    For the recreational fishery in California, the Council recommended 
changes for California scorpionfish and black rockfish which are 
incorporated into this rule. NMFS requested comments on these changes 
in the proposed rule but did not include the necessary regulatory text 
at that time. Therefore, this rule will modify regulations at Sec.  
660.360(c)(3)(v)(A)(1) through (4) to prohibit retention of California 
scorpionfish in the California recreational fisheries from September 
through December. Additionally, this rule will add a 5 fish sub-bag 
limit for black rockfish within the Rockfish-Cabezon-Greenling limits 
at Sec.  660.360(c)(3)(ii)(B). These changes are consistent with the 
Council's recommendations at the November 2014 meeting and with the 
description of these changes in the proposed rule for this action.

Classifications

    The Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, determined that the 
2015-2016 groundfish harvest specifications and management measures and 
Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP, which this final rule implements, are 
necessary for the conservation and management of the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish fishery and are consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act and other applicable laws.
    NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), so that this final rule may become 
effective upon publication in the Federal Register, except in the case 
of the sorting requirements for rougheye/blackspotted and shortraker 
rockfish, which will become effective on April 1, 2015. Because this 
final rule increases the catch limits for several species for 2015, 
leaving 2014 harvest specifications in place could unnecessarily delay 
fishing opportunities until later in the year, potentially reducing the 
total catch for these species in 2015. Thus, a delay in effectiveness 
could ultimately cause economic harm to the fishing industry and 
associated fishing communities or result in harvest levels inconsistent 
with the best available scientific information. This final rule also 
approves the Council's 2015-2016 management measures, which respond to 
the needs of the fisheries in each state. Therefore, allowing the 2014 
management measures to remain in place would not respond to the needs 
of the fishery and would be in conflict with the Council's final 
recommendation for 2015 management measures. For example, due to higher 
than expected catches in California, the Council recommended 
implementing a 5 fish sub-bag limit for black rockfish in order to slow 
catches and provide for year round opportunity while managing to the 
California harvest guideline for black rockfish. Because of the 
potential harm to fish stocks and fishing communities that could be 
caused by delaying the effectiveness of this final rule, NMFS finds 
good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness.
    NMFS prepared an FEIS for the 2015-2016 groundfish harvest 
specifications and management measures and Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP. 
The Environmental Protection Agency published a notice of availability 
for the FEIS on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 2414.) A copy of the FEIS is 
available online at https://www.pcouncil.org/. In approving the 2015-
2016 groundfish harvest specifications and management measures, NMFS 
issued a Record of Decision (ROD) identifying the selected 
alternatives. A copy of the ROD is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    A final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) was prepared. The 
FRFA incorporates the IRFA, a summary of the significant issues raised 
by the public comments in response to the IRFA, NMFS' responses to 
those comments, and a summary of the analyses completed to support the 
action. A copy of the FRFA is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES) and a 
summary of the FRFA, per the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 604(a), follows:

[[Page 12570]]

    NMFS received no comments to the RIR/IRFA. NMFS agrees that the 
Council's choice of preferred alternatives would best achieve the 
Council's objectives while minimizing, to the extent practicable, the 
adverse effects on harvesters, processors, fishing support industries, 
and associated communities. The preamble above provides a statement and 
need for, and objective of this rule. The MSA provides the statutory 
basis for this rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting 
Federal rules have been identified. This final rule would not introduce 
any changes to current reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance 
requirements.
    This rule regulates businesses that harvest groundfish. This rule 
directly affects limited entry fixed gear permit holders, trawl Quota 
Share (QS) and whiting catch history endorsed permit holders (which 
includes shorebased whiting processors), tribal vessels, charterboat 
vessels, and open access vessels. QS holders are directly affected 
because the amount of Quota Pounds (QP) they receive based on their QS 
are affected by the ACLs. Vessels that fish under the trawl 
rationalization program receive their QP from the QS holders, and thus 
are indirectly affected if they only own vessel accounts rather than 
QS. Similarly, Mothership processors are indirectly affected as they 
receive the fish they process from limited entry permits that are 
endorsed with whiting catch history assignments.
    According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), a small 
commercial harvesting business is one that has annual receipts under 
$20.5 million (including its affiliates), a small charterboat business 
is one with receipts under $7.5 million, and a small processor employs 
less than 500 employees. Small non-profit organizations must be 
independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field. Small 
government jurisdictions must have populations less than 50,000. For 
purposes of rulemaking, NMFS is applying the $20.5 million standard to 
catcher processors because whiting catcher processors are involved in 
the commercial harvest of finfish.
    To determine the number of small entities potentially affected by 
this rule, NMFS reviewed analyses of fish ticket data and limited entry 
permit data. NMFS also reviewed the EIS associated with this 
rulemaking. The EIS includes information on charterboat, tribal, and 
open access fleets, available cost-earnings data developed by Northwest 
Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC). NMFS also reviewed responses 
associated with the permitting process for the trawl rationalization 
program--applicants were asked if they considered themselves a small 
business based on SBA definitions. This rule would regulate businesses 
that harvest groundfish.
    NMFS makes the following conclusions based primarily on analyses 
associated with fish ticket data, limited entry permit data, previous 
analysis of the charterboat and tribal fleets, NMFS expertise, and the 
EIS associated with this rule making. As part of the permitting process 
for the Trawl rationalization program or to participate in non-trawl 
limited entry permit fisheries, applicants were asked if they 
considered themselves a small business. NMFS reviewed the ownership and 
affiliation relationships of quota share permit holders, vessel account 
holders, catcher processor permits, Mothership processing, and first 
receiver/shore processor permits. Based on this review, there are an 
estimated 102 unique small businesses and 21 large businesses that 
participate in this Trawl Rationalization Program. In the non-trawl 
limited entry program, there are 222 small businesses.
    Open access vessels are not federally permitted so counts based on 
landings can provide an estimate of the affected. The Draft EIS 
analysis for the 2013-14 Pacific Groundfish Specifications and 
Management Measures contained the following assessment, which is deemed 
reasonable estimates for this rule, as these fisheries have not changed 
significantly in recent years. In 2011, 682 directed open access 
vessels fished while 284 incidental open access vessels fished for a 
total of 966 vessels. Over the 2005-2010 period, 1583 different 
directed open access vessels fished and 837 different incidental open 
access vessels fished for a total of 2420 different vessels. According 
to the Draft EIS, over the 2008-2010 period, 447 to 470 charterboats 
participated in the groundfish fishery, 447 in 2010. The four tribal 
fleets sum to a total of 54 longline vessels, 5 whiting trawlers, and 5 
non-whiting trawlers, for a grand total of 64 vessels. Available 
information on average revenue per vessel suggests that all the 
entities in these groups can be considered small.
    These regulations implement the Council's preferred alternative. 
The key economic effects of the Council's preferred alternative and the 
other alternatives were described in detail in the proposed rule for 
this action. The economic effects of the Council's preferred 
alternative were compared with the no action alternative where the no 
action alternative reflects maintaining 2013-2014 harvest 
specifications and management measures into 2015-2016. Total shoreside 
sectors' ex-vessel revenue under the Preferred Alternative is projected 
to be the highest among the action alternatives. Compared with No 
Action, total non-whiting shoreside ex-vessel revenue under the 
preferred alternative is projected to increase by $16 million (20 
percent) in 2015. Projected revenues are higher than under No Action 
for every shorebased groundfish sector. The greatest absolute and 
percentage increase in revenue is projected for the IFQ sector: $12.8 
million (45 percent) in 2015. There is no projected change from No 
Action for the incidental Open Access Sector. Future rulemaking will 
address the amount of whiting that is to be harvested by shoreside IFQ, 
mothership catcher vessels, catcher-processors, and tribal fleets. This 
rule making does affect the amount of bycatch that these fleets will 
have for their directed whiting fisheries.
    Under the Preferred Alternative, an increase of 11,600 angler trips 
is projected from No Action coastwide. All of the increase occurs in 
California. Trips increase by 1,600 (20 percent) in the Mendocino 
region, 5,600 (11 percent) in the San Francisco region and 4,400 (4 
percent) in the Central region. No change from No Action is projected 
for California's Northern and Southern management areas or for 
recreational fisheries in Washington and Oregon. This represents a 
coastwide income increase of $1,471,000 compared to No Action 
alternative.
    NMFS issued Biological Opinions under the ESA on August 10, 1990, 
November 26, 1991, August 28, 1992, September 27, 1993, May 14, 1996, 
and December 15, 1999 pertaining to the effects of the PCGFMP fisheries 
on Chinook salmon (Puget Sound, Snake River spring/summer, Snake River 
fall, upper Columbia River spring, lower Columbia River, upper 
Willamette River, Sacramento River winter, Central Valley spring, 
California coastal), coho salmon (Central California coastal, southern 
Oregon/northern California coastal), chum salmon (Hood Canal summer, 
Columbia River), sockeye salmon (Snake River, Ozette Lake), and 
steelhead (upper, middle and lower Columbia River, Snake River Basin, 
upper Willamette River, central California coast, California Central 
Valley, south/central California, northern California, southern 
California). These biological opinions have concluded that 
implementation of the PCGFMP is not expected to jeopardize the 
continued existence of any endangered or threatened species under the 
jurisdiction of NMFS, or

[[Page 12571]]

result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.
    NMFS issued a Supplemental Biological Opinion on March 11, 2006 
concluding that neither the higher observed bycatch of Chinook in the 
2005 whiting fishery nor new data regarding salmon bycatch in the 
groundfish bottom trawl fishery required a reconsideration of its prior 
``no jeopardy'' conclusion. NMFS also reaffirmed its prior 
determination that implementation of the PCGFMP is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any of the affected ESUs. Lower 
Columbia River coho (70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005) and Oregon Coastal 
coho (73 FR 7816, February 11, 2008) were relisted as threatened under 
the ESA. The 1999 biological opinion concluded that the bycatch of 
salmonids in the Pacific whiting fishery were almost entirely Chinook 
salmon, with little or no bycatch of coho, chum, sockeye, and 
steelhead.
    NMFS has reinitiated section 7 consultation on the PCGFMP with 
respect to its effects on listed salmonids. In the event the 
consultation identifies either reasonable and prudent alternatives to 
address jeopardy concerns or reasonable and prudent measures to 
minimize incidental take, NMFS would exercise necessary authorities in 
coordination, to the extent possible, with the Council to put such 
additional alternatives or measures into place. After reviewing the 
available information, NMFS has concluded that, consistent with 
sections 7(a)(2) and 7(d) of the ESA, this action will not jeopardize 
any listed species, would not adversely modify any designated critical 
habitat, and will not result in any irreversible or irretrievable 
commitment of resources that would have the effect of foreclosing the 
formulation or implementation of any reasonable and prudent alternative 
measures.
    On December 7, 2012, NMFS completed a biological opinion concluding 
that the groundfish fishery is not likely to jeopardize non-salmonid 
marine species including listed eulachon, green sturgeon, humpback 
whales, Steller sea lions, and leatherback sea turtles. The opinion 
also concludes that the fishery is not likely to adversely modify 
critical habitat for green sturgeon and leatherback sea turtles. The 
opinion also concluded that the fishery is not likely to adversely 
affect green sea turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea 
turtles, sei whales, North Pacific right whales, blue whales, fin 
whales, sperm whales, Southern Resident killer whales, Guadalupe fur 
seals, or the critical habitat for Steller sea lions.
    On November 21, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 
issued a biological opinion concluding that the groundfish fishery will 
not jeopardize the continued existence of the short-tailed albatross. 
The (FWS) also concurred that the fishery is not likely to adversely 
affect the marbled murrelet, California least tern, southern sea otter, 
bull trout, or bull trout critical habitat.
    This final rule would not alter the effects on marine mammals over 
what has already been considered for the fishery. West Coast pot 
fisheries for sablefish are considered Category II fisheries under the 
MMPA's List of Fisheries, indicating occasional interactions. All other 
West Coast groundfish fisheries, including the trawl fishery, are 
considered Category III fisheries under the MMPA, indicating a remote 
likelihood of or no known serious injuries or mortalities to marine 
mammals. On February 27, 2012, NMFS published notice that the 
incidental taking of Steller sea lions in the West Coast groundfish 
fisheries is addressed in NMFS' December 29, 2010, Negligible Impact 
Determination (NID) and this fishery has been added to the list of 
fisheries authorized to take Steller sea lions (77 FR 11493, February 
27, 2012). On September 4, 2013, based on its negligible impact 
determination dated August 28, 2013, NMFS issued a permit for a period 
of three years to authorize the incidental taking of humpback whales by 
the sablefish pot fishery (78 FR 54553, September 4, 2013).
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, this final rule was developed 
after meaningful collaboration with Tribal officials from the area 
covered by the PCGFMP. Under the MSA at 16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(5), one of 
the voting members of the Pacific Council must be a representative of 
an Indian Tribe with Federally recognized fishing rights from the area 
of the Council's jurisdiction. In addition, regulations implementing 
the PCGFMP establish a procedure by which the Tribes with treaty 
fishing rights in the area covered by the PCGFMP request new 
allocations or regulations specific to the Tribes, in writing, before 
the first of the two meetings at which the Council considers groundfish 
management measures. The regulations at 50 CFR 660.50(d)(2) further 
state ``the Secretary will develop Tribal allocations and regulations 
under this paragraph in consultation with the affected Tribe(s) and, 
insofar as possible, with Tribal consensus.'' The Tribal management 
measures in this final rule have been developed following these 
procedures.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660

    Fisheries, Fishing, and Indian fisheries.

    Dated: March 3, 2015.
Eileen Sobeck,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended 
as follows:

PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  660.11, in the definition for ``Groundfish,'' revise 
paragraphs (1), (2), (5), (7) introductory text, (7)(i) introductory 
text, (7)(ii), (7)(iii), (9) and (10); in the definition for ``North-
South management area'' revise paragraph (2)(v) and revise the 
definitions for ``Office of Law Enforcement or OLE'', ``Regional 
Administrator'', and ``Sustainable Fisheries Division or SFD'' to read 
as follows:


Sec.  660.11  General definitions.

* * * * *
    Groundfish * * *
    (1) Sharks: Leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata; soupfin shark, 
Galeorhinus zyopterus; spiny dogfish, Squalus suckleyi.
    (2) Skates: ``Skates'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and species 
in the family Arhynchobatidae that occur off Washington, Oregon, and 
California, including but not limited to Aleutian skate, Bathyraja 
aleutica; Bering/sandpaper skate, B. interrupta; big skate, Raja 
binoculata; California skate, R. inornata; longnose skate, R. rhina; 
roughtail/black skate, B. trachura.
* * * * *
    (5) Grenadiers: ``Grenadiers'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and 
species in the family Macrouridae that occur off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, including but not limited to Giant grenadier, 
Albatrossia pectoralis; Pacific grenadier, Coryphaenoides acrolepis.
* * * * *
    (7) Rockfish: ``Rockfish'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and 
species of the family Scorpaenidae that occur off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, even if not listed below, including longspine 
thornyhead, Sebastolobus altivelis, and shortspine thornyhead, S. 
alascanus. Where species below are listed both in a geographic category 
(nearshore, shelf, slope) and as an area-specific listing (north or 
south of 40[deg]10'

[[Page 12572]]

N. lat.) those species are managed within a ``minor'' rockfish complex 
in that area-specific listing.
    (i) Nearshore rockfish includes black rockfish, Sebastes melanops 
and the following nearshore rockfish species managed in ``minor 
rockfish'' complexes:
* * * * *
    (ii) Shelf rockfish includes bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; canary 
rockfish, S. pinniger; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; 
shortbelly rockfish, S. jordani; widow rockfish, S. entomelas; 
yelloweye rockfish, S. ruberrimus; yellowtail rockfish, S. flavidus and 
the following shelf rockfish species managed in ``minor rockfish'' 
complexes:
    (A) Shelf Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Bronzespotted 
rockfish, S. gilli; bocaccio, S. paucispinis; chameleon rockfish, S. 
phillipsi; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; dusky rockfish, S. 
ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, S. 
rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched 
rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; 
greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. 
semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. 
umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; 
pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe 
rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy 
rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled 
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, 
S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. 
crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. 
nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus.
    (B) Shelf Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Bronzespotted 
rockfish, S. gilli; chameleon rockfish, S. phillipsi; dusky rockfish, 
S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, S. 
rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched 
rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; 
greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. 
semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. 
umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; 
pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe 
rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy 
rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled 
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, 
S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. 
crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. 
nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus; yellowtail rockfish, S. 
flavidus.
    (iii) Slope rockfish includes darkblotched rockfish, S. crameri; 
Pacific ocean perch, S. alutus; splitnose rockfish, S. diploproa; and 
the following slope rockfish species managed in ``minor rockfish'' 
complexes:
    (A) Slope Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Aurora rockfish, 
Sebastes aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; redbanded 
rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, S. aleutianus; sharpchin 
rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, S. borealis; splitnose 
rockfish, S. diploproa; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
    (B) Slope Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Aurora rockfish, 
Sebastes aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; Pacific ocean 
perch, S. alutus; redbanded rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, 
S. aleutianus; sharpchin rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, 
S. borealis; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
* * * * *
    (9) ``Other fish'': kelp greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus), 
leopard shark (Trakis semifasciata), and cabezon (Scorpaenichthys 
marmoratus) in waters off Washington.
    (10) ``Ecosystem component species'' means species that are 
included in the PCGFMP but are not ``in the fishery'' and therefore not 
actively managed and do not require harvest specifications. Ecosystem 
component species are not targeted in any fishery, not generally 
retained for sale or personal use, and are not determined to be subject 
to overfishing, approaching an overfished condition, or overfished, nor 
are they likely to become subject to overfishing or overfished in the 
absence of conservation and management measures. Ecosystem component 
species include: All skates listed here in paragraph (2), except 
longnose skate; all grenadiers listed here in paragraph (5); soupfin 
shark; ratfish; and finescale codling.
* * * * *
    North-South management area * * *
    (2) * * *
    (v) Columbia River--46[deg]16.00' N. lat.
* * * * *
    Office of Law Enforcement or OLE refers to the National Marine 
Fisheries Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Western Division.
* * * * *
    Regional Administrator means the Administrator, West Coast Region, 
NMFS.
* * * * *
    Sustainable Fisheries Division or SFD means the Assistant Regional 
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, West Coast Regional 
Office, NMFS, or a designee.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  660.40, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.40  Overfished species rebuilding plans.

* * * * *
    (c) Cowcod. Cowcod was declared overfished in 2000. The target year 
for rebuilding the cowcod stock south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. to 
BMSY is 2020. The harvest control rule to be used to rebuild 
the cowcod stock is an annual SPR harvest rate of 82.7 percent.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  660.50, revise paragraphs (f)(2)(ii), (f)(5) and (7), and 
add paragraph (f)(8) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.50  Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The Tribal allocation is 479 mt in 2015 and 524 mt in 2016 per 
year. This allocation is, for each year, 10 percent of the Monterey 
through Vancouver area (North of 36[deg] N. lat.) ACL. The Tribal 
allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent for estimated discard mortality.
* * * * *
    (5) Pacific cod. There is a tribal harvest guideline of 500 mt of 
Pacific cod per year. The tribes will manage their fisheries to stay 
within this harvest guideline.
* * * * *
    (7) Yellowtail rockfish. Yellowtail rockfish taken in the directed 
tribal mid-water trawl fisheries are subject to a catch limit of 1,000 
mt for the entire fleet, per year.
    (8) Spiny dogfish. Spiny dogfish taken in the treaty fisheries are 
subject to an overall expected total spiny dogfish catch of 275 mt per 
year.
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  660.60, add paragraphs (b)(1) and reserved (b)(2) and 
revise paragraph (c)(1)(i) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.60  Specifications and management measures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

[[Page 12573]]

    (1) Except for Pacific whiting, every biennium, NMFS will implement 
OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable, for each species or species group 
based on the harvest controls used in the previous biennium (referred 
to as default harvest control rules) applied to the best available 
scientific information. The default harvest control rules for each 
species or species group are listed in Appendix F to the PCGFMP and the 
biennial SAFE document. NMFS may implement OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if 
applicable, that vary from the default harvest control rules based on a 
Council recommendation.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Trip landing and frequency limits, size limits, all gear. Trip 
landing and frequency limits have been designated as routine for the 
following species or species groups: Widow rockfish, canary rockfish, 
yellowtail rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye rockfish, black 
rockfish, blue rockfish, splitnose rockfish, blackgill rockfish in the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., chilipepper, bocaccio, cowcod, minor 
nearshore rockfish or shallow and deeper minor nearshore rockfish, 
shelf or minor shelf rockfish, and minor slope rockfish; Dover sole, 
sablefish, shortspine thornyheads, and longspine thornyheads; petrale 
sole, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific sanddabs, and the other 
flatfish complex, which is composed of those species plus any other 
flatfish species listed at Sec.  660.11; Pacific whiting; lingcod; 
Pacific cod; spiny dogfish; longnose skate; cabezon in Oregon and 
California and ``other fish'' as a complex described at Sec.  660.11. 
In addition to the species and species groups listed above, sub-limits 
or aggregate limits may be specified, specific to the Shorebased IFQ 
Program, for the following species: Big skate, California skate, 
California scorpionfish, leopard shark, soupfin shark, finescale 
codling, Pacific rattail (grenadier), ratfish, kelp greenling, 
shortbelly, and cabezon in Washington. Size limits have been designated 
as routine for sablefish and lingcod. Trip landing and frequency limits 
and size limits for species with those limits designated as routine may 
be imposed or adjusted on a biennial or more frequent basis for the 
purpose of keeping landings within the harvest levels announced by 
NMFS, and for the other purposes given in paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A) and 
(B) of this section.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  660.72:
0
a. Revise paragraph (c);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (f)(199) through (211) as paragraphs (f)(200) 
through (212);
0
c. Add new paragraph (f)(199); and
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (f)(207);
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  660.72  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m) 
through 75 fm (137 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) 34[deg]08.40' N. lat., 120[deg]33.78' W. long.;
    (2) 34[deg]07.80' N. lat., 120[deg]30.99' W. long.;
    (3) 34[deg]08.42' N. lat., 120[deg]27.92' W. long.;
    (4) 34[deg]09.31' N. lat., 120[deg]27.81' W. long.;
    (5) 34[deg]05.85' N. lat., 120[deg]17.13' W. long.;
    (6) 34[deg]05.73' N. lat., 120[deg]05.93' W. long.;
    (7) 34[deg]06.14' N. lat., 120[deg]04.86' W. long.;
    (8) 34[deg]05.70' N. lat., 120[deg]03.17' W. long.;
    (9) 34[deg]05.67' N. lat., 119[deg]58.98' W. long.;
    (10) 34[deg]06.34' N. lat., 119[deg]56.78' W. long.;
    (11) 34[deg]05.57' N. lat., 119[deg]51.35' W. long.;
    (12) 34[deg]07.08' N. lat., 119[deg]52.43' W. long.;
    (13) 34[deg]04.49' N. lat., 119[deg]35.55' W. long.;
    (14) 34[deg]04.73' N. lat., 119[deg]32.77' W. long.;
    (15) 34[deg]02.02' N. lat., 119[deg]19.18' W. long.;
    (16) 34[deg]01.03' N. lat., 119[deg]19.50' W. long.;
    (17) 33[deg]59.45' N. lat., 119[deg]22.38' W. long.;
    (18) 33[deg]58.68' N. lat., 119[deg]32.36' W. long.;
    (19) 33[deg]56.43' N. lat., 119[deg]41.13' W. long.;
    (20) 33[deg]56.04' N. lat., 119[deg]48.20' W. long.;
    (21) 33[deg]57.32' N. lat., 119[deg]51.96' W. long.;
    (22) 33[deg]59.32' N. lat., 119[deg]55.59' W. long.;
    (23) 33[deg]57.52' N. lat., 119[deg]55.19' W. long.;
    (24) 33[deg]56.26' N. lat., 119[deg]54.29' W. long.;
    (25) 33[deg]54.30' N. lat., 119[deg]54.83' W. long.;
    (26) 33[deg]50.97' N. lat., 119[deg]57.03' W. long.;
    (27) 33[deg]50.25' N. lat., 120[deg]00.00' W. long.;
    (28) 33[deg]50.03' N. lat., 120[deg]03.00' W. long.;
    (29) 33[deg]51.06' N. lat., 120[deg]03.73' W. long.;
    (30) 33[deg]54.49' N. lat., 120[deg]12.85' W. long.;
    (31) 33[deg]58.90' N. lat., 120[deg]20.15' W. long.;
    (32) 34[deg]00.71' N. lat., 120[deg]28.21' W. long.;
    (33) 34[deg]02.20' N. lat., 120[deg]30.37' W. long.;
    (34) 34[deg]03.60' N. lat., 120[deg]30.60' W. long.;
    (35) 34[deg]06.96' N. lat., 120[deg]34.22' W. long.;
    (36) 34[deg]08.01' N. lat., 120[deg]35.24' W. long.; and
    (37) 34[deg]08.40' N. lat., 120[deg]33.78' W. long.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (199) 32[deg]56.00' N. lat., 117[deg]19.16' W. long.;
* * * * *
    (207) 32[deg]44.89' N. lat., 117[deg]21.89' W. long.;
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  660.73, revise paragraph (a)(123) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.73  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 100 fm (183 
m) through 150 fm (274 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (123) 43[deg]56.07' N. lat., 124[deg]55.41' W. long.;
* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  660.74:
0
a. Remove paragraphs (l)(80) through (82);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (l)(83) through (245) as (l)(87) through 
(249); and
0
c. Add paragraphs (l)(80) through (l)(86).
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  660.74  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 180 fm (329 
m) through 250 fm (457 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (80) 44[deg]48.25' N. lat., 124[deg]40.61' W. long.;
    (81) 44[deg]42.24' N. lat., 124[deg]48.05' W. long.;
    (82) 44[deg]41.35' N. lat., 124[deg]48.03' W. long.;
    (83) 44[deg]40.27' N. lat., 124[deg]49.11' W. long.;
    (84) 44[deg]38.52' N. lat., 124[deg]49.11' W. long.;
    (85) 44[deg]21.73' N. lat., 124[deg]49.82' W. long.;
    (86) 44[deg]17.57' N. lat., 124[deg]55.04' W. long.;
* * * * *
0
9. In subpart C, tables 1a through 1d are revised to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

[[Page 12574]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.000

    a/ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and 
harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total catch values.
    b/ Fishery harvest guidelines means the harvest guideline or 
quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes 
allocations and projected catch, projected research catch, 
deductions for fishing mortality in non-

[[Page 12575]]

groundfish fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
    c/ Bocaccio. A bocaccio stock assessment update was conducted in 
2013 for the bocaccio stock between the U.S.-Mexico border and Cape 
Blanco. The stock is managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor 
Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. A historical 
catch distribution of approximately 6 percent was used to apportion 
the assessed stock to the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The 
bocaccio stock was estimated to be at 31.4 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2013. The OFL of 1,444 mt is projected in the 2013 stock 
assessment using an FMSY proxy of F50%. The 
ABC of 1,380 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 349 mt ACL is 
based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild 
of 2022 and an SPR harvest rate of 77.7 percent. 8.3 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (0.7 
mt), EFP catch (3.0 mt) and research catch (4.6 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 340.7 mt. The California recreational fishery has an 
HG of 178.8 mt.
    d/ Canary rockfish. A canary rockfish stock assessment update 
was conducted in 2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 23.2 
percent of its unfished biomass coastwide in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 733 mt is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 701 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 122 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2030 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 88.7 percent. 15.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (7.7 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), EFP catch (1.0 mt) and research catch (4.5 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 106.8 mt. Recreational HGs are: 3.4 mt 
(Washington); 11.7 mt (Oregon); and 24.3 mt (California).
    e/ Cowcod. A stock assessment for the Conception Area was 
conducted in 2013 and the stock was estimated to be at 33.9 percent 
of its unfished biomass in 2013. The Conception Area OFL of 55.0 mt 
is projected in the 2013 rebuilding analysis using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The OFL contribution of 
11.6 mt for the unassessed portion of the stock in the Monterey area 
is based on depletion-based stock reduction analysis. The OFLs for 
the Monterey and Conception areas were summed to derive the south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. OFL of 66.6 mt. The ABC for the area south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is 59.9 mt. The assessed portion of the stock in 
the Conception Area is considered category 2, with a Conception area 
contribution to the ABC of 50.2 mt, which is an 8.7 percent 
reduction from the Conception area OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45). The 
unassessed portion of the stock in the Monterey area is considered a 
category 3 stock, with a contribution to the ABC of 9.7 mt, which is 
a 16.6 percent reduction from the Monterey area OFL ([sigma]=1.44/
P*=0.45). A single ACL of 10.0 mt is being set for both areas 
combined. The ACL of 10.0 mt is based on the rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2020 and an SPR harvest rate of 82.7 
percent, which is equivalent to an exploitation rate (catch over age 
11+ biomass) of 0.007. 2.0 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate EFP fishing (less than 0.02 mt) and research activity 
(2.0 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 8.0 mt. Any additional 
mortality in research activities will be deducted from the ACL. A 
single ACT of 4.0 mt is being set for both areas combined.
    f/ Darkblotched rockfish. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the 
stock to be at 36 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL 
of 574 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 549 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 338 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2025 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 64.9 percent. 20.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (0.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (18.4 mt), EFP catch (0.1 mt) and research catch (2.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 317.2 mt.
    g/ Pacific Ocean Perch. A POP stock assessment was conducted in 
2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 19.1 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 842 mt for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis 
using an F50% FMSY proxy. The ABC of 805 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 158 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2051 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 86.4 percent. 15 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (9.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (0.6 mt), and research catch (5.2 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 143.0 mt.
    h/ Petrale sole. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the stock to 
be at 22.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 2,946 
mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using an F30% 
FMSY proxy. The ABC of 2,816 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL is based on the 25-5 harvest control rule specified 
in the current rebuilding plan; since the stock is projected to be 
rebuilt at the start of 2014, the ACL is set equal to the ABC. 236.6 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (2.4 mt), and research catch 
(14.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,579.4 mt.
    i/ Yelloweye rockfish. A stock assessment update was conducted 
in 2011. The stock was estimated to be at 21.4 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The 52 mt coastwide OFL was projected in 
the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an FMSY proxy of 
F50%. The ABC of 43 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from 
the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The 18 mt 
ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to 
rebuild of 2074 and an SPR harvest rate of 76.0 percent. 5.8 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2.3 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (0.2 mt), EFP catch (0.03 mt) and 
research catch (3.3 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 12.2 mt. 
Recreational HGs are: 2.9 mt (Washington); 2.6 mt (Oregon); and 3.4 
mt (California).
    j/ Arrowtooth flounder. The arrowtooth flounder stock was last 
assessed in 2007 and was estimated to be at 79 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL of 6,599 mt is derived from the 
2007 assessment using an F30% FMSY proxy. The 
ABC of 5,497 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B25%. 2,087 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate 
the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt), the incidental open access fishery 
(30 mt), and research catch (16.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
3,410 mt.
    k/ Black rockfish south (Oregon and California). A stock 
assessment was conducted for black rockfish south of 45[deg]46' N. 
lat. (Cape Falcon, Oregon) to Central California (i.e., the 
southern-most extent of black rockfish, Love et al. 2002) in 2007. 
The biomass in the south was estimated to be at 70 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the assessed area is derived 
from the 2007 assessment using an FMSY harvest rate proxy 
of F50% plus 3 percent of the OFL from the stock 
assessment conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat., 
to cover the portion of the stock occurring off Oregon north of Cape 
Falcon (the 3% adjustment is based on historical catch 
distribution). The resulting OFL for the area south of 46[deg]16' N. 
lat. is 1,176 mt. The ABC of 1,124 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
2015 ACL is 1,000 mt, which maintains the constant catch strategy 
designed to keep the stock above its target biomass of 
B40%. 1 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP 
catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 999 mt. The black rockfish ACL, 
in the area south of 46[deg]16' N. lat. (Columbia River), is 
subdivided with separate HGs for waters off Oregon (579 mt/58 
percent) and for waters off California (420 mt/42 percent).
    l/ Black rockfish north (Washington). A stock assessment was 
conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape 
Falcon, Oregon) in 2007. The biomass in the north was estimated to 
be at 53 percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the 
assessed area is derived from the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50%. The resulting 
OFL for the area north of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is 421 mt and is 97 
percent of the OFL from the assessed area based on the area 
distribution of historical catch. The ABC of 402 mt for the north is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40%. 14 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery, resulting in a 
fishery HG of 388 mt.
    m/ Cabezon (California). A cabezon stock assessment was 
conducted in 2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off 
California was estimated to be at 48.3 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2009. The OFL of 161 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The ABC of 154 mt is based 
on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B40%. There are no

[[Page 12576]]

deductions from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 154 
mt.
    n/ Cabezon (Oregon). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off Oregon was 
estimated to be at 52 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL of 49 mt is calculated using an FMSY proxy of 
F45%. The ABC of 47 mt is based on a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above 
its target biomass of B40%. There are no deductions from 
the ACL so the fishery HG is also equal to the ACL of 47 mt.
    o/ California scorpionfish was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be at 79.8 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The 
OFL of 119 mt is projected in the 2005 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50%. The ABC of 
114 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of B40%. 2 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery, resulting in a fishery HG of 112 mt.
    p/ Chilipepper. The coastwide chilipepper stock was assessed in 
2007 and estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2006. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10 N. lat. and within the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. Projected OFLs are 
stratified north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1998-2008 assessed area catch, which is 93 percent for the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 7 percent for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The OFL of 1,703 mt for the area south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 1,628 mt is a 
4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40%. 24 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (5 
mt), EFP fishing (10 mt), and research catch (9 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,604 mt.
    q/ Dover sole. A 2011 Dover sole assessment estimated the stock 
to be at 83.7 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 
66,871 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 63,929 mt is a 
4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B25%. However, the 
ACL of 50,000 mt is set at a level below the ABC and higher than the 
maximum historical landed catch. 1,594 mt is deducted from the ACL 
to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,497 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (55 mt), and research catch (41.9 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 48,406 mt.
    r/ English sole. A 2013 stock assessment was conducted, which 
estimated the stock to be at 88 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 10,792 mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 9,853 mt is 
an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it 
is a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B25%. 213 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (7 mt) and research catch (5.8 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 9,640 mt.
    s/ Lingcod north. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off Washington and Oregon was 
estimated to be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL for Washington and Oregon of 1,898 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The OFL is re-apportioned 
by adding 48% of the OFL from California, resulting in an OFL of 
3,010 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 2,830 
mt is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) for the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. as it's a category 1 
stock, and an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.45) for the area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. 278 mt 
is deducted from the ACL for the Tribal fishery (250 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (16 mt), EFP catch (0.5 mt) and 
research catch (11.7 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,552 mt.
    t/ Lingcod south. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off California was estimated to 
be at 74 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for 
California of 2,317 mt is projected in the assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The OFL is re-apportioned 
by subtracting 48% of the OFL, resulting in an OFL of 1,205 mt for 
the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 1,004 mt is based on 
a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's 
a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40%. 9 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (7 
mt), EFP fishing (1 mt), and research catch (1.1 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 995 mt.
    u/ Longnose skate. A stock assessment was conducted in 2007 and 
the stock was estimated to be at 66 percent of its unfished biomass. 
The OFL of 2,449 mt is derived from the 2007 stock assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 2,341 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 2,000 mt is a fixed harvest level 
that provides greater access to the stock and is less than the ABC. 
73 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (56 
mt), incidental open access fishery (3.8 mt), and research catch 
(13.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,927 mt.
    v/ Longspine thornyhead. A 2013 longspine thornyhead coastwide 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 75 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 5,007 mt is projected 
in the 2013 stock assessment using an F50% 
FMSY proxy. The ABC of 4,171 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., the ACL is 3,170 mt, and is 76 percent of the coastwide ABC 
based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 47 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3 mt), and research catch (13.5 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 3,124 mt. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. the ACL is 1,001 mt and is 24 percent of the coastwide ABC 
based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research 
catch (1 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 998 mt.
    w/ Pacific cod. The 3,200 mt OFL is based on the maximum level 
of historic landings. The ABC of 2,221 mt is a 30.6 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.40) as it's a category 3 
stock. The 1,600 mt ACL is the OFL reduced by 50 percent as a 
precautionary adjustment. 509 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch (7 mt), and 
the incidental open access fishery (2.0 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,091 mt.
    x/ Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The 
final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-
Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the 
Council's April 2015 meeting.
    y/ Sablefish north. A coastwide sablefish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide sablefish biomass was estimated to 
be at 33 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 7,857 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The ABC of 7,173 mt is an 
8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.40). The 40-10 
adjustment is applied to the ABC to derive a coastwide ACL value 
because the stock is in the precautionary zone. This coastwide ACL 
value is not specified in regulations. The coastwide ACL value is 
apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N. lat., using the 2003-2010 
average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl 
survey, with 73.6 percent apportioned north of 36[deg] N. lat. and 
26.4 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N. lat. The northern ACL 
is 4,793 mt and is reduced by 479 mt for the tribal allocation (10 
percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N. lat.). The 479 mt Tribal 
allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent to account for discard 
mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are shown in Table 1c.
    z/ Sablefish south. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N. 
lat. is 1,719 mt (26.4 percent of the calculated coastwide ACL 
value). 5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental 
open access fishery (2 mt) and research catch (3 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,714 mt.
    aa/ Shortbelly rockfish. A non-quantitative shortbelly rockfish 
assessment was conducted in 2007. The spawning stock biomass of 
shortbelly rockfish was estimated to be 67 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2005. The OFL of 6,950 mt is based on the estimated MSY 
in the 2007 stock assessment. The ABC of 5,789 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction of the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. The 500 mt ACL is set to accommodate incidental catch when 
fishing for co-occurring healthy stocks and in recognition of the 
stock's importance as a

[[Page 12577]]

forage species in the California Current ecosystem. 2 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate research catch, resulting in a fishery 
HG of 498 mt.
    bb/ Shortspine thornyhead. A 2013 coastwide shortspine 
thornyhead stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 74.2 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 3,203 mt 
is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an F50% 
FMSY proxy. The coastwide ABC of 2,668 mt is a 16.7 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a 
category 2 stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat., the ACL is 1,745 mt. The northern ACL is 65.4 
percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area biomass 
estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 59 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (50 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research catch (7 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,686 mt for the area north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' 
N. lat. the ACL is 923 mt. The southern ACL is 35.6 percent of the 
coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area biomass estimates 
(2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 42 mt is deducted from 
the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (41 mt) 
and research catch (1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 881 mt for 
the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    cc/ Spiny dogfish. A coastwide spiny dogfish stock assessment 
was conducted in 2011. The coastwide spiny dogfish biomass was 
estimated to be at 63 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The 
coastwide OFL of 2,523 mt is derived from the 2011 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50%. The coastwide ABC of 
2,101 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of B40%. 
338 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery 
(275 mt), the incidental open access fishery (49.5 mt), EFP catch (1 
mt), and research catch (12.5 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,763 mt.
    dd/ Splitnose rockfish. A splitnose rockfish coastwide 
assessment was conducted in 2009 that estimated the stock to be at 
66 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. Splitnose rockfish in 
the north is managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and with 
species-specific harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
The coastwide OFL is projected in the 2009 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The coastwide OFL is 
apportioned north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1916-2008 assessed area catch resulting in 64.2 percent of 
the coastwide OFL apportioned south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 35.8 
percent apportioned for the contribution of splitnose rockfish to 
the northern Minor Slope Rockfish complex. The southern OFL of 1,794 
mt results from the apportionment described above. The southern ABC 
of 1,715 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the southern OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is estimated to be above its 
target biomass of B40%. 10.5 mt is deducted from the ACL 
to accommodate research catch (9 mt) and EFP catch (1.5 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,705 mt.
    ee/ Starry Flounder. The stock was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be above 40 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005 (44 
percent in Washington and Oregon, and 62 percent in California). The 
coastwide OFL of 1,841 mt is derived from the 2005 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 1,534 mt is 
a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's 
a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is estimated to be above its target biomass of 
B25%. 10.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (2 mt), and the incidental open access fishery (8.3 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,524 mt.
    ff/ Widow rockfish. The widow rockfish stock was assessed in 
2011 and was estimated to be at 51.1 percent of its unfished biomass 
in 2011. The OFL of 4,137 mt is projected in the 2011 stock 
assessment using an F50% FMSY proxy. The ABC 
of 3,929 mt is a 5 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.41/
P*=0.45). A unique sigma of 0.41 was calculated for widow rockfish 
since the variance in estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 
used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. The ACL could be set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40%. However, the ACL of 2,000 mt is less than the ABC 
due to high uncertainty in estimated biomass, yet this level of 
allowable harvest will allow access to healthy co-occurring species, 
such as yellowtail rockfish. 120.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (100 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3.3 mt), EFP catch (9 mt), and research catch (7.9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    gg/ Yellowtail rockfish. A 2013 yellowtail rockfish stock 
assessment was conducted for the portion of the population north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The estimated stock depletion is 69 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 7,218 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an FMSY proxy of 
F50%. The ABC of 6,590 mt is an 8.7 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 stock. The 
ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target 
biomass of B40%. 1,029.6 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (3 mt), EFP catch (10 mt), and research catch (16.6 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 5,560 mt.
    hh/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 88 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species managed in the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish in California, brown 
rockfish, China rockfish, and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 77 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL of 69 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks plus the ACL 
contributions for blue rockfish in California and China rockfish 
where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for 
these two stocks, because those stocks are in the precautionary 
zone. No deductions are made to the ACL, thus the fishery HG is 
equal to the ACL, which is 69 mt. Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 
42[deg] N. lat. the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north has a 
harvest guideline of 23.7 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. 
has a species-specific HG, described in footnote kk/.
    ii/ Minor Shelf Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Shelf Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 2,209 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 0.72 
for category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted rockfish between 
40[deg]10' and 42[deg] N. lat. and greenstriped rockfish) and a 
sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 
0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,944 mt is the summed contribution of 
the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 1,944 mt is the sum 
of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed 
stocks, plus the ACL contribution of greenspotted rockfish in 
California where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution because the stock is in the precautionary zone (the ACL 
is slightly less than the ABC but rounds to the ABC value). 72 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (26 mt), EFP catch (3 mt), and 
research catch (13.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,872 mt.
    jj/ Minor Slope Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Slope Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,831 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.36 for other category 1 
stocks (i.e., splitnose rockfish), a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., rougheye rockfish, blackspotted rockfish 
and sharpchin rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 
stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 0.39 was 
calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in estimated 
spawning biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other 
category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 1,693 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because all the assessed component stocks are above 
the target biomass of B40%. 64 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (36 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (19 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (8.1 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,629 mt.
    kk/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,313 mt 
is the sum of the OFL contributions for the component species within 
the complex. The ABC for the southern Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex is based on a sigma value of 0.36 for category 1 stocks 
(i.e., gopher rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat.), a sigma value 
of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat., brown rockfish, China rockfish, and copper

[[Page 12578]]

rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all 
others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,169 mt is the 
summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL 
of 1,114 mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed 
stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution for blue 
rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. where the 40-10 adjustment was 
applied to the ABC contribution for this stock because it is in the 
precautionary zone. 4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
incidental open access fishery (1.4 mt) and research catch (2.6 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,110 mt. Blue rockfish south of 
42[deg] N. lat. has a species-specific HG set equal to the 40-10-
adjusted ACL for the portion of the stock north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 
(133.6 mt) plus the ABC contribution for the unassessed portion of 
the stock south of 34[deg]27' N lat. (60.8 mt). The California 
(i.e., south of 42[deg] N. lat.) blue rockfish HG is 194.4 mt.
    ll/ Minor Shelf Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,918 mt is the sum 
of the OFL contributions for the component species within the 
complex. The ABCs for the southern Minor Shelf Rockfish complex is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., 
greenspotted and greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting 
ABC of 1,625 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the 
component species. The ACL of 1,624 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contribution of greenspotted rockfish in California where the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for this stock 
because it is in the precautionary zone. 49 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (9 mt), EFP 
catch (30 mt), and research catch (9.6 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,575 mt.
    mm/ Minor Slope Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Slope 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 813 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. 
The ABC for the southern Minor Slope Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., blackgill rockfish, rougheye rockfish, 
blackspotted rockfish, and sharpchin rockfish), and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique 
sigma of 0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance 
in estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for 
other category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 705 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 693 
mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and 
unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of blackgill rockfish 
where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for 
this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 20 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (17 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (2 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 673 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a 
species-specific HG set equal to the species' contribution to 40-10-
adjusted ACL. The blackgill rockfish HG is 114 mt.
    nn/ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of 
flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are not managed with 
species-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other 
Flatfish complex are unassessed and include butter sole, curlfin 
sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab (assessed in 2013 but the 
assessment results were too uncertain to inform harvest 
specifications), rock sole, sand sole, and rex sole (assessed in 
2013). The Other Flatfish OFL of 11,453 mt is based on the sum of 
the OFL contributions of the component stocks. The ABC of 8,749 mt 
is based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., rex 
sole) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) 
with a P* of 0.40. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since all of the 
assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific sanddabs and rex sole) were above 
their target biomass of B25%. 204 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (125 mt), and research catch (19 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 8,545 mt.
    oo/ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp 
greenling coastwide, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark 
coastwide. These species are unassessed. The OFL of 291 mt is the 
sum of the OFL contributions for kelp greenling off California (the 
SSC has not approved methods for calculating the OFL contributions 
for kelp greenling off Oregon and Washington), cabezon off 
Washington, and leopard shark coastwide. The ABC of 242 mt is the 
sum of ABC contributions for kelp greenling off California, cabezon 
off Washington and leopard shark coastwide calculated by applying a 
P* of 0.45 and a sigma of 1.44 to the OFL contributions for those 
stocks. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 242 mt.

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0
10. In subpart C, tables 2a through 2d are revised to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.005


[[Page 12583]]


    a/ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and 
harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total catch values.
    b/ Fishery harvest guidelines means the harvest guideline or 
quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes 
allocations and projected catch, projected research catch, 
deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and 
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
    c/ Bocaccio. A bocaccio stock assessment update was conducted in 
2013 for the bocaccio stock between the U.S.-Mexico border and Cape 
Blanco. The stock is managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor 
Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. A historical 
catch distribution of approximately 6 percent was used to apportion 
the assessed stock to the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The 
bocaccio stock was estimated to be at 31.4 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2013. The OFL of 1,351 mt is projected in the 2013 stock 
assessment using an FMSY proxy of F50%. The 
ABC of 1,291 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 362 mt ACL is 
based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild 
of 2022 and an SPR harvest rate of 77.7 percent. 8.3 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (0.7 
mt), EFP catch (3.0 mt) and research catch (4.6 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 353.7 mt. The California recreational fishery has an 
HG of 185.6 mt.
    d/ Canary rockfish. A canary rockfish stock assessment update 
was conducted in 2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 23.2 
percent of its unfished biomass coastwide in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 729 mt is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 697 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 125 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2030 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 88.7 percent. 15.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (7.7 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), EFP catch (1.0 mt) and research catch (4.5 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 109.8 mt. Recreational HGs are: 3.5 mt 
(Washington); 12.0 mt (Oregon); and 25.0 mt (California).
    e/ Cowcod. A stock assessment for the Conception Area was 
conducted in 2013 and the stock was estimated to be 33.9 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The Conception Area OFL of 56.4 mt is 
projected in the 2013 rebuilding analysis using an FMSY 
proxy of F50%. The OFL of 12.0 mt for the unassessed 
portion of the stock in the Monterey area is based on depletion-
based stock reduction analysis. The OFLs for the Monterey and 
Conception areas were summed to derive the south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. OFL of 68.4 mt. The ABC for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. is 61.5 mt. The assessed portion of the stock in the Conception 
Area is considered category 2, with a Conception Area contribution 
to the ABC of 51.5 mt, which is an 8.7 percent reduction from the 
Conception area OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45). The unassessed portion 
of the stock in the Monterey area is considered a category 3 stock, 
with a contribution to the ABC of 10.0 mt, which is a 17 percent 
reduction from the Monterey area OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.45). A 
single ACL of 10.0 mt is being set for both areas combined. The ACL 
of 10.0 mt is based on the rebuilding plan with a target year to 
rebuild of 2020 and an SPR harvest rate of 82.7 percent, which is 
equivalent to an exploitation rate (catch over age 11+ biomass) of 
0.007. 2.0 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing 
(less than 0.02 mt) and research activity (2.0 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 8.0 mt. Any additional mortality in research 
activities will be deducted from the ACL. A single ACT of 4.0 mt is 
being set for both areas combined.
    f/ Darkblotched rockfish. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the 
stock to be at 36 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL 
of 580 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%.The ABC of 554 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 346 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2025 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 64.9 percent. 20.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (0.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (18.4 mt), EFP catch (0.1 mt) and research catch (2.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 325.2 mt.
    g/ Pacific Ocean Perch. A POP stock assessment was conducted in 
2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 19.1 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 850 mt for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis 
using an F50% FMSY proxy. The ABC of 850 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 164 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2051 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 86.4 percent. 15 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (9.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (0.6 mt), and research catch (5.2 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 149.0 mt.
    h/ Petrale sole. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the stock to 
be at 22.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 3,044 
mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using an F30% 
FMSY proxy. The ABC of 2,910 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL is based on the 25-5 harvest control rule specified 
in the current rebuilding plan; since the stock is projected to be 
rebuilt at the start of 2014, the ACL is set equal to the ABC. 236.6 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (2.4 mt), and research catch 
(14.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,673.4 mt.
    i/ Yelloweye rockfish. A stock assessment update was conducted 
in 2011. The stock was estimated to be at 21.4 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The 52 mt coastwide OFL was projected in 
the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an FMSY proxy of 
F50%. The ABC of 43 mt is a 16.77 percent reduction from 
the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The 19 mt 
ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to 
rebuild of 2074 and an SPR harvest rate of 76.0 percent. 5.8 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2.3 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (0.2 mt), EFP catch (0.03 mt) and 
research catch (3.3 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 13.2 mt. 
Recreational HGs are being established: 3.1 mt (Washington); 2.8 mt 
(Oregon); and 3.7 mt (California).
    j/ Arrowtooth flounder. The arrowtooth flounder stock was last 
assessed in 2007 and was estimated to be at 79 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL of 6,396 mt is derived from the 
2007 assessment using an F30% FMSY proxy. The 
ABC of 5,328 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B25%. 2,087 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate 
the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt), the incidental open access fishery 
(30 mt), and research catch (16.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
3,241 mt.
    k/ Black rockfish south (Oregon and California). A stock 
assessment was conducted for black rockfish south of 45[deg]46' N. 
lat. (Cape Falcon, Oregon) to Central California (i.e., the 
southern-most extent of black rockfish, Love et al. 2002) in 2007. 
The biomass in the south was estimated to be at 70 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the assessed area is derived 
from the 2007 assessment using an FMSY harvest rate proxy 
of F50% plus 3 percent of the OFL from the stock 
assessment conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat., 
to cover the portion of the stock occurring off Oregon north of Cape 
Falcon (the 3% adjustment is based on historical catch 
distribution). The resulting OFL for the area south of 46[deg]16' N. 
lat. is 1,183 mt. The ABC of 1,131 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
2016 ACL is 1,000 mt, which maintains the constant catch strategy 
designed to keep the stock above its target biomass of 
B40%. 1 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP 
catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 999 mt. The black rockfish ACL, 
in the area south of 46[deg]16' N. lat. (Columbia River), is 
subdivided with separate HGs for waters off Oregon (579 mt/58 
percent) and for waters off California (420 mt/42 percent).
    l/ Black rockfish north (Washington). A stock assessment was 
conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape 
Falcon, Oregon) in 2007. The biomass in the north was estimated to 
be at 53 percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the 
assessed area is derived from the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50%. The resulting 
OFL for the area north of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is 423 mt and is 97 
percent of the OFL from the assessed area based on the area 
distribution of historical catch. The ABC of 404 mt for the north is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40%. 14 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery, resulting in a 
fishery HG of 390 mt.
    m/ Cabezon (California). A cabezon stock assessment was 
conducted in 2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off

[[Page 12584]]

California was estimated to be at 48.3 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2009. The OFL of 158 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The ABC of 151 mt is based 
on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B40%. There are no 
deductions from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 151 
mt.
    n/ Cabezon (Oregon). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off Oregon was 
estimated to be at 52 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL of 49 mt is calculated using an FMSY proxy of 
F45%. The ABC of 47 mt is based on a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above 
its target biomass of B40%. There are no deductions from 
the ACL so the fishery HG is also equal to the ACL of 47 mt.
    o/ California scorpionfish was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be at 79.8 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The 
OFL of 117 mt is projected in the 2005 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50%. The ABC of 
111 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of B40%. 2 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery, resulting in a fishery HG of 109 mt.
    p/ Chilipepper. The coastwide chilipepper stock was assessed in 
2007 and estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2006. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10 N. lat. and within the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. Projected OFLs are 
stratified north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1998-2008 assessed area catch, which is 93 percent for the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 7 percent for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The OFL of 1,694 mt for the area south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 1,619 mt is a 
4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40%. 24 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (5 
mt), EFP fishing (10 mt), and research catch (9 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,595 mt.
    q/ Dover sole. A 2011 Dover sole assessment estimated the stock 
to be at 83.7 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 
59,221 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 56,615 mt is a 
4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B25%. However, the 
ACL of 50,000 mt is set at a level below the ABC and higher than the 
maximum historical landed catch. 1,594 mt is deducted from the ACL 
to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,497 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (55 mt), and research catch (41.9 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 48,406 mt.
    r/ English sole. A 2013 stock assessment was conducted, which 
estimated the stock to be at 88 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 7890 mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 7,204 mt is 
an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it 
is a category 2 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC because 
the stock is above its target biomass of B25%. 213 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (7 mt) and research catch (5.8 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 6,991 mt.
    s/ Lingcod north. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off Washington and Oregon was 
estimated to be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL for Washington and Oregon of 1,842 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The OFL is re-apportioned 
by adding 48% of the OFL from California, resulting in an OFL of 
2,891 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 2,719 
mt is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) for the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. as it's a category 1 
stock, and an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.45) for the area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
since the stock is above its target biomass of B40%. 278 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (250 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (16 mt), EFP catch (0.5 mt) 
and research catch (11.7 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,441 mt.
    t/ Lingcod south . A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off California was estimated to 
be at 74 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for 
California of 2,185 mt is projected in the assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The OFL is re-apportioned 
by subtracting 48% of the OFL, resulting in an OFL of 1,136 mt for 
the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 946 mt is based on a 
16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a 
category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since the stock is 
above its target biomass of B40%. 9 mt is deducted from 
the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (7 mt), 
EFP fishing (1 mt), and research catch (1.1 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 937 mt.
    u/ Longnose skate. A stock assessment was conducted in 2007 and 
the stock was estimated to be at 66 percent of its unfished biomass. 
The OFL of 2,405 mt is derived from the 2007 stock assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50%. The ABC of 2,299 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 2,000 mt is a fixed harvest level 
that provides greater access to the stock and is less than the ABC. 
73 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (56 
mt), incidental open access fishery (3.8 mt), and research catch 
(13.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,927 mt.
    v/ Longspine thornyhead. A 2013 longspine thornyhead coastwide 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 75 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 4,763 mt is projected 
in the 2013 stock assessment using an F50% 
FMSY proxy. The ABC of 3,968 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., the ACL is 3,015 mt, and is 76 percent of the coastwide ABC 
based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 46 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3 mt), and research catch (13.5 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 2,969 mt. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. the ACL is 952 mt and is 24 percent of the coastwide ABC based 
on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the 
NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research 
catch (1 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 949 mt.
    w/ Pacific cod. The 3,200 mt OFL is based on the maximum level 
of historic landings. The ABC of 2,221 mt is a 30.6 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.40) as it's a category 3 
stock. The 1,600 mt ACL is the OFL reduced by 50 percent as a 
precautionary adjustment. 509 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch (7 mt), and 
the incidental open access fishery (2.0 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,091 mt.
    x/ Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The 
final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-
Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the 
Council's April 2016 meeting.
    y/ Sablefish north. A coastwide sablefish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide sablefish biomass was estimated to 
be at 33 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 8,526 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45%. The ABC of 7,784 mt is an 
8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.40). The 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC to derive a coastwide ACL value 
because the stock is in the precautionary zone. This coastwide ACL 
value is not specified in regulations. The coastwide ACL value is 
apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N. lat., using the 2003-2010 
average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl 
survey, with 73.6 percent apportioned north of 36[deg] N. lat. and 
26.4 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N. lat. The northern ACL 
is 5,241 mt and is reduced by 524 mt for the tribal allocation (10 
percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N. lat.). The 524 mt Tribal 
allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent to account for discard 
mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are shown in Table 1c.
    z/ Sablefish south. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N. 
lat. is 1,880 mt (26.4 percent of the calculated coastwide ACL 
value). 5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental 
open access fishery (2 mt) and research catch (3 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,875 mt.
    aa/ Shortbelly rockfish. A non-quantitative shortbelly rockfish 
assessment was conducted in 2007. The spawning stock biomass of 
shortbelly rockfish was estimated

[[Page 12585]]

to be 67 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The OFL of 6,950 
mt is based on the estimated MSY in the 2007 stock assessment. The 
ABC of 5,789 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction of the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The 500 mt ACL is 
set to accommodate for incidental catch when fishing for co-
occurring healthy stocks and in recognition of the stock's 
importance as a forage species in the California Current ecosystem. 
2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch, 
resulting in a fishery HG of 498 mt.
    bb/ Shortspine thornyhead. A 2013 coastwide shortspine 
thornyhead stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 74.2 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 3,169 mt 
is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an F50% 
FMSY proxy. The coastwide ABC of 2,640 mt is a 16.7 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a 
category 2 stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat., the ACL is 1,726 mt. The northern ACL is 65.4 
percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area biomass 
estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey 59 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (50 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research catch (7 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,667 mt for the area north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' 
N. lat. the ACL is 913 mt. The southern ACL is 35.6 percent of the 
coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area biomass estimates 
(2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 42 mt is deducted from 
the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (41 mt) 
and research catch (1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 871 mt for 
the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    cc/ Spiny dogfish. A coastwide spiny dogfish stock assessment 
was conducted in 2011. The coastwide spiny dogfish biomass was 
estimated to be at 63 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The 
coastwide OFL of 2,503 mt is derived from the 2011 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50%. The coastwide ABC of 
2,085 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of B40%. 
338 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery 
(275 mt), the incidental open access fishery (49.5 mt), EFP catch (1 
mt), and research catch (12.5 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,747 mt.
    dd/ Splitnose rockfish. A splitnose rockfish coastwide 
assessment was conducted in 2009 that estimated the stock to be at 
66 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. Splitnose rockfish in 
the north is managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and with 
species-specific harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
The coastwide OFL is projected in the 2009 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50%. The coastwide OFL is 
apportioned north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1916-2008 assessed area catch resulting in 64.2 percent of 
the coastwide OFL apportioned south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 35.8 
percent apportioned for the contribution of splitnose rockfish to 
the northern Minor Slope Rockfish complex. The southern OFL of 1,826 
mt results from the apportionment described above. The southern ABC 
of 1,746 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the southern OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is estimated to be above its 
target biomass of B40%. 110.5 mt is deducted from the ACL 
to accommodate research catch (9 mt) and EFP catch (1.5 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,736 mt.
    ee/ Starry Flounder. The stock was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be above 40 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005 (44 
percent in Washington and Oregon, and 62 percent in California). The 
coastwide OFL of 1,847 mt is derived from the 2005 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30%. The ABC of 1,539 mt is 
a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's 
a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is estimated to be above its target biomass of 
B25%. 10.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (2 mt), and the incidental open access fishery (8.3 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,529 mt.
    ff/ Widow rockfish. The widow rockfish stock was assessed in 
2011 and was estimated to be at 51.1 percent of its unfished biomass 
in 2011. The OFL of 3,990 mt is projected in the 2011 stock 
assessment using an F50% FMSY proxy. The ABC 
of 3,790 mt is a 5 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.41/
P*=0.45). A unique sigma of 0.41 was calculated for widow rockfish 
since the variance in estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 
used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. The ACL could be set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40%. However, the ACL of 2,000 mt is less than the ABC 
due to high uncertainty in estimated biomass, yet this level of 
allowable harvest will allow access to healthy co-occurring species, 
such as yellowtail rockfish. 120.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (100 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3.3 mt), EFP catch (9 mt), and research catch (7.9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    gg/ Yellowtail rockfish. A 2013 yellowtail rockfish stock 
assessment was conducted for the portion of the population north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The estimated stock depletion is 69 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 6,949 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an FMSY proxy of 
F50%. The ABC of 6,344 mt is an 8.7 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 stock. The 
ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target 
biomass of B40%. 1,029.6 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (3 mt), EFP catch (10 mt) and research catch (16.6 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 5,314 mt.
    hh/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 88 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species managed in the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish in California, brown 
rockfish, China rockfish, and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 77 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL of 69 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contributions for blue rockfish in California and China rockfish 
where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for 
these two stocks because they are in the precautionary zone. No 
deductions are made to the ACL, thus the fishery HG is equal to the 
ACL, which is 69 mt. Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat. 
the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north has a harvest guideline 
of 23.7 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. has a species-
specific HG, described in footnote kk/.
    ii/ Minor Shelf Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Shelf Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 2,218 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 0.72 
for category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted rockfish between 
40[deg]10' and 42[deg] N. lat. and greenstriped rockfish) and a 
sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 
0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,953 mt is the summed contribution of 
the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 1,952 mt is the sum 
of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed 
stocks, plus the ACL contribution of greenspotted rockfish in 
California where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
72 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (26 mt), EFP catch (3 mt), 
and research catch (13.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    jj/ Minor Slope Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Slope Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,844 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.36 for other category 1 
stocks (i.e., splitnose rockfish), a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., rougheye rockfish, blackspotted rockfish 
and sharpchin rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 
stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 0.39 was 
calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in estimated 
spawning biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other 
category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 1,706 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because all the assessed component stocks are above 
the target biomass of B40%. 64 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (36 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (19 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (8.1 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,642 mt.
    kk/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,288 mt 
is the sum of the OFL contributions for the component species within 
the complex. The

[[Page 12586]]

ABC for the southern Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.36 for category 1 stocks (i.e., gopher rockfish 
north of 34[deg]27' N. lat.), a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 
stocks (i.e., blue rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., brown 
rockfish, China rockfish and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 1,148 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL of 1,006 mt is the sum of the 
contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, 
plus the ACL contribution for blue rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution 
for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 4 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (1.4 mt) and research catch (2.6 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,002 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. has a 
species-specific HG set equal to the 40-10-adjusted ACL for the 
portion of the stock north of 34[deg]27' N lat. (137.5) plus the ABC 
contribution for the unassessed portion of the stock south of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. (60.8 mt). The California (i.e. south of 42[deg] 
N. lat.) blue rockfish HG is 198.3 mt.
    ll/ Minor Shelf Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,919 mt is the sum 
of the OFL contributions for the component species within the 
complex. The ABCs for the southern Minor Shelf Rockfish complex is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., 
greenspotted and greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting 
ABC of 1,626 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the 
component species. The ACL of 1,625 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contribution of greenspotted rockfish in California where the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for this stock 
because it is in the precautionary zone. 49 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (9 mt), EFP 
catch (30 mt), and research catch (9.6 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,576 mt.
    mm/ Minor Slope Rockfish south. The OFL of 814 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. 
The ABC for the southern Minor Slope Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., blackgill rockfish, rougheye rockfish, 
blackspotted rockfish, sharpchin rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma 
of 0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in 
estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for 
other category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 705 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 695 
mt is the sum of the contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks 
and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of blackgill 
rockfish where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
20 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (17 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (2 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 675 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a 
species-specific HG set equal to the species' contribution to the 
40-10-adjusted ACL. The blackgill rockfish HG is 117 mt.
    nn/ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of 
flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are not managed with 
species-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other 
Flatfish complex are unassessed, and include: Butter sole, curlfin 
sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab (assessed in 2013, but the 
assessment results were too uncertain to inform harvest 
specifications), rock sole, sand sole, and rex sole (assessed in 
2013). The Other Flatfish OFL of 9,645 mt is based on the sum of the 
OFL contributions of the component stocks. The ABC of 7,243 mt is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., rex 
sole) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) 
with a P* of 0.40. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC since all of the assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific 
sanddabs and rex sole) were above their target biomass of 
B25%. 204 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (60 mt), the incidental open access fishery (125 mt), 
and research catch (19 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 7,039 mt.
    oo/ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp 
greenling coastwide, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark 
coastwide. These species are unassessed. The OFL of 291 mt is the 
sum of the OFL contributions for kelp greenling off California (the 
SSC has not approved methods for calculating the OFL contributions 
for kelp greenling off Oregon and Washington), cabezon off 
Washington, and leopard shark coastwide. The ABC of 243 mt is the 
sum of ABC contributions for kelp greenling off California, cabezon 
off Washington and leopard shark coastwide calculated by applying a 
P* of 0.45 and a sigma of 1.44 to the OFL contributions for those 
stocks. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 243 mt.

[[Page 12587]]

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[[Page 12588]]


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[[Page 12589]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.009


[[Page 12590]]


* * * * *

0
11. In Sec.  660.130, revise paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (e)(4)(iv) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  660.130  Trawl fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Coastwide. Widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope 
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, 
shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 
petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other flatfish, lingcod, 
sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, other fish, longnose skate, and 
Pacific whiting;
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) If a vessel fishes in the trawl RCA, it may not participate in 
any fishing on that trip that is prohibited within the trawl RCA. 
Nothing in these Federal regulations supersedes any state regulations 
that may prohibit trawling shoreward of the fishery management area (3-
200 nm).
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  660.140, revise paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.140  Shorebased IFQ Program.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) For the trawl fishery, NMFS will issue QP based on the 
following shorebased trawl allocations:

[[Page 12591]]

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[[Page 12592]]


* * * * *
0
13. In subpart D, tables 1 (North) and 1 (South) to 660 are revised to 
read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.011


[[Page 12593]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.012

* * * * *

0
14. In Sec.  660.230, revise paragraph (c)(2)(i) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.230  Fixed gear fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Coastwide--widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish,

[[Page 12594]]

black rockfish, blue rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf 
rockfish, minor slope rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/
blackspotted rockfish, shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, 
arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other 
flatfish, lingcod, sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, other fish, 
longnose skate, and Pacific whiting;
* * * * *

0
15. In Sec.  660.231, revise paragraph (b)(3)(i) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.231  Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) A vessel participating in the primary season will be 
constrained by the sablefish cumulative limit associated with each of 
the permits registered for use with that vessel. During the primary 
season, each vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph 
(a) of this section may take, retain, possess, and land sablefish, up 
to the cumulative limits for each of the permits registered for use 
with that vessel (i.e., stacked permits). If multiple limited entry 
permits with sablefish endorsements are registered for use with a 
single vessel, that vessel may land up to the total of all cumulative 
limits announced in this paragraph for the tiers for those permits, 
except as limited by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Up to 3 
permits may be registered for use with a single vessel during the 
primary season; thus, a single vessel may not take and retain, possess 
or land more than 3 primary season sablefish cumulative limits in any 
one year. A vessel registered for use with multiple limited entry 
permits is subject to per vessel limits for species other than 
sablefish, and to per vessel limits when participating in the daily 
trip limit fishery for sablefish under Sec.  660.232. In 2015, the 
following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 41,175 (18,677 kg), 
Tier 2 at 18,716 lb (8,489 kg), and Tier 3 at 10,695 lb (4,851 kg). For 
2016 and beyond, the following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 
45,053 lb (20,436 kg), Tier 2 at 20,479 lb (9,289 kg), and Tier 3 at 
11,702 lb (5,308 kg).
* * * * *

0
16. In subpart E, tables 2 (North) and 2 (South) to part 660 are 
revised to read as follows:

[[Page 12595]]

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[[Page 12596]]


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[[Page 12597]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.015


0
17. In Sec.  660.330, revise paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (d)(13)(iii) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  660.330  Open access fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Coastwide--widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope 
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, 
shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 
petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other flatfish, lingcod, 
sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, longnose skate, other fish, 
Pacific whiting, and Pacific sanddabs;
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (13) * * *
    (iii) The non-groundfish trawl RCA restrictions in this section 
apply to vessels taking and retaining or possessing groundfish in the 
EEZ, or landing groundfish taken in the EEZ. Unless otherwise 
authorized by Part 660, it is unlawful for a vessel to retain any 
groundfish taken on a fishing trip for species other than groundfish 
that occurs within the non-groundfish trawl RCA. If a vessel fishes in 
a non-groundfish fishery in the non-groundfish trawl RCA, it may not 
participate in any fishing on that trip that is prohibited within the 
non-groundfish trawl RCA. Nothing in these Federal regulations 
supersedes any state regulations that may prohibit trawling shoreward 
of the fishery management area (3-200 nm).
* * * * *

0
18. In subpart F, tables 3 (North) and 3 (South) to part 660 are 
revised to read as follows:

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[[Page 12600]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.018


[[Page 12601]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR15.019

BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

0
19. In Sec.  660.360, revise paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(D)(1) through (3), 
(c)(1)(iii)(B), (c)(1)(iv)(A) and (B), (c)(2)(iii)(A), (D), and (E), 
(c)(3)(i)(A)(2) through (5), (c)(3)(ii)(A)(2) through (4), 
(c)(3)(ii)(B), (c)(3)(iii)(A)(2) through (4), (c)(3)(iii)(B), and 
(c)(3)(v)(A)(1) through (4) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.360  Recreational fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (D) * * *
    (1) West of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line between the U.S. border with 
Canada and the Queets River (Washington state Marine Area 3 and 4), 
recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited seaward of a boundary 
line approximating the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour from May 9 through 
Labor Day, except on days when the Pacific halibut fishery is open in 
this area it is lawful to retain, lingcod, Pacific cod and sablefish 
seaward of the 20 fm (37 m) boundary. Days open to Pacific halibut 
recreational fishing off Washington are announced on the NMFS hotline 
at (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662-9825. Coordinates for the boundary line 
approximating the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour are listed in Sec.  
660.71, subpart C.
    (2) Between the Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and Leadbetter 
Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) (Washington state Marine Area 2), 
recreational fishing for groundfish, is prohibited seaward of a 
boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour from March 
15 through June 15 with the following exceptions: Recreational fishing 
for lingcod is permitted within the RCA on days that the primary 
halibut fishery is open; recreational fishing for rockfish is permitted 
within the RCA from March 15 through June 15; recreational fishing for 
sablefish and Pacific cod is permitted within the recreational RCA from 
May 1 through June 15. In addition to the RCA described above, between 
the Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and Leadbetter Point 
(46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) (Washington state Marine Area 2), recreational 
fishing for lingcod is

[[Page 12602]]

prohibited year round seaward of a straight line connecting all of the 
following points in the order stated: 47[deg]31.70' N. lat., 
124[deg]45.00' W. long.; 46[deg]38.17' N. lat., 124[deg]30.00' W. long. 
with the following exceptions: On days that the primary halibut fishery 
is open lingcod may be taken, retained and possessed within the lingcod 
area closure. Days open to Pacific halibut recreational fishing off 
Washington are announced on the NMFS hotline at (206) 526-6667 or (800) 
662-9825. For additional regulations regarding the Washington 
recreational lingcod fishery, see paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section. 
Coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth 
contour are listed in Sec.  660.71.
    (3) Between Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and the 
Columbia River (Marine Area 1), when Pacific halibut are onboard the 
vessel, no groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, 
except sablefish and Pacific cod from May 1 through September 30. 
Except that taking, retaining, possessing or landing incidental halibut 
with groundfish on board is allowed in the nearshore area on days not 
open to all-depth Pacific halibut fisheries in the area shoreward of 
the boundary line approximating the 30 fathom (55 m) depth contour 
extending from Leadbetter Point, WA (46[deg]38.17' N. lat., 
124[deg]15.88' W. long.) to the Columbia River (46[deg]16.00' N. lat., 
124[deg]15.88' W. long.) and from there, connecting to the boundary 
line approximating the 40 fathom (73 m) depth contour in Oregon. 
Nearshore season days are established in the annual management measures 
for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the Federal 
Register and are announced on the NMFS halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825. 
Between Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and 46[deg]28.00' N. 
lat., recreational fishing for lingcod is prohibited year round seaward 
of a straight line connecting all of the following points in the order 
stated: 46[deg]38.17' N. lat., 124[deg]21.00' W. long.; and 
46[deg]28.00' N. lat., 124[deg]21.00' W. long.
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (B) Between 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape Alava) and 46[deg]16' N. lat. 
(Columbia River) (Washington Marine Areas 1-3), there is a 2 cabezon 
per day bag limit.
    (iv) * * *
    (A) Between the U.S./Canada border and 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape 
Alava) (Washington Marine Area 4), recreational fishing for lingcod is 
open, for 2015, from April 16 through October 15, and for 2016, from 
April 16 through October 15. Lingcod may be no smaller than 22 inches 
(61 cm) total length.
    (B) Between 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape Alava) and 46[deg]16' N. lat. 
(Columbia River) (Washington Marine Areas 1-3), recreational fishing 
for lingcod is open for 2015, from March 14 through October 17, and for 
2016, from March 12 through October 15. Lingcod may be no smaller than 
22 inches (56 cm) total length.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) Marine fish. The bag limit is 10 marine fish per day, which 
includes rockfish, kelp greenling, cabezon and other groundfish 
species. There is a 1 fish sub-bag limit per day for canary rockfish 
(of the total marine bag limit, no more than 1 fish may be canary) from 
January 1 through December 31. The bag limit of marine fish excludes 
Pacific halibut, salmonids, tuna, perch species, sturgeon, sanddabs, 
flatfish, lingcod, striped bass, hybrid bass, offshore pelagic species 
and baitfish (herring, smelt, anchovies and sardines). The minimum size 
for cabezon retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 16 in (41 
cm) total length. The minimum size for kelp greenling retained in the 
Oregon recreational fishery is 10 in (25 cm).
* * * * *
    (D) In the Pacific halibut fisheries. Retention of groundfish is 
governed in part by annual management measures for Pacific halibut 
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register. Between the 
Columbia River and Humbug Mountain, during days open to the ``all-
depth'' sport halibut fisheries, when Pacific halibut are onboard the 
vessel, no groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, 
except sablefish and Pacific cod. ``All-depth'' season days are 
established in the annual management measures for Pacific halibut 
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register and are 
announced on the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825.
    (E) Taking and retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited at all 
times and in all areas.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish (except 
``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour along 
the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from May 15 
through October 31 (shoreward of 20 fm is open), and is closed entirely 
from January 1 through May 14 and from November 1 through December 31.
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish 
(except ``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of the boundary line approximating the 
30 fm (55 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands 
and offshore seamounts from April 15 through December 31; and is closed 
entirely from January 1 through April 14. Closures around Cordell Banks 
(see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this section) also apply in this area. 
Coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth 
contour are listed in Sec.  660.71.
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish (except 
``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of a boundary line approximating the 40 
fm (73 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and 
offshore seamounts from April 1 through December 31; and is closed 
entirely from January 1 through March 31 (i.e. prohibited seaward of 
the shoreline). Coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 40 
fm (73 m) depth contour are specified in Sec.  660.71.
    (5) South of 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Southern Management Area), 
recreational fishing for all groundfish (except California scorpionfish 
as specified below in this paragraph and in paragraph (c)(3)(v) of this 
section and ``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of 
this section) is prohibited seaward of a boundary line approximating 
the 60 fm (109.7 m) depth contour from March 1 through December 31 
along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts, 
except in the CCAs where fishing is prohibited seaward of the 20 fm (37 
m) depth contour when the fishing season is open (see paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(B) of this section). Recreational fishing for all groundfish 
(except California scorpionfish and ``other flatfish'') is closed 
entirely from January 1 through February 28 (i.e., prohibited seaward 
of the shoreline). Recreational fishing for California scorpionfish 
south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. is prohibited seaward of a boundary line 
approximating the 60 fm (109.7 m) depth contour from January 1 through 
December 31, except in the CCAs where fishing is prohibited seaward of 
the 20

[[Page 12603]]

fm (37 m) depth contour when the fishing season is open.
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is open from 
May 15 through October 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 through May 
14 and November 1 through December 31).
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is 
open from April 15 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 
through April 14).
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is open from 
April 1 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 through 
March 31).
* * * * *
    (B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the 
recreational season for the RCG Complex is open, there is a limit of 2 
hooks and 1 line when fishing for the RCG complex and lingcod. The bag 
limit is 10 RCG Complex fish per day coastwide. Retention of canary 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish and cowcod is 
prohibited. Within the 10 RCG Complex fish per day limit, no more than 
5 may be black rockfish, no more than 3 may be bocaccio, and no more 
than 3 may be cabezon. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid 
permit issued by California and must not exceed the daily limit 
multiplied by the number of days in the fishing trip.
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from May 15 
through October 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 through May 14 and 
November 1 through December 31).
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open 
from April 15 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 
through April 14).
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 
through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 through March 31).
* * * * *
    (B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the 
recreational season for lingcod is open, there is a limit of 2 hooks 
and 1 line when fishing for lingcod. The bag limit is 3 lingcod per 
day. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid permit issued by 
California and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the number 
of days in the fishing trip.
* * * * *
    (v) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (1) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is 
open from May 15 through August 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 
through May 14 and from September 1 through December 31).
    (2) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for California 
scorpionfish is open from April 15 through August 31 (i.e., it's closed 
from January 1 through April 14 and September 1 through December 31).
    (3) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is 
open from April 1 through August 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 
through March 31 and September 1 through December 31).
    (4) South of 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Southern Management Area), 
recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open from January 1 
through December 31.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-05395 Filed 3-9-15; 08:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P