Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 meters) Length Overall Using Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 18782-18783 [2015-08051]

Download as PDF 18782 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 67 / Wednesday, April 8, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 660.409(a)—Fixed inseason management provisions) or upon consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and the appropriate State Directors (50 CFR 660.409(b)—Flexible inseason management provisions). The state management agencies that participate in these consultations are: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Management of the salmon fisheries is generally divided into two geographic areas: North of Cape Falcon (U.S./ Canada border to Cape Falcon, OR) and south of Cape Falcon (Cape Falcon, OR, to the U.S./Mexico border). The inseason actions reported in this document affect fisheries south of Cape Falcon. Within the south of Cape Falcon area, the Klamath Management Zone (KMZ) extends from Humbug Mountain, OR, to Humboldt South Jetty, CA, and is divided at the Oregon/California border into the Oregon KMZ to the north and California KMZ to the south. All times mentioned refer to Pacific daylight time. Inseason Actions asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Inseason Action #1 Description of action: Inseason action #1 modified the dates for the pre-May 2015 commercial salmon fishery from Cape Falcon, OR, to Humbug Mountain, OR (Newport/Tillamook and Coos Bay subareas) and from Humbug Mountain, OR, to the Oregon/California border (Oregon KMZ). These fisheries opened on April 1, 2015 rather than March 15, 2015, as previously scheduled (79 FR 24580). Effective dates: Inseason action #1 took effect on March 15, 2015, and remains in effect through April 30, 2015. Reason and authorization for the action: This action was taken to limit fishery impacts on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook salmon (KRFC), the surrogate for managing impacts on California coastal Chinook salmon, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Inseason action to modify quotas and/or fishing seasons is authorized by 50 CFR 660.409(b)(1)(i). Consultation date and participants: Consultation on inseason action #1 occurred at the Council meeting on March 11, 2015. The state of Oregon recommended the Council adopt this action for recommendation to NMFS. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Apr 07, 2015 Jkt 235001 Inseason Action #2 Description of action: Inseason action #2 cancelled the pre-May 2015 commercial salmon fishery from Horse Mountain, CA, to Point Arena, CA (Fort Bragg subarea), previously scheduled to open on April 16, 2015 (79 FR 24580). Effective dates: Inseason action #2 takes effect on April 16, 2015, and remains in effect until April 30, 2015. Reason and authorization for the action: This action was taken to limit fishery impacts on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook salmon (KRFC), the surrogate for managing impacts on California coastal Chinook salmon, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Inseason action to modify quotas and/or fishing seasons is authorized by 50 CFR 660.409(b)(1)(i). Consultation date and participants: Consultation on inseason action #2 occurred at the Council meeting on March 11, 2015. The state of California recommended the Council adopt this action for recommendation to NMFS. All other restrictions and regulations remain in effect as announced for the 2014 ocean salmon fisheries and 2015 fisheries opening prior to May 1, 2015 (79 FR 24580, May 1, 2014). The RA determined that the best available information indicated that Chinook salmon abundance forecasts and estimates of fishery impacts supported the above inseason actions recommended by the states of Oregon and California. The states manage the fisheries in state waters adjacent to the areas of the U.S. exclusive economic zone in accordance with these Federal actions. As provided by the inseason notice procedures of 50 CFR 660.411, actual notice of the described regulatory actions was given, prior to the time the action was effective, by telephone hotline numbers 206–526–6667 and 800–662–9825, and by U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners broadcasts on Channel 16 VHF–FM and 2182 kHz. Classification The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds that good cause exists for this notification to be issued without affording prior notice and opportunity for public comment under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) because such notification would be impracticable. As previously noted, actual notice of the regulatory actions was provided to fishers through telephone hotline and radio notification. These actions comply with the requirements of the annual management measures for ocean salmon fisheries (79 FR 24580, May 1, 2014), the West Coast Salmon Fishery PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Management Plan (Salmon FMP), and regulations implementing the Salmon FMP, 50 CFR 660.409 and 660.411. Prior notice and opportunity for public comment was impracticable because NMFS and the state agencies had insufficient time to provide for prior notice and the opportunity for public comment between the time Chinook salmon abundance forecasts and catch and effort projections were developed and fisheries impacts were calculated, and the time the fishery modifications had to be implemented in order to ensure that fisheries are managed based on the best available scientific information, ensuring that conservation objectives and ESA consultation standards are not exceeded. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30day delay in effectiveness required under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), as a delay in effectiveness of these actions would allow fishing at levels inconsistent with the goals of the Salmon FMP and the current management measures. These actions are authorized by 50 CFR 660.409 and 660.411 and are exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 3, 2015. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–08054 Filed 4–7–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 131021878–4158–02] RIN 0648–XD886 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 meters) Length Overall Using Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08APR1.SGM 08APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 67 / Wednesday, April 8, 2015 / Rules and Regulations asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 3, 2015, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. In accordance with § 679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(2), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Apr 07, 2015 Jkt 235001 (Regional Administrator), has determined that 113 metric tons of Pacific cod have been caught by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof exemption area described at § 679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(1). Consequently, the Regional Administrator is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area. After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 18783 interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the directed fishery closure of Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hookand-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of April 2, 2015. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.22 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 3, 2015. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–08051 Filed 4–3–15; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\08APR1.SGM 08APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 8, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18782-18783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08051]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 131021878-4158-02]
RIN 0648-XD886


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 meters) Length Overall Using 
Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by 
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall 
(LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod

[[Page 18783]]

exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area 
(BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of 
Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using 
jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in 
the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 3, 2015, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations 
governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at 
subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    In accordance with Sec.  679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(2), the Administrator, 
Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that 113 
metric tons of Pacific cod have been caught by catcher vessels less 
than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the 
Bogoslof exemption area described at Sec.  679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(1). 
Consequently, the Regional Administrator is prohibiting directed 
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) 
LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod 
exemption area.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from 
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and 
would delay the directed fishery closure of Pacific cod by catcher 
vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear 
in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area. NMFS was unable to publish 
a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, 
relevant data only became available as of April 2, 2015.
    The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the 
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is 
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment.
    This action is required by Sec.  679.22 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: April 3, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-08051 Filed 4-3-15; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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