Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2016 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts, 184-188 [2015-33145]

Download as PDF 184 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 2 / Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations full utilization of the Pacific whiting resource. DATES: This rule is effective December 30, 2015, until December 31, 2015. The reapportionment of Pacific whiting is applicable September 21, 2015, until December 31, 2015. Comments will be accepted through January 20, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2015–0017, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-NMFS-2015-0017, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115–0070, Attn: Miako Ushio. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Miako Ushio (West Coast Region, NMFS), phone: 206–526–4644 or email: miako.ushio@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Electronic Access This document is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the Federal Register’s Web site at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/home.action. Background information and documents are available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Web site at https://www.pcouncil.org/. Pacific Whiting Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) is a very productive species with highly variable recruitment (the biomass of fish that mature and enter the fishery each year) and a relatively short life span when compared to other groundfish species. Pacific whiting has the largest (by volume) annual allowable harvest levels of the more than 90 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jan 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 groundfish species managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which governs the groundfish fishery off Washington, Oregon, and California. The coastwide Pacific whiting stock is managed jointly by the United States (U.S.) and Canada, and mature Pacific whiting are commonly available to vessels operating in U.S. waters from April through December. Background on the stock assessment for and the establishment of the 2015 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Pacific whiting is provided in the final rule for the 2015 Pacific whiting harvest specifications, published May 14, 2015 (80 FR 27588). Pacific whiting is allocated to the Pacific Coast treaty tribes (tribal fishery), and to three nontribal commercial sectors: The catcher/ processor cooperative (C/P Coop), the mothership cooperative (MS Coop), and the Shorebased Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) Program. This document announces the reapportionment of 30,000 mt of Pacific whiting from the tribal allocation to the non-tribal commercial sectors on September 21, 2015. Regulations at § 660.131(h) contain provisions that allow the Regional Administrator to reapportion Pacific whiting from the tribal allocation, specified at § 660.50, that will not be harvested by the end of the fishing year to other sectors. Pacific Whiting Reapportionment For 2015, the Pacific Coast treaty tribes were allocated 56,888 mt of Pacific whiting. The best available information through September 14, 2015, indicated that there had been no harvest by the tribes to date, and at least 30,000 mt of the tribal allocation would not be harvested by December 31, 2015. To allow for full utilization of the resource, NMFS reapportioned 30,000 mt to the Shorebased IFQ Program, C/ P Coop and MS Coop in proportion to each sector’s original allocation on that date. Reapportioning this amount was expected to allow for greater attainment of the TAC while not limiting tribal harvest opportunities for the remainder of the year. Emails sent directly to fishing businesses and individuals, and postings on the West Coast Region’s internet site were used to provide actual notice to the affected fishers. Reapportionment was effective the same day as the notice. After the reapportionment, the amounts of Pacific whiting available for 2015 are: • Tribal 26,888 mt; • C/P Coop 100,873 mt; • MS Coop 71,204 mt; and • Shorebased IFQ Program 124,607.45 mt. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) because such notification would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest. As previously noted, actual notice of the reapportionment was provided to fishers at the time of the action. Prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this reapportionment was impracticable because NMFS had insufficient time to provide prior notice and the opportunity for public comment between the time the information about the progress of the fishery needed to make this determination became available and the time at which fishery modifications had to be implemented in order to allow fishers access to the available fish during the remainder of the fishing season. For the same reasons, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness for these actions, required under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). These actions are authorized by §§ 660.55 (i), 660.60(d) and 660.131(h) and are exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq. Dated: December 30, 2015. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–33155 Filed 12–30–15; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 141021887–5172–02] RIN 0648–XE367 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2016 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM 05JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 2 / Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations NMFS is adjusting the 2016 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2016, until the effective date of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2014–0134, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-NMFS-2014-0134, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907–586–7228. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jan 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) set the 2016 Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC at 1,310,000 metric tons (mt), the 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC at 54,817 mt, the 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC at 240,000 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC at 9,422 mt. In December 2015, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2016 BS pollock TAC of 1,340,000 mt, which is more than the 1,310,000 mt TAC established by the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council also recommended a 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of 55,000 mt, which is more than the 54,817 mt TAC established by the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council recommended a 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC of 238,680 mt, and an AI Pacific cod TAC of 12,839 mt, which is less than the BS Pacific cod TAC of 240,000 mt, and more than the AI Pacific cod TAC of 9,422 mt established by the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council’s recommended 2016 TACs, and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November 2015, which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific information for these fisheries. Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the BSAI. The seasonal apportionment of pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is necessary to ensure the groundfish fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 185 critical habitat for Steller sea lions. NMFS published regulations and the revised harvest limit amounts for Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock fisheries to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to insure that groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014). The regulations at § 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS pollock TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at § 679.20(a)(7) specify how the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at § 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will be apportioned. In accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that, based on the November 2015 SAFE report for this fishery, the current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Pursuant to § 679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2016 BS pollock TAC to 1,340,000 mt, the 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to 55,000, the 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC to 238,680 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC to 12,839 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) is revised consistent with this adjustment. Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 BS allocations of pollock TAC to the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community Development Quota (CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with this adjustment. The Steller sea lion protection measure final rule (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest limits for pollock in the A season (January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543, 542, and 541, see § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the 2016 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 30 percent, or 9,668 mt, of the AI ABC of 32,227 mt. In Area 542, the 2016 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 15 percent, or 4,834 mt, of the AI ABC of 32,227 mt. In Area 543, the 2016 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 5 percent, or 1,611 mt, of the AI pollock ABC of 32,227 mt. E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM 05JAR1 186 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 2 / Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 5—FINAL 2016 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1 [Amounts are in metric tons] 2016 A season 1 Area and sector 2016 B season 1 2016 Allocations A season DFA Bering Sea subarea TAC 1 ...................................................... CDQ DFA ................................................................................. ICA 1 ......................................................................................... AFA Inshore ............................................................................. AFA Catcher/Processors 3 ....................................................... Catch by C/Ps .................................................................. Catch by CVs 3 ................................................................. Unlisted C/P Limit 4 ........................................................... AFA Motherships ..................................................................... Excessive Harvesting Limit 5 .................................................... Excessive Processing Limit 6 ................................................... Total Bering Sea DFA ...................................................... Aleutian Islands subarea ABC ................................................. Aleutian Islands subarea TAC 1 ............................................... CDQ DFA ................................................................................. ICA ........................................................................................... Aleut Corporation ..................................................................... Area harvest limit 7 541 ............................................................ 542 .................................................................................... 543 .................................................................................... Bogoslof District ICA 8 .............................................................. 1,340,000 134,000 48,240 578,880 463,104 423,740 39,364 2,316 115,776 202,608 347,328 1,157,760 32,227 19,000 1,900 2,400 14,700 9,668 4,834 1,611 500 SCA harvest limit 2 n/a 53,600 n/a 231,552 185,242 169,496 15,746 926 46,310 n/a n/a 463,104 n/a n/a 760 1,200 10,931 n/a n/a n/a n/a B season DFA n/a 37,520 n/a 162,086 129,669 n/a n/a n/a 32,417 n/a n/a 324,173 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 80,400 n/a 347,328 277,862 254,244 23,618 1,389 69,466 n/a n/a 694,656 n/a n/a 1,140 1,200 3,769 n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (4.0 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector—50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)—40 percent, and mothership sector—10 percent. In the BS subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20–June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10–November 1). Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery. 2 In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector’s annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1. 3 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/processors. 4 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/ processors sector’s allocation of pollock. 5 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. 6 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs. 7 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC. 8 The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 seasonal and spatial allowances, gear shares, CDQ reserve, incidental catch allowance, and Amendment 80 allocation of the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this adjustment. TABLE 7—FINAL 2016 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] 2016 Allocation by area asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Sector 1 Season 2 3 4 Eastern Aleutian District/ Bering Sea TAC ................................................................ CDQ reserve .................................................. n/a .................................................................. Total ............................................................... A ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... B ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... Total ............................................................... Total ............................................................... Total ............................................................... 28,500 ............. 3,050 ............... 1,525 ............... n/a ................... 1,525 ............... n/a ................... 1,000 ............... 122 .................. 2,433 ............... ICA .................................................................. Jig 6 ................................................................. BSAI trawl limited access ............................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jan 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM 05JAR1 Central Aleutian District 5 16,000 1,712 856 514 856 514 75 0 1,421 Western Aleutian District 10,500 1,124 562 337 562 337 40 0 0 187 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 2 / Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 7—FINAL 2016 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC—Continued [Amounts are in metric tons] 2016 Allocation by area Season 2 3 4 Eastern Aleutian District/ Bering Sea A ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... B ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... Total ............................................................... A ..................................................................... B ..................................................................... Total 6 ............................................................. A ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... B ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... Total 6 ............................................................. A ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... B ..................................................................... Critical Habitat ............................................... 1,216 ............... n/a ................... 1,216 ............... n/a ................... 21,895 ............. 10,948 ............. 10,948 ............. 12,349 ............. 6,175 ............... n/a ................... 6,175 ............... n/a ................... 9,546 ............... 4,773 ............... n/a ................... 4,773 ............... n/a ................... Sector 1 Amendment 80 sectors .................................. Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ..................... Alaska Seafood Cooperative .......................... Central Aleutian District 5 Western Aleutian District 711 426 711 426 12,792 6,396 6,396 7,615 3,808 2,285 3,808 2,285 5,177 2,589 1,553 2,589 1,553 0 0 0 0 9,337 4,668 4,668 5,742 2,871 1,723 2,871 1,723 3,595 1,798 1,079 1,798 1,079 1 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and § 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see §§ 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31). 2 Regulations at §§ 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery. 3 The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season. 4 Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from January 20 to June 10 and the B season from June 10 to December 31. 5 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to be caught inside of critical habitat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at § 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC. 6 Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 gear shares and seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment. TABLE 9—FINAL 2016 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC [Amounts are in metric tons] asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Gear sector Percent BS TAC ................................................... BS CDQ ................................................... BS non-CDQ TAC ................................... AI TAC ..................................................... AI CDQ .................................................... AI non-CDQ TAC .................................... Western Aleutian Island Limit ................. Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC 1 .................... Total hook-and-line/pot gear ................... Hook-and-line/pot ICA 2 ........................... Hook-and-line/pot sub-total ..................... Hook-and-line catcher/processor ............ Hook-and-line catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA Pot catcher/processor ............................. Pot catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA ................ Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using hookand-line or pot gear. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jan 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 100 60.8 n/a n/a 48.7 ........................ 0.2 ........................ 1.5 ........................ 8.4 ........................ 2 PO 00000 2016 Share of gear sector total 2016 Share of sector total 238,680 25,539 213,141 12,839 1,374 11,465 3,377 224,606 136,561 500 136,061 n/a ........................ n/a ........................ n/a ........................ n/a ........................ n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 108,983 ........................ 448 ........................ 3,357 ........................ 18,798 ........................ 4,476 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2016 Seasonal apportionment Seasons n/a .............................................. see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) .............. n/a .............................................. n/a .............................................. see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) .............. n/a .............................................. n/a .............................................. n/a .............................................. n/a .............................................. see § 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(B) ............. n/a .............................................. Jan 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Dec 31 .......................... Jan 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Dec 31 .......................... Jan 1–Jun 10 ............................. Sept 1–Dec 31 ........................... Jan 1–Jun 10 ............................. Sept 1–Dec 31 ........................... n/a .............................................. E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM 05JAR1 Amount n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 55,581 53,402 228 219 1,712 1,645 9,587 9,211 n/a 188 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 2 / Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 9—FINAL 2016 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC—Continued [Amounts are in metric tons] Gear sector Percent Trawl catcher vessel ............................... AFA trawl catcher/processor ................... Amendment 80 ........................................ Alaska Groundfish Cooperative .............. Alaska Seafood Cooperative ................... Jig ............................................................ 22.1 ........................ ........................ 2.3 ........................ ........................ 13.4 ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ 1.4 ........................ ........................ 2016 Share of gear sector total 2016 Share of sector total 49,638 ........................ ........................ 5,166 ........................ ........................ 30,097 ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ 3,144 ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ 4,751 ........................ ........................ 25,346 ........................ ........................ n/a ........................ ........................ 2016 Seasonal apportionment Seasons Jan 20–Apr 1 ............................. Apr 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Nov 1 ............................ Jan 20–Apr 1 ............................. Apr 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Nov 1 ............................ Jan 20–Apr 1 ............................. Apr 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Nov 1 ............................ Jan 20–Apr 1 ............................. Apr 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Dec 31 .......................... Jan 20–Apr 1 ............................. Apr 1–Jun 10 ............................. Jun 10–Dec 31 .......................... Jan 1–Apr 30 ............................. Apr 30–Aug 31 ........................... Aug 31–Dec 31 .......................... Amount 36,732 5,460 7,446 3,874 1,291 0 22,573 7,524 0 3,563 1,188 0 19,010 6,337 0 1,887 629 629 1 The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains. 2 The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2016 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would allow for harvests that exceed the appropriate allocations for pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI based on the best scientific information available. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of December 28, 2015, and additional time for prior public comment would result in conservation concerns for the ESA-listed Steller sea lions. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:31 Jan 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 comments on this action to the above address until January 16, 2015. This action is required by § 679.20 and § 679.25 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 30, 2015. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–33145 Filed 12–30–15; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 140918791–4999–02] RIN 0648–XE383 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2016 Gulf of Alaska Pollock and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS is adjusting the 2016 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information for pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2016, until the effective date of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for GOA groundfish, unless otherwise modified or superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal Register. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 20, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2013–0147, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-NMFS-2013-0147, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Address written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries E:\FR\FM\05JAR1.SGM 05JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 5, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 184-188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-33145]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 141021887-5172-02]
RIN 0648-XE367

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason
Adjustment to the 2016 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka
Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 185]]

SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2016 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts
for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the
BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate
amounts based on the best available scientific information. This action
is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 1, 2016,
until the effective date of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or
superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal
Register.
Comments must be received at the following address no later than
4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by
NOAA-NMFS-2014-0134, by any of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0134, click the
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or
attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region
NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau,
AK 99802-1668.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period,
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information,
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with
the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
The final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015) set the 2016 Bering Sea (BS)
pollock TAC at 1,310,000 metric tons (mt), the 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel
TAC at 54,817 mt, the 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC at 240,000 mt, and the AI
Pacific cod TAC at 9,422 mt. In December 2015, the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2016 BS pollock TAC
of 1,340,000 mt, which is more than the 1,310,000 mt TAC established by
the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI. The Council also recommended a 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of
55,000 mt, which is more than the 54,817 mt TAC established by the
final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI.
Furthermore, the Council recommended a 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC of
238,680 mt, and an AI Pacific cod TAC of 12,839 mt, which is less than
the BS Pacific cod TAC of 240,000 mt, and more than the AI Pacific cod
TAC of 9,422 mt established by the final 2015 and 2016 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council's recommended
2016 TACs, and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November
2015, which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific
information for these fisheries.
Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific
cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the BSAI. The
seasonal apportionment of pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
harvest is necessary to ensure the groundfish fisheries are not likely
to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification of critical
habitat for Steller sea lions. NMFS published regulations and the
revised harvest limit amounts for Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and
pollock fisheries to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to
insure that groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population
segment of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their
designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014). The
regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS pollock TAC
will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7) specify how
the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec.
679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will be
apportioned.
In accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i)(B), and
(a)(2)(iv), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional
Administrator), has determined that, based on the November 2015 SAFE
report for this fishery, the current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and
Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Pursuant to Sec.
679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2016 BS
pollock TAC to 1,340,000 mt, the 2016 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to 55,000,
the 2016 BS Pacific cod TAC to 238,680 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC
to 12,839 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2015 and 2016 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March 5, 2015)
is revised consistent with this adjustment.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5 of the final 2015 and
2016 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919,
March 5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 BS allocations of pollock TAC to
the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community Development Quota
(CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with this adjustment. The
Steller sea lion protection measure final rule (79 FR 70286, November
25, 2014), sets harvest limits for pollock in the A season (January 20
to June 10) in Areas 543, 542, and 541, see Sec.
679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the 2016 A season pollock harvest
limit is no more than 30 percent, or 9,668 mt, of the AI ABC of 32,227
mt. In Area 542, the 2016 A season pollock harvest limit is no more
than 15 percent, or 4,834 mt, of the AI ABC of 32,227 mt. In Area 543,
the 2016 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 5 percent, or
1,611 mt, of the AI pollock ABC of 32,227 mt.

[[Page 186]]

Table 5--Final 2016 Allocations of Pollock TACS to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed
Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 A season \1\ 2016 B season \1\
--------------------------------------------------------
Area and sector 2016 Allocations SCA harvest limit
A season DFA \2\ B season DFA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\.......... 1,340,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA............................. 134,000 53,600 37,520 80,400
ICA \1\............................. 48,240 n/a n/a n/a
AFA Inshore......................... 578,880 231,552 162,086 347,328
AFA Catcher/Processors \3\.......... 463,104 185,242 129,669 277,862
Catch by C/Ps................... 423,740 169,496 n/a 254,244
Catch by CVs \3\................ 39,364 15,746 n/a 23,618
Unlisted C/P Limit \4\.......... 2,316 926 n/a 1,389
AFA Motherships..................... 115,776 46,310 32,417 69,466
Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\...... 202,608 n/a n/a n/a
Excessive Processing Limit \6\...... 347,328 n/a n/a n/a
Total Bering Sea DFA............ 1,157,760 463,104 324,173 694,656
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC........ 32,227 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\.... 19,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA............................. 1,900 760 n/a 1,140
ICA................................. 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200
Aleut Corporation................... 14,700 10,931 n/a 3,769
Area harvest limit \7\ 541.......... 9,668 n/a n/a n/a
542............................. 4,834 n/a n/a n/a
543............................. 1,611 n/a n/a n/a
Bogoslof District ICA \8\........... 500 n/a n/a n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent)
and the ICA (4.0 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector--50 percent, catcher/processor
sector (C/P)--40 percent, and mothership sector--10 percent. In the BS subarea, 40 percent of the DFA is
allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 60 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-
November 1). Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after
subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is
allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is
allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
\2\ In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before
April 1.
\3\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/
processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/
processors.
\4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting
not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock.
\5\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\6\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\7\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in
Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent
of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
\8\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The
amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of the final 2015 and 2016
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March
5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 seasonal and spatial allowances, gear
shares, CDQ reserve, incidental catch allowance, and Amendment 80
allocation of the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
adjustment.

Table 7--Final 2016 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and
Amendment 80 Allocations of the BSAI ATKA Mackerel TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 Allocation by area
------------------------------------------------------
Sector \1\ Season \2 3 4\ Central Western
Eastern Aleutian Aleutian Aleutian
District/ Bering Sea District \5\ District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC............................... n/a.................. 28,500............... 16,000 10,500
CDQ reserve....................... Total................ 3,050................ 1,712 1,124
A.................... 1,525................ 856 562
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 514 337
B.................... 1,525................ 856 562
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 514 337
ICA............................... Total................ 1,000................ 75 40
Jig \6\........................... Total................ 122.................. 0 0
BSAI trawl limited access......... Total................ 2,433................ 1,421 0

[[Page 187]]

A.................... 1,216................ 711 0
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 426 0
B.................... 1,216................ 711 0
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 426 0
Amendment 80 sectors.............. Total................ 21,895............... 12,792 9,337
A.................... 10,948............... 6,396 4,668
B.................... 10,948............... 6,396 4,668
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative..... Total \6\............ 12,349............... 7,615 5,742
A.................... 6,175................ 3,808 2,871
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 2,285 1,723
B.................... 6,175................ 3,808 2,871
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 2,285 1,723
Alaska Seafood Cooperative........ Total \6\............ 9,546................ 5,177 3,595
A.................... 4,773................ 2,589 1,798
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 1,553 1,079
B.................... 4,773................ 2,589 1,798
Critical Habitat..... n/a.................. 1,553 1,079
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear
allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for
Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679
and Sec. 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec.
679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
\2\ Regulations at Sec. Sec. 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for
the Atka mackerel fishery.
\3\ The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
\4\ Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from
January 20 to June 10 and the B season from June 10 to December 31.
\5\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to
be caught inside of critical habitat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B
seasons as defined at Sec. 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more
than 65 percent of ABC.
\6\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea
subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation
is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of the final 2015 and 2016
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (80 FR 11919, March
5, 2015) is revised for the 2016 gear shares and seasonal allowances of
the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment.

Table 9--Final 2016 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 Share of 2016 Seasonal apportionment
Gear sector Percent gear sector 2016 Share of ---------------------------------
total sector total Seasons Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BS TAC........................ n/a 238,680 n/a n/a............. n/a
BS CDQ........................ n/a 25,539 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
BS non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 213,141 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI TAC........................ n/a 12,839 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI CDQ........................ n/a 1,374 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
AI non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 11,465 n/a n/a............. n/a
Western Aleutian Island Limit. n/a 3,377 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC \1\.... 100 224,606 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total hook-and-line/pot gear.. 60.8 136,561 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line/pot ICA \2\..... n/a 500 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(ii
)(B).
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total... n/a 136,061 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line catcher/ 48.7 n/a 108,983 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 55,581
processor.
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Dec 31... 53,402
Hook-and-line catcher vessel 0.2 n/a 448 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 228
=60 ft LOA.
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Dec 31... 219
Pot catcher/processor......... 1.5 n/a 3,357 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 1,712
.............. .............. .............. Sept 1-Dec 31... 1,645
Pot catcher vessel =60 ft LOA.
.............. .............. .............. Sept 1-Dec 31... 9,211
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA 2 n/a 4,476 n/a............. n/a
using hook-and-line or pot
gear.

[[Page 188]]

Trawl catcher vessel.......... 22.1 49,638 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 36,732
.............. .............. .............. Apr 1-Jun 10.... 5,460
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Nov 1.... 7,446
AFA trawl catcher/processor... 2.3 5,166 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,874
.............. .............. .............. Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,291
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0
Amendment 80.................. 13.4 30,097 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 22,573
.............. .............. .............. Apr 1-Jun 10.... 7,524
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative. n/a n/a 4,751 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,563
.............. .............. .............. Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,188
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Dec 31... 0
Alaska Seafood Cooperative.... n/a n/a 25,346 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 19,010
.............. .............. .............. Apr 1-Jun 10.... 6,337
.............. .............. .............. Jun 10-Dec 31... 0
Jig........................... 1.4 3,144 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30.... 1,887
.............. .............. .............. Apr 30-Aug 31... 629
.............. .............. .............. Aug 31-Dec 31... 629
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI
Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached,
then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains.
\2\ The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC
allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2016
based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.

Classification

This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would allow for harvests that exceed the appropriate allocations for
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI based on the best
scientific information available. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of December 28, 2015, and additional time
for prior public comment would result in conservation concerns for the
ESA-listed Steller sea lions.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
Under Sec. 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit
written comments on this action to the above address until January 16,
2015.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and Sec. 679.25 and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

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

Dated: December 30, 2015.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-33145 Filed 12-30-15; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.