Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish, 14740-14773 [2016-06183]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150818742–6210–02]
RIN 0648–XE130
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final
2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications
for Groundfish
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications
and closures.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces final 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications,
apportionments, and Pacific halibut
prohibited species catch limits for the
groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska
(GOA). This action is necessary to
establish harvest limits for groundfish
during the 2016 and 2017 fishing years
and to accomplish the goals and
objectives of the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
Alaska. The intended effect of this
action is to conserve and manage the
groundfish resources in the GOA in
accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act.
SUMMARY:
Harvest specifications and
closures are effective at 1200 hrs, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), March 18, 2016,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31,
2017.
DATES:
Electronic copies of the
Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest
Specifications Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS), Record of Decision
(ROD), and the Supplementary
Information Report (SIR) to the EIS
prepared for this action are available
from https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
The final 2015 Stock Assessment and
Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for the
groundfish resources of the GOA, dated
November 2015, is available from the
North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) at 605 West 4th
Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK
99510–2252, phone 907–271–2809, or
from the Council’s Web site at https://
www.npfmc.org.
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ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Obren Davis, 907–586–7228.
NMFS
manages the GOA groundfish fisheries
in the exclusive economic zone of the
GOA under the Fishery Management
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared the
FMP under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq. Regulations governing U.S.
fisheries and implementing the FMP
appear at 50 CFR parts 600, 679, and
680.
The FMP and its implementing
regulations require NMFS, after
consultation with the Council, to
specify the total allowable catch (TAC)
for each target species, the sum of which
must be within the optimum yield (OY)
range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons
(mt). Section 679.20(c)(1) further
requires NMFS to publish and solicit
public comment on proposed annual
TACs, Pacific halibut prohibited species
catch (PSC) limits, and seasonal
allowances of pollock and Pacific cod.
Upon consideration of public comment
received under § 679.20(c)(1), NMFS
must publish notice of final harvest
specifications for up to two fishing years
as annual target TAC, per
§ 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest
specifications set forth in Tables 1
through 30 of this document reflect the
outcome of this process, as required at
§ 679.20(c).
The proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA
and Pacific halibut PSC limits were
published in the Federal Register on
December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76405).
Comments were invited and accepted
through January 8, 2016. NMFS received
two responses, containing five general
categories of comments. A summary of
the comments and NMFS’s responses is
found in the Response to Comment
section of this rule. In December 2015,
NMFS consulted with the Council
regarding the 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications. After considering public
testimony, as well as biological and
economic data that were available at the
Council’s December 2015 meeting,
NMFS is implementing the final 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications, as
recommended by the Council. For 2016,
the sum of the TAC amounts is 590,809
mt. For 2017, the sum of the TAC
amounts is 573,872 mt.
Other Actions Potentially Affecting the
2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications
Removal of Pacific Cod Sideboard
Limits for Hook-and-Line Catcher/
Processors
In May 2015, NMFS published a final
rule implementing regulations
associated with Amendment 45 to the
FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands
King and Tanner Crabs (Amendment 45)
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(80 FR 28539, May 19, 2015). Pursuant
to § 680.22(e)(1)(ii), NMFS will
permanently remove Pacific cod
sideboard limits applicable to specified
hook-and-line catcher/processors (C/P)
in the Western and Central GOA
regulatory areas once it receives an
affidavit affirming that all eligible
participants in these regulatory areas
recommend removal of the Crab
Rationalization Program GOA Pacific
cod sideboard limits. NMFS received an
affidavit that all eligible fishery
participants in the Western and Central
GOA recommend removal of these
sideboard limits. Therefore, NMFS is
permanently removing the sideboard
limits and does not establish 2016 and
2017 Pacific cod sideboard limits for the
hook-and-line C/P sector. These
sideboard limits have been removed
from Tables 21 and 22 of this rule.
Revise Maximum Retainable Amounts
for Skates
In December 2014, the Council took
final action to reduce the maximum
retainable amount (MRA) for skates in
the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Per the
Council’s recommendation, NMFS
published a proposed rule to modify
regulations that specify the MRA for
skates in the GOA (80 FR 39734, July 10,
2015). An MRA is expressed as a
percentage and is the maximum amount
of a species closed to directed fishing
(i.e., skate species) that may be retained
on board a vessel relative to the retained
amount of other groundfish species or
halibut open for directed fishing (basis
species). An MRA serves as a
management tool to slow the harvest
rates of incidental catch species and
limit retention up to a maximum
percentage of the amount of retained
groundfish or halibut on board the
vessel. NMFS has established a single
MRA percentage for big skate (Raja
binoculata), longnose skate (Raja rhina),
and for all remaining skate species
(Bathyraja spp.). The proposed rule
would reduce the MRA for skates in the
GOA from 20 percent to 5 percent. The
reduced MRA would apply to all vessels
directed fishing for groundfish or
halibut in the GOA. NMFS anticipates
that the proposed regulatory revisions
associated with the skate MRA
reduction will be effective in 2016.
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and
TAC Specifications
In December 2015, the Council, its
Advisory Panel (AP), and its Scientific
and Statistical Committee (SSC)
reviewed the most recent biological and
harvest information about the condition
of groundfish stocks in the GOA. This
information was compiled by the
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Council’s GOA Groundfish Plan Team
and was presented in the draft 2015
SAFE report for the GOA groundfish
fisheries, dated November 2015 (see
ADDRESSES). The SAFE report contains a
review of the latest scientific analyses
and estimates of each species’ biomass
and other biological parameters, as well
as summaries of the available
information on the GOA ecosystem and
the economic condition of the
groundfish fisheries off Alaska. From
these data and analyses, the Plan Team
estimates an overfishing level (OFL) and
ABC for each species or species group.
The 2015 report was made available for
public review during the public
comment period for the proposed
harvest specifications.
In previous years, the greatest changes
from the proposed to the final harvest
specifications have been based on recent
NMFS stock surveys, which provide
updated estimates of stock biomass and
spatial distribution, and changes to the
models used for producing stock
assessments. At the November 2015
Plan Team meeting, NMFS scientists
presented updated and new survey
results, changes to stock assessment
models, and accompanying stock
assessment estimates for all groundfish
species and species groups that are
included in the final 2015 SAFE report.
The SSC reviewed this information at
the December 2015 Council meeting.
Changes from the proposed to the final
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications are
discussed below.
The final 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs,
and TACs are based on the best
available biological and socioeconomic
information, including projected
biomass trends, information on assumed
distribution of stock biomass, and
revised methods used to calculate stock
biomass. The FMP specifies the
formulas, or tiers, to be used to compute
OFLs and ABCs. The formulas
applicable to a particular stock or stock
complex are determined by the level of
reliable information available to
fisheries scientists. This information is
categorized into a successive series of
six tiers to define OFL and ABC
amounts, with Tier 1 representing the
highest level of information quality
available and Tier 6 representing the
lowest level of information quality
available. The Plan Team used the FMP
tier structure to calculate OFL and ABC
amounts for each groundfish species.
The SSC adopted the final 2016 and
2017 OFLs and ABCs recommended by
the Plan Team for all groundfish
species. The Council adopted the SSC’s
OFL and ABC recommendations and the
AP’s TAC recommendations. The final
TAC recommendations were based on
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the ABCs as adjusted for other biological
and socioeconomic considerations,
including maintaining the sum of all
TACs within the required OY range of
116,000 to 800,000 mt.
The Council recommended 2016 and
2017 TACs that are equal to ABCs for
pollock, sablefish, deep-water flatfish,
rex sole, Pacific ocean perch, northern
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, dusky
rockfish, rougheye rockfish, demersal
shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, big
skate, longnose skate, other skates,
sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses
in the GOA. The Council recommended
TACs for 2016 and 2017 that are less
than the ABCs for Pacific cod, shallowwater flatfish in the Western GOA,
arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole in the
Western and Central GOA, ‘‘other
rockfish’’ in the Southeast Outside
district, and Atka mackerel. The Pacific
cod TACs are set to accommodate the
State of Alaska’s (State’s) guideline
harvest levels (GHLs) for Pacific cod so
that the ABCs are not exceeded. The
shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth
flounder, and flathead sole TACs are set
to allow for increased harvest
opportunities for these target species
while conserving the halibut PSC limit
for use in other, more fully utilized
fisheries. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ TAC in
the Southeast Outside District (SEO) is
set to reduce the amount of discards.
The Atka mackerel TAC is set to
accommodate incidental catch amounts
in other fisheries.
The final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications approved by the Secretary
of Commerce (Secretary) are unchanged
from those recommended by the
Council and are consistent with the
preferred harvest strategy alternative in
the EIS (see ADDRESSES). NMFS finds
that the Council’s recommended OFLs,
ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the
biological condition of the groundfish
stocks as described in the final 2015
SAFE report. NMFS also finds that the
Council’s recommendations for OFLs,
ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the
biological condition of groundfish
stocks as adjusted for other biological
and socioeconomic considerations,
including maintaining the total TAC
within the OY range. NMFS reviewed
the Council’s recommended TAC
specifications and apportionments, and
approves these harvest specifications
under 50 CFR 679.20(c)(3)(ii). The
apportionment of TAC amounts among
gear types and sectors, processing
sectors, and seasons is discussed below.
Tables 1 and 2 list the final 2016 and
2017 OFLs, ABCs, TACs, and area
apportionments of groundfish in the
GOA. The sums of the 2016 and 2017
ABCs are 727,684 mt and 708,629 mt,
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14741
respectively, which are higher in 2016
and 2017 than the 2015 ABC sum of
685,597 mt (80 FR 10250, February 25,
2015).
Specification and Apportionment of
TAC Amounts
NMFS’ apportionment of groundfish
species is based on the distribution of
biomass among the regulatory areas over
which NMFS manages the species.
Additional regulations govern the
apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod,
and sablefish. Additional detail on the
apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod,
and sablefish are described below.
The ABC for the pollock stock in the
combined Western, Central, and West
Yakutat Regulatory Areas (W/C/WYK)
includes the amount for the GHL
established by the State for the Prince
William Sound (PWS) pollock fishery.
The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council
have recommended that the sum of all
State and Federal water pollock
removals from the GOA not exceed ABC
recommendations. For 2016 and 2017,
the SSC recommended and the Council
approved the W/C/WYK pollock ABC,
including the amount to account for the
State’s PWS GHL. At the November
2015 Plan Team meeting, State fisheries
managers recommended setting the
PWS GHL at 2.5 percent of the annual
W/C/WYK pollock ABC. For 2016, this
yields a PWS pollock GHL of 6,358 mt,
an increase of 1,575 mt from the 2015
PWS GHL of 4,783 mt. For 2017, the
PWS pollock GHL is 6,264 mt, an
increase of 1,481 mt from the 2015 PWS
pollock GHL. The 2016 and 2017
pollock ABCs (247,952 mt and 244,280
mt, respectively) are then apportioned
between the W/C/WYK management
areas, as described below and detailed
in Tables 1 and 2.
Apportionments of pollock to the W/
C/WYK management areas are
considered to be ‘‘apportionments of
annual catch limit (ACLs)’’ rather than
‘‘ABCs.’’ This more accurately reflects
that such apportionments address
management, rather than biological or
conservation, concerns. In addition,
apportionments of the ACL in this
manner allow NMFS to balance any
transfer of TAC from one area to another
pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) to
ensure that the area-wide ACL and ABC
are not exceeded.
NMFS establishes pollock TACs in
the Western, Central, West Yakutat
Regulatory Areas, and the Southeast
Outside District of the GOA (see Tables
1 and 2). NMFS also establishes
seasonal apportionments of the annual
pollock TAC in the Western and Central
Regulatory Areas of the GOA among
Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630.
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These apportionments are divided
equally among each of the following
four seasons: the A season (January 20
through March 10), the B season (March
10 through May 31), the C season
(August 25 through October 1), and the
D season (October 1 through November
1) (§ 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), and
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A) and (B)). Additional
detail is provided below; Tables 3 and
4 list these amounts.
The 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs
are set to accommodate the State’s GHL
for Pacific cod in State waters in the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas,
as well as in PWS. The Plan Team, SSC,
AP, and Council recommended that the
sum of all State and Federal water
Pacific cod removals from the GOA not
exceed ABC recommendations.
Accordingly, the Council set the 2016
and 2017 Pacific cod TACs in the
Western, Central, and Eastern
Regulatory Areas to account for State
GHLs. Therefore, the 2016 and 2017
Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs
by the following amounts: (1) Western
GOA, 12,151 mt; (2) Central GOA,
12,328 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 2,196
mt. These amounts reflect the State’s
2016 and 2017 GHLs in these areas,
which are 30 percent of the Western
GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Eastern
and Central ABCs.
NMFS establishes seasonal
apportionments of the annual Pacific
cod TAC in the Western and Central
Regulatory Areas. Sixty percent of the
annual TAC is apportioned to the A
season for hook-and-line, pot, and jig
gear from January 1 through June 10,
and for trawl gear from January 20
through June 10. Forty percent of the
annual TAC is apportioned to the B
season for hook-and-line, pot, and jig
gear from September 1 through
December 31, and for trawl gear from
September 1 through November 1
(§§ 679.23(d)(3) and 679.20(a)(12)). The
Western and Central GOA Pacific cod
TACs are allocated among various gear
and operational sectors. The Pacific cod
sector apportionments are discussed in
detail in a subsequent section of this
preamble.
The Council’s recommendation for
sablefish area apportionments takes into
account the prohibition on the use of
trawl gear in the SEO District of the
Eastern Regulatory Area and makes
available 5 percent of the combined
Eastern Regulatory Area ABCs to trawl
gear for use as incidental catch in other
groundfish fisheries in the WYK District
(§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Tables 7 and 8 list the
final 2016 and 2017 allocations of
sablefish TAC to hook-and-line and
trawl gear in the GOA.
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Changes From the Proposed 2016 and
2017 Harvest Specifications in the GOA
In October 2015, the Council’s
recommendations for the proposed 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications (80 FR
76405, December 9, 2015) were based
largely on information contained in the
final 2014 SAFE report for the GOA
groundfish fisheries, dated November
2014 (see ADDRESSES). The Council
proposed that the final OFLs, ABCs, and
TACs established for the 2016
groundfish fisheries (80 FR 10250,
February 25, 2015) be used for the
proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, pending completion and
review of the final 2015 SAFE report at
its December 2015 meeting.
As described previously, the SSC
adopted the final 2016 and 2017 OFLs
and ABCs recommended by the Plan
Team. The Council adopted the SSC’s
OFL and ABC recommendations and the
AP’s TAC recommendations for 2016
and 2017. The final 2016 ABCs are
higher than the proposed 2016 ABCs
published in the proposed 2016 and
2017 harvest specifications (80 FR
76405, December 9, 2015) for pollock,
shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth
flounder, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye
rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish,
thornyhead rockfish, other rockfish, big
skate, sculpins, and octopuses. The final
2016 ABCs are lower than the proposed
2016 and 2017 ABCs for Pacific cod,
sablefish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole,
flathead sole, northern rockfish,
shortraker rockfish, dusky rockfish,
longnose skate, other skates, and sharks.
The final 2017 ABCs are higher than
the proposed ABCs for shallow-water
flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific
ocean perch, rougheye rockfish,
demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead
rockfish, other rockfish, big skate,
sculpins, and octopuses. The final 2017
ABCs are lower than the proposed ABCs
for pollock, Pacific cod, sablefish, deepwater flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole,
northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish,
dusky rockfish, longnose skate, ‘‘other
skates,’’ and sharks. For the remaining
target species—Atka mackerel and
squids—the Council recommended, and
the Secretary approved, the final 2016
and 2017 ABCs that are the same as the
proposed 2016 and 2017 ABCs.
Additional information explaining the
changes between the proposed and final
ABCs is included in the final 2015
SAFE report, which was not available
when the Council made its proposed
ABC and TAC recommendations in
October 2015. At that time, the most
recent stock assessment information was
contained in the final 2014 SAFE report.
The final 2015 SAFE report contains the
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best and most recent scientific
information on the condition of the
groundfish stocks, as previously
discussed in this preamble, and is
available for review (see ADDRESSES).
The Council considered the final 2015
SAFE report in December 2015 when it
made recommendations for the final
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. In
the GOA, the total final 2016 TAC
amount is 590,809 mt, an increase of
less than one percent from the total
proposed 2016 TAC amount of 590,161
mt. The total final 2017 TAC amount is
573,872 mt, a decrease of 3 percent from
the total proposed 2017 TAC amount of
590,161 mt. The following table in this
preamble summarizes the difference
between the proposed and final TACs.
Annual stock assessments incorporate a
variety of new or revised inputs, such as
survey data or catch information, as
well as changes to the statistical models
used to estimate a species’ biomass and
population trend.
Based on changes in the estimates of
overall biomass made by stock
assessment scientists for 2016 and 2017,
as compared to the estimates previously
made for 2015 and 2016, the greatest
TAC increases are for shallow-water
flatfish, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye
rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, other
rockfish, big skate, and octopuses.
Notable increases include those for
octopuses and other rockfish. The
increase in the octopus ABC and TAC
is a result of the increased octopus
biomass estimates derived from the
2015 GOA trawl survey. The catch of
octopus in the survey was unusually
large, with octopus present in more than
15 percent of the survey tows. The
estimated octopus biomass for the
octopus assemblage is an order of
magnitude higher than previous
estimates. The rougheye rockfish
biomass increase is due to both an
increase in the catch in the GOA trawl
survey, as well the adoption of a revised
statistical model incorporating
improvements to growth estimation, and
a number of other model changes.
Based on changes in the estimates of
biomass, the greatest decreases in TACs
are for Pacific cod, sablefish, deep-water
flatfish, rex sole, northern rockfish,
other skates, and sharks. Notable
decreases in TAC include those for
deep-water flatfish, rex sole, other
skates, and sharks. The GOA trawl
survey biomass for deep-water flatfish
was the lowest on record. The last full
assessment of rex sole was completed in
2011. Incorporating the 2015 trawl
survey data and a number of changes to
the assessment model resulted in a
decrease to estimated biomass, and the
corresponding rex sole ABC and TAC.
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The estimated biomass for other skates
decreased due to a combination of the
decrease in the survey biomass for other
skates and a continue refinement of
incorporating a random effects model in
the other skates assessment model.
Finally, the shark TAC decreased
primarily due to the implementation of
a random effects model for biomass
estimation.
For all other species and species
groups, changes from the proposed to
the final TACs are within plus or minus
five percent of the proposed TACs.
These TAC changes correspond to
associated changes in the ABCs and
TACs, as recommended by the SSC, AP,
and Council.
Additionally, based on the Council’s
recommended changes in setting the
TACs at amounts below ABCs, the
greatest decreases in TACs are for
shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth
flounder, flathead sole, and ‘‘other
rockfish.’’ The Council believed, and
NMFS concurs, that setting TACs for the
three preceding flatfish species equal to
ABCs would not reflect anticipated
harvest levels accurately, as the Council
and NMFS expect halibut PSC limits to
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constrain these fisheries in 2016 and
2017.
Detailed information providing the
basis for the changes described above is
contained in the final 2015 SAFE report.
The final TACs are based on the best
scientific information available. These
TACs are specified in compliance with
the harvest strategy described in the
proposed and final rules for the 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications. The
changes in TACs between the proposed
rule and this final rule are compared in
Table 1a.
TABLE 1a—COMPARISON OF PROPOSED AND FINAL 2016 AND 2017 GOA TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage]
2016 and
2017 proposed
TAC
Species
2016 Final
TAC
2016 Final
minus 2016
proposed TAC
Percentage
difference
2017 Final
TAC
2017 Final
minus 2017
proposed TAC
Percentage
difference
Pollock ..........................
Pacific cod ....................
Sablefish ......................
Shallow-water flatfish ...
Deep-water flatfish .......
Rex sole .......................
Arrowtooth flounder ......
Flathead sole ...............
Pacific ocean perch .....
Northern rockfish ..........
Shortraker rockfish .......
Dusky rockfish ..............
Rougheye rockfish .......
Demersal shelf rockfish
Thornyhead rockfish ....
Other rockfish ...............
Atka mackerel ..............
Big skate ......................
Longnose skate ............
Other skates .................
Sculpins ........................
Sharks ..........................
Squids ..........................
Octopuses ....................
257,178
75,202
9,558
32,877
13,177
8,979
103,300
27,759
21,436
4,721
1,323
4,711
1,142
225
1,841
1,811
2,000
3,255
3,218
2,235
5,569
5,989
1,148
1,507
257,872
71,925
9,087
36,763
9,226
7,493
103,300
27,832
24,437
4,004
1,286
4,686
1,328
231
1,961
2,308
2,000
3,814
3,206
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
694
¥3,277
¥471
3,886
¥3,951
¥1,486
0
73
3,001
¥717
¥37
¥25
186
6
120
497
0
559
¥12
¥316
22
¥1,475
0
3,371
0
¥4
¥5
12
¥30
¥17
0
0
14
¥15
¥3
¥1
16
3
7
27
0
17
0
¥14
0
¥25
0
224
254,200
62,150
8,307
34,855
9,281
7,507
103,300
27,850
24,189
3,768
1,286
4,284
1,325
231
1,961
2,308
2,000
3,814
3,206
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
¥2,978
¥13,052
¥1,251
1,978
¥3,896
¥1,472
0
91
2,753
¥953
¥37
¥427
183
6
120
497
0
559
¥12
¥316
22
¥1,475
0
3,371
¥1
¥17
¥13
6
¥30
¥16
0
0
13
¥20
¥3
¥9
16
3
7
27
0
17
0
¥14
0
¥25
0
224
Total ......................
590,161
590,809
648
0
573,872
¥16,289
¥3
The final 2016 and 2017 TAC
recommendations for the GOA are
within the OY range established for the
GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any
species or species group. Tables 1 and
2 list the final OFL, ABC, and TAC
amounts for GOA groundfish for 2016
and 2017, respectively.
TABLE 1—FINAL 2016 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area 1
Pollock 2 ..........................................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Species
Shumagin (610) ..............................................
Chirikof (620) ..................................................
Kodiak (630) ...................................................
WYK (640) ......................................................
W/C/WYK (subtotal) .......................................
SEO (650) ......................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
322,858
13,226
56,494
124,927
57,183
9,348
254,310
9,920
56,494
124,927
57,183
9,348
247,952
9,920
Total ........................................................
336,084
264,230
257,872
W ....................................................................
n/a
40,503
28,352
Pacific cod 3 ....................................................
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1—FINAL 2016 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area 1
Species
OFL
ABC
TAC
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Shortraker rockfish 9 ........................................
Dusky rockfish 10 .............................................
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10,326
9,087
9,087
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
20,851
19,242
3,177
1,094
13,250
19,242
3,177
1,094
54,520
44,364
36,763
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
186
3,495
2,997
2,548
186
3,495
2,997
2,548
11,102
9,226
9,226
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,315
4,445
766
967
1,315
4,445
766
967
9,791
7,493
7,493
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
........................
28,183
107,981
37,368
12,656
14,500
75,000
6,900
6,900
219,430
186,188
103,300
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
11,027
20,211
2,930
852
8,650
15,400
2,930
852
42,840
35,020
27,832
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
W/C/WYK subtotal .........................................
SEO ................................................................
........................
........................
........................
26,313
2,118
2,737
17,033
2,847
22,617
1,820
2,737
17,033
2,847
22,617
1,820
28,431
24,437
24,437
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
457
3,547
4
457
3,547
........................
4,783
4,004
4,004
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
38
301
947
38
301
947
Total ........................................................
Northern rockfish 8 ..........................................
1,272
4,023
1,475
2,317
3,792
Total ........................................................
......................................
1,272
4,023
1,475
2,317
3,792
Total ........................................................
Pacific ocean
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Total ........................................................
perch 7
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) .........................
Total ........................................................
Flathead sole ..................................................
71,925
Total ........................................................
Arrowtooth flounder .........................................
98,600
Total ........................................................
Rex sole ..........................................................
116,700
Total ........................................................
Deep-water flatfish 6 ........................................
36,984
6,589
Total ........................................................
Shallow-water flatfish 5 ....................................
49,312
8,785
Total ........................................................
Sablefish 4 .......................................................
n/a
n/a
1,715
1,286
1,286
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
173
4,147
173
4,147
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
14745
TABLE 1—FINAL 2016 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area 1
Species
OFL
ABC
TAC
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
Atka mackerel .................................................
Big skate 15 ......................................................
Longnose skate 16 ...........................................
Other skates 17 ................................................
Sculpins ...........................................................
Sharks .............................................................
Squids .............................................................
Octopus ...........................................................
Total .........................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
105
707
516
105
707
516
1,596
1,328
1,328
SEO ................................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
364
n/a
n/a
n/a
231
291
988
682
231
291
988
682
2,615
1,961
1,961
W and C .........................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,534
574
3,665
1,534
574
200
7,424
5,773
2,308
GW .................................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
6,200
n/a
n/a
n/a
4,700
908
1,850
1,056
2,000
908
1,850
1,056
5,086
3,814
3,814
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
61
2,513
632
61
2,513
632
Total ........................................................
Other rockfish 13 14 ...........................................
4,686
Total ........................................................
Demersal shelf
...............................
Thornyhead rockfish .......................................
4,686
Total ........................................................
rockfish 12
5,733
Total ........................................................
..........
275
91
Total ........................................................
Rougheye and Blackspotted
275
91
Total ........................................................
rockfish 11
n/a
n/a
4,274
3,206
3,206
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
2,558
7,338
6,020
1,530
6,504
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
.........................................................................
892,964
727,684
590,809
GW
GW
GW
GW
GW
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
1 Regulatory
areas and districts are defined at § 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska;
WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-wide).
2 The aggregate pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas is apportioned among four statistical areas after
deducting 2.5 percent of the ABC for the State’s pollock GHL fishery. These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for
specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the
West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10
percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 5 lists the final 2016 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is allocated to trawl and hook-and-line gear in 2016. Table 7 lists the final 2016 allocations of sablefish TACs.
5 ‘‘Shallow-water flatfish’’ means flatfish not including ‘‘deep-water flatfish,’’ flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
6 ‘‘Deep-water flatfish’’ means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
7 ‘‘Pacific ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
8 ‘‘Northern rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group.
9 ‘‘Shortraker rockfish’’ means Sebastes borealis.
10 ‘‘Dusky rockfish’’ means Sebastes variabilis.
11 ‘‘Rougheye rockfish’’ means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
12 ‘‘Demersal shelf rockfish’’ means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S.
helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
13 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri
(darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S.
zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S.
reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish,
S. polyspinis.
14 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf
rockfish. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish.
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15 ‘‘Big
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
skate’’ means Raja binoculata.
16 ‘‘Longnose skate’’ means Raja rhina.
17 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja spp.
TABLE 2—FINAL 2017 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Area 1
Pollock 2 ..........................................................
Shumagin (610) ..............................................
Chirikof (620) ..................................................
Kodiak (630) ...................................................
WYK (640) ......................................................
W/C/WYK (subtotal) .......................................
SEO (650) ......................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
289,937
13,226
55,657
123,078
56,336
9,209
250,544
9,920
55,657
123,078
56,336
9,209
244,280
9,920
Total ........................................................
303,163
260,464
254,200
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
34,998
42,610
7,592
24,499
31,958
5,693
Total ........................................................
100,800
85,200
62,150
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
E (WYK and SEO) (subtotal) .........................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,163
3,678
1,348
2,118
3,466
1,163
3,678
1,348
2,118
3,466
Total ........................................................
9,825
8,307
8,307
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
19,159
17,680
2,919
1,006
13,250
17,680
2,919
1,006
Total ........................................................
50,220
40,764
34,855
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
187
3,516
3,015
2,563
187
3,516
3,015
2,563
Total ........................................................
11,168
9,281
9,281
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,318
4,453
767
969
1,318
4,453
767
969
Total ........................................................
9,810
7,507
7,507
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
28,659
109,804
37,999
12,870
14,500
75,000
6,900
6,900
Total ........................................................
196,714
189,332
103,300
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
11,080
20,307
2,944
856
8,650
15,400
2,944
856
Total ........................................................
43,060
35,187
27,850
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
W/C/WYK .......................................................
SEO ................................................................
........................
........................
........................
23,876
973
2,709
16,860
2,818
22,387
1,802
2,709
16,860
2,818
22,387
1,802
Total ........................................................
28,141
24,189
24,189
Pacific
cod 3
Sablefish 4
....................................................
.......................................................
Shallow-water flatfish 5 ....................................
Deep-water flatfish 6 ........................................
Rex sole ..........................................................
Arrowtooth flounder .........................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Flathead sole ..................................................
Pacific ocean perch 7 ......................................
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14747
TABLE 2—FINAL 2017 OFLS, ABCS, AND TACS OF GROUNDFISH FOR THE WESTERN/CENTRAL/WEST YAKUTAT, WESTERN, CENTRAL, EASTERN REGULATORY AREAS, AND IN THE WEST YAKUTAT, SOUTHEAST OUTSIDE, AND GULFWIDE
DISTRICTS OF THE GULF OF ALASKA—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area 1
Species
Northern
rockfish 8
ABC
TAC
Longnose
skate 16
...........................................
skates 17
Other
................................................
Sculpins ...........................................................
Sharks .............................................................
Squids .............................................................
Octopus ...........................................................
Total .........................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
38
301
947
38
301
947
1,715
1,286
1,286
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
159
3,791
251
83
159
3,791
251
83
5,253
4,284
4,284
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
105
705
515
105
705
515
1,592
1,325
1,325
SEO ................................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
364
n/a
n/a
n/a
231
291
988
682
231
291
988
682
2,615
1,961
1,961
W and C .........................................................
WYK ...............................................................
SEO ................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,534
574
3,665
1,534
574
200
7,424
5,773
2,308
GW .................................................................
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
6,200
n/a
n/a
n/a
4,700
908
1,850
1,056
2,000
908
1,850
1,056
5,086
3,814
3,814
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
61
2,513
632
61
2,513
632
Total ........................................................
Atka mackerel .................................................
Big skate 15 ......................................................
3,768
Total ........................................................
Other rockfish 13 14 ..........................................
3,768
Total ........................................................
Demersal shelf rockfish 12 ...............................
Thornyhead rockfish .......................................
4,501
Total ........................................................
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish 11 ..........
430
3,338
........................
Total ........................................................
..............................................
430
3,338
4
Total ........................................................
Dusky
rockfish10
........................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
Total ........................................................
rockfish 9
W ....................................................................
C .....................................................................
E .....................................................................
Total ........................................................
Shortraker
..........................................
OFL
4,274
3,206
3,206
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
.................................................................
2,558
7,338
6,020
1,530
6,504
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
.........................................................................
815,875
708,629
573,872
GW
GW
GW
GW
GW
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
1 Regulatory
areas and districts are defined at § 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska;
WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-wide).
2 The aggregate pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas is apportioned among four statistical areas after
deducting 2.5 percent of the ABC for the State’s pollock GHL fishery. These apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for
specification and reapportionment purposes. The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 4. In the
West Yakutat and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal allowances.
3 The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90 percent for processing by the inshore component and 10
percent for processing by the offshore component. Table 6 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
4 Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2017. Table 8 lists the final 2017 allocation of sablefish TACs to trawl gear.
5 ‘‘Shallow-water flatfish’’ means flatfish not including ‘‘deep-water flatfish,’’ flathead sole, rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
6 ‘‘Deep-water flatfish’’ means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
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7 ‘‘Pacific
ocean perch’’ means Sebastes alutus.
rockfish’’ means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group.
9 ‘‘Shortraker rockfish’’ means Sebastes borealis.
10 ‘‘Dusky rockfish’’ means Sebastes variabilis.
11 ‘‘Rougheye rockfish’’ means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
12 ‘‘Demersal shelf rockfish’’ means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S. maliger (quillback), S.
helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
13 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri
(darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S.
zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus (vermilion), S.
reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish,
S. polyspinis.
14 ‘‘Other rockfish’’ in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other rockfish and demersal shelf
rockfish. The ‘‘other rockfish’’ species group in the SEO District only includes other rockfish.
15 ‘‘Big skate’’ means Raja binoculata.
16 ‘‘Longnose skate’’ means Raja rhina.
17 ‘‘Other skates’’ means Bathyraja spp.
8 ‘‘Northern
Apportionment of Reserves
Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to
set aside 20 percent of each TAC for
pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins,
sharks, squids, and octopuses in reserve
for possible apportionment at a later
date during the fishing year. For 2016
and 2017, NMFS proposed
reapportionment of all the reserves in
the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications published in the Federal
Register on December 9, 2015 (80 FR
76405). NMFS did not receive any
public comments on the proposed
reapportionments. For the final 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications, NMFS
reapportioned, as proposed, all the
reserves for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish,
sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses.
The TACs listed in Tables 1 and 2
reflect reapportionments of reserve
amounts for these species and species
groups.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Apportionments of Pollock TAC Among
Seasons and Regulatory Areas, and
Allocations for Processing by Inshore
and Offshore Components
In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by
season and area, and is further allocated
for processing by inshore and offshore
components. Pursuant to
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock
TAC specified for the Western and
Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is
apportioned into four equal seasonal
allowances of 25 percent. As established
by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A,
B, C, and D season allowances are
available from January 20 to March 10,
March 10 to May 31, August 25 to
October 1, and October 1 to November
1, respectively.
Pollock TACs in the Western and
Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA are
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apportioned among Statistical Areas
610, 620, and 630, pursuant to
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B
seasons, the apportionments are in
proportion to the distribution of pollock
biomass based on the four most recent
NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D
seasons, the apportionments are in
proportion to the distribution of pollock
biomass based on the four most recent
NMFS summer surveys. However, for
2016 and 2017, the Council
recommended, and NMFS approves,
averaging the winter and summer
distribution of pollock in the Central
Regulatory Area for the A season instead
of using the distribution based on only
the winter surveys. The average is
intended to reflect the migration
patterns and distribution of pollock, and
the anticipated performance of the
fishery, in that area during the A season
for the 2016 and 2017 fishing years. For
the A season, the apportionment is
based on an adjusted estimate of the
relative distribution of pollock biomass
of approximately 6 percent, 73 percent,
and 21 percent in Statistical Areas 610,
620, and 630, respectively. For the B
season, the apportionment is based on
the relative distribution of pollock
biomass at 6 percent, 85 percent, and 9
percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620,
and 630, respectively. For the C and D
seasons, the apportionment is based on
the relative distribution of pollock
biomass at 41 percent, 26 percent, and
33 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620,
and 630, respectively.
Within any fishing year, the amount
by which a seasonal allowance is
underharvested or overharvested may be
added to, or subtracted from,
subsequent seasonal allowances in a
manner to be determined by the
Regional Administrator
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(§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover
amount is limited to 20 percent of the
subsequent seasonal apportionment for
the statistical area. Any unharvested
pollock above the 20-percent limit could
be further distributed to the other
statistical areas, in proportion to the
estimated biomass in the subsequent
season in those statistical areas
(§ 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The pollock TACs
in the WYK and SEO District of 9,348
mt and 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2016,
and 9,209 mt and 9,920 mt, respectively,
in 2017, are not allocated by season.
Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the
allocation of 100 percent of the pollock
TAC in all regulatory areas and all
seasonal allowances to vessels catching
pollock for processing by the inshore
component after subtraction of amounts
projected by the Regional Administrator
to be caught by, or delivered to, the
offshore component incidental to
directed fishing for other groundfish
species. Thus, the amount of pollock
available for harvest by vessels
harvesting pollock for processing by the
offshore component is that amount that
will be taken as incidental catch during
directed fishing for groundfish species
other than pollock, up to the maximum
retainable amounts allowed by
§ 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these
incidental catch amounts of pollock are
unknown and will be determined
during the fishing year during the
course of fishing activities by the
offshore component.
Tables 3 and 4 list the final 2016 and
2017 seasonal biomass distribution of
pollock in the Western and Central
Regulatory Areas, area apportionments,
and seasonal allowances. The amounts
of pollock for processing by the inshore
and offshore components are not shown.
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14749
TABLE 3—FINAL 2016 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1
Shumagin (Area 610)
Chirikof (Area 620)
Kodiak (Area 630)
Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) .......
B (Mar 10–May 31) ......
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) .........
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ...........
3,827
3,826
24,421
24,421
6.41%
6.41%
40.94%
40.94%
43,374
50,747
15,404
15,402
72.71%
85.07%
25.82%
25.82%
12,456
5,083
19,822
19,822
20.88%
8.52%
33.23%
33.23%
59,651
59,651
59,651
59,651
Annual Total ..........
56,494
........................
124,927
........................
57,183
........................
238,604
1 As
established by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
TABLE 4—FINAL 2017 DISTRIBUTION OF POLLOCK IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL REGULATORY AREAS OF THE GOA;
SEASONAL BIOMASS DISTRIBUTION, AREA APPORTIONMENTS; AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF ANNUAL TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
Season 1
Shumagin (Area 610)
Chirikof (Area 620)
Kodiak (Area 630)
Total 2
A (Jan 20–Mar 10) .......
B (Mar 10–May 31) ......
C (Aug 25–Oct 1) .........
D (Oct 1–Nov 1) ...........
3,769
3,769
24,060
24,060
6.41%
6.41%
40.94%
40.94%
42,732
49,996
15,176
15,175
72.71%
85.07%
25.82%
25.82%
12,272
5,007
19,529
19,529
20.88%
8.52%
33.23%
33.23%
58,768
58,768
58,768
58,768
Annual Total ..........
55,657
........................
123,078
........................
56,336
........................
235,071
1
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
As established by § 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10
to May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown in this table.
2 The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
Annual and Seasonal Apportionments
of Pacific Cod TAC
Section 679.20(a)(12)(i) requires the
allocation of the Pacific cod TACs in the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas of
the GOA among gear and operational
sectors. Section 679.20(a)(6)(ii) requires
the allocation of the Pacific cod TACs in
the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA
between the inshore and offshore
components. NMFS allocates the 2016
and 2017 Pacific cod TAC based on
these sector allocations annually
between the inshore and offshore
components in the Eastern GOA;
seasonally between vessels using jig
gear, catcher vessels (CVs) using hookand-line gear, C/Ps using hook-and-line
gear, CVs using trawl gear, and vessels
using pot gear in the Western GOA;
seasonally between vessels using jig
gear, CVs less than 50 feet length overall
using hook-and-line gear, CVs greater
than or equal to 50 feet length overall
using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using
hook-and-line gear, CVs using trawl
gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels
using pot gear in the Central GOA. The
overall seasonal apportionments in the
Western and Central GOA are 60
percent of the annual TAC to the A
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season and 40 percent of the annual
TAC to the B season.
Under § 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage
or underage of the Pacific cod allowance
from the A season will be subtracted
from, or added to, the subsequent B
season allowance. In addition, any
portion of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot,
or jig sector allocations that NMFS
determines is likely to go unharvested
by a sector may be reapportioned to
other sectors for harvest during the
remainder of the fishery year.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and
(B), a portion of the annual Pacific cod
TACs in the Western and Central GOA
will be allocated to vessels with a
Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) that use
jig gear before TAC is apportioned
among other non-jig sectors. In
accordance with the FMP, the annual jig
sector allocations may increase to up to
6 percent of the annual Western and
Central GOA Pacific cod TACs,
depending on the annual performance
of the jig sector (See Table 1 of
Amendment 83 to the FMP for a
detailed discussion of the jig sector
allocation process (76 FR 74670,
December 1, 2011)). Jig sector allocation
increases are established for a minimum
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of 2 years. NMFS has evaluated the 2015
harvest performance of the jig sector in
the Western and Central GOA, and is
establishing the 2016 and 2017 Pacific
cod apportionments to this sector as
follows.
NMFS allocates the jig sector 3.5
percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC
in the Western GOA. This is the same
amount as the 2015 jig sector allocation,
because in 2015 this sector harvested
less than 90 percent of the initial 2015
allocation. The 2016 and 2017
allocations include a base allocation of
1.5 percent, and an additional 2.0
percent because this sector harvested
greater than 90 percent of its initial 2012
and 2014 allocations in the Western
GOA. NMFS also allocates the jig sector
1.0 percent of the annual Pacific cod
TAC in the Central GOA. This is the
same amount as the 2015 jig sector
allocation, because in 2015 this sector
harvested less than 90 percent of the
initial 2015 allocation. The 2016 and
2017 allocations consist of a base
allocation of 1.0 percent and no
additional increases in the Central GOA.
Tables 5 and 6 list the seasonal
apportionments and allocations of the
2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs.
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TABLE 5—FINAL 2016 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount]
A Season
Annual
allocation
(mt)
Regulatory area and sector
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
B Season
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
Western GOA:
Jig (3.5% of TAC) .........................................................
Hook-and-line CV .........................................................
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................
Trawl CV .......................................................................
Trawl C/P ......................................................................
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................
992
383
5,417
10,506
657
10,397
N/A
0.70
10.90
27.70
0.90
19.80
595
192
2,982
7,579
246
5,417
N/A
0.70
8.90
10.70
1.50
18.20
397
192
2,435
2,927
410
4,979
Total .......................................................................
28,352
60.00
17,011
40.00
11,341
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) .........................................................
Hook-and-line < 50 CV .................................................
Hook-and-line ≥ 50 CV .................................................
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................
Trawl CV1 .....................................................................
Trawl C/P ......................................................................
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................
370
5,347
2,456
1,869
15,226
1,537
10,180
N/A
9.32
5.61
4.11
21.14
2.00
17.83
222
3,411
2,054
1,504
7,738
734
6,528
N/A
5.29
1.10
1.00
20.45
2.19
9.97
148
1,936
402
365
7,487
804
3,652
Total .......................................................................
36,984
60.00
22,190
40.00
14,794
Eastern GOA ........................................................................
6,589
5,930
Offshore (10%
of Annual
TAC)
659
Inshore (90%
of Annual
TAC)
1 Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,409 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table 12).
TABLE 6—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount.]
A Season
Annual
allocation
(mt)
Regulatory area and sector
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
B Season
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
857
331
4,681
9,078
567
8,984
N/A
0.70
10.90
27.70
0.90
19.80
514
165
2,577
6,549
213
4,681
N/A
0.70
8.90
10.70
1.50
18.20
343
165
2,104
2,530
355
4,303
Total .......................................................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Western GOA:
Jig (3.5% of TAC) .........................................................
Hook-and-line CV .........................................................
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................
Trawl CV .......................................................................
Trawl C/P ......................................................................
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................
24,499
60.00
14,699
40.00
9,799
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC) .........................................................
Hook-and-line < 50 CV .................................................
Hook-and-line ≥ 50 CV .................................................
Hook-and-line C/P ........................................................
Trawl CV 1 .....................................................................
Trawl C/P ......................................................................
All Pot CV and Pot C/P ................................................
320
4,620
2,122
1,615
13,156
1,328
8,797
N/A
9.32
5.61
4.11
21.14
2.00
17.83
192
2,947
1,775
1,299
6,687
634
5,641
N/A
5.29
1.10
1.00
20.45
2.19
9.97
128
1,673
347
316
6,470
694
3,156
Total .......................................................................
31,958
60.00
19,175
40.00
12,783
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 6—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL APPORTIONMENTS AND ALLOCATION OF PACIFIC COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
AMOUNTS IN THE GOA; ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WESTERN GOA AND CENTRAL GOA SECTORS AND THE EASTERN
GOA INSHORE AND OFFSHORE PROCESSING COMPONENTS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not total precisely to annual
allocation amount.]
A Season
Regulatory area and sector
Annual
allocation
(mt)
Eastern GOA ........................................................................
........................
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
B Season
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
Sector
percentage of
annual non-jig
TAC
Seasonal
allowances
(mt)
Inshore (90% of Annual TAC)
Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
5,124
569
5,693
1 Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,218 mt, of the annual Central GOA TAC (see Table
28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance (see Table13).
Allocations of the Sablefish TACs
Amounts to Vessels Using Hook-andLine and Trawl Gear
Section 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require
allocations of sablefish TACs for each of
the regulatory areas and districts to
hook-and-line and trawl gear. In the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas,
80 percent of each TAC is allocated to
hook-and-line gear, and 20 percent of
each TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In
the Eastern Regulatory Area, 95 percent
of the TAC is allocated to hook-and-line
gear, and 5 percent is allocated to trawl
gear. The trawl gear allocation in the
Eastern Regulatory Area may only be
used to support incidental catch of
sablefish in directed fisheries for other
target species (§ 679.20(a)(4)(i)).
In recognition of the prohibition
against trawl gear in the SEO District of
the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council
recommended and NMFS approves the
allocation of 5 percent of the combined
Eastern Regulatory Area sablefish TAC
to trawl gear in the WYK District,
making the remainder of the WYK
sablefish TAC available to vessels using
hook-and-line gear. NMFS allocates 100
percent of the sablefish TAC in the SEO
District to vessels using hook-and-line
gear. This action results in a 2016
allocation of 190 mt to trawl gear and
1,285 mt to hook-and-line gear in the
WYK District, a 2016 allocation of 2,317
mt to hook-and-line gear in the SEO
District, and a 2017 allocation of 173 mt
to trawl gear in the WYK District. Table
7 lists the allocations of the 2016
sablefish TACs to hook-and-line and
trawl gear. Table 8 lists the allocations
of the 2017 sablefish TACs to trawl gear.
The Council recommended that the
hook-and-line sablefish TAC be
established annually to ensure that this
Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) fishery
is conducted concurrently with the
halibut IFQ fishery and is based on
recent sablefish survey information. The
Council also recommended that only a
trawl sablefish TAC be established for
two years so that retention of incidental
catch of sablefish by trawl gear could
commence in January in the second year
of the groundfish harvest specifications.
Since there is an annual assessment for
sablefish and the final harvest
specifications are expected to be
published before the IFQ season begins
March 19, 2016, the Council
recommended that the hook-and-line
sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis,
rather than for two years, so that the
best scientific information available
could be considered in establishing the
sablefish ABCs and TACs. With the
exception of the trawl allocations that
were provided to the Rockfish Program
cooperatives, directed fishing for
sablefish with trawl gear is closed
during the fishing year. Also, fishing for
groundfish with trawl gear is prohibited
prior to January 20. Therefore, it is not
likely that the sablefish allocation to
trawl gear would be reached before the
effective date of the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications.
TABLE 7—FINAL 2016 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATIONS TO HOOK-AND-LINE AND TRAWL
GEAR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area/District
Hook-and-line
allocation
TAC
Trawl
allocation
Western ........................................................................................................................................
Central .........................................................................................................................................
West Yakutat 1 .............................................................................................................................
Southeast Outside .......................................................................................................................
1,272
4,023
1,475
2,317
1,017
3,218
1,285
2,317
255
805
190
0
Total ......................................................................................................................................
9,087
7,837
1,250
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
1 The
trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
TABLE 8—FINAL 2017 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATION TO TRAWL GEAR 1
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area/District
Western ........................................................................................................................................
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TAC
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TABLE 8—FINAL 2017 SABLEFISH TAC SPECIFICATIONS IN THE GOA AND ALLOCATION TO TRAWL GEAR 1—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area/District
Hook-and-line
allocation
TAC
Trawl
allocation
Central .........................................................................................................................................
West Yakutat 2 .............................................................................................................................
Southeast Outside .......................................................................................................................
3,678
1,348
2,118
n/a
n/a
n/a
736
173
0
Total ......................................................................................................................................
8,307
n/a
1,142
1 The Council recommended that harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing Quota fisheries be limited to 1
year.
2 The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR)
The recommended 2016 and 2017
DSR TAC is 231 mt, and management of
DSR is delegated to the State. The
Alaska Board of Fish has apportioned
the annual SEO District DSR TACs
between the commercial fishery (84
percent) and the sport fishery (16
percent) after deductions were made for
anticipated subsistence harvests (7 mt).
This results in 2016 and 2017
allocations of 188 mt to the commercial
fishery and 36 mt to the sport fishery.
The State deducts estimates of
incidental catch of DSR in the
commercial halibut fishery and test
fishery mortality from the DSR
commercial fishery allocation. In 2015,
this resulted in 32 mt being available for
the directed commercial DSR fishery
apportioned in one DSR district. The
State estimated that there was not
sufficient DSR quota available to have
orderly fisheries in the three other DSR
districts. DSR harvest in the halibut
fishery is linked to the annual halibut
catch limits; therefore the State can only
estimate potential DSR incidental catch
because halibut catch limits are
established by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission (IPHC). Federally
permitted CVs using hook-and-line or
jig gear fishing for groundfish and
Pacific halibut in the SEO District of the
GOA are required to retain all DSR
(§ 679.20(j)).
Apportionments to the Central GOA
Rockfish Program
These final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for the GOA include the
various fishery cooperative allocations
and sideboard limitations established by
the Central GOA Rockfish Program.
Program participants are primarily trawl
CVs and trawl C/Ps, with limited
participation by vessels using longline
gear. The Rockfish Program assigns
quota share and cooperative quota to
participants for primary and secondary
species, allows participants holding a
license limitation program (LLP) license
with rockfish quota share to form a
rockfish cooperative, and allows holders
of C/P LLP licenses to opt out of the
fishery. The Rockfish Program also has
an entry level fishery for rockfish
primary species for vessels using
longline gear.
Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish
primary species (Pacific ocean perch,
northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish)
in the Central GOA are allocated to
participants after deducting for
incidental catch needs in other directed
groundfish fisheries. Participants in the
Rockfish Program also receive a portion
of the Central GOA TAC of specific
secondary species (Pacific cod,
rougheye rockfish, sablefish, shortraker
rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish).
Additionally, the Rockfish Program
establishes sideboard limits to restrict
the ability of harvesters operating under
the Rockfish Program to increase their
participation in other, non-Rockfish
Program fisheries. Besides groundfish
species, the Rockfish Program allocates
a portion of the trawl halibut PSC limit
(191 mt) from the third season deepwater species fishery allowance for the
GOA trawl fisheries to Rockfish Program
participants (§ 679.81(d)), which
includes 117 mt to the trawl CV sector
and 74 mt to the trawl C/P sector.
Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) requires
allocations of 5 mt of Pacific ocean
perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 30
mt of dusky rockfish to the entry level
longline fishery in 2016 and 2017. The
allocation for the entry level longline
fishery would increase incrementally
each year if the catch exceeds 90
percent of the allocation of a species.
The incremental increase in the
allocation would continue each year
until it is the maximum percent of the
TAC for that species. In 2015, the catch
did not exceed 90 percent of any
allocated rockfish species. Therefore,
NMFS is not increasing the entry level
longline fishery 2016 and 2017
allocations in the Central GOA.
Longline gear includes hook-and-line,
jig, troll, and handline gear. The
remainder of the TACs for the rockfish
primary species would be allocated to
the CV and C/P cooperatives. Table 9
lists the allocations of the 2016 and
2017 TACs for each rockfish primary
species to the entry level longline
fishery, the incremental increase for
future years, and the maximum percent
of the TAC for the entry level longline
fishery.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
TABLE 9—FINAL 2016 AND INITIAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL LONGLINE
FISHERY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA
Rockfish primary species
2016 and 2017 allocations
Incremental increase in 2017 if ≥ 90% of
2016 allocation is harvested
Pacific ocean perch ..................................
Northern rockfish ......................................
Dusky rockfish ..........................................
5 metric tons ...........................................
5 metric tons ...........................................
30 metric tons .........................................
5 metric tons ...........................................
5 metric tons ...........................................
20 metric tons .........................................
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Up to
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1%
2%
5%
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Section 679.81(a)(2) requires
allocations of the rockfish primary
species among various sectors of the
Rockfish Program. Tables 10 and 11 list
the final 2016 and 2017 allocations of
rockfish primary species in the Central
GOA to the entry level longline fishery
and Rockfish CV and C/P Cooperatives
in the Rockfish Program. NMFS also is
setting aside incidental catch amounts
(ICAs) for other directed fisheries in the
Central GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific
ocean perch, 200 mt of northern
rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky rockfish.
These amounts are based on recent
average incidental catches in the Central
GOA by other groundfish fisheries.
Allocations among vessels belonging
to CV or C/P cooperatives are not
included in these final harvest
specifications. Rockfish Program
applications for CV cooperatives and C/
P cooperatives are not due to NMFS
until March 1 of each calendar year,
therefore, NMFS cannot calculate 2016
and 2017 allocations in conjunction
with these final harvest specifications.
NMFS will post these allocations on the
Alaska Region Web site at https://
alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/
central-goa-rockfish-program when they
become available after March 1.
TABLE 10—FINAL 2016 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Rockfish primary species
Incidental
catch
allowance
TAC
Allocation to
the entry level
longline1
fishery
TAC minus
ICA
Allocation to
the Rockfish
Cooperatives 2
Pacific ocean perch .............................................................
Northern rockfish ..................................................................
Dusky rockfish ......................................................................
17,033
3,547
4,147
1,500
300
250
15,533
3,247
3,897
5
5
30
15,528
3,242
3,867
Total ..............................................................................
24,727
2,050
22,677
40
22,637
1 Longline
2 Rockfish
gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
Cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
TABLE 11—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF ROCKFISH PRIMARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF ALASKA TO THE ENTRY
LEVEL LONGLINE FISHERY AND ROCKFISH COOPERATIVES IN THE ROCKFISH PROGRAM
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Rockfish primary species
Incidental
catch
allowance
TAC
Allocation to
the entry level
longline1
fishery
TAC minus
ICA
Allocation to
the Rockfish
Cooperatives 2
Pacific ocean perch .............................................................
Northern rockfish ..................................................................
Dusky rockfish ......................................................................
16,860
3,338
3,791
1,500
300
250
15,360
3,038
3,541
5
5
30
15,355
3,033
3,511
Total ..............................................................................
23,989
2,050
21,939
40
21,899
1 Longline
gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
2 Rockfish Cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
Section 679.81(c) requires allocations
of rockfish secondary species to CV and
C/P cooperatives in the Central GOA.
CV cooperatives receive allocations of
Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear
allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. C/
P cooperatives receive allocations of
sablefish from the trawl allocation,
rougheye rockfish, shortraker rockfish,
and thornyhead rockfish. Tables 12 and
13 list the apportionments of the 2016
and 2017 TACs of rockfish secondary
species in the Central GOA to CV and
C/P cooperatives.
TABLE 12—FINAL 2016 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Pacific cod ........................................................
Sablefish ..........................................................
Shortraker rockfish ...........................................
Rougheye rockfish ...........................................
Thornyhead rockfish ........................................
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Catcher vessel cooperatives
Annual
Central GOA
TAC
Rockfish secondary species
PO 00000
Percentage of
TAC
36,984
4,023
301
707
988
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(mt)
3.81
6.78
0.00
0.00
7.84
Sfmt 4700
Catcher/processor cooperatives
Percentage of
TAC
1,409
273
............................
............................
77
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0.00
3.51
40.00
58.87
26.50
18MRR1
Apportionment
(mt)
............................
141
120
416
262
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TABLE 13—FINAL 2017 APPORTIONMENTS OF ROCKFISH SECONDARY SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL GOA TO CATCHER
VESSEL AND CATHER/PROCESSOR COOPERATIVES
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Catcher vessel
cooperatives
Annual
Central GOA
TAC
Rockfish secondary species
Pacific cod ........................................................
Sablefish ..........................................................
Shortraker rockfish ...........................................
Rougheye rockfish ...........................................
Thornyhead rockfish ........................................
Percentage of
TAC
31,958
3,678
301
705
988
Apportionment
(mt)
3.81
6.78
0.00
0.00
7.84
Section 679.21(d) establishes the
annual halibut PSC limit
apportionments to trawl and hook-andline gear, and authorizes the
establishment of apportionments for pot
gear. Amendment 95 to the FMP (79 FR
9625, February 20, 2014) implemented
measures establishing GOA halibut PSC
limits in Federal regulations and
reducing the halibut PSC limits in the
GOA trawl and hook-and-line
groundfish fisheries. These reductions
are incorporated into the final 2016 and
2017 halibut PSC limits. For most gear
and operational types, the halibut PSC
limit reductions were phased-in over 3
years, beginning in 2014 and ending in
2016. The final reduction to PSC limits
in 2016 will carry forward to 2017 and
subsequent years. In December 2015, the
Council incorporated these reductions
into its recommended final PSC limits
of 1,706 mt for trawl gear, 256 mt for
hook-and-line gear, and 9 mt for the
DSR fishery.
The DSR fishery in the SEO District
is defined at § 679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This
fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the
halibut PSC limit in recognition of its
small-scale harvests of groundfish.
NMFS estimates low halibut bycatch in
the DSR fishery because (1) the duration
of the DSR fisheries and the gear soak
times are short, (2) the DSR fishery
occurs in the winter when less overlap
occurs in the distribution of DSR and
halibut, and (3) the directed commercial
DSR fishery has a low DSR TAC.
Percentage of
TAC
1,218
249
............................
............................
77
The FMP authorizes the Council to
exempt specific gear from the halibut
PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation
with the Council, exempts pot gear, jig
gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-andline gear fishery categories from the
non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2016
and 2017. The Council recommended,
and NMFS approves, these exemptions
because (1) the pot gear fisheries have
low annual halibut bycatch mortality;
(2) IFQ program regulations prohibit
discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ
permit holder on board a catcher vessel
holds unused halibut IFQ
(§ 679.7(f)(11)); (3) sablefish IFQ
fishermen typically hold halibut IFQ
permits and are therefore required to
retain the halibut they catch while
fishing sablefish IFQ; and (4) NMFS
estimates negligible halibut mortality for
the jig gear fisheries. NMFS estimates
that halibut mortality is negligible in the
jig gear fisheries given the small amount
of groundfish harvested by jig gear, the
selective nature of jig gear, and the high
survival rates of halibut caught and
released with jig gear.
The best available information on
estimated halibut bycatch consists of
data collected by fisheries observers
during 2015. The calculated halibut
bycatch mortality through December 12,
2015, is 1,409 mt for trawl gear and 213
mt for hook-and-line gear for a total
halibut mortality of 1,622 mt. This
halibut mortality was calculated using
groundfish and halibut catch data from
the NMFS Alaska Region’s catch
accounting system. This accounting
system contains historical and recent
Halibut PSC Limits
Catcher/processor
cooperatives
Apportionment
(mt)
0.00
3.51
40.00
58.87
26.50
............................
129
120
415
262
catch information compiled from each
Alaska groundfish fishery.
Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii)
authorizes NMFS to seasonally
apportion the halibut PSC limits after
consultation with the Council. The FMP
and regulations require the Council and
NMFS to consider the following
information in seasonally apportioning
halibut PSC limits: (1) Seasonal
distribution of halibut; (2) seasonal
distribution of target groundfish species
relative to halibut distribution; (3)
expected halibut bycatch needs on a
seasonal basis relative to changes in
halibut biomass and expected catch of
target groundfish species; (4) expected
bycatch rates on a seasonal basis; (5)
expected changes in directed groundfish
fishing seasons; (6) expected actual start
of fishing effort; and (7) economic
effects of establishing seasonal halibut
allocations on segments of the target
groundfish industry. The Council
considered information from the 2015
SAFE report, NMFS catch data, State of
Alaska catch data, IPHC stock
assessment and mortality data, and
public testimony when apportioning the
halibut PSC limits. NMFS concurs with
the Council’s recommendations listed in
Table 14, which show the final 2016
and 2017 Pacific halibut PSC limits,
allowances, and apportionments.
Sections 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv)
specify that any underages or overages
of a seasonal apportionment of a PSC
limit will be deducted from or added to
the next respective seasonal
apportionment within the fishing year.
TABLE 14—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMITS, ALLOWANCES, AND APPORTIONMENTS
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
[Values are in metric tons]
Hook-and-line gear 1
Trawl gear
Other than DSR
Season
Percent
Season
January 20–April
1.
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Amount
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January 1–June
10.
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86
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Season
221
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14755
TABLE 14—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC LIMITS, ALLOWANCES, AND APPORTIONMENTS—Continued
[Values are in metric tons]
Hook-and-line gear 1
Trawl gear
Other than DSR
Season
Percent
Season
April 1–July 1 ......
20
341
July 1–September
1.
September 1–October 1.
October 1–December 31.
30
512
7.5
Total ............
DSR
Amount
128
June 10–September 1.
September 1–December 31.
............................
15
256
........................
1,706
Percent
Amount
Season
Amount
2
5
............................
........................
12
31
............................
........................
........................
........................
............................
........................
............................
........................
........................
............................
........................
............................
........................
257
............................
9
1 The
Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery and
fisheries other than DSR. The hook-and-line sablefish fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries. Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes
further apportionment of the trawl
halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery
categories. The annual apportionments
are based on each category’s
proportional share of the anticipated
halibut bycatch mortality during the
fishing year and optimization of the
total amount of groundfish harvest
under the halibut PSC limit. The fishery
categories for the trawl halibut PSC
limits are (1) a deep-water species
fishery, composed of sablefish, rockfish,
deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and
arrowtooth flounder; and (2) a shallowwater species fishery, composed of
pollock, Pacific cod, shallow-water
flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel,
skates, and ‘‘other species’’ (sculpins,
sharks, squids, and octopuses)
(§ 679.21(d)(3)(iii)). Table 15 lists the
final 2016 and 2017 apportionments of
halibut PSC trawl limits between the
trawl gear deep-water and the shallowwater species fishery categories.
Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies
the amount of the trawl halibut PSC
limit that is assigned to the CV and C/
P sectors that are participating in the
Central GOA Rockfish Program. This
includes 117 mt of halibut PSC limit to
the CV sector and 74 mt of halibut PSC
limit to the C/P sector. These amounts
are allocated from the trawl deep-water
species fishery’s halibut PSC third
seasonal apportionment.
Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the
amount of the halibut PSC limit
allocated to Rockfish Program
participants that could be reapportioned to the general GOA trawl
fisheries to no more than 55 percent of
the unused annual halibut PSC
apportioned to Rockfish Program
participants. The remainder of the
unused Rockfish Program halibut PSC
limit is unavailable for use by vessels
directed fishing with trawl gear for the
remainder of the fishing year.
TABLE 15—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 APPORTIONMENT OF PACIFIC HALIBUT PSC TRAWL LIMITS BETWEEN THE TRAWL GEAR
DEEP-WATER SPECIES FISHERY AND THE SHALLOW-WATER SPECIES FISHERY CATEGORIES
[Values are in metric tons]
Season
Deep-water 1
Shallow-water
Total
January 20–April 1 .............................................................................................................
April 1–July 1 ......................................................................................................................
July 1–September 1 ...........................................................................................................
September 1–October 1 .....................................................................................................
384
85
171
128
85 ....................
256 ..................
341 ..................
Any remainder
469
341
512
128
Subtotal January 20–October 1 ..................................................................................
768
682 ..................
1,450
October 1–December 312 ..................................................................................................
............................
.........................
256
Total .....................................................................................................................
............................
.........................
1,706
1 Vessels
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
participating in cooperatives in the Central GOA Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third season (July 1 through September
1) deep-water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment.
2 There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fishery categories during the fifth season (October 1 through
December 31).
Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that
the ‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’
halibut PSC limit apportionment to
vessels using hook-and-line gear must
be apportioned between CVs and C/Ps
in accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in
conjunction with these harvest
specifications. A comprehensive
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description and example of the
calculations necessary to apportion the
‘‘other hook-and-line fishery’’ halibut
PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV
and C/P sectors were included in the
proposed rule to implement
Amendment 83 (76 FR 44700, July 26,
2011) and are not repeated here.
PO 00000
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Pursuant to § 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the
hook-and-line halibut PSC limit is
apportioned between the CV and C/P
sectors in proportion to the total
Western and Central GOA Pacific cod
allocations, which vary annually based
on the proportion of the Pacific cod
biomass. Pacific cod is apportioned
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among these two management areas
based on the percentage of overall
biomass per area, as calculated in the
2015 Pacific cod stock assessment.
Updated information in the final 2015
SAFE report describes this
distributional change, which is based on
allocating ABC among regulatory areas
on the basis of the three most recent
stock surveys. The distribution of the
total GOA Pacific cod ABC has changed
to 41 percent Western GOA, 50 percent
Central GOA, and 9 percent Eastern
GOA. Therefore, the calculations made
in accordance with § 679.21(d)(2)(iii)
incorporate the most recent change in
GOA Pacific cod distribution with
respect to establishing the annual
halibut PSC limits for the CV and C/P
hook-and-line sectors. The annual
halibut PSC limits are divided into three
seasonal apportionments, using seasonal
percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent,
and 12 percent.
For 2016 and 2017, NMFS apportions
halibut PSC limits of 128 mt and 129 mt
to the hook-and-line CV and hook-andline C/P sectors, respectively. Table 16
lists the final 2016 and 2017
apportionments of halibut PSC limits
between the hook-and-line CV and
hook-and-line C/P sectors.
No later than November 1 of each
year, NMFS will calculate the projected
unused amount of halibut PSC limit by
either of the hook-and-line sectors for
the remainder of the year. The projected
unused amount of halibut PSC limit is
made available to the other hook-andline sector for the remainder of that
fishing year if NMFS determines that an
additional amount of halibut PSC is
necessary for that sector to continue its
directed fishing operations
(§ 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)).
TABLE 16—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 APPORTIONMENTS OF THE ‘‘OTHER HOOK-AND-LINE FISHERIES’’ ANNUAL HALIBUT PSC
ALLOWANCE BETWEEN THE HOOK-AND-LINE GEAR CATCHER VESSEL AND CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTORS
[Values are in metric tons]
‘‘Other than DSR’’
allowance
Hook-and-line sector
257 .............................
Catcher Vessel .........
129
Catcher/Processor ....
128
Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock
Condition
The IPHC annually assesses the
abundance and potential yield of the
Pacific halibut using all available data
from the commercial and sport fisheries,
other removals, and scientific surveys.
Additional information on the Pacific
halibut stock assessment may be found
in the IPHC’s 2015 Pacific halibut stock
assessment (December 2015), available
on the IPHC Web site at www.iphc.int.
The IPHC considered the 2015 Pacific
halibut stock assessment at its January
2016 annual meeting when it set the
2016 commercial halibut fishery catch
limits.
Halibut Discard Mortality Rates
To monitor halibut bycatch mortality
allowances and apportionments, the
Sector annual
amount
Seasonal
percentage
Season
January 1–June 10 .......................................
June 10–September 1 ..................................
September 1–December 31 .........................
January 1–June 10 .......................................
June 10–September 1 ..................................
September 1–December 31 .........................
Regional Administrator uses observed
halibut incidental catch rates, discard
mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of
groundfish catch to project when a
fishery’s halibut bycatch mortality
allowance or seasonal apportionment is
reached. The DMRs are based on the
best information available, including
information contained in the annual
SAFE report.
NMFS is implementing the halibut
DMRs developed and recommended by
the International Pacific Halibut
Commission (IPHC) and the Council for
the 2016 and 2017 GOA groundfish
fisheries for use in monitoring the 2016
and 2017 halibut bycatch allowances
(see Tables 14, 15 and 16). The IPHC
developed these DMRs for the 2016 and
2017 GOA fisheries using the 10-year
mean DMRs for those fisheries. Long-
86
2
12
86
2
12
Sector
seasonal
amount
111
3
15
110
3
15
term average DMRs were not available
for some fisheries, so rates from the
most recent years were used. For the
skate, sculpin, shark, squid, and octopus
target fisheries, where not enough
halibut mortality data are available, the
mortality rate of halibut caught in the
Pacific cod fishery for that gear type was
recommended as a default rate. The
IPHC and Council staff will analyze
observer data annually and recommend
changes to the DMRs when a fishery
DMR shows large variation from the
mean. A discussion of the DMRs and
how they are established is available
from the Council (see ADDRESSES). Table
17 lists the final 2016 and 2017 DMRs.
TABLE 17—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 HALIBUT DISCARD MORTALITY RATES FOR VESSELS FISHING IN THE GULF OF ALASKA
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
Mortality
rate
(%)
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Gear
Target fishery
Hook-and-line ..............................................................................
Other fisheries1 ..........................................................................
Pacific cod ..................................................................................
Rockfish .....................................................................................
Arrowtooth flounder ....................................................................
Deep-water flatfish .....................................................................
Flathead sole .............................................................................
Non-pelagic pollock ....................................................................
Other fisheries1 ..........................................................................
Pacific cod ..................................................................................
Trawl ...........................................................................................
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10
10
10
76
62
67
58
62
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14757
TABLE 17—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 HALIBUT DISCARD MORTALITY RATES FOR VESSELS FISHING IN THE GULF OF
ALASKA—Continued
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
Gear
Pot ...............................................................................................
1 Other
Pelagic pollock ...........................................................................
Rex sole .....................................................................................
Rockfish .....................................................................................
Sablefish ....................................................................................
Shallow-water flatfish .................................................................
Other fisheries1 ..........................................................................
Pacific cod ..................................................................................
65
72
65
59
66
15
15
fisheries includes all gear types for skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, octopuses, and hook-and-line sablefish.
Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species
Catch Limits
Amendment 93 to the GOA FMP (77
FR 42629, July 20, 2012) established
separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in
the Western and Central GOA in the
directed pollock fishery. These limits
require NMFS to close the pollock
directed fishery in the Western and
Central regulatory areas of the GOA if
the applicable limit is reached
(§ 679.21(h)(6)). The annual Chinook
salmon PSC limits in the pollock
directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the
Western GOA and 18,316 salmon in the
Central GOA are set at § 679.21(h)(2)(i)
and (ii). In addition, all salmon
(regardless of species) taken in the
pollock directed fisheries in the Western
and Central GOA must be retained until
the manager of a shoreside processor or
stationary floating processor has
accurately recorded the number of
salmon by species in the eLandings
groundfish landing report; and if an
observer is present at the processing
facility that takes delivery of the catch,
the observer is provided an opportunity
to count the number of salmon and to
collect any scientific data or biological
samples from the salmon
(§ 679.21(h)(4)).
Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR
71350, December 2, 2014) established an
initial annual PSC limit of 7,500
Chinook salmon for the non-pollock
groundfish fisheries. This limit is
apportioned among three sectors: 3,600
Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps, 1,200
Chinook salmon to trawl catcher vessels
participating in the Central GOA
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Mortality
rate
(%)
Target fishery
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Rockfish Program, and 2,700 Chinook
salmon to trawl catcher vessels not
participating in the Central GOA
Rockfish Program that are fishing for
groundfish species other than pollock
(§ 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will monitor the
Chinook salmon PSC in the non-pollock
GOA groundfish fisheries and close an
applicable sector if it reaches its
Chinook salmon PSC limit.
The Chinook salmon PSC limit for
two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl
catcher vessels not participating in the
Central GOA Rockfish Program, may be
increased in subsequent years based on
the performance of these two sectors
and their ability to minimize their use
of their respective Chinook salmon PSC
limits. If either or both of these two
sectors limits its use of Chinook salmon
PSC to a specified threshold amount in
2015, that sector will receive an
incremental increase to its 2016
Chinook salmon PSC limit
(§ 679.21(i)(3)). In 2015, the trawl C/P
sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook
salmon PSC; therefore the 2016 trawl C/
Ps Chinook salmon PSC limit will be
4,080 Chinook salmon. In 2015, the
Non-Rockfish Program catcher vessel
sector exceeded 2,340 Chinook salmon
PSC; therefore the 2016 Non-Rockfish
Program catcher vessel sector limit will
be 2,700 Chinook salmon.
American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/
Processor and Catcher Vessel
Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits
Section 679.64 establishes groundfish
harvesting and processing sideboard
limitations on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the
GOA. These sideboard limits are
PO 00000
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necessary to protect the interests of
fishermen and processors who do not
directly benefit from the AFA from
those fishermen and processors who
receive exclusive harvesting and
processing privileges under the AFA.
Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits listed
AFA C/Ps from harvesting any species
of groundfish in the GOA. Additionally,
§ 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/
Ps from processing any pollock
harvested in a directed pollock fishery
in the GOA and any groundfish
harvested in Statistical Area 630 of the
GOA.
AFA CVs that are less than 125 ft
(38.1 meters) length overall, have
annual landings of pollock in the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands less than 5,100
mt, and have made at least 40
groundfish landings from 1995 through
1997 are exempt from GOA sideboard
limits under § 679.64(b)(2)(ii).
Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA
CVs in the GOA are based on their
traditional harvest levels of TAC in
groundfish fisheries covered by the
FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv)
establishes the groundfish sideboard
limitations in the GOA based on the
retained catch of non-exempt AFA CVs
of each sideboard species from 1995
through 1997 divided by the TAC for
that species over the same period.
Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2016
and 2017 groundfish sideboard limits
for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will
deduct all targeted or incidental catch of
sideboard species made by non-exempt
AFA CVs from the sideboard limits
listed in Tables 18 and 19.
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TABLE 18—FINAL 2016 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Pollock ...................................
Apportionments by season/
gear
A Season, January 20–
March 10.
B Season, March 10–May 31
C Season, August 25–October 1.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
Annual ...................................
Pacific cod .............................
A Season,1 January 1–June
10.
B Season,2 September 1–
December 31.
Annual ...................................
Annual, trawl gear ................
Flatfish, Shallow-water ..........
Annual ...................................
Flatfish, deep-water ...............
Annual ...................................
Rex sole ................................
Annual ...................................
Arrowtooth flounder ...............
Annual ...................................
Flathead sole .........................
Annual ...................................
Pacific ocean perch ...............
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Annual ...................................
Shortraker rockfish ................
Annual ...................................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
Rougheye rockfish .................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Sablefish ................................
Annual ...................................
Demersal shelf rockfish .........
Thornyhead rockfish ..............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Other rockfish ........................
Annual ...................................
Atka mackerel ........................
Big skates ..............................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
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Area/component
Ratio of
1995–1997
non-exempt
AFA CV catch
to 1995–1997
TAC
Final 2016
TACs
Final 2016
non-exempt
AFA CV
sideboard limit
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.6047
3,827
2,314
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
43,374
12,456
3,826
50,747
5,083
24,421
5,062
2,526
2,313
5,922
1,031
14,767
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
15,404
19,822
24,421
1,798
4,020
14,767
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
SEO (650) .............................
W ..........................................
0.1167
0.2028
0.3495
0.3495
0.1331
15,402
19,822
9,348
9,920
17,011
1,797
4,020
3,267
3,467
2,264
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
0.0692
0.1331
22,190
11,341
1,536
1,509
C ...........................................
E inshore ..............................
E offshore .............................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
SEO ......................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
W ..........................................
0.0692
0.0079
0.0078
0.0000
0.0642
0.0433
0.0156
0.0587
0.0126
0.0000
0.0647
0.0128
0.0007
0.0384
0.0029
0.0021
0.0280
0.0002
0.0036
0.0213
0.0009
0.0023
0.0748
0.0466
0.0003
0.0277
0.0000
0.0218
0.0110
0.0001
0.0000
0.0067
0.0000
0.0237
0.0124
0.0020
0.0280
0.0280
0.0280
0.1699
0.0000
0.0309
0.0063
14,794
5,930
659
255
805
190
13,250
19,242
4,271
186
3,495
5,545
1,315
4,445
1,733
14,500
75,000
13,800
8,650
15,400
3,782
2,737
17,033
4,667
457
3,547
38
301
947
173
4,147
366
105
707
516
231
291
988
682
1,534
774
2,000
908
1,024
47
5
........................
52
8
207
1,130
54
........................
226
71
1
171
5
30
2,100
3
31
328
3
6
1,274
217
0
98
........................
7
10
0
........................
2
........................
17
6
0
8
28
19
261
........................
62
6
Fmt 4700
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TABLE 18—FINAL 2016 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Apportionments by season/
gear
Longnose skates ...................
Annual ...................................
Other skates ..........................
Sculpins .................................
Sharks ...................................
Squids ....................................
Octopuses .............................
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
1 The
2 The
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
Area/component
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Ratio of
1995–1997
non-exempt
AFA CV catch
to 1995–1997
TAC
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
Final 2016
TACs
1,850
1,056
61
2,513
632
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
Final 2016
non-exempt
AFA CV
sideboard limit
12
7
0
16
4
12
35
28
7
31
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
TABLE 19—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Pollock ...................................
Apportionments by season/
gear
A Season, January 20–
March 10.
B Season, March 10–May 31
C Season, August 25–October 1.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
Annual ...................................
Pacific cod .............................
A Season,1 January 1–June
10.
B Season,2 September 1–
December 31.
Annual ...................................
Annual, trawl gear ................
Flatfish, Shallow-water ..........
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Sablefish ................................
Annual ...................................
Flatfish, deep-water ...............
Annual ...................................
Rex sole ................................
Annual ...................................
Arrowtooth flounder ...............
Annual ...................................
Flathead sole .........................
Annual ...................................
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Area/component
Ratio of 1995–
1997 non-exempt AFA CV
catch to 1995–
1997 TAC
Final 2017
TACs
Final 2017
non-exempt
AFA CV
sideboard limit
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.6047
3,769
2,279
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
42,732
12,272
3,769
49,996
5,007
24,060
4,987
2,489
2,279
5,835
1,015
14,549
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.1167
0.2028
0.6047
15,176
19,529
24,060
1,771
3,960
14,549
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
SEO (650) .............................
W ..........................................
0.1167
0.2028
0.3495
0.3495
0.1331
15,175
19,529
9,209
9,920
14,699
1,771
3,960
3,219
3,467
1,956
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
0.0692
0.1331
19,175
9,799
1,327
1,304
C ...........................................
E inshore ..............................
E offshore .............................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
0.0692
0.0079
0.0078
0.0000
0.0642
0.0433
0.0156
0.0587
0.0126
0.0000
0.0647
0.0128
0.0007
0.0384
0.0029
0.0021
0.0280
0.0002
0.0036
12,783
5,124
569
233
736
173
13,250
17,680
3,925
187
3,516
5,578
1,318
4,453
1,736
14,500
75,000
13,800
8,650
885
40
4
........................
47
8
207
1,038
49
........................
227
71
1
171
5
30
2,100
3
31
Fmt 4700
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TABLE 19—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-EXEMPT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CATCHER VESSEL (CV) GROUNDFISH HARVEST
SIDEBOARD LIMITS—Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Apportionments by season/
gear
Species
Pacific ocean perch ...............
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Annual ...................................
Shortraker rockfish ................
Annual ...................................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
Rougheye rockfish .................
Annual ...................................
Demersal shelf rockfish .........
Thornyhead rockfish ..............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Other rockfish ........................
Annual ...................................
Atka mackerel ........................
Big skates ..............................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Longnose skates ...................
Annual ...................................
Other skates ..........................
Sculpins .................................
Sharks ...................................
Squids ....................................
Octopuses .............................
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
1 The
2 The
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
Area/component
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
SEO ......................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W/C .......................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Ratio of 1995–
1997 non-exempt AFA CV
catch to 1995–
1997 TAC
Final 2017
TACs
0.0213
0.0009
0.0023
0.0748
0.0466
0.0003
0.0277
0.0000
0.0218
0.0110
0.0001
0.0000
0.0067
0.0000
0.0237
0.0124
0.0020
0.0280
0.0280
0.0280
0.1699
0.0000
0.0309
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
0.0063
15,400
3,800
2,709
16,860
4,620
430
3,338
38
301
947
159
3,791
334
105
705
515
231
291
988
682
1,534
774
2,000
908
1,850
1,056
61
2,513
632
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
Final 2017
non-exempt
AFA CV
sideboard limit
328
3
6
1,261
215
0
92
........................
7
10
0
........................
2
........................
17
6
0
8
28
19
261
........................
62
6
12
7
0
16
4
12
35
28
7
31
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel
Halibut PSC Limits
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for
non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA are
based on the aggregate retained
groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA
CVs in each PSC target category from
1995 through 1997 divided by the
retained catch of all vessels in that
fishery from 1995 through 1997
(§ 679.64(b)(4)). Table 20 lists the final
2016 and 2017 non-exempt AFA CV
halibut PSC limits for vessels using
trawl gear in the GOA, respectively. The
2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments
of trawl halibut PSC limits between the
deep-water and shallow-water species
fisheries categories proportionately
incorporate reductions made to the
annual trawl halibut PSC limits and
associated seasonal apportionments (see
Table 14).
TABLE 20—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV HALIBUT PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR
VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995–
1997 non-exempt AFA CV
retained catch
to total retained catch
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Season
Season dates
Target fishery
1 ........................
January 20–April 1 ..........................
2 ........................
April 1–July 1 ..................................
3 ........................
July 1–September 1 ........................
2016 and
2017 PSC limit
2016 and
2017 non-exempt AFA CV
PSC limit
0.340
0.070
0.340
0.070
0.340
0.070
384
85
85
256
171
341
131
6
29
18
58
24
shallow-water ..................................
deep-water ......................................
shallow-water ..................................
deep-water ......................................
shallow-water ..................................
deep-water ......................................
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14761
TABLE 20—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV HALIBUT PROHIBITED SPECIES CATCH (PSC) LIMITS FOR
VESSELS USING TRAWL GEAR IN THE GOA—Continued
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of 1995–
1997 non-exempt AFA CV
retained catch
to total retained catch
Season dates
Target fishery
4 ........................
September 1–October 1 .................
5 ........................
October 1–December 31 ................
2016 and
2017 PSC limit
2016 and
2017 non-exempt AFA CV
PSC limit
0.340
0.070
0.205
128
0
256
44
0
52
1,706
Season
362
shallow-water ..................................
deep-water ......................................
all targets ........................................
Total: ..........
Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish
Harvest Limitations
Section 680.22 establishes groundfish
catch limits for vessels with a history of
participation in the Bering Sea snow
crab fishery to prevent these vessels
from using the increased flexibility
provided by the Crab Rationalization
Program to expand their level of
participation in the GOA groundfish
fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these
vessels’ catch to their collective
historical landings in each GOA
groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear
sablefish fishery). Sideboard limits also
apply to catch made using an LLP
license derived from the history of a
restricted vessel, even if that LLP
license is used on another vessel.
The basis for these sideboard limits is
described in detail in the final rules
implementing the major provisions of
Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery
Management Plan for Bering Sea/
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs
(Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2,
2005), Amendment 34 to the Crab FMP
(76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011),
Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP (76 FR
74670, December 1, 2011), and
Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80 FR
28539, May 19, 2015).
Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2016
and 2017 groundfish sideboard
limitations for non-AFA crab vessels.
All targeted or incidental catch of
sideboard species made by non-AFA
crab vessels or associated LLP licenses
will be deducted from these sideboard
limits.
TABLE 21—FINAL 2016 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Pollock ...................................
Area/component/
gear
Season/gear
A Season, January 20–
March 10.
B Season, March 10–May 31
C Season, August 25–October 1.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
Annual ...................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Pacific cod .............................
A Season,1 January 1–June
10.
B Season 2 ............................
Jig Gear: June 10–December 31.
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Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA
crab vessel
catch to 1996–
2000 total
harvest
Final 2016
TACs
Final 2016
non-AFA crab
vessel
sideboard limit
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.0098
3,827
38
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
43,374
12,456
3,826
50,747
5,083
24,421
134
2
37
157
1
239
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
15,404
19,822
24,421
48
4
239
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
SEO (650) .............................
W Jig .....................................
0.0031
0.0002
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
15,402
19,822
9,348
9,920
17,011
48
4
........................
........................
........................
W Hook-and-line CV .............
W Pot CV ..............................
W Pot C/P .............................
W Trawl CV ..........................
C Jig .....................................
C Hook-and-line CV .............
C Pot CV ..............................
C Pot C/P .............................
C Trawl CV ...........................
W Jig .....................................
W Hook-and-line CV .............
0.0004
0.0997
0.0078
0.0007
0.0000
0.0001
0.0474
0.0136
0.0012
0.0000
0.0004
17,011
17,011
17,011
17,011
22,190
22,190
22,190
22,190
22,190
11,341
11,341
7
1,696
133
12
........................
2
1,052
302
27
........................
5
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 21—FINAL 2016 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Area/component/
gear
Season/gear
All other gears: September
1–December 31.
Annual ...................................
Annual, trawl gear ................
Flatfish, shallow-water ...........
Annual ...................................
Flatfish, deep-water ...............
Annual ...................................
Rex sole ................................
Annual ...................................
Arrowtooth flounder ...............
Annual ...................................
Flathead sole .........................
Annual ...................................
Pacific ocean perch ...............
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Annual ...................................
Shortraker rockfish ................
Annual ...................................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
Rougheye rockfish .................
Annual ...................................
Demersal shelf rockfish .........
Thornyhead rockfish ..............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Other rockfish ........................
Annual ...................................
Atka mackerel ........................
Big skate ................................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Longnose skate .....................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Sablefish ................................
Annual ...................................
Other skates ..........................
Sculpins .................................
Sharks ...................................
Squids ....................................
Octopuses .............................
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
1 The
2 The
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA
crab vessel
catch to 1996–
2000 total
harvest
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vessel
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W Pot CV ..............................
0.0997
11,341
1,131
W Pot C/P .............................
W Trawl CV ..........................
C Jig .....................................
C Hook-and-line CV .............
C Pot CV ..............................
C Pot C/P .............................
C Trawl CV ...........................
E inshore ..............................
E offshore .............................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
SEO ......................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W/C .......................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
0.0078
0.0007
0.0000
0.0001
0.0474
0.0136
0.0012
0.0110
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0059
0.0001
0.0000
0.0035
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0004
0.0001
0.0000
0.0002
0.0004
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0005
0.0000
0.0013
0.0012
0.0009
0.0017
0.0000
0.0000
0.0067
0.0047
0.0008
0.0000
0.0047
0.0066
0.0045
0.0033
0.0000
0.0000
0.0392
0.0159
0.0000
0.0392
0.0159
0.0000
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
11,341
11,341
14,794
14,794
14,794
14,794
14,794
5,930
659
255
805
190
13,250
19,242
4,271
186
3,495
5,545
1,315
4,445
1,733
14,500
75,000
13,800
8,650
15,400
3,782
2,737
17,033
4,667
457
3,547
38
301
947
173
4,147
366
105
707
516
231
291
988
682
1,534
774
2,000
908
1,850
1,056
61
2,513
632
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
88
8
........................
1
701
201
18
65
........................
........................
........................
........................
78
2
........................
1
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
6
8
........................
2
6
........................
........................
........................
........................
0
........................
0
0
1
0
........................
........................
1
3
0
........................
1
7
3
5
........................
........................
36
29
........................
2
40
........................
34
98
79
20
86
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
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14763
TABLE 22—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Pollock ...................................
Season/gear
Area/component/gear
A Season, January 20–
March 10.
B Season, March 10–May 31
C Season, August 25–October 1.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
Annual ...................................
Pacific cod .............................
A Season 1 ............................
January 1–June 10 ...............
B Season 2 ............................
Jig Gear: June 10–December 31.
All other gears: .....................
September 1–December 31
Annual ...................................
Annual, trawl gear ................
Flatfish, shallow-water ...........
Annual ...................................
Flatfish, deep-water ...............
Annual ...................................
Rex sole ................................
Annual ...................................
Arrowtooth flounder ...............
Annual ...................................
Flathead sole .........................
Annual ...................................
Pacific ocean perch ...............
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Sablefish ................................
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Annual ...................................
Shortraker rockfish ................
Annual ...................................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
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Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA
crab vessel
catch to 1996–
2000 total
harvest
Final 2017
TACs
Final 2017
non-AFA
crab vessel
sideboard limit
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
SEO (650) .............................
W Jig .....................................
W Hook-and-line CV .............
W Pot CV ..............................
W Pot C/P .............................
W Trawl CV ..........................
C Jig .....................................
C Hook-and-line CV .............
C Pot CV ..............................
C Pot C/P .............................
C Trawl CV ...........................
W Jig .....................................
W Hook-and-line CV .............
0.0098
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
0.0031
0.0002
0.0098
0.0031
0.0002
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0004
0.0997
0.0078
0.0007
0.0000
0.0001
0.0474
0.0136
0.0012
0.0000
0.0004
3,769
42,732
12,272
3,769
49,996
5,007
24,060
15,176
19,529
24,060
15,175
19,529
9,209
9,920
14,699
14,699
14,699
14,699
14,699
19,175
19,175
19,175
19,175
19,175
9,799
9,799
37
132
2
37
155
1
236
47
4
236
47
4
........................
........................
........................
6
1,466
115
10
........................
2
909
261
23
........................
4
W Pot CV ..............................
W Pot C/P .............................
W Trawl CV ..........................
C Jig .....................................
C Hook-and-line CV .............
C Pot CV ..............................
C Pot C/P .............................
C Trawl CV ...........................
E inshore ..............................
E offshore .............................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
0.0997
0.0078
0.0007
0.0000
0.0001
0.0474
0.0136
0.0012
0.0110
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0059
0.0001
0.0000
0.0035
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0004
0.0001
0.0000
0.0002
0.0004
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0005
0.0000
0.0013
0.0012
0.0009
0.0017
0.0000
0.0000
9,799
9,799
9,799
12,783
12,783
12,783
12,783
12,783
5,125
569
233
736
173
13,250
17,680
3,925
187
3,516
5,578
1,318
4,453
1,736
14,500
75,000
13,800
8,650
15,400
3,800
2,709
16,860
4,620
430
3,338
38
301
947
159
3,791
334
977
76
7
........................
1
606
174
15
56
Fmt 4700
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2
1
-
2
6
........................
0
0
0
1
0
14764
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 22—FINAL 2017 GOA NON-AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT CRAB VESSEL GROUNDFISH HARVEST SIDEBOARD LIMITS—
Continued
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Species
Season/gear
Area/component/gear
Rougheye rockfish .................
Annual ...................................
Demersal shelf rockfish .........
Thornyhead rockfish ..............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Other rockfish ........................
Annual ...................................
Atka mackerel ........................
Big skate ................................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Longnose ...............................
skate ......................................
Annual ...................................
Other skates ..........................
Sculpins .................................
Sharks ...................................
Squids ....................................
Octopuses .............................
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Ratio of 1996–
2000 non-AFA
crab vessel
catch to 1996–
2000 total
harvest
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
SEO ......................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W/C .......................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
W ..........................................
C ...........................................
E ...........................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
Gulfwide ................................
1 The
2 The
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
...................................
Final 2017
TACs
0.0067
0.0047
0.0008
0.0000
0.0047
0.0066
0.0045
0.0033
0.0000
0.0000
0.0392
0.0159
0.0000
0.0392
0.0159
0.0000
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
0.0176
105
705
515
231
291
988
682
1,534
774
2,000
908
1,850
1,056
61
2,513
632
1,919
5,591
4,514
1,148
4,878
Final 2017
non-AFA
crab vessel
sideboard limit
1
3
0
........................
1
7
3
5
........................
36
29
2
40
34
98
79
20
86
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard
and Halibut PSC Limitations
The Rockfish Program establishes
three classes of sideboard provisions:
CV groundfish sideboard restrictions,
C/P rockfish sideboard restrictions, and
C/P opt-out vessel sideboard
restrictions. These sideboards are
intended to limit the ability of rockfish
harvesters to expand into other
fisheries.
CVs participating in the Rockfish
Program may not participate in directed
fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean
perch, and northern rockfish in the West
Yakutat district and Western GOA from
July 1 through July 31. Also, CVs may
not participate in directed fishing for
arrowtooth flounder, deep-water
flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from
July 1 through July 31 (§ 679.82(d)).
C/Ps participating in Rockfish
Program cooperatives are restricted by
rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard
limits. These C/Ps are prohibited from
directed fishing for dusky rockfish,
Pacific ocean perch, and northern
rockfish in the West Yakutat district and
Western GOA from July 1 through July
31. Holders of C/P-designated LLP
licenses that opt out of participating in
a Rockfish Program cooperative will be
able to access that portion of each
sideboard limit that is not assigned to
rockfish cooperatives. Tables 23 and 24
list the final 2016 and 2017 Rockfish
Program C/P sideboard limits in the
West Yakutat district and the Western
GOA. Due to confidentiality
requirements associated with fisheries
data, the sideboard limits for the West
Yakutat district are not displayed.
TABLE 23—FINAL 2016 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HARVEST LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR IN THE WEST
YAKUTAT DISTRICT AND WESTERN GOA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area
Fishery
C/P sector
(% of TAC)
West Yakutat District .....................
Dusky rockfish ...............................
Pacific ocean perch ......................
Dusky rockfish ...............................
Pacific ocean perch ......................
Northern rockfish ...........................
Confidential 1 .................................
Confidential 1 .................................
72.3 ...............................................
50.6 ...............................................
74.3 ...............................................
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Western GOA ................................
1 Not
Final 2016
TACs
275
2,847
173
2,737
457
Final 2016
C/P limit
Confidential.1
Confidential.1
125.
1,385.
340.
released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
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14765
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 24—FINAL 2017 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HARVEST LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR SECTOR IN THE WEST
YAKUTAT DISTRICT AND WESTERN GOA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Area
Fishery
C/P sector
(% of TAC)
West Yakutat District .....................
Dusky rockfish ...............................
Pacific ocean perch ......................
Dusky rockfish ...............................
Pacific ocean perch ......................
Northern rockfish ...........................
Confidential 1 .................................
Confidential 1 .................................
72.3 ...............................................
50.6 ...............................................
74.3 ...............................................
Western GOA ................................
1 Not
Final 2017
TACs
Final 2017
C/P limit
Confidential.1
Confidential.1
115.
1,371.
319.
251
2,818
159
2,709
430
released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS and the State of Alaska.
Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P
sector is subject to halibut PSC
sideboard limits for the trawl deepwater and shallow-water species
fisheries from July 1 through July 31. No
halibut PSC sideboard limits apply to
the CV sector, as vessels participating in
cooperatives receive a portion of the
annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt
out of the Rockfish Program would be
able to access that portion of the deepwater and shallow-water halibut PSC
sideboard limit not assigned to C/P
rockfish cooperatives. The sideboard
provisions for C/Ps that elect to opt out
of participating in a rockfish cooperative
are described in § 679.82(c), (e), and (f).
Sideboard limits are linked to the catch
history of specific vessels that may
choose to opt out. After March 1, NMFS
will determine which C/Ps have optedout of the Rockfish Program in 2016,
and will know the ratios and amounts
used to calculate opt-out sideboard
ratios. NMFS will then calculate any
applicable opt-out sideboards and post
these allocations on the Alaska Region
Web site at https://
alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/
central-goa-rockfish-program. Table 25
lists the 2016 and 2017 Rockfish
Program halibut PSC limits for the C/P
sector. These halibut PSC limits
proportionately incorporate reductions
made to the annual trawl halibut PSC
limits and associated season
apportionments (see Table 14).
TABLE 25—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 ROCKFISH PROGRAM HALIBUT MORTALITY LIMITS FOR THE CATCHER/PROCESSOR
SECTOR
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
Sector
Shallow-water
species fishery
halibut PSC
sideboard ratio
(percent)
Deep-water
species fishery
halibut PSC
sideboard ratio
(percent)
2016 and 2017
halibut
mortality limit
(mt)
Annual shallowwater species
fishery halibut
PSC sideboard
limit
(mt)
Annual deepwater species
fishery halibut
PSC sideboard
limit
(mt)
Catcher/processor ........................
0.10
2.50
1,706
2
43
Amendment 80 Program Groundfish
and PSC Sideboard Limits
Amendment 80 to the Fishery
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (Amendment 80
Program) established a limited access
privilege program for the non-AFA trawl
C/P sector. The Amendment 80 Program
established groundfish and halibut PSC
catch limits for Amendment 80 Program
participants to limit the ability of
participants eligible for the Amendment
80 Program to expand their harvest
efforts in the GOA.
Section 679.92 establishes groundfish
harvesting sideboard limits on all
Amendment 80 program vessels, other
than the F/V Golden Fleece, to amounts
no greater than the limits listed in Table
37 to 50 CFR part 679. Under
§ 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is
prohibited from directed fishing for
pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean
perch, dusky rockfish, and northern
rockfish in the GOA.
Groundfish sideboard limits for
Amendment 80 Program vessels
operating in the GOA are based on their
average aggregate harvests from 1998
through 2004. Tables 26 and 27 list the
final 2016 and 2017 sideboard limits for
Amendment 80 Program vessels. NMFS
will deduct all targeted or incidental
catch of sideboard species made by
Amendment 80 Program vessels from
the sideboard limits in Tables 26 and
27.
TABLE 26—FINAL 2016 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
Amendment
80 sector
vessels 1998–
2004 catch to
TAC
Species
Area
Pollock ...................................
A Season, January 20–February 25.
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.003
3,827
11
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
0.002
0.002
43,374
12,456
87
25
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2016 TAC
(mt)
2016 Amendment 80
vessel
sideboards
(mt)
Apportionments and
allocations by season
14766
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 26—FINAL 2016 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS—Continued
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
Amendment
80 sector
vessels 1998–
2004 catch to
TAC
Area
B Season, March 10–May 31
Species
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.003
0.002
0.002
0.003
3,826
50,747
5,083
24,421
11
101
10
73
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.002
0.002
0.003
15,404
19,822
24,421
31
40
73
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
W ..........................................
0.002
0.002
0.002
0.020
15,402
19,822
9,348
17,011
31
40
19
340
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
0.044
0.020
22,190
11,341
976
227
C ...........................................
WYK ......................................
W ..........................................
WYK ......................................
W ..........................................
W ..........................................
WYK ......................................
0.044
0.034
0.994
0.961
1.000
0.764
0.896
14,794
6,589
2,737
2,847
457
173
275
651
224
2,721
2,736
457
132
246
C Season, August 25–September 15.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
Pacific cod .............................
Annual ...................................
A Season,1 January 1–June
10.
B Season,2 September 1–
December 31.
Pacific ocean perch ...............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
1 The
2 The
2016 TAC
(mt)
2016 Amendment 80
vessel
sideboards
(mt)
Apportionments and
allocations by season
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
TABLE 27—FINAL 2017 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Ratio of
Amendment
80 sector
vessels 1998–
2004 catch to
TAC
Species
Area
Pollock ...................................
A Season, January 20–February 25.
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.003
3,769
11
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.002
0.002
0.003
0.002
0.002
0.003
42,732
12,272
3,769
49,996
5,007
24,060
85
25
11
100
10
72
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
Shumagin (610) ....................
0.002
0.002
0.003
15,176
19,529
24,060
30
39
72
Chirikof (620) ........................
Kodiak (630) .........................
WYK (640) ............................
W ..........................................
0.002
0.002
0.002
0.020
15,175
19,529
9,209
14,699
30
39
18
294
C ...........................................
W ..........................................
0.044
0.020
19,175
9,799
844
196
C ...........................................
WYK ......................................
W ..........................................
WYK ......................................
W ..........................................
W ..........................................
0.044
0.034
0.994
0.961
1.000
0.764
12,783
5,694
2,709
2,818
430
159
562
194
2,693
2,708
430
121
B Season, March 10–May 31
C Season, August 25–September 15.
D Season, October 1–November 1.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Pacific cod .............................
Annual ...................................
A Season,1 January 1–June
10.
B Season,2 September 1–
December 31.
Pacific ocean perch ...............
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
Northern rockfish ...................
Dusky rockfish .......................
Annual ...................................
Annual ...................................
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2017 TAC
(mt)
2017 Amendment 80
vessel
sideboards
(mt)
Apportionments and
allocations by season
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
14767
TABLE 27—FINAL 2017 GOA GROUNDFISH SIDEBOARD LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS—Continued
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Apportionments and
allocations by season
Species
Ratio of
Amendment
80 sector
vessels 1998–
2004 catch to
TAC
Area
WYK ......................................
0.896
2017 TAC
(mt)
2017 Amendment 80
vessel
sideboards
(mt)
251
225
1 The
Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
2 The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
The PSC sideboard limits for
Amendment 80 Program vessels in the
GOA are based on the historic use of
halibut PSC by Amendment 80 Program
vessels in each PSC target category from
1998 through 2004. These values are
slightly lower than the average historic
use to accommodate two factors:
allocation of halibut PSC cooperative
quota under the Central GOA Rockfish
Program and the exemption of the F/V
Golden Fleece from this restriction
(§ 679.92(b)(2)). Table 28 lists the final
2016 and 2017 halibut PSC limits for
Amendment 80 Program vessels. These
tables incorporate the maximum
percentages of the halibut PSC
sideboard limits that may be used by
Amendment 80 Program vessels as
contained in Table 38 to 50 CFR part
679. These halibut PSC limits
proportionately incorporate the
reductions made to the annual trawl
halibut PSC limits and associated
seasonal apportionments (see Table 14).
Additionally, residual amounts of a
seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard
halibut PSC limit may carry forward to
the next season limit (§ 679.92(b)(2)).
TABLE 28—FINAL 2016 AND 2017 HALIBUT PSC LIMITS FOR AMENDMENT 80 PROGRAM VESSELS IN THE GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
Historic
Amendment 80
use of the
annual halibut
PSC limit catch
(ratio)
2016 and 2017
annual PSC
limit
(mt)
2016 and 2017
Amendment 80
vessel PSC
limit
Season
Season dates
Target fishery
1 ...................
January 20–April 1 ......................
2 ...................
April 1–July 1 ..............................
3 ...................
July 1–September 1 ....................
4 ...................
September 1–October 1 ..............
5 ...................
October 1–December 31 .............
shallow-water ..............................
deep-water ..................................
shallow-water ..............................
deep-water ..................................
shallow-water ..............................
deep-water ..................................
shallow-water ..............................
deep-water ..................................
shallow-water ..............................
deep-water ..................................
0.0048
0.0115
0.0189
0.1072
0.0146
0.0521
0.0074
0.0014
0.0227
0.0371
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
1,706
8
20
32
183
25
89
13
2
39
63
......................................................
............................
............................
474
Total ......
Directed Fishing Closures
Pursuant to § 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the
Regional Administrator determines (1)
that any allocation or apportionment of
a target species or species group
allocated or apportioned to a fishery
will be reached; or (2) with respect to
pollock and Pacific cod, that an
allocation or apportionment to an
inshore or offshore component or sector
allocation will be reached, the Regional
Administrator may establish a directed
fishing allowance (DFA) for that species
or species group. If the Regional
Administrator establishes a DFA and
that allowance is or will be reached
before the end of the fishing year, NMFS
will prohibit directed fishing for that
species or species group in the specified
GOA regulatory area or district
(§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii)).
The Regional Administrator has
determined that the TACs for the
species listed in Table 29 are necessary
to account for the incidental catch of
these species in other anticipated
groundfish fisheries for the 2016 and
2017 fishing years.
TABLE 29—2016 AND 2017 DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES IN THE GOA
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[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Target
Area/component/gear
Incidental catch amount
and year
(if amounts differ
by year)
Pollock ..............................................................................
Sablefish 2 .........................................................................
all/offshore .......................................................................
all/trawl .............................................................................
not applicable.1
1,250 (2016), 1,142 (2017).
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TABLE 29—2016 AND 2017 DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES IN THE GOA—Continued
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Incidental catch amount
and year
(if amounts differ
by year)
Target
Area/component/gear
Pacific cod ........................................................................
Shortraker rockfish 2 .........................................................
Rougheye rockfish 2 .........................................................
Western, catcher/processor, trawl ...................................
Central, catcher/processor, trawl .....................................
all .....................................................................................
all .....................................................................................
Thornyhead rockfish 2 .......................................................
Other rockfish ...................................................................
Atka mackerel ...................................................................
Big skate ...........................................................................
Longnose skate ................................................................
Other skates .....................................................................
Sharks ..............................................................................
Squids ...............................................................................
Octopuses ........................................................................
all
all
all
all
all
all
all
all
all
1 Pollock
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
657 (2016), 567 (2017).
1,537 (2016), 1,328 (2017).
1,286.
1,328 (2016).
1,325 (2017).
1,961.
2,308.
2,000.
3,814.
3,206.
1,919.
4,514.
1,148.
4,878.
is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under § 679.20(a)(6)(i).
not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program.
2 Closures
Consequently, in accordance with
§ 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional
Administrator establishes the DFA for
the species or species groups listed in
Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in
accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for
those species, areas, gear types, and
components in the GOA listed in Table
29. These closures will remain in effect
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31,
2017.
Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for
management of AFA CV groundfish
harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits
using directed fishing closures and PSC
closures according to procedures set out
at §§ 679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and
679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional
Administrator has determined that, in
addition to the closures listed above,
many of the non-exempt AFA CV
sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and
19 are necessary as incidental catch to
support other anticipated groundfish
fisheries for the 2016 and 2017 fishing
years. In accordance with
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional
Administrator sets the DFAs for the
species and species groups in Table 30
at zero mt. Therefore, in accordance
with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing by nonexempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the
species and specified areas listed in
Table 30. These closures will remain in
effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December
31, 2017.
TABLE 30—2016 AND 2017 NON-EXEMPT AFA CV SIDEBOARD DIRECTED FISHING CLOSURES FOR ALL GEAR TYPES IN
THE GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
Regulatory area/district
Pacific cod ..........................................................
Eastern .............................................................
Shallow-water flatfish .........................................
Deep-water flatfish .............................................
Rex sole .............................................................
Arrowtooth flounder ............................................
Flathead sole ......................................................
Pacific ocean perch ............................................
Northern rockfish ................................................
Dusky rockfish ....................................................
Demersal shelf rockfish ......................................
Sculpins ..............................................................
Squids .................................................................
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Species
Eastern .............................................................
Western ............................................................
Eastern and Western .......................................
Eastern and Western .......................................
Eastern and Western .......................................
Western ............................................................
Western ............................................................
Entire GOA .......................................................
SEO District .....................................................
Entire GOA .......................................................
Entire GOA .......................................................
Section 680.22 provides for the
management of non-AFA crab vessel
sideboards using directed fishing
closures in accordance with
§ 680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional
Administrator has determined that the
non-AFA crab vessel sideboards listed
in Tables 21 and 22 are insufficient to
support a directed fishery and has set
the sideboard DFA at zero mt, with the
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exception of Pacific cod pot CV sector
apportionments in the Western and
Central Regulatory Areas. Therefore,
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by
non-AFA crab vessels in the GOA for all
species and species groups listed in
Tables 21 and 22, with the exception of
the Pacific cod pot CV sector
apportionments in the Western and
Central Regulatory Areas.
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Incidental catch amount
47 (inshore) and 5 (offshore) [2016].
40 (inshore) and 4 (offshore) [2017].
54 in 2016, 49 in 2017.
0.
5 and 1.
3 and 30.
3 and 31.
6.
0.
2.
0.
35.
7.
Closures implemented under the 2015
and 2016 GOA harvest specifications for
groundfish (80 FR 10250, February 25,
2015) remain effective under authority
of these final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, and are posted at the
following Web site: https://
alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/infobulletins/
search. While these closures are in
effect, the maximum retainable amounts
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asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
during a fishing trip. These closures to
directed fishing are in addition to
closures and prohibitions found at 50
CFR part 679. NMFS may implement
other closures during the 2016 and 2017
fishing years as necessary for effective
conservation and management.
Comments and Responses
NMFS received two comment letters
containing five substantive comments
during the public comment period on
the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the
GOA. No changes were made to this
final rule in response to the comment
letters received. These comments are
summarized and responded to below.
Comment 1: Each commenter
expressed general support for the GOA
harvest specifications.
Response: NMFS acknowledges these
comments.
Comment 2: The removal of catch
limits, such as the Pacific cod sideboard
limits established for hook-and-line C/
Ps, should not be implemented as
described in the proposed GOA harvest
specifications.
Response: As described in the
preamble of this notice and in the
proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for the GOA (80 FR
76405, December 9, 2015), NMFS
previously published a final rule
implementing regulations associated
with Amendment 45 to the FMP for
Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and
Tanner Crabs (Amendment 45) (80 FR
28539, May 19, 2015). Regulations
implemented through Amendment 45
directly affect the harvest specifications
process for establishing sideboard limits
for a specific industry sector.
Amendment 45 requires that NMFS
permanently remove Pacific cod
sideboard limits applicable to specified
hook-and-line catcher/processors (C/P)
in the Western and Central GOA
regulatory areas once it receives an
affidavit affirming that all eligible
participants in these regulatory areas
recommend removal of the sideboard
limits. NMFS received an affidavit that
all eligible fishery participants in the
Western and Central GOA recommend
removal of these sideboard limits. By
removing the Pacific cod sideboard
limits for the hook-and-line C/P sector
from Tables 21 and 22 of this rule,
NMFS incorporates the regulatory
changes made under Amendment 45
into this final rule.
Comment 3: Hook-and-line gear has
hazardous effects on local species and
ecosystems. For example, if fishing line
is lost or improperly discarded in the
ocean, it will likely be consumed by a
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wide variety of animals such as birds,
marine mammals, and fish. Because
Laysan albatross dive for their prey,
increased fishing in hook-and-line
fishery may increase the mortality of
this species from entanglements.
Response: Hook-and-line gear is a
legal gear type in the Gulf of Alaska for
Pacific cod and a variety of other
species. Hook-and-line gear is
authorized under both the FMP
(available at https://www.npfmc.org/wpcontent/PDFdocuments/fmp/GOA/
GOAfmp.pdf) and regulations at 50 CFR
part 679. NMFS monitors the catch of
all federally-managed groundfish
species in the GOA, by gear type, as part
of its fisheries monitoring and catch
accounting procedures. This catch
information is incorporated into the
annual SAFE reports prepared to assess
the biomass and population trends for
groundfish species (see ADDRESSES). The
annual SAFE report includes an
‘‘Ecosystem Considerations’’ chapter
that describes and discusses the latest
trends associated with physical,
environmental, ecosystem, and fisheries
components of the GOA. The Plan
Team, SSC, and Council use this
information during the annual harvest
specifications as it considers current
and future environmental trends that
may affect the TAC limits.
NMFS regularly monitors the effects
of hook-and-line fisheries and other
commercial fisheries on marine
mammal stocks. For example, the
Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA) requires NMFS to review
marine mammal stock assessment
reports annually for stocks designated as
strategic, annually for stocks where
there are significant new information
available, and at least once every 3 years
for all other stocks. Each marine
mammal stock assessment includes,
when available, estimates of annual
human-caused mortality and serious
injury from interactions with
commercial fisheries and subsistence
hunters. These data are used to evaluate
the progress of each fishery towards
achieving the MMPA’s goal of zero
fishery-related mortality and serious
injury of marine mammals. The most
recent (2014) Alaska Marine Mammal
stock assessment was released in August
2015 and can be downloaded at https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/region.htm.
In addition, further information on the
effects of commercial fisheries can be
found in section 5.3.10 of the SIR.
The Alaska Region has been actively
addressing seabird incidental take in
hook-and-line fisheries off Alaska since
1989. The seabird-related
responsibilities and activities include:
Consultations under the Endangered
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14769
Species Act, data collection by fishery
observers, public and industry outreach
and education, research, regulatory
action to employ multiple seabird
avoidance measures, and participation
in the development of actions to reduce
the incidental take of seabirds in Alaska
fisheries. NMFS has implemented and
revised seabird avoidance measures to
mitigate interactions between the
federal hook-and-line fisheries and
seabirds (see 62 FR 23176, April 29,
1997; 63 FR 1930, January 13, 2004; 72
FR 71610, December 18, 2007; 74 FR
13355, March 27, 2009). Currently,
operators of vessels longer than 26 ft
LOA using hook-and-line gear are
required to comply with regulatory
seabird avoidance measures (see 50 CFR
679.24(e)(2). Section 5.3.9 of the SIR
notes, 2013 seabird estimated bycatch
numbers for the combined groundfish
fisheries are the lowest since NMFS
began estimating bycatch in 1993 (see
also https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/REFM/
REEM/Seabirds/Seabird%20bycatch
%202007%20to%202013_Alaskan
%20Gndfish_Dec2014.pdf).
Comment 4: Hook-and-line fishing
will have an effect on average sizes of
certain species of fish. For example,
hook-and-line gear tends to catch older,
larger Pacific cod because smaller fish
are unable to be hooked. This leads to
a shift in the Pacific cod population
dynamic. Smaller fish will prey on
smaller organisms such as zooplankton,
putting increased pressure on the
foundation of the foodweb. Therefore,
NMFS should revise the harvest
specifications to limit the use of hookand-line gear.
Response: Pacific cod is a stock fished
by multiple gear types. Amendment 83
to the FMP (76 FR 74670, December 1,
2011) implemented regulations on the
amounts of the Western and Central
GOA Pacific cod TACs allocated to the
hook-and-line sectors. Changing the
amount of these regulatory allocations
for hook-and-line gear is outside the
scope of these final 2016 and 2017
harvest specification for the GOA. The
Environmental Assessment for
Amendment 83 determined that
Amendment 83 would not significantly
impact the quality of the human
environment. In addition, all beneficial
and adverse impacts of the proposed
action have been addressed to reach the
conclusion of no significant impacts
(https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sites/
default/files/analyses/
earirfrfa0911.pdf).
The primary categories of information
considered in the stock assessment are
catch, abundance, and biology. The
catch data includes the gear type and
length, the abundance data (biomass
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and numbers of fish) from surveys
includes length and age, and the
biological data includes information on
fish size, age, reproductive rates, and
movement. The effects of using hookand-line gear is incorporated in the
stock assessment and informs NMFS on
changes in Pacific cod population
dynamics. Also, an evaluation of the
effects of the GOA Pacific cod fisheries
on the ecosystem is conducted annually
in the Ecosystem Considerations chapter
and in the groundfish SAFE. The
Ecosystems Consideration chapter
includes detailed information and
updates on the status and trends of
ecosystem components, like
zooplankton, as well as either early
signals of direct human effects on
ecosystem components that might
warrant management intervention or
evidence of the efficacy of previous
management actions. Based on the
Ecosystem Considerations chapter in the
2015 SAFE report, NMFS concludes that
the current GOA Pacific cod fishery
does not produce population-level
impacts to marine species or change
ecosystem-level attributes beyond the
range of natural variation.
Comment 5: Trawl fishing should not
be allowed in the GOA because of
negative environmental consequences
such as disturbing non-target species
and increased sedimentation in the
ocean. Therefore, NMFS should revise
the harvest specifications to limit the
use of trawl fishing gear.
Response: Trawl gear is a legal gear
type in the Gulf of Alaska for a variety
of groundfish species. Similar to hookand-line gear, pelagic and non-pelagic
trawl gear are authorized under both the
FMP and regulations at 50 CFR part 679.
The Council and NMFS have taken a
variety of measures to control the use of
trawl gear and the impacts of trawl gear
on non-target species and marine
habitat. In a recent example, NMFS
established a no-trawl protection area in
Marmot Bay, northeast of Kodiak Island
and required the use of modified
nonpelagic trawl gear when fishing for
flatfish in the Central Regulatory Area of
the GOA (79 FR 2794), January 16,
2014). The Council conducts a complete
review of Essential Fish Habitat once
every 5 years, and regularly solicits
proposals on Habitat Areas of Particular
Concern and/or conservation and
enhancement measures to minimize
potential adverse effects from fishing.
More broadly, the Council and NMFS
have incorporated habitat provisions set
forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act into
the FMP (available at https://
www.npfmc.org, see Section 4.2).
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Classification
NMFS has determined that these final
harvest specifications are consistent
with the FMP and with the MagnusonStevens Act and other applicable laws.
This action is authorized under 50
CFR 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Orders 12866 and
13563.
NMFS prepared an EIS for this action
(see ADDRESSES) and made it available to
the public on January 12, 2007 (72 FR
1512). On February 13, 2007, NMFS
issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for
the EIS. In January 2015, NMFS
prepared a Supplemental Information
Report (SIR) for this action. Copies of
the EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are
available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
The EIS analyzes the environmental
consequences of the groundfish harvest
specifications and alternative harvest
strategies on resources in the action
area. The EIS found no significant
environmental consequences of this
action and its alternatives. The preferred
alternative is a harvest strategy in which
TACs are set at a level that falls within
the range of ABCs recommended by the
Council’s SSC; the sum of the TACs
must achieve the OY specified in the
FMP. The SIR evaluates the need to
prepare a Supplemental EIS (SEIS) for
the 2016 and 2017 groundfish harvest
specifications.
An SEIS should be prepared if (1) the
agency makes substantial changes in the
proposed action that are relevant to
environmental concerns, or (2)
significant new circumstances or
information exist relevant to
environmental concerns and bearing on
the proposed action or its impacts (40
CFR 1502.9(c)(1)). After reviewing the
information contained in the SIR and
SAFE reports, the Regional
Administrator has determined that (1)
approval of the 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, which were set according
to the preferred harvest strategy in the
EIS, do not constitute a substantial
change in the action; and (2) there are
no significant new circumstances or
information relevant to environmental
concerns and bearing on the action or its
impacts. Additionally, the 2016 and
2017 harvest specifications will result in
environmental impacts within the scope
of those analyzed and disclosed in the
EIS. Therefore, supplemental National
Environmental Policy Act
documentation is not necessary to
implement the 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications.
Section 604 of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act requires that, when an
agency promulgates a final rule under
section 553 of Title 5 of the United
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States Code, after being required by that
section, or any other law, to publish a
general notice of proposed rulemaking,
the agency shall prepare a final
regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA).
Section 604 describes the required
contents of a FRFA: (1) A statement of
the need for, and objectives of, the rule;
(2) a statement of the significant issues
raised by the public comments in
response to the initial regulatory
flexibility analysis, a statement of the
assessment of the agency of such issues,
and a statement of any changes made in
the proposed rule as a result of such
comments; (3) the response of the
agency to any comments filed by the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration in response to
the proposed rule, and a detailed
statement of any change made to the
proposed rule in the final rule as a
result of the comments; (4) a description
of and an estimate of the number of
small entities to which the rule will
apply or an explanation of why no such
estimate is available; (5) a description of
the projected reporting, recordkeeping
and other compliance requirements of
the rule, including an estimate of the
classes of small entities which will be
subject to the requirement and the type
of professional skills necessary for
preparation of the report or record; (6)
a description of the steps the agency has
taken to minimize the significant
economic impact on small entities
consistent with the stated objectives of
applicable statutes, including a
statement of the factual, policy, and
legal reasons for selecting the alternative
adopted in the final rule and why each
one of the other significant alternatives
to the rule considered by the agency
which affect the impact on small
entities was rejected.
A description of this action, its
purpose, and its legal basis are
contained at the beginning of the
preamble to this final rule and are not
repeated here.
NMFS published the proposed rule on
December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76405). NMFS
prepared an Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to
accompany this action, and included a
summary in the proposed rule. The
comment period closed on January 8,
2016. No comments were received on
the IRFA or the economic impacts of the
rule more generally.
The entities directly regulated by this
action include (1) entities operating
vessels with groundfish FFPs catching
FMP groundfish in Federal waters; (2)
all entities operating vessels, regardless
of whether they hold groundfish FFPs,
catching FMP groundfish in the statewaters parallel fisheries; and (3) all
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entities operating vessels fishing for
halibut inside three miles of the shore
(whether or not they have FFPs).
The Small Business Administration
has established size standards for all
major industry sectors in the United
States. A business primarily involved in
finfish harvesting is classified as a small
business if it is independently owned
and operated, is not dominant in its
field of operation (including its
affiliates), and has combined annual
gross receipts not in excess of $20.5
million, for all its affiliated operations
worldwide. Fishing vessels are
considered small entities if their total
annual gross receipts, from all their
activities combined, are less than $20.5
million. The IRFA estimates the number
of harvesting vessels that are considered
small entities, but these estimates may
overstate the number of small entities
because (1) some vessels may also be
active as tender vessels in the salmon
fishery, fish in areas other than Alaska
and the West Coast, or generate revenue
from other non-fishing sources; and (2)
all affiliations are not taken into
account, especially if the vessel has
affiliations not tracked in available data
(i.e., ownership of multiple vessel or
affiliation with processors) and may be
misclassified as a small entity.
Based on data from 2014 fishing
activity, there were 915 individual
catcher vessel entities with gross
revenues meeting small entity criteria.
Of these entities, 853 used hook-andline gear, 97 used pot gear, and 34 used
trawl gear (some of these entities used
more than one gear type, thus the counts
of entities using the different gear types
do not sum to the total number of
entities above). Four individual catcher/
processors met the small entity
criterion; three used hook-and-line gear,
and one used trawl gear. Catcher/
processor gross revenues were not
reported for confidentiality reasons,
however hook-and-line small entities
had average gross revenues of $400,000,
small pot entities had average gross
revenues of $740,000, and small trawl
entities had average gross revenues of
$2.5 million.
Some of these vessels are members of
AFA inshore pollock cooperatives, of
GOA rockfish cooperatives, or of Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands crab
rationalization cooperatives and,
therefore, under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) it is the aggregate
gross receipts of all participating
members of the cooperative that must
meet the threshold. Vessels that
participate in these cooperatives are
considered to be large entities within
the meaning of the RFA. These
relationships are accounted for, along
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with corporate affiliations among
vessels, to the extent that they are
known, in the estimated number of
small entities. If affiliations exist of
which NMFS is unaware, or if entities
had non-fishing revenue sources, the
estimates above may overstate the
number of directly regulated small
entities.
This action does not modify
recordkeeping or reporting
requirements.
NMFS considered other, alternative
harvest strategies when choosing the
preferred harvest strategy (Alternative 2)
in December 2006. These included the
following:
• Alternative 1: Set TACs to produce
fishing mortality rates, F, that are equal
to maxFABC, unless the sum of the
TACs is constrained by the OY
established in the FMPs. This is
equivalent to setting TACs to produce
harvest levels equal to the maximum
permissible ABCs, as constrained by
OY. The term ‘‘maxFABC’’ refers to the
maximum permissible value of FABC
under Amendment 56 to the groundfish
FMPs. Historically, the TAC has been
set at or below the ABC, therefore, this
alternative represents a likely upper
limit for setting the TAC within the OY
and ABC limits.
• Alternative 3: For species in Tiers 1,
2, and 3, set TAC to produce F equal to
the most recent 5-year average actual F.
For species in Tiers 4, 5, and 6, set TAC
equal to the most recent 5-year average
actual catch. For stocks with a high
level of scientific information, TACs
would be set to produce harvest levels
equal to the most recent 5-year average
actual fishing mortality rates. For stocks
with insufficient scientific information,
TACs would be set equal to the most
recent 5-year average actual catch. This
alternative recognizes that for some
stocks, catches may fall well below
ABCs, and recent average F may provide
a better indicator of actual F than FABC
does.
• Alternative 4: (1) Set TACs for
rockfish species in Tier 3 at F75%. Set
TACs for rockfish species in Tier 5 at
F=0.5M. Set spatially explicit TACs for
shortraker and rougheye rockfish in the
GOA. (2) Taking the rockfish TACs as
calculated above, reduce all other TACs
by a proportion that does not vary
across species, so that the sum of all
TACs, including rockfish TACs, is equal
to the lower bound of the area OY
(116,000 mt in the GOA). This
alternative sets conservative and
spatially explicit TACs for rockfish
species that are long-lived and late to
mature and sets conservative TACs for
the other groundfish species.
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• Alternative 5: (No Action) Set TACs
at zero.
These four alternatives do not meet
the objectives of this action although
they have a smaller adverse economic
impact on small entities than the
preferred alternative. The Council
rejected these alternatives as harvest
strategies in 2006, and the Secretary did
so in 2007.
Alternative 1 selected harvest rates
that will allow fishermen to harvest
stocks at the level of ABCs, unless total
harvests are constrained by the upper
bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 metric
tons. The sums of ABCs in 2016 and
2017 are 727,684 mt and 708,629 mt,
respectively. The sums of the TACs in
2016 and 2017 are 590,809 mt and
573,872 mt, respectively. Thus,
although the sum of ABCs in each year
is less than 800,000 metric tons, the
sums of the TACs in each year are less
than the sums of the ABCs.
In most cases, the Council has set
TACs equal to ABCs. The divergence
between aggregate TACs and aggregate
ABCs reflects a variety of special
species- and fishery-specific
circumstances:
• Pacific cod TACs are set equal to 70
percent in the Western GOA and 75
percent in the Central GOA of the
Pacific cod ABCs in each year to
account for the guideline harvest levels
(GHL) set by the State of Alaska for its
GHL Pacific cod fisheries (30 and 25
percent, respectively, of the Western
and Central GOA ABCs). Thus, the
difference between the Federal TACs
and ABCs does not actually reflect a
Pacific cod harvest below the Pacific
cod ABC, as the balance is available for
the State’s cod GHL fisheries.
• Shallow-water flatfish and flathead
sole TACs are set below ABCs in the
Western and Central GOA regulatory
areas. Arrowtooth flounder TACs are set
below ABC in all GOA regulatory areas.
Catches of these flatfish species rarely,
if ever, approach the proposed ABCs or
TACs. Important trawl fisheries in the
GOA take halibut PSC, and are
constrained by limits on the allowable
halibut PSC mortality. These limits may
force the closure of trawl fisheries
before they have harvested the available
groundfish ABC. Thus, actual harvests
of groundfish in the GOA routinely fall
short of some ABCs and TACs. Markets
can also constrain harvests below the
TACs, as has been the case with
arrowtooth flounder, in the past. These
TACs are set to allow for increased
harvest opportunities for these targets
while conserving the halibut PSC limit
for use in other, more fully utilized,
fisheries.
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• The other rockfish TAC is set below
the ABC in the Southeast Outside
district based on several factors. In
addition to conservation concerns for
the rockfish species in this group, there
is a regulatory prohibition against using
trawl gear east of 140° W. longitude.
Because most species of other rockfish
are caught exclusively with trawl gear,
the catch of such species with other gear
types, such as hook-and-line, is low.
The commercial catch of other rockfish
in the Eastern regulatory area, which
includes the West Yakutat and
Southeast Outside districts, has ranged
from approximately 70 mt to 248 mt per
year over the last decade.
• The GOA-wide Atka mackerel TAC
is set below the ABC. The estimates of
survey biomass continue to be
unreliable in the GOA. Therefore, the
Council recommended and NMFS
agrees that the Atka mackerel TAC in
the GOA be set at an amount to support
incidental catch in other directed
fisheries.
Alternative 3 selects harvest rates
based on the most recent 5 years of
harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1
through 3) or for the most recent 5 years
of harvests (for species in Tiers 4
through 6). This alternative is
inconsistent with the objectives of this
action, because it does not take account
of the most recent biological
information for this fishery.
Alternative 4 would lead to
significantly lower harvests of all
species to reduce TACs from the upper
end of the OY range in the GOA to its
lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this
would reduce 2016 TACs by about 80
percent. This would lead to significant
reductions in harvests of species by
small entities. While production
declines in the GOA would
undoubtedly be associated with price
increases in the GOA, these increases
would still be constrained by the
availability of substitutes, and are very
unlikely to offset revenue declines from
smaller production. Thus, this action
would have a detrimental economic
impact on small entities.
Alternative 5, which sets all harvests
equal to zero, may also address
conservation issues, but would have a
significant adverse economic impact on
small entities.
Impacts on marine mammals resulting
from fishing activities conducted under
this rule are discussed in the EIS and
SIR (see ADDRESSES).
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA, finds good cause to waive the
30-day delay in effectiveness for this
rule because delaying this rule would be
contrary to the public interest. The Plan
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Team review occurred in November
2015, and Council consideration and
recommendations occurred in December
2015. Accordingly, NMFS’ review could
not begin until January 2016. For all
fisheries not currently closed because
the TACs established under the final
2015 and 2016 harvest specifications (80
FR 10250, February 25, 2015) were not
reached, it is possible that they would
be closed prior to the expiration of a 30day delayed effectiveness period,
because their TACs could be reached
within that period. If implemented
immediately, this rule would allow
these fisheries to continue because the
new TACs implemented by this rule are
higher than the ones under which they
are currently fishing.
Certain fisheries, such as those for
pollock and Pacific cod, are intensive,
fast-paced fisheries. Other fisheries,
such as those for sablefish, flatfish,
rockfish, Atka mackerel, skates,
sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses,
are critical as directed fisheries and as
incidental catch in other fisheries. U.S.
fishing vessels have demonstrated the
capacity to catch the TAC allocations in
many of these fisheries. If this rule
allowed for a 30-day delay in
effectiveness and if a TAC were reached
during those 30 days, NMFS would
close directed fishing or prohibit
retention for the applicable species. Any
delay in allocating the final TACs in
these fisheries would cause confusion to
the industry and potential economic
harm through unnecessary discards,
thus undermining the intent of this rule.
Waiving the 30-day delay allows NMFS
to prevent economic loss to fishermen
that could otherwise occur should the
2016 TACs be reached. Determining
which fisheries may close is impossible
because these fisheries are affected by
several factors that cannot be predicted
in advance, including fishing effort,
weather, movement of fishery stocks,
and market price. Furthermore, the
closure of one fishery has a cascading
effect on other fisheries by freeing-up
fishing vessels, allowing them to move
from closed fisheries to open ones,
increasing the fishing capacity in those
open fisheries, and causing them to
close at an accelerated pace.
In fisheries subject to declining
sideboard limits, a failure to implement
the updated sideboard limits before
initial season’s end could deny the
intended economic protection to the
non-sideboarded sectors. Conversely, in
fisheries with increasing sideboard
limits, economic benefit could be
denied to the sideboard limited sectors.
If the final harvest specifications are
not effective by March 19, 2016, which
is the start of the 2016 Pacific halibut
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season as specified by the IPHC, the
hook-and-line sablefish fishery will not
begin concurrently with the Pacific
halibut IFQ season. This would result in
confusion for the industry and
economic harm from unnecessary
discard of sablefish that are caught
along with Pacific halibut, as both hookand-line sablefish and Pacific halibut
are managed under the same IFQ
program. Immediate effectiveness of the
final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications will allow the sablefish
IFQ fishery to begin concurrently with
the Pacific halibut IFQ season.
In addition, the immediate
effectiveness of this action is required to
provide consistent management and
conservation of fishery resources based
on the best available scientific
information. This is particularly true for
those species that have lower 2016
ABCs and TACs than those established
in the 2015 and 2016 harvest
specifications (80 FR 10250, February
25, 2015). Immediate effectiveness also
would give the fishing industry the
earliest possible opportunity to plan and
conduct its fishing operations with
respect to new information about TACs.
Therefore, NMFS finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
Small Entity Compliance Guide
This final rule is a plain language
guide to assist small entities in
complying with this final rule as
required by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996. This final rule’s primary purpose
is to announce the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications and prohibited
species bycatch allowances for the
groundfish fisheries of the GOA. This
action is necessary to establish harvest
limits and associated management
measures for groundfish during the 2016
and 2017 fishing years, and to
accomplish the goals and objectives of
the FMP. This action affects all
fishermen who participate in the GOA
fisheries. The specific amounts of OFL,
ABC, TAC, and PSC are provided in
tables to assist the reader. NMFS will
announce closures of directed fishing in
the Federal Register and information
bulletins released by the Alaska Region.
Affected fishermen should keep
themselves informed of such closures.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
1540 (f), 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.;
Pub. L. 105–277; Pub. L. 106–31; Pub. L.
106–554; Pub. L. 108–199; Pub. L. 108–447;
Pub. L. 109–241; Pub. L 109–479.
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Dated: March 14, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage,
AK 99510–2252, phone 907–271–2809,
or from the Council’s Web site at https://
www.npfmc.org/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2016–06183 Filed 3–17–16; 8:45 am]
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863–6211–02]
RIN 0648–XE202
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands; 2016 and 2017
Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; closures.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces final 2016
and 2017 harvest specifications and
prohibited species catch allowances for
the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands management area
(BSAI). This action is necessary to
establish harvest limits for groundfish
during the 2016 and 2017 fishing years,
and to accomplish the goals and
objectives of the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP). The intended effect of this action
is to conserve and manage the
groundfish resources in the BSAI in
accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
DATES: Effective from 1200 hrs, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), March 18, 2016,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31,
2017.
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the
Alaska Groundfish Harvest
Specifications Final Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), Record of
Decision (ROD), Supplementary
Information Report (SIR) to the EIS, and
the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(FRFA) prepared for this action are
available from https://
alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2015
Stock Assessment and Fishery
Evaluation (SAFE) report for the
groundfish resources of the BSAI, dated
November 2015, as well as the SAFE
reports for previous years, are available
from the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council) at 605
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SUMMARY:
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Federal
regulations at 50 CFR part 679
implement the FMP and govern the
groundfish fisheries in the BSAI. The
Council prepared the FMP, and NMFS
approved it under the MagnusonStevens Act. General regulations
governing U.S. fisheries also appear at
50 CFR part 600.
The FMP and its implementing
regulations require NMFS, after
consultation with the Council, to
specify the total allowable catch (TAC)
for each target species category. The
sum TAC for all groundfish species
must be within the optimum yield (OY)
range of 1.4 million to 2.0 million
metric tons (mt) (see § 679.20(a)(1)(i)).
This final rule specifies the TAC at 2.0
million mt for both 2016 and 2017.
NMFS also must specify
apportionments of TAC, prohibited
species catch (PSC) allowances, and
prohibited species quota (PSQ) reserves
established by § 679.21; seasonal
allowances of pollock, Pacific cod, and
Atka mackerel TAC; Amendment 80
allocations; and Community
Development Quota (CDQ) reserve
amounts established by
§ 679.20(b)(1)(ii). The final harvest
specifications set forth in Tables 1
through 26 of this action satisfy these
requirements.
Section 679.20(c)(3)(i) further requires
NMFS to consider public comment on
the proposed annual TACs (and
apportionments thereof) and PSC
allowances, and to publish final harvest
specifications in the Federal Register.
The proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications and PSC allowances for
the groundfish fishery of the BSAI were
published in the Federal Register on
December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76425).
Comments were invited and accepted
through January 8, 2016. NMFS received
two letters of comment on the proposed
harvest specifications with fourteen
substantive comments. These comments
are summarized and responded to in the
‘‘Response to Comments’’ section of this
rule. NMFS consulted with the Council
on the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications during the December
2015 Council meeting in Anchorage,
AK. After considering public comments,
as well as biological and economic data
that were available at the Council’s
December meeting, NMFS implements
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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14773
specifications as recommended by the
Council.
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and
TAC Harvest Specifications
The final ABC levels for Alaska
groundfish are based on the best
available biological and socioeconomic
information, including projected
biomass trends, information on assumed
distribution of stock biomass, and
revised technical methods used to
calculate stock biomass. In general, the
development of ABCs and overfishing
levels (OFLs) involves sophisticated
statistical analyses of fish populations.
The FMP specifies a series of six tiers
to define OFL and ABC amounts based
on the level of reliable information
available to fishery scientists. Tier 1
represents the highest level of
information quality available while Tier
6 represents the lowest.
In December 2015, the Scientific and
Statistical Committee (SSC), Advisory
Panel (AP), and Council reviewed
current biological and harvest
information about the condition of the
BSAI groundfish stocks. The Council’s
Plan Team compiled and presented this
information in the final 2015 SAFE
report for the BSAI groundfish fisheries,
dated November 2015 (see ADDRESSES).
The SAFE report contains a review of
the latest scientific analyses and
estimates of each species’ biomass and
other biological parameters, as well as
summaries of the available information
on the BSAI ecosystem and the
economic condition of groundfish
fisheries off Alaska. NMFS notified the
public and asked for review of the 2015
SAFE report in the notice of proposed
harvest specifications. From these data
and analyses, the Plan Team
recommended an OFL and ABC for each
species or species category at the
November 2015 Plan Team meeting.
In December 2015, the SSC, AP, and
Council reviewed the Plan Team’s
recommendations. The final TAC
recommendations were based on the
ABCs as adjusted for other biological
and socioeconomic considerations,
including maintaining the sum of the
TACs within the required OY range of
1.4 million to 2.0 million mt. As
required by annual catch limit rules for
all fisheries (74 FR 3178, January 16,
2009), none of the Council’s
recommended TACs for 2016 or 2017
exceeds the final 2016 or 2017 ABCs for
any species category. The Secretary of
Commerce (Secretary) approves the final
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications as
recommended by the Council. NMFS
finds that the Council’s recommended
OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent
with the preferred harvest strategy and
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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 53 (Friday, March 18, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14740-14773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06183]
[[Page 14740]]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150818742-6210-02]
RIN 0648-XE130
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of
Alaska; Final 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; harvest specifications and closures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS announces final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications,
apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for
the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2016
and 2017 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of
the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The
intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish
resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act.
DATES: Harvest specifications and closures are effective at 1200 hrs,
Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 18, 2016, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t.,
December 31, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the Final Alaska Groundfish Harvest
Specifications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Record of Decision
(ROD), and the Supplementary Information Report (SIR) to the EIS
prepared for this action are available from https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The final 2015 Stock Assessment and Fishery
Evaluation (SAFE) report for the groundfish resources of the GOA, dated
November 2015, is available from the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) at 605 West 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK
99510-2252, phone 907-271-2809, or from the Council's Web site at
https://www.npfmc.org.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the GOA groundfish fisheries in
the exclusive economic zone of the GOA under the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The Council prepared
the FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq. Regulations governing U.S. fisheries and implementing the FMP
appear at 50 CFR parts 600, 679, and 680.
The FMP and its implementing regulations require NMFS, after
consultation with the Council, to specify the total allowable catch
(TAC) for each target species, the sum of which must be within the
optimum yield (OY) range of 116,000 to 800,000 metric tons (mt).
Section 679.20(c)(1) further requires NMFS to publish and solicit
public comment on proposed annual TACs, Pacific halibut prohibited
species catch (PSC) limits, and seasonal allowances of pollock and
Pacific cod. Upon consideration of public comment received under Sec.
679.20(c)(1), NMFS must publish notice of final harvest specifications
for up to two fishing years as annual target TAC, per Sec.
679.20(c)(3)(ii). The final harvest specifications set forth in Tables
1 through 30 of this document reflect the outcome of this process, as
required at Sec. 679.20(c).
The proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish of
the GOA and Pacific halibut PSC limits were published in the Federal
Register on December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76405). Comments were invited and
accepted through January 8, 2016. NMFS received two responses,
containing five general categories of comments. A summary of the
comments and NMFS's responses is found in the Response to Comment
section of this rule. In December 2015, NMFS consulted with the Council
regarding the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications. After considering
public testimony, as well as biological and economic data that were
available at the Council's December 2015 meeting, NMFS is implementing
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications, as recommended by the
Council. For 2016, the sum of the TAC amounts is 590,809 mt. For 2017,
the sum of the TAC amounts is 573,872 mt.
Other Actions Potentially Affecting the 2016 and 2017 Harvest
Specifications
Removal of Pacific Cod Sideboard Limits for Hook-and-Line Catcher/
Processors
In May 2015, NMFS published a final rule implementing regulations
associated with Amendment 45 to the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands
King and Tanner Crabs (Amendment 45) (80 FR 28539, May 19, 2015).
Pursuant to Sec. 680.22(e)(1)(ii), NMFS will permanently remove
Pacific cod sideboard limits applicable to specified hook-and-line
catcher/processors (C/P) in the Western and Central GOA regulatory
areas once it receives an affidavit affirming that all eligible
participants in these regulatory areas recommend removal of the Crab
Rationalization Program GOA Pacific cod sideboard limits. NMFS received
an affidavit that all eligible fishery participants in the Western and
Central GOA recommend removal of these sideboard limits. Therefore,
NMFS is permanently removing the sideboard limits and does not
establish 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod sideboard limits for the hook-and-
line C/P sector. These sideboard limits have been removed from Tables
21 and 22 of this rule.
Revise Maximum Retainable Amounts for Skates
In December 2014, the Council took final action to reduce the
maximum retainable amount (MRA) for skates in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA).
Per the Council's recommendation, NMFS published a proposed rule to
modify regulations that specify the MRA for skates in the GOA (80 FR
39734, July 10, 2015). An MRA is expressed as a percentage and is the
maximum amount of a species closed to directed fishing (i.e., skate
species) that may be retained on board a vessel relative to the
retained amount of other groundfish species or halibut open for
directed fishing (basis species). An MRA serves as a management tool to
slow the harvest rates of incidental catch species and limit retention
up to a maximum percentage of the amount of retained groundfish or
halibut on board the vessel. NMFS has established a single MRA
percentage for big skate (Raja binoculata), longnose skate (Raja
rhina), and for all remaining skate species (Bathyraja spp.). The
proposed rule would reduce the MRA for skates in the GOA from 20
percent to 5 percent. The reduced MRA would apply to all vessels
directed fishing for groundfish or halibut in the GOA. NMFS anticipates
that the proposed regulatory revisions associated with the skate MRA
reduction will be effective in 2016.
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and TAC Specifications
In December 2015, the Council, its Advisory Panel (AP), and its
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed the most recent
biological and harvest information about the condition of groundfish
stocks in the GOA. This information was compiled by the
[[Page 14741]]
Council's GOA Groundfish Plan Team and was presented in the draft 2015
SAFE report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2015 (see
ADDRESSES). The SAFE report contains a review of the latest scientific
analyses and estimates of each species' biomass and other biological
parameters, as well as summaries of the available information on the
GOA ecosystem and the economic condition of the groundfish fisheries
off Alaska. From these data and analyses, the Plan Team estimates an
overfishing level (OFL) and ABC for each species or species group. The
2015 report was made available for public review during the public
comment period for the proposed harvest specifications.
In previous years, the greatest changes from the proposed to the
final harvest specifications have been based on recent NMFS stock
surveys, which provide updated estimates of stock biomass and spatial
distribution, and changes to the models used for producing stock
assessments. At the November 2015 Plan Team meeting, NMFS scientists
presented updated and new survey results, changes to stock assessment
models, and accompanying stock assessment estimates for all groundfish
species and species groups that are included in the final 2015 SAFE
report. The SSC reviewed this information at the December 2015 Council
meeting. Changes from the proposed to the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications are discussed below.
The final 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are based on the best
available biological and socioeconomic information, including projected
biomass trends, information on assumed distribution of stock biomass,
and revised methods used to calculate stock biomass. The FMP specifies
the formulas, or tiers, to be used to compute OFLs and ABCs. The
formulas applicable to a particular stock or stock complex are
determined by the level of reliable information available to fisheries
scientists. This information is categorized into a successive series of
six tiers to define OFL and ABC amounts, with Tier 1 representing the
highest level of information quality available and Tier 6 representing
the lowest level of information quality available. The Plan Team used
the FMP tier structure to calculate OFL and ABC amounts for each
groundfish species. The SSC adopted the final 2016 and 2017 OFLs and
ABCs recommended by the Plan Team for all groundfish species. The
Council adopted the SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC
recommendations. The final TAC recommendations were based on the ABCs
as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic considerations,
including maintaining the sum of all TACs within the required OY range
of 116,000 to 800,000 mt.
The Council recommended 2016 and 2017 TACs that are equal to ABCs
for pollock, sablefish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, Pacific ocean
perch, northern rockfish, shortraker rockfish, dusky rockfish, rougheye
rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, big skate,
longnose skate, other skates, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses
in the GOA. The Council recommended TACs for 2016 and 2017 that are
less than the ABCs for Pacific cod, shallow-water flatfish in the
Western GOA, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole in the Western and
Central GOA, ``other rockfish'' in the Southeast Outside district, and
Atka mackerel. The Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the State of
Alaska's (State's) guideline harvest levels (GHLs) for Pacific cod so
that the ABCs are not exceeded. The shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth
flounder, and flathead sole TACs are set to allow for increased harvest
opportunities for these target species while conserving the halibut PSC
limit for use in other, more fully utilized fisheries. The ``other
rockfish'' TAC in the Southeast Outside District (SEO) is set to reduce
the amount of discards. The Atka mackerel TAC is set to accommodate
incidental catch amounts in other fisheries.
The final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications approved by the
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) are unchanged from those recommended
by the Council and are consistent with the preferred harvest strategy
alternative in the EIS (see ADDRESSES). NMFS finds that the Council's
recommended OFLs, ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological
condition of the groundfish stocks as described in the final 2015 SAFE
report. NMFS also finds that the Council's recommendations for OFLs,
ABCs, and TACs are consistent with the biological condition of
groundfish stocks as adjusted for other biological and socioeconomic
considerations, including maintaining the total TAC within the OY
range. NMFS reviewed the Council's recommended TAC specifications and
apportionments, and approves these harvest specifications under 50 CFR
679.20(c)(3)(ii). The apportionment of TAC amounts among gear types and
sectors, processing sectors, and seasons is discussed below.
Tables 1 and 2 list the final 2016 and 2017 OFLs, ABCs, TACs, and
area apportionments of groundfish in the GOA. The sums of the 2016 and
2017 ABCs are 727,684 mt and 708,629 mt, respectively, which are higher
in 2016 and 2017 than the 2015 ABC sum of 685,597 mt (80 FR 10250,
February 25, 2015).
Specification and Apportionment of TAC Amounts
NMFS' apportionment of groundfish species is based on the
distribution of biomass among the regulatory areas over which NMFS
manages the species. Additional regulations govern the apportionment of
pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish. Additional detail on the
apportionment of pollock, Pacific cod, and sablefish are described
below.
The ABC for the pollock stock in the combined Western, Central, and
West Yakutat Regulatory Areas (W/C/WYK) includes the amount for the GHL
established by the State for the Prince William Sound (PWS) pollock
fishery. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and Council have recommended that the
sum of all State and Federal water pollock removals from the GOA not
exceed ABC recommendations. For 2016 and 2017, the SSC recommended and
the Council approved the W/C/WYK pollock ABC, including the amount to
account for the State's PWS GHL. At the November 2015 Plan Team
meeting, State fisheries managers recommended setting the PWS GHL at
2.5 percent of the annual W/C/WYK pollock ABC. For 2016, this yields a
PWS pollock GHL of 6,358 mt, an increase of 1,575 mt from the 2015 PWS
GHL of 4,783 mt. For 2017, the PWS pollock GHL is 6,264 mt, an increase
of 1,481 mt from the 2015 PWS pollock GHL. The 2016 and 2017 pollock
ABCs (247,952 mt and 244,280 mt, respectively) are then apportioned
between the W/C/WYK management areas, as described below and detailed
in Tables 1 and 2.
Apportionments of pollock to the W/C/WYK management areas are
considered to be ``apportionments of annual catch limit (ACLs)'' rather
than ``ABCs.'' This more accurately reflects that such apportionments
address management, rather than biological or conservation, concerns.
In addition, apportionments of the ACL in this manner allow NMFS to
balance any transfer of TAC from one area to another pursuant to Sec.
679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B) to ensure that the area-wide ACL and ABC are not
exceeded.
NMFS establishes pollock TACs in the Western, Central, West Yakutat
Regulatory Areas, and the Southeast Outside District of the GOA (see
Tables 1 and 2). NMFS also establishes seasonal apportionments of the
annual pollock TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the
GOA among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630.
[[Page 14742]]
These apportionments are divided equally among each of the following
four seasons: the A season (January 20 through March 10), the B season
(March 10 through May 31), the C season (August 25 through October 1),
and the D season (October 1 through November 1) (Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i)
through (iv), and Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A) and (B)). Additional detail
is provided below; Tables 3 and 4 list these amounts.
The 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs are set to accommodate the
State's GHL for Pacific cod in State waters in the Western and Central
Regulatory Areas, as well as in PWS. The Plan Team, SSC, AP, and
Council recommended that the sum of all State and Federal water Pacific
cod removals from the GOA not exceed ABC recommendations. Accordingly,
the Council set the 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs in the Western,
Central, and Eastern Regulatory Areas to account for State GHLs.
Therefore, the 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TACs are less than the ABCs by
the following amounts: (1) Western GOA, 12,151 mt; (2) Central GOA,
12,328 mt; and (3) Eastern GOA, 2,196 mt. These amounts reflect the
State's 2016 and 2017 GHLs in these areas, which are 30 percent of the
Western GOA ABC and 25 percent of the Eastern and Central ABCs.
NMFS establishes seasonal apportionments of the annual Pacific cod
TAC in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Sixty percent of the
annual TAC is apportioned to the A season for hook-and-line, pot, and
jig gear from January 1 through June 10, and for trawl gear from
January 20 through June 10. Forty percent of the annual TAC is
apportioned to the B season for hook-and-line, pot, and jig gear from
September 1 through December 31, and for trawl gear from September 1
through November 1 (Sec. Sec. 679.23(d)(3) and 679.20(a)(12)). The
Western and Central GOA Pacific cod TACs are allocated among various
gear and operational sectors. The Pacific cod sector apportionments are
discussed in detail in a subsequent section of this preamble.
The Council's recommendation for sablefish area apportionments
takes into account the prohibition on the use of trawl gear in the SEO
District of the Eastern Regulatory Area and makes available 5 percent
of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area ABCs to trawl gear for use as
incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries in the WYK District
(Sec. 679.20(a)(4)(i)). Tables 7 and 8 list the final 2016 and 2017
allocations of sablefish TAC to hook-and-line and trawl gear in the
GOA.
Changes From the Proposed 2016 and 2017 Harvest Specifications in the
GOA
In October 2015, the Council's recommendations for the proposed
2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (80 FR 76405, December 9, 2015)
were based largely on information contained in the final 2014 SAFE
report for the GOA groundfish fisheries, dated November 2014 (see
ADDRESSES). The Council proposed that the final OFLs, ABCs, and TACs
established for the 2016 groundfish fisheries (80 FR 10250, February
25, 2015) be used for the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, pending completion and review of the final 2015 SAFE
report at its December 2015 meeting.
As described previously, the SSC adopted the final 2016 and 2017
OFLs and ABCs recommended by the Plan Team. The Council adopted the
SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations and the AP's TAC recommendations for
2016 and 2017. The final 2016 ABCs are higher than the proposed 2016
ABCs published in the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications (80
FR 76405, December 9, 2015) for pollock, shallow-water flatfish,
arrowtooth flounder, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye rockfish, demersal
shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, other rockfish, big skate,
sculpins, and octopuses. The final 2016 ABCs are lower than the
proposed 2016 and 2017 ABCs for Pacific cod, sablefish, deep-water
flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, northern rockfish, shortraker
rockfish, dusky rockfish, longnose skate, other skates, and sharks.
The final 2017 ABCs are higher than the proposed ABCs for shallow-
water flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye
rockfish, demersal shelf rockfish, thornyhead rockfish, other rockfish,
big skate, sculpins, and octopuses. The final 2017 ABCs are lower than
the proposed ABCs for pollock, Pacific cod, sablefish, deep-water
flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, northern rockfish, shortraker
rockfish, dusky rockfish, longnose skate, ``other skates,'' and sharks.
For the remaining target species--Atka mackerel and squids--the Council
recommended, and the Secretary approved, the final 2016 and 2017 ABCs
that are the same as the proposed 2016 and 2017 ABCs.
Additional information explaining the changes between the proposed
and final ABCs is included in the final 2015 SAFE report, which was not
available when the Council made its proposed ABC and TAC
recommendations in October 2015. At that time, the most recent stock
assessment information was contained in the final 2014 SAFE report. The
final 2015 SAFE report contains the best and most recent scientific
information on the condition of the groundfish stocks, as previously
discussed in this preamble, and is available for review (see
ADDRESSES). The Council considered the final 2015 SAFE report in
December 2015 when it made recommendations for the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications. In the GOA, the total final 2016 TAC amount is
590,809 mt, an increase of less than one percent from the total
proposed 2016 TAC amount of 590,161 mt. The total final 2017 TAC amount
is 573,872 mt, a decrease of 3 percent from the total proposed 2017 TAC
amount of 590,161 mt. The following table in this preamble summarizes
the difference between the proposed and final TACs. Annual stock
assessments incorporate a variety of new or revised inputs, such as
survey data or catch information, as well as changes to the statistical
models used to estimate a species' biomass and population trend.
Based on changes in the estimates of overall biomass made by stock
assessment scientists for 2016 and 2017, as compared to the estimates
previously made for 2015 and 2016, the greatest TAC increases are for
shallow-water flatfish, Pacific ocean perch, rougheye rockfish,
thornyhead rockfish, other rockfish, big skate, and octopuses. Notable
increases include those for octopuses and other rockfish. The increase
in the octopus ABC and TAC is a result of the increased octopus biomass
estimates derived from the 2015 GOA trawl survey. The catch of octopus
in the survey was unusually large, with octopus present in more than 15
percent of the survey tows. The estimated octopus biomass for the
octopus assemblage is an order of magnitude higher than previous
estimates. The rougheye rockfish biomass increase is due to both an
increase in the catch in the GOA trawl survey, as well the adoption of
a revised statistical model incorporating improvements to growth
estimation, and a number of other model changes.
Based on changes in the estimates of biomass, the greatest
decreases in TACs are for Pacific cod, sablefish, deep-water flatfish,
rex sole, northern rockfish, other skates, and sharks. Notable
decreases in TAC include those for deep-water flatfish, rex sole, other
skates, and sharks. The GOA trawl survey biomass for deep-water
flatfish was the lowest on record. The last full assessment of rex sole
was completed in 2011. Incorporating the 2015 trawl survey data and a
number of changes to the assessment model resulted in a decrease to
estimated biomass, and the corresponding rex sole ABC and TAC.
[[Page 14743]]
The estimated biomass for other skates decreased due to a combination
of the decrease in the survey biomass for other skates and a continue
refinement of incorporating a random effects model in the other skates
assessment model. Finally, the shark TAC decreased primarily due to the
implementation of a random effects model for biomass estimation.
For all other species and species groups, changes from the proposed
to the final TACs are within plus or minus five percent of the proposed
TACs. These TAC changes correspond to associated changes in the ABCs
and TACs, as recommended by the SSC, AP, and Council.
Additionally, based on the Council's recommended changes in setting
the TACs at amounts below ABCs, the greatest decreases in TACs are for
shallow-water flatfish, arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole, and ``other
rockfish.'' The Council believed, and NMFS concurs, that setting TACs
for the three preceding flatfish species equal to ABCs would not
reflect anticipated harvest levels accurately, as the Council and NMFS
expect halibut PSC limits to constrain these fisheries in 2016 and
2017.
Detailed information providing the basis for the changes described
above is contained in the final 2015 SAFE report. The final TACs are
based on the best scientific information available. These TACs are
specified in compliance with the harvest strategy described in the
proposed and final rules for the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications.
The changes in TACs between the proposed rule and this final rule are
compared in Table 1a.
Table 1a--Comparison of Proposed and Final 2016 and 2017 GOA Total Allowable Catch Limits
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentage]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 Final 2017 Final
Species 2016 and 2017 2016 Final TAC minus 2016 Percentage 2017 Final TAC minus 2017 Percentage
proposed TAC proposed TAC difference proposed TAC difference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock................................. 257,178 257,872 694 0 254,200 -2,978 -1
Pacific cod............................. 75,202 71,925 -3,277 -4 62,150 -13,052 -17
Sablefish............................... 9,558 9,087 -471 -5 8,307 -1,251 -13
Shallow-water flatfish.................. 32,877 36,763 3,886 12 34,855 1,978 6
Deep-water flatfish..................... 13,177 9,226 -3,951 -30 9,281 -3,896 -30
Rex sole................................ 8,979 7,493 -1,486 -17 7,507 -1,472 -16
Arrowtooth flounder..................... 103,300 103,300 0 0 103,300 0 0
Flathead sole........................... 27,759 27,832 73 0 27,850 91 0
Pacific ocean perch..................... 21,436 24,437 3,001 14 24,189 2,753 13
Northern rockfish....................... 4,721 4,004 -717 -15 3,768 -953 -20
Shortraker rockfish..................... 1,323 1,286 -37 -3 1,286 -37 -3
Dusky rockfish.......................... 4,711 4,686 -25 -1 4,284 -427 -9
Rougheye rockfish....................... 1,142 1,328 186 16 1,325 183 16
Demersal shelf rockfish................. 225 231 6 3 231 6 3
Thornyhead rockfish..................... 1,841 1,961 120 7 1,961 120 7
Other rockfish.......................... 1,811 2,308 497 27 2,308 497 27
Atka mackerel........................... 2,000 2,000 0 0 2,000 0 0
Big skate............................... 3,255 3,814 559 17 3,814 559 17
Longnose skate.......................... 3,218 3,206 -12 0 3,206 -12 0
Other skates............................ 2,235 1,919 -316 -14 1,919 -316 -14
Sculpins................................ 5,569 5,591 22 0 5,591 22 0
Sharks.................................. 5,989 4,514 -1,475 -25 4,514 -1,475 -25
Squids.................................. 1,148 1,148 0 0 1,148 0 0
Octopuses............................... 1,507 4,878 3,371 224 4,878 3,371 224
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................... 590,161 590,809 648 0 573,872 -16,289 -3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The final 2016 and 2017 TAC recommendations for the GOA are within
the OY range established for the GOA and do not exceed the ABC for any
species or species group. Tables 1 and 2 list the final OFL, ABC, and
TAC amounts for GOA groundfish for 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Table 1--Final 2016 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central,
Eastern Regulatory Areas, and in the West Yakutat, Southeast Outside, and Gulfwide Districts of the Gulf of
Alaska
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Area \1\ OFL ABC TAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock \2\........................... Shumagin (610).......... n/a 56,494 56,494
Chirikof (620).......... n/a 124,927 124,927
Kodiak (630)............ n/a 57,183 57,183
WYK (640)............... n/a 9,348 9,348
W/C/WYK (subtotal)...... 322,858 254,310 247,952
SEO (650)............... 13,226 9,920 9,920
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 336,084 264,230 257,872
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod \3\....................... W....................... n/a 40,503 28,352
[[Page 14744]]
C....................... n/a 49,312 36,984
E....................... n/a 8,785 6,589
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 116,700 98,600 71,925
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish \4\......................... W....................... n/a 1,272 1,272
C....................... n/a 4,023 4,023
WYK..................... n/a 1,475 1,475
SEO..................... n/a 2,317 2,317
E (WYK and SEO) n/a 3,792 3,792
(subtotal).
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 10,326 9,087 9,087
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shallow-water flatfish \5\............ W....................... n/a 20,851 13,250
C....................... n/a 19,242 19,242
WYK..................... n/a 3,177 3,177
SEO..................... n/a 1,094 1,094
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 54,520 44,364 36,763
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep-water flatfish \6\............... W....................... n/a 186 186
C....................... n/a 3,495 3,495
WYK..................... n/a 2,997 2,997
SEO..................... n/a 2,548 2,548
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 11,102 9,226 9,226
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rex sole.............................. W....................... n/a 1,315 1,315
C....................... n/a 4,445 4,445
WYK..................... n/a 766 766
SEO..................... n/a 967 967
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 9,791 7,493 7,493
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrowtooth flounder................... W....................... n/a 28,183 14,500
C....................... n/a 107,981 75,000
WYK..................... n/a 37,368 6,900
SEO..................... .............. 12,656 6,900
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 219,430 186,188 103,300
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead sole......................... W....................... n/a 11,027 8,650
C....................... n/a 20,211 15,400
WYK..................... n/a 2,930 2,930
SEO..................... n/a 852 852
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 42,840 35,020 27,832
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch \7\............... W....................... .............. 2,737 2,737
C....................... .............. 17,033 17,033
WYK..................... .............. 2,847 2,847
W/C/WYK subtotal........ 26,313 22,617 22,617
SEO..................... 2,118 1,820 1,820
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 28,431 24,437 24,437
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern rockfish \8\................. W....................... n/a 457 457
C....................... n/a 3,547 3,547
E....................... n/a 4 ..............
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 4,783 4,004 4,004
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shortraker rockfish \9\............... W....................... n/a 38 38
C....................... n/a 301 301
E....................... n/a 947 947
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 1,715 1,286 1,286
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dusky rockfish \10\................... W....................... n/a 173 173
C....................... n/a 4,147 4,147
[[Page 14745]]
WYK..................... n/a 275 275
SEO..................... n/a 91 91
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 5,733 4,686 4,686
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish W....................... n/a 105 105
\11\.
C....................... n/a 707 707
E....................... n/a 516 516
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 1,596 1,328 1,328
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demersal shelf rockfish \12\.......... SEO..................... 364 231 231
Thornyhead rockfish................... W....................... n/a 291 291
C....................... n/a 988 988
E....................... n/a 682 682
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 2,615 1,961 1,961
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other rockfish 13 14.................. W and C................. n/a 1,534 1,534
WYK..................... n/a 574 574
SEO..................... n/a 3,665 200
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 7,424 5,773 2,308
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atka mackerel......................... GW...................... 6,200 4,700 2,000
Big skate \15\........................ W....................... n/a 908 908
C....................... n/a 1,850 1,850
E....................... n/a 1,056 1,056
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 5,086 3,814 3,814
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Longnose skate \16\................... W....................... n/a 61 61
C....................... n/a 2,513 2,513
E....................... n/a 632 632
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 4,274 3,206 3,206
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other skates \17\..................... GW...................... 2,558 1,919 1,919
Sculpins.............................. GW...................... 7,338 5,591 5,591
Sharks................................ GW...................... 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids................................ GW...................... 1,530 1,148 1,148
Octopus............................... GW...................... 6,504 4,878 4,878
-----------------------------------------------
Total............................. ........................ 892,964 727,684 590,809
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Regulatory areas and districts are defined at Sec. 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of
Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-
wide).
\2\ The aggregate pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas is apportioned among
four statistical areas after deducting 2.5 percent of the ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery. These
apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes.
The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 3. In the West Yakutat
and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal
allowances.
\3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90
percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table
5 lists the final 2016 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
\4\ Sablefish is allocated to trawl and hook-and-line gear in 2016. Table 7 lists the final 2016 allocations of
sablefish TACs.
\5\ ``Shallow-water flatfish'' means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole, rex sole, or
arrowtooth flounder.
\6\ ``Deep-water flatfish'' means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
\7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus.
\8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to
the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other rockfish'' species group.
\9\ ``Shortraker rockfish'' means Sebastes borealis.
\10\ ``Dusky rockfish'' means Sebastes variabilis.
\11\ ``Rougheye rockfish'' means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
\12\ ``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper),
S. maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
\13\ ``Other rockfish'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio),
S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S.
wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani
(shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus
(vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA
only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish, S. polyspinis.
\14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other
rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes
other rockfish.
[[Page 14746]]
\15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata.
\16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina.
\17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja spp.
Table 2--Final 2017 OFLs, ABCs, and TACs of Groundfish for the Western/Central/West Yakutat, Western, Central,
Eastern Regulatory Areas, and in the West Yakutat, Southeast Outside, and Gulfwide Districts of the Gulf of
Alaska
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Area \1\ OFL ABC TAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock \2\........................... Shumagin (610).......... n/a 55,657 55,657
Chirikof (620).......... n/a 123,078 123,078
Kodiak (630)............ n/a 56,336 56,336
WYK (640)............... n/a 9,209 9,209
W/C/WYK (subtotal)...... 289,937 250,544 244,280
SEO (650)............... 13,226 9,920 9,920
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 303,163 260,464 254,200
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod \3\....................... W....................... n/a 34,998 24,499
C....................... n/a 42,610 31,958
E....................... n/a 7,592 5,693
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 100,800 85,200 62,150
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish \4\......................... W....................... n/a 1,163 1,163
C....................... n/a 3,678 3,678
WYK..................... n/a 1,348 1,348
SEO..................... n/a 2,118 2,118
E (WYK and SEO) n/a 3,466 3,466
(subtotal).
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 9,825 8,307 8,307
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shallow-water flatfish \5\............ W....................... n/a 19,159 13,250
C....................... n/a 17,680 17,680
WYK..................... n/a 2,919 2,919
SEO..................... n/a 1,006 1,006
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 50,220 40,764 34,855
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep-water flatfish \6\............... W....................... n/a 187 187
C....................... n/a 3,516 3,516
WYK..................... n/a 3,015 3,015
SEO..................... n/a 2,563 2,563
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 11,168 9,281 9,281
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rex sole.............................. W....................... n/a 1,318 1,318
C....................... n/a 4,453 4,453
WYK..................... n/a 767 767
SEO..................... n/a 969 969
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 9,810 7,507 7,507
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrowtooth flounder................... W....................... n/a 28,659 14,500
C....................... n/a 109,804 75,000
WYK..................... n/a 37,999 6,900
SEO..................... n/a 12,870 6,900
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 196,714 189,332 103,300
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flathead sole......................... W....................... n/a 11,080 8,650
C....................... n/a 20,307 15,400
WYK..................... n/a 2,944 2,944
SEO..................... n/a 856 856
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 43,060 35,187 27,850
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch \7\............... W....................... .............. 2,709 2,709
C....................... .............. 16,860 16,860
WYK..................... .............. 2,818 2,818
W/C/WYK................. 23,876 22,387 22,387
SEO..................... 973 1,802 1,802
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 28,141 24,189 24,189
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14747]]
Northern rockfish \8\................. W....................... n/a 430 430
C....................... n/a 3,338 3,338
E....................... n/a 4 ..............
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 4,501 3,768 3,768
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shortraker rockfish \9\............... W....................... n/a 38 38
C....................... n/a 301 301
E....................... n/a 947 947
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 1,715 1,286 1,286
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dusky rockfish\10\.................... W....................... n/a 159 159
C....................... n/a 3,791 3,791
WYK..................... n/a 251 251
SEO..................... n/a 83 83
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 5,253 4,284 4,284
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rougheye and Blackspotted rockfish W....................... n/a 105 105
\11\.
C....................... n/a 705 705
E....................... n/a 515 515
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 1,592 1,325 1,325
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demersal shelf rockfish \12\.......... SEO..................... 364 231 231
Thornyhead rockfish................... W....................... n/a 291 291
C....................... n/a 988 988
E....................... n/a 682 682
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 2,615 1,961 1,961
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other rockfish \13\ \14\.............. W and C................. n/a 1,534 1,534
WYK..................... n/a 574 574
SEO..................... n/a 3,665 200
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 7,424 5,773 2,308
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atka mackerel......................... GW...................... 6,200 4,700 2,000
Big skate \15\........................ W....................... n/a 908 908
C....................... n/a 1,850 1,850
E....................... n/a 1,056 1,056
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 5,086 3,814 3,814
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Longnose skate \16\................... W....................... n/a 61 61
C....................... n/a 2,513 2,513
E....................... n/a 632 632
-----------------------------------------------
Total................ 4,274 3,206 3,206
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other skates \17\..................... GW...................... 2,558 1,919 1,919
Sculpins.............................. GW...................... 7,338 5,591 5,591
Sharks................................ GW...................... 6,020 4,514 4,514
Squids................................ GW...................... 1,530 1,148 1,148
Octopus............................... GW...................... 6,504 4,878 4,878
-----------------------------------------------
Total............................. ........................ 815,875 708,629 573,872
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Regulatory areas and districts are defined at Sec. 679.2. (W = Western Gulf of Alaska; C = Central Gulf of
Alaska; E = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; WYK = West Yakutat District; SEO = Southeast Outside District; GW = Gulf-
wide).
\2\ The aggregate pollock ABC for the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas is apportioned among
four statistical areas after deducting 2.5 percent of the ABC for the State's pollock GHL fishery. These
apportionments are considered subarea ACLs, rather than ABCs, for specification and reapportionment purposes.
The ACLs in Areas 610, 620, and 630 are further divided by season, as detailed in Table 4. In the West Yakutat
and Southeast Outside Districts of the Eastern Regulatory Area, pollock is not divided into seasonal
allowances.
\3\ The annual Pacific cod TAC is apportioned 60 percent to the A season and 40 percent to the B season in the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA. Pacific cod in the Eastern Regulatory Area is allocated 90
percent for processing by the inshore component and 10 percent for processing by the offshore component. Table
6 lists the final 2017 Pacific cod seasonal apportionments.
\4\ Sablefish is only allocated to trawl gear for 2017. Table 8 lists the final 2017 allocation of sablefish
TACs to trawl gear.
\5\ ``Shallow-water flatfish'' means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole, rex sole, or
arrowtooth flounder.
\6\ ``Deep-water flatfish'' means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
[[Page 14748]]
\7\ ``Pacific ocean perch'' means Sebastes alutus.
\8\ ``Northern rockfish'' means Sebastes polyspinis. For management purposes the 4 mt apportionment of ABC to
the WYK District of the Eastern Gulf of Alaska has been included in the ``other rockfish'' species group.
\9\ ``Shortraker rockfish'' means Sebastes borealis.
\10\ ``Dusky rockfish'' means Sebastes variabilis.
\11\ ``Rougheye rockfish'' means Sebastes aleutianus (rougheye) and Sebastes melanostictus (blackspotted).
\12\ ``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper),
S. maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
\13\ ``Other rockfish'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis (bocaccio),
S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus (harlequin), S.
wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin), S. jordani
(shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergrey), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S. miniatus
(vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail). In the Eastern GOA
only, other rockfish also includes northern rockfish, S. polyspinis.
\14\ ``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas and in the West Yakutat District means other
rockfish and demersal shelf rockfish. The ``other rockfish'' species group in the SEO District only includes
other rockfish.
\15\ ``Big skate'' means Raja binoculata.
\16\ ``Longnose skate'' means Raja rhina.
\17\ ``Other skates'' means Bathyraja spp.
Apportionment of Reserves
Section 679.20(b)(2) requires NMFS to set aside 20 percent of each
TAC for pollock, Pacific cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and
octopuses in reserve for possible apportionment at a later date during
the fishing year. For 2016 and 2017, NMFS proposed reapportionment of
all the reserves in the proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications
published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76405).
NMFS did not receive any public comments on the proposed
reapportionments. For the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications,
NMFS reapportioned, as proposed, all the reserves for pollock, Pacific
cod, flatfish, sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses. The TACs listed
in Tables 1 and 2 reflect reapportionments of reserve amounts for these
species and species groups.
Apportionments of Pollock TAC Among Seasons and Regulatory Areas, and
Allocations for Processing by Inshore and Offshore Components
In the GOA, pollock is apportioned by season and area, and is
further allocated for processing by inshore and offshore components.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B), the annual pollock TAC specified
for the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA is apportioned
into four equal seasonal allowances of 25 percent. As established by
Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season
allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to May
31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively.
Pollock TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA
are apportioned among Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630, pursuant to
Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(A). In the A and B seasons, the apportionments
are in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass based on the
four most recent NMFS winter surveys. In the C and D seasons, the
apportionments are in proportion to the distribution of pollock biomass
based on the four most recent NMFS summer surveys. However, for 2016
and 2017, the Council recommended, and NMFS approves, averaging the
winter and summer distribution of pollock in the Central Regulatory
Area for the A season instead of using the distribution based on only
the winter surveys. The average is intended to reflect the migration
patterns and distribution of pollock, and the anticipated performance
of the fishery, in that area during the A season for the 2016 and 2017
fishing years. For the A season, the apportionment is based on an
adjusted estimate of the relative distribution of pollock biomass of
approximately 6 percent, 73 percent, and 21 percent in Statistical
Areas 610, 620, and 630, respectively. For the B season, the
apportionment is based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass
at 6 percent, 85 percent, and 9 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620,
and 630, respectively. For the C and D seasons, the apportionment is
based on the relative distribution of pollock biomass at 41 percent, 26
percent, and 33 percent in Statistical Areas 610, 620, and 630,
respectively.
Within any fishing year, the amount by which a seasonal allowance
is underharvested or overharvested may be added to, or subtracted from,
subsequent seasonal allowances in a manner to be determined by the
Regional Administrator (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The rollover amount
is limited to 20 percent of the subsequent seasonal apportionment for
the statistical area. Any unharvested pollock above the 20-percent
limit could be further distributed to the other statistical areas, in
proportion to the estimated biomass in the subsequent season in those
statistical areas (Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iv)(B)). The pollock TACs in the
WYK and SEO District of 9,348 mt and 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2016,
and 9,209 mt and 9,920 mt, respectively, in 2017, are not allocated by
season.
Section 679.20(a)(6)(i) requires the allocation of 100 percent of
the pollock TAC in all regulatory areas and all seasonal allowances to
vessels catching pollock for processing by the inshore component after
subtraction of amounts projected by the Regional Administrator to be
caught by, or delivered to, the offshore component incidental to
directed fishing for other groundfish species. Thus, the amount of
pollock available for harvest by vessels harvesting pollock for
processing by the offshore component is that amount that will be taken
as incidental catch during directed fishing for groundfish species
other than pollock, up to the maximum retainable amounts allowed by
Sec. 679.20(e) and (f). At this time, these incidental catch amounts
of pollock are unknown and will be determined during the fishing year
during the course of fishing activities by the offshore component.
Tables 3 and 4 list the final 2016 and 2017 seasonal biomass
distribution of pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas,
area apportionments, and seasonal allowances. The amounts of pollock
for processing by the inshore and offshore components are not shown.
[[Page 14749]]
Table 3--Final 2016 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution, Area Apportionments;
and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season \1\ Shumagin (Area 610)
Chirikof (Area 620)
Kodiak (Area 630) Total \2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 3,827 6.41% 43,374 72.71% 12,456 20.88% 59,651
B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 3,826 6.41% 50,747 85.07% 5,083 8.52% 59,651
C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 24,421 40.94% 15,404 25.82% 19,822 33.23% 59,651
D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 24,421 40.94% 15,402 25.82% 19,822 33.23% 59,651
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total........................ 56,494 .............. 124,927 .............. 57,183 .............. 238,604
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to
May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore
components are not shown in this table.
\2\ The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
Table 4--Final 2017 Distribution of Pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA; Seasonal Biomass Distribution, Area Apportionments;
and Seasonal Allowances of Annual TAC
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages are rounded to the nearest 0.01]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season \1\ Shumagin (Area 610)
Chirikof (Area 620)
Kodiak (Area 630) Total \2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A (Jan 20-Mar 10)....................... 3,769 6.41% 42,732 72.71% 12,272 20.88% 58,768
B (Mar 10-May 31)....................... 3,769 6.41% 49,996 85.07% 5,007 8.52% 58,768
C (Aug 25-Oct 1)........................ 24,060 40.94% 15,176 25.82% 19,529 33.23% 58,768
D (Oct 1-Nov 1)......................... 24,060 40.94% 15,175 25.82% 19,529 33.23% 58,768
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total........................ 55,657 .............. 123,078 .............. 56,336 .............. 235,071
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ As established by Sec. 679.23(d)(2)(i) through (iv), the A, B, C, and D season allowances are available from January 20 to March 10, March 10 to
May 31, August 25 to October 1, and October 1 to November 1, respectively. The amounts of pollock for processing by the inshore and offshore
components are not shown in this table.
\2\ The WYK and SEO District pollock TACs are not allocated by season and are not included in the total pollock TACs shown in this table.
Annual and Seasonal Apportionments of Pacific Cod TAC
Section 679.20(a)(12)(i) requires the allocation of the Pacific cod
TACs in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas of the GOA among gear
and operational sectors. Section 679.20(a)(6)(ii) requires the
allocation of the Pacific cod TACs in the Eastern Regulatory Area of
the GOA between the inshore and offshore components. NMFS allocates the
2016 and 2017 Pacific cod TAC based on these sector allocations
annually between the inshore and offshore components in the Eastern
GOA; seasonally between vessels using jig gear, catcher vessels (CVs)
using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using hook-and-line gear, CVs using
trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear in the Western GOA; seasonally
between vessels using jig gear, CVs less than 50 feet length overall
using hook-and-line gear, CVs greater than or equal to 50 feet length
overall using hook-and-line gear, C/Ps using hook-and-line gear, CVs
using trawl gear, C/Ps using trawl gear, and vessels using pot gear in
the Central GOA. The overall seasonal apportionments in the Western and
Central GOA are 60 percent of the annual TAC to the A season and 40
percent of the annual TAC to the B season.
Under Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(ii), any overage or underage of the
Pacific cod allowance from the A season will be subtracted from, or
added to, the subsequent B season allowance. In addition, any portion
of the hook-and-line, trawl, pot, or jig sector allocations that NMFS
determines is likely to go unharvested by a sector may be reapportioned
to other sectors for harvest during the remainder of the fishery year.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(12)(i)(A) and (B), a portion of the
annual Pacific cod TACs in the Western and Central GOA will be
allocated to vessels with a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP) that use jig
gear before TAC is apportioned among other non-jig sectors. In
accordance with the FMP, the annual jig sector allocations may increase
to up to 6 percent of the annual Western and Central GOA Pacific cod
TACs, depending on the annual performance of the jig sector (See Table
1 of Amendment 83 to the FMP for a detailed discussion of the jig
sector allocation process (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011)). Jig sector
allocation increases are established for a minimum of 2 years. NMFS has
evaluated the 2015 harvest performance of the jig sector in the Western
and Central GOA, and is establishing the 2016 and 2017 Pacific cod
apportionments to this sector as follows.
NMFS allocates the jig sector 3.5 percent of the annual Pacific cod
TAC in the Western GOA. This is the same amount as the 2015 jig sector
allocation, because in 2015 this sector harvested less than 90 percent
of the initial 2015 allocation. The 2016 and 2017 allocations include a
base allocation of 1.5 percent, and an additional 2.0 percent because
this sector harvested greater than 90 percent of its initial 2012 and
2014 allocations in the Western GOA. NMFS also allocates the jig sector
1.0 percent of the annual Pacific cod TAC in the Central GOA. This is
the same amount as the 2015 jig sector allocation, because in 2015 this
sector harvested less than 90 percent of the initial 2015 allocation.
The 2016 and 2017 allocations consist of a base allocation of 1.0
percent and no additional increases in the Central GOA. Tables 5 and 6
list the seasonal apportionments and allocations of the 2016 and 2017
Pacific cod TACs.
[[Page 14750]]
Table 5--Final 2016 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the
GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing
Components
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not
total precisely to annual allocation amount]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Season B Season
---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation percentage of Seasonal percentage of Seasonal
(mt) annual non-jig allowances annual non-jig allowances
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western GOA:
Jig (3.5% of TAC)........... 992 N/A 595 N/A 397
Hook-and-line CV............ 383 0.70 192 0.70 192
Hook-and-line C/P........... 5,417 10.90 2,982 8.90 2,435
Trawl CV.................... 10,506 27.70 7,579 10.70 2,927
Trawl C/P................... 657 0.90 246 1.50 410
All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 10,397 19.80 5,417 18.20 4,979
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................... 28,352 60.00 17,011 40.00 11,341
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 370 N/A 222 N/A 148
Hook-and-line < 50 CV....... 5,347 9.32 3,411 5.29 1,936
Hook-and-line >= 50 CV...... 2,456 5.61 2,054 1.10 402
Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,869 4.11 1,504 1.00 365
Trawl CV\1\................. 15,226 21.14 7,738 20.45 7,487
Trawl C/P................... 1,537 2.00 734 2.19 804
All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 10,180 17.83 6,528 9.97 3,652
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................... 36,984 60.00 22,190 40.00 14,794
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern GOA..................... 6,589 Inshore (90% 5,930 Offshore (10% 659
of Annual TAC) of Annual TAC)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,409 mt, of the
annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season
allowance (see Table 12).
Table 6--Final 2017 Seasonal Apportionments and Allocation of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts in the
GOA; Allocations for the Western GOA and Central GOA Sectors and the Eastern GOA Inshore and Offshore Processing
Components
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton and percentages to the nearest 0.01. Seasonal allowances may not
total precisely to annual allocation amount.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Season B Season
---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Sector Sector
Regulatory area and sector allocation percentage of Seasonal percentage of Seasonal
(mt) annual non-jig allowances annual non-jig allowances
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western GOA:
Jig (3.5% of TAC)........... 857 N/A 514 N/A 343
Hook-and-line CV............ 331 0.70 165 0.70 165
Hook-and-line C/P........... 4,681 10.90 2,577 8.90 2,104
Trawl CV.................... 9,078 27.70 6,549 10.70 2,530
Trawl C/P................... 567 0.90 213 1.50 355
All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 8,984 19.80 4,681 18.20 4,303
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................... 24,499 60.00 14,699 40.00 9,799
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central GOA:
Jig (1.0% of TAC)........... 320 N/A 192 N/A 128
Hook-and-line < 50 CV....... 4,620 9.32 2,947 5.29 1,673
Hook-and-line >= 50 CV...... 2,122 5.61 1,775 1.10 347
Hook-and-line C/P........... 1,615 4.11 1,299 1.00 316
Trawl CV \1\................ 13,156 21.14 6,687 20.45 6,470
Trawl C/P................... 1,328 2.00 634 2.19 694
All Pot CV and Pot C/P...... 8,797 17.83 5,641 9.97 3,156
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................... 31,958 60.00 19,175 40.00 12,783
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14751]]
Eastern GOA..................... .............. Inshore (90% of Annual TAC)
Offshore (10% of Annual TAC)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,693 5,124
569
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Trawl vessels participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent, or 1,218 mt, of the
annual Central GOA TAC (see Table 28c to 50 CFR part 679), which is deducted from the Trawl CV B season
allowance (see Table13).
Allocations of the Sablefish TACs Amounts to Vessels Using Hook-and-
Line and Trawl Gear
Section 679.20(a)(4)(i) and (ii) require allocations of sablefish
TACs for each of the regulatory areas and districts to hook-and-line
and trawl gear. In the Western and Central Regulatory Areas, 80 percent
of each TAC is allocated to hook-and-line gear, and 20 percent of each
TAC is allocated to trawl gear. In the Eastern Regulatory Area, 95
percent of the TAC is allocated to hook-and-line gear, and 5 percent is
allocated to trawl gear. The trawl gear allocation in the Eastern
Regulatory Area may only be used to support incidental catch of
sablefish in directed fisheries for other target species (Sec.
679.20(a)(4)(i)).
In recognition of the prohibition against trawl gear in the SEO
District of the Eastern Regulatory Area, the Council recommended and
NMFS approves the allocation of 5 percent of the combined Eastern
Regulatory Area sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the WYK District, making
the remainder of the WYK sablefish TAC available to vessels using hook-
and-line gear. NMFS allocates 100 percent of the sablefish TAC in the
SEO District to vessels using hook-and-line gear. This action results
in a 2016 allocation of 190 mt to trawl gear and 1,285 mt to hook-and-
line gear in the WYK District, a 2016 allocation of 2,317 mt to hook-
and-line gear in the SEO District, and a 2017 allocation of 173 mt to
trawl gear in the WYK District. Table 7 lists the allocations of the
2016 sablefish TACs to hook-and-line and trawl gear. Table 8 lists the
allocations of the 2017 sablefish TACs to trawl gear.
The Council recommended that the hook-and-line sablefish TAC be
established annually to ensure that this Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ)
fishery is conducted concurrently with the halibut IFQ fishery and is
based on recent sablefish survey information. The Council also
recommended that only a trawl sablefish TAC be established for two
years so that retention of incidental catch of sablefish by trawl gear
could commence in January in the second year of the groundfish harvest
specifications. Since there is an annual assessment for sablefish and
the final harvest specifications are expected to be published before
the IFQ season begins March 19, 2016, the Council recommended that the
hook-and-line sablefish TAC be set on an annual basis, rather than for
two years, so that the best scientific information available could be
considered in establishing the sablefish ABCs and TACs. With the
exception of the trawl allocations that were provided to the Rockfish
Program cooperatives, directed fishing for sablefish with trawl gear is
closed during the fishing year. Also, fishing for groundfish with trawl
gear is prohibited prior to January 20. Therefore, it is not likely
that the sablefish allocation to trawl gear would be reached before the
effective date of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications.
Table 7--Final 2016 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocations to Hook-and-Line and Trawl Gear
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hook-and-line Trawl
Area/District TAC allocation allocation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western......................................................... 1,272 1,017 255
Central......................................................... 4,023 3,218 805
West Yakutat \1\................................................ 1,475 1,285 190
Southeast Outside............................................... 2,317 2,317 0
-----------------------------------------------
Total....................................................... 9,087 7,837 1,250
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat
and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Table 8--Final 2017 Sablefish TAC Specifications in the GOA and Allocation to Trawl Gear \1\
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hook-and-line Trawl
Area/District TAC allocation allocation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western......................................................... 1,163 n/a 233
[[Page 14752]]
Central......................................................... 3,678 n/a 736
West Yakutat \2\................................................ 1,348 n/a 173
Southeast Outside............................................... 2,118 n/a 0
-----------------------------------------------
Total....................................................... 8,307 n/a 1,142
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Council recommended that harvest specifications for the hook-and-line gear sablefish Individual Fishing
Quota fisheries be limited to 1 year.
\2\ The trawl allocation is based on allocating 5 percent of the combined Eastern Regulatory Area (West Yakutat
and Southeast Outside combined) sablefish TAC to trawl gear in the West Yakutat District.
Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR)
The recommended 2016 and 2017 DSR TAC is 231 mt, and management of
DSR is delegated to the State. The Alaska Board of Fish has apportioned
the annual SEO District DSR TACs between the commercial fishery (84
percent) and the sport fishery (16 percent) after deductions were made
for anticipated subsistence harvests (7 mt). This results in 2016 and
2017 allocations of 188 mt to the commercial fishery and 36 mt to the
sport fishery.
The State deducts estimates of incidental catch of DSR in the
commercial halibut fishery and test fishery mortality from the DSR
commercial fishery allocation. In 2015, this resulted in 32 mt being
available for the directed commercial DSR fishery apportioned in one
DSR district. The State estimated that there was not sufficient DSR
quota available to have orderly fisheries in the three other DSR
districts. DSR harvest in the halibut fishery is linked to the annual
halibut catch limits; therefore the State can only estimate potential
DSR incidental catch because halibut catch limits are established by
the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). Federally
permitted CVs using hook-and-line or jig gear fishing for groundfish
and Pacific halibut in the SEO District of the GOA are required to
retain all DSR (Sec. 679.20(j)).
Apportionments to the Central GOA Rockfish Program
These final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for the GOA
include the various fishery cooperative allocations and sideboard
limitations established by the Central GOA Rockfish Program. Program
participants are primarily trawl CVs and trawl C/Ps, with limited
participation by vessels using longline gear. The Rockfish Program
assigns quota share and cooperative quota to participants for primary
and secondary species, allows participants holding a license limitation
program (LLP) license with rockfish quota share to form a rockfish
cooperative, and allows holders of C/P LLP licenses to opt out of the
fishery. The Rockfish Program also has an entry level fishery for
rockfish primary species for vessels using longline gear.
Under the Rockfish Program, rockfish primary species (Pacific ocean
perch, northern rockfish, and dusky rockfish) in the Central GOA are
allocated to participants after deducting for incidental catch needs in
other directed groundfish fisheries. Participants in the Rockfish
Program also receive a portion of the Central GOA TAC of specific
secondary species (Pacific cod, rougheye rockfish, sablefish,
shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish).
Additionally, the Rockfish Program establishes sideboard limits to
restrict the ability of harvesters operating under the Rockfish Program
to increase their participation in other, non-Rockfish Program
fisheries. Besides groundfish species, the Rockfish Program allocates a
portion of the trawl halibut PSC limit (191 mt) from the third season
deep-water species fishery allowance for the GOA trawl fisheries to
Rockfish Program participants (Sec. 679.81(d)), which includes 117 mt
to the trawl CV sector and 74 mt to the trawl C/P sector.
Section 679.81(a)(2)(ii) requires allocations of 5 mt of Pacific
ocean perch, 5 mt of northern rockfish, and 30 mt of dusky rockfish to
the entry level longline fishery in 2016 and 2017. The allocation for
the entry level longline fishery would increase incrementally each year
if the catch exceeds 90 percent of the allocation of a species. The
incremental increase in the allocation would continue each year until
it is the maximum percent of the TAC for that species. In 2015, the
catch did not exceed 90 percent of any allocated rockfish species.
Therefore, NMFS is not increasing the entry level longline fishery 2016
and 2017 allocations in the Central GOA. Longline gear includes hook-
and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear. The remainder of the TACs for
the rockfish primary species would be allocated to the CV and C/P
cooperatives. Table 9 lists the allocations of the 2016 and 2017 TACs
for each rockfish primary species to the entry level longline fishery,
the incremental increase for future years, and the maximum percent of
the TAC for the entry level longline fishery.
Table 9--Final 2016 and Initial 2017 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species to the Entry Level Longline Fishery
in the Central Gulf of Alaska
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incremental increase in 2017
Rockfish primary species 2016 and 2017 allocations if [gteqt] 90% of 2016 Up to maximum
allocation is harvested % of TAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch................. 5 metric tons............... 5 metric tons............... 1%
Northern rockfish................... 5 metric tons............... 5 metric tons............... 2%
Dusky rockfish...................... 30 metric tons.............. 20 metric tons.............. 5%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14753]]
Section 679.81(a)(2) requires allocations of the rockfish primary
species among various sectors of the Rockfish Program. Tables 10 and 11
list the final 2016 and 2017 allocations of rockfish primary species in
the Central GOA to the entry level longline fishery and Rockfish CV and
C/P Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program. NMFS also is setting aside
incidental catch amounts (ICAs) for other directed fisheries in the
Central GOA of 2,000 mt of Pacific ocean perch, 200 mt of northern
rockfish, and 250 mt of dusky rockfish. These amounts are based on
recent average incidental catches in the Central GOA by other
groundfish fisheries.
Allocations among vessels belonging to CV or C/P cooperatives are
not included in these final harvest specifications. Rockfish Program
applications for CV cooperatives and C/P cooperatives are not due to
NMFS until March 1 of each calendar year, therefore, NMFS cannot
calculate 2016 and 2017 allocations in conjunction with these final
harvest specifications. NMFS will post these allocations on the Alaska
Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-rockfish-program when they become available after March 1.
Table 10--Final 2016 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level
Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocation to
Incidental the entry Allocation to
Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level the Rockfish
allowance longline\1\ Cooperatives
fishery \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch............. 17,033 1,500 15,533 5 15,528
Northern rockfish............... 3,547 300 3,247 5 3,242
Dusky rockfish.................. 4,147 250 3,897 30 3,867
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................... 24,727 2,050 22,677 40 22,637
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
\2\ Rockfish Cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
Table 11--Final 2017 Allocations of Rockfish Primary Species in the Central Gulf of Alaska to the Entry Level
Longline Fishery and Rockfish Cooperatives in the Rockfish Program
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocation to
Incidental the entry Allocation to
Rockfish primary species TAC catch TAC minus ICA level the Rockfish
allowance longline\1\ Cooperatives
fishery \2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific ocean perch............. 16,860 1,500 15,360 5 15,355
Northern rockfish............... 3,338 300 3,038 5 3,033
Dusky rockfish.................. 3,791 250 3,541 30 3,511
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................... 23,989 2,050 21,939 40 21,899
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Longline gear includes hook-and-line, jig, troll, and handline gear.
\2\ Rockfish Cooperatives include vessels in CV and C/P cooperatives.
Section 679.81(c) requires allocations of rockfish secondary
species to CV and C/P cooperatives in the Central GOA. CV cooperatives
receive allocations of Pacific cod, sablefish from the trawl gear
allocation, and thornyhead rockfish. C/P cooperatives receive
allocations of sablefish from the trawl allocation, rougheye rockfish,
shortraker rockfish, and thornyhead rockfish. Tables 12 and 13 list the
apportionments of the 2016 and 2017 TACs of rockfish secondary species
in the Central GOA to CV and C/P cooperatives.
Table 12--Final 2016 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Cooperatives
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives
Annual Central -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockfish secondary species GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod................................................... 36,984 3.81 1,409 0.00 ................
Sablefish..................................................... 4,023 6.78 273 3.51 141
Shortraker rockfish........................................... 301 0.00 ................ 40.00 120
Rougheye rockfish............................................. 707 0.00 ................ 58.87 416
Thornyhead rockfish........................................... 988 7.84 77 26.50 262
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14754]]
Table 13--Final 2017 Apportionments of Rockfish Secondary Species in the Central GOA to Catcher Vessel and Cather/Processor Cooperatives
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catcher vessel cooperatives Catcher/processor cooperatives
Annual Central -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockfish secondary species GOA TAC Percentage of Apportionment Percentage of Apportionment
TAC (mt) TAC (mt)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod................................................... 31,958 3.81 1,218 0.00 ................
Sablefish..................................................... 3,678 6.78 249 3.51 129
Shortraker rockfish........................................... 301 0.00 ................ 40.00 120
Rougheye rockfish............................................. 705 0.00 ................ 58.87 415
Thornyhead rockfish........................................... 988 7.84 77 26.50 262
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halibut PSC Limits
Section 679.21(d) establishes the annual halibut PSC limit
apportionments to trawl and hook-and-line gear, and authorizes the
establishment of apportionments for pot gear. Amendment 95 to the FMP
(79 FR 9625, February 20, 2014) implemented measures establishing GOA
halibut PSC limits in Federal regulations and reducing the halibut PSC
limits in the GOA trawl and hook-and-line groundfish fisheries. These
reductions are incorporated into the final 2016 and 2017 halibut PSC
limits. For most gear and operational types, the halibut PSC limit
reductions were phased-in over 3 years, beginning in 2014 and ending in
2016. The final reduction to PSC limits in 2016 will carry forward to
2017 and subsequent years. In December 2015, the Council incorporated
these reductions into its recommended final PSC limits of 1,706 mt for
trawl gear, 256 mt for hook-and-line gear, and 9 mt for the DSR
fishery.
The DSR fishery in the SEO District is defined at Sec.
679.21(d)(2)(ii)(A). This fishery is apportioned 9 mt of the halibut
PSC limit in recognition of its small-scale harvests of groundfish.
NMFS estimates low halibut bycatch in the DSR fishery because (1) the
duration of the DSR fisheries and the gear soak times are short, (2)
the DSR fishery occurs in the winter when less overlap occurs in the
distribution of DSR and halibut, and (3) the directed commercial DSR
fishery has a low DSR TAC.
The FMP authorizes the Council to exempt specific gear from the
halibut PSC limits. NMFS, after consultation with the Council, exempts
pot gear, jig gear, and the sablefish IFQ hook-and-line gear fishery
categories from the non-trawl halibut PSC limit for 2016 and 2017. The
Council recommended, and NMFS approves, these exemptions because (1)
the pot gear fisheries have low annual halibut bycatch mortality; (2)
IFQ program regulations prohibit discard of halibut if any halibut IFQ
permit holder on board a catcher vessel holds unused halibut IFQ (Sec.
679.7(f)(11)); (3) sablefish IFQ fishermen typically hold halibut IFQ
permits and are therefore required to retain the halibut they catch
while fishing sablefish IFQ; and (4) NMFS estimates negligible halibut
mortality for the jig gear fisheries. NMFS estimates that halibut
mortality is negligible in the jig gear fisheries given the small
amount of groundfish harvested by jig gear, the selective nature of jig
gear, and the high survival rates of halibut caught and released with
jig gear.
The best available information on estimated halibut bycatch
consists of data collected by fisheries observers during 2015. The
calculated halibut bycatch mortality through December 12, 2015, is
1,409 mt for trawl gear and 213 mt for hook-and-line gear for a total
halibut mortality of 1,622 mt. This halibut mortality was calculated
using groundfish and halibut catch data from the NMFS Alaska Region's
catch accounting system. This accounting system contains historical and
recent catch information compiled from each Alaska groundfish fishery.
Section 679.21(d)(4)(i) and (ii) authorizes NMFS to seasonally
apportion the halibut PSC limits after consultation with the Council.
The FMP and regulations require the Council and NMFS to consider the
following information in seasonally apportioning halibut PSC limits:
(1) Seasonal distribution of halibut; (2) seasonal distribution of
target groundfish species relative to halibut distribution; (3)
expected halibut bycatch needs on a seasonal basis relative to changes
in halibut biomass and expected catch of target groundfish species; (4)
expected bycatch rates on a seasonal basis; (5) expected changes in
directed groundfish fishing seasons; (6) expected actual start of
fishing effort; and (7) economic effects of establishing seasonal
halibut allocations on segments of the target groundfish industry. The
Council considered information from the 2015 SAFE report, NMFS catch
data, State of Alaska catch data, IPHC stock assessment and mortality
data, and public testimony when apportioning the halibut PSC limits.
NMFS concurs with the Council's recommendations listed in Table 14,
which show the final 2016 and 2017 Pacific halibut PSC limits,
allowances, and apportionments.
Sections 679.21(d)(4)(iii) and (iv) specify that any underages or
overages of a seasonal apportionment of a PSC limit will be deducted
from or added to the next respective seasonal apportionment within the
fishing year.
Table 14--Final 2016 and 2017 Pacific Halibut PSC Limits, Allowances, and Apportionments
[Values are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trawl gear Hook-and-line gear \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other than DSR DSR
Season Percent Amount ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Percent Amount Season Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 20-April 1.............. 27.5 469 January 1-June 10. 86 221 January 1-December 9
31.
[[Page 14755]]
April 1-July 1.................. 20 341 June 10-September 2 5 .................. ..............
1.
July 1-September 1.............. 30 512 September 1- 12 31 .................. ..............
December 31.
September 1-October 1........... 7.5 128 .................. .............. .............. .................. ..............
October 1-December 31........... 15 256 .................. .............. .............. .................. ..............
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total....................... .............. 1,706 .................. .............. 257 .................. 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for hook-and-line gear is allocated to the demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) fishery and
fisheries other than DSR. The hook-and-line sablefish fishery is exempt from halibut PSC limits, as are pot and jig gear for all groundfish fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Section 679.21(d)(3)(ii) authorizes further apportionment of the
trawl halibut PSC limit to trawl fishery categories. The annual
apportionments are based on each category's proportional share of the
anticipated halibut bycatch mortality during the fishing year and
optimization of the total amount of groundfish harvest under the
halibut PSC limit. The fishery categories for the trawl halibut PSC
limits are (1) a deep-water species fishery, composed of sablefish,
rockfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder; and
(2) a shallow-water species fishery, composed of pollock, Pacific cod,
shallow-water flatfish, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, skates, and
``other species'' (sculpins, sharks, squids, and octopuses) (Sec.
679.21(d)(3)(iii)). Table 15 lists the final 2016 and 2017
apportionments of halibut PSC trawl limits between the trawl gear deep-
water and the shallow-water species fishery categories.
Table 28d to 50 CFR part 679 specifies the amount of the trawl
halibut PSC limit that is assigned to the CV and C/P sectors that are
participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program. This includes 117 mt
of halibut PSC limit to the CV sector and 74 mt of halibut PSC limit to
the C/P sector. These amounts are allocated from the trawl deep-water
species fishery's halibut PSC third seasonal apportionment.
Section 679.21(d)(4)(iii)(B) limits the amount of the halibut PSC
limit allocated to Rockfish Program participants that could be re-
apportioned to the general GOA trawl fisheries to no more than 55
percent of the unused annual halibut PSC apportioned to Rockfish
Program participants. The remainder of the unused Rockfish Program
halibut PSC limit is unavailable for use by vessels directed fishing
with trawl gear for the remainder of the fishing year.
Table 15--Final 2016 and 2017 Apportionment of Pacific Halibut PSC Trawl Limits Between the Trawl Gear Deep-
Water Species Fishery and the Shallow-Water Species Fishery Categories
[Values are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season Shallow-water Deep-water \1\ Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 20-April 1........................ 384 85.............................. 469
April 1-July 1............................ 85 256............................. 341
July 1-September 1........................ 171 341............................. 512
September 1-October 1..................... 128 Any remainder................... 128
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal January 20-October 1......... 768 682............................. 1,450
---------------------------------------------------------------------
October 1-December 31\2\.................. ................ ................................ 256
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................. ................ ................................ 1,706
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Vessels participating in cooperatives in the Central GOA Rockfish Program will receive 191 mt of the third
season (July 1 through September 1) deep-water species fishery halibut PSC apportionment.
\2\ There is no apportionment between trawl shallow-water and deep-water species fishery categories during the
fifth season (October 1 through December 31).
Section 679.21(d)(2)(i)(B) requires that the ``other hook-and-line
fishery'' halibut PSC limit apportionment to vessels using hook-and-
line gear must be apportioned between CVs and C/Ps in accordance with
Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii) in conjunction with these harvest
specifications. A comprehensive description and example of the
calculations necessary to apportion the ``other hook-and-line fishery''
halibut PSC limit between the hook-and-line CV and C/P sectors were
included in the proposed rule to implement Amendment 83 (76 FR 44700,
July 26, 2011) and are not repeated here.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii), the hook-and-line halibut PSC
limit is apportioned between the CV and C/P sectors in proportion to
the total Western and Central GOA Pacific cod allocations, which vary
annually based on the proportion of the Pacific cod biomass. Pacific
cod is apportioned
[[Page 14756]]
among these two management areas based on the percentage of overall
biomass per area, as calculated in the 2015 Pacific cod stock
assessment. Updated information in the final 2015 SAFE report describes
this distributional change, which is based on allocating ABC among
regulatory areas on the basis of the three most recent stock surveys.
The distribution of the total GOA Pacific cod ABC has changed to 41
percent Western GOA, 50 percent Central GOA, and 9 percent Eastern GOA.
Therefore, the calculations made in accordance with Sec.
679.21(d)(2)(iii) incorporate the most recent change in GOA Pacific cod
distribution with respect to establishing the annual halibut PSC limits
for the CV and C/P hook-and-line sectors. The annual halibut PSC limits
are divided into three seasonal apportionments, using seasonal
percentages of 86 percent, 2 percent, and 12 percent.
For 2016 and 2017, NMFS apportions halibut PSC limits of 128 mt and
129 mt to the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P sectors,
respectively. Table 16 lists the final 2016 and 2017 apportionments of
halibut PSC limits between the hook-and-line CV and hook-and-line C/P
sectors.
No later than November 1 of each year, NMFS will calculate the
projected unused amount of halibut PSC limit by either of the hook-and-
line sectors for the remainder of the year. The projected unused amount
of halibut PSC limit is made available to the other hook-and-line
sector for the remainder of that fishing year if NMFS determines that
an additional amount of halibut PSC is necessary for that sector to
continue its directed fishing operations (Sec. 679.21(d)(2)(iii)(C)).
Table 16--Final 2016 and 2017 Apportionments of the ``Other Hook-and-Line Fisheries'' Annual Halibut PSC Allowance Between the Hook-and-Line Gear
Catcher Vessel and Catcher/Processor Sectors
[Values are in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sector
``Other than DSR'' allowance Hook-and-line sector Sector annual Season Seasonal seasonal
amount percentage amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
257...................................... Catcher Vessel............. 129 January 1-June 10............... 86 111
June 10-September 1............. 2 3
September 1-December 31......... 12 15
Catcher/Processor.......... 128 January 1-June 10............... 86 110
June 10-September 1............. 2 3
September 1-December 31......... 12 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimates of Halibut Biomass and Stock Condition
The IPHC annually assesses the abundance and potential yield of the
Pacific halibut using all available data from the commercial and sport
fisheries, other removals, and scientific surveys. Additional
information on the Pacific halibut stock assessment may be found in the
IPHC's 2015 Pacific halibut stock assessment (December 2015), available
on the IPHC Web site at www.iphc.int. The IPHC considered the 2015
Pacific halibut stock assessment at its January 2016 annual meeting
when it set the 2016 commercial halibut fishery catch limits.
Halibut Discard Mortality Rates
To monitor halibut bycatch mortality allowances and apportionments,
the Regional Administrator uses observed halibut incidental catch
rates, discard mortality rates (DMRs), and estimates of groundfish
catch to project when a fishery's halibut bycatch mortality allowance
or seasonal apportionment is reached. The DMRs are based on the best
information available, including information contained in the annual
SAFE report.
NMFS is implementing the halibut DMRs developed and recommended by
the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and the Council for
the 2016 and 2017 GOA groundfish fisheries for use in monitoring the
2016 and 2017 halibut bycatch allowances (see Tables 14, 15 and 16).
The IPHC developed these DMRs for the 2016 and 2017 GOA fisheries using
the 10-year mean DMRs for those fisheries. Long-term average DMRs were
not available for some fisheries, so rates from the most recent years
were used. For the skate, sculpin, shark, squid, and octopus target
fisheries, where not enough halibut mortality data are available, the
mortality rate of halibut caught in the Pacific cod fishery for that
gear type was recommended as a default rate. The IPHC and Council staff
will analyze observer data annually and recommend changes to the DMRs
when a fishery DMR shows large variation from the mean. A discussion of
the DMRs and how they are established is available from the Council
(see ADDRESSES). Table 17 lists the final 2016 and 2017 DMRs.
Table 17--Final 2016 and 2017 Halibut Discard Mortality Rates for
Vessels Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska
[Values are percent of halibut assumed to be dead]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortality
Gear Target fishery rate (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hook-and-line.................. Other fisheries\1\..... 10
Pacific cod............ 10
Rockfish............... 10
Trawl.......................... Arrowtooth flounder.... 76
Deep-water flatfish.... 62
Flathead sole.......... 67
Non-pelagic pollock.... 58
Other fisheries\1\..... 62
Pacific cod............ 62
[[Page 14757]]
Pelagic pollock........ 65
Rex sole............... 72
Rockfish............... 65
Sablefish.............. 59
Shallow-water flatfish. 66
Pot............................ Other fisheries\1\..... 15
Pacific cod............ 15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Other fisheries includes all gear types for skates, sculpins,
sharks, squids, octopuses, and hook-and-line sablefish.
Chinook Salmon Prohibited Species Catch Limits
Amendment 93 to the GOA FMP (77 FR 42629, July 20, 2012)
established separate Chinook salmon PSC limits in the Western and
Central GOA in the directed pollock fishery. These limits require NMFS
to close the pollock directed fishery in the Western and Central
regulatory areas of the GOA if the applicable limit is reached (Sec.
679.21(h)(6)). The annual Chinook salmon PSC limits in the pollock
directed fishery of 6,684 salmon in the Western GOA and 18,316 salmon
in the Central GOA are set at Sec. 679.21(h)(2)(i) and (ii). In
addition, all salmon (regardless of species) taken in the pollock
directed fisheries in the Western and Central GOA must be retained
until the manager of a shoreside processor or stationary floating
processor has accurately recorded the number of salmon by species in
the eLandings groundfish landing report; and if an observer is present
at the processing facility that takes delivery of the catch, the
observer is provided an opportunity to count the number of salmon and
to collect any scientific data or biological samples from the salmon
(Sec. 679.21(h)(4)).
Amendment 97 to the FMP (79 FR 71350, December 2, 2014) established
an initial annual PSC limit of 7,500 Chinook salmon for the non-pollock
groundfish fisheries. This limit is apportioned among three sectors:
3,600 Chinook salmon to trawl C/Ps, 1,200 Chinook salmon to trawl
catcher vessels participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program, and
2,700 Chinook salmon to trawl catcher vessels not participating in the
Central GOA Rockfish Program that are fishing for groundfish species
other than pollock (Sec. 679.21(i)(3)). NMFS will monitor the Chinook
salmon PSC in the non-pollock GOA groundfish fisheries and close an
applicable sector if it reaches its Chinook salmon PSC limit.
The Chinook salmon PSC limit for two sectors, trawl C/Ps and trawl
catcher vessels not participating in the Central GOA Rockfish Program,
may be increased in subsequent years based on the performance of these
two sectors and their ability to minimize their use of their respective
Chinook salmon PSC limits. If either or both of these two sectors
limits its use of Chinook salmon PSC to a specified threshold amount in
2015, that sector will receive an incremental increase to its 2016
Chinook salmon PSC limit (Sec. 679.21(i)(3)). In 2015, the trawl C/P
sector did not exceed 3,120 Chinook salmon PSC; therefore the 2016
trawl C/Ps Chinook salmon PSC limit will be 4,080 Chinook salmon. In
2015, the Non-Rockfish Program catcher vessel sector exceeded 2,340
Chinook salmon PSC; therefore the 2016 Non-Rockfish Program catcher
vessel sector limit will be 2,700 Chinook salmon.
American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher/Processor and Catcher Vessel
Groundfish Harvest and PSC Limits
Section 679.64 establishes groundfish harvesting and processing
sideboard limitations on AFA C/Ps and CVs in the GOA. These sideboard
limits are necessary to protect the interests of fishermen and
processors who do not directly benefit from the AFA from those
fishermen and processors who receive exclusive harvesting and
processing privileges under the AFA. Section 679.7(k)(1)(ii) prohibits
listed AFA C/Ps from harvesting any species of groundfish in the GOA.
Additionally, Sec. 679.7(k)(1)(iv) prohibits listed AFA C/Ps from
processing any pollock harvested in a directed pollock fishery in the
GOA and any groundfish harvested in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
AFA CVs that are less than 125 ft (38.1 meters) length overall,
have annual landings of pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
less than 5,100 mt, and have made at least 40 groundfish landings from
1995 through 1997 are exempt from GOA sideboard limits under Sec.
679.64(b)(2)(ii). Sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA
are based on their traditional harvest levels of TAC in groundfish
fisheries covered by the FMP. Section 679.64(b)(3)(iv) establishes the
groundfish sideboard limitations in the GOA based on the retained catch
of non-exempt AFA CVs of each sideboard species from 1995 through 1997
divided by the TAC for that species over the same period.
Tables 18 and 19 list the final 2016 and 2017 groundfish sideboard
limits for non-exempt AFA CVs. NMFS will deduct all targeted or
incidental catch of sideboard species made by non-exempt AFA CVs from
the sideboard limits listed in Tables 18 and 19.
[[Page 14758]]
Table 18--Final 2016 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard
Limits
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of 1995-
1997 non- Final 2016 non-
Species Apportionments Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2016 exempt AFA CV
by season/gear catch to 1995- TACs sideboard
1997 TAC limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 3,827 2,314
January 20-
March 10.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 43,374 5,062
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 12,456 2,526
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.6047 3,826 2,313
10-May 31.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 50,747 5,922
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 5,083 1,031
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.6047 24,421 14,767
25-October 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 15,404 1,798
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 19,822 4,020
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 24,421 14,767
October 1-
November 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 15,402 1,797
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 19,822 4,020
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.3495 9,348 3,267
SEO (650)...... 0.3495 9,920 3,467
Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W.............. 0.1331 17,011 2,264
January 1-June
10.
C.............. 0.0692 22,190 1,536
B Season,\2\ W.............. 0.1331 11,341 1,509
September 1-
December 31.
C.............. 0.0692 14,794 1,024
Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0079 5,930 47
E offshore..... 0.0078 659 5
Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 255 ..............
gear.
C.............. 0.0642 805 52
E.............. 0.0433 190 8
Flatfish, Shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0156 13,250 207
C.............. 0.0587 19,242 1,130
E.............. 0.0126 4,271 54
Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 186 ..............
C.............. 0.0647 3,495 226
E.............. 0.0128 5,545 71
Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0007 1,315 1
C.............. 0.0384 4,445 171
E.............. 0.0029 1,733 5
Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0021 14,500 30
C.............. 0.0280 75,000 2,100
E.............. 0.0002 13,800 3
Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0036 8,650 31
C.............. 0.0213 15,400 328
E.............. 0.0009 3,782 3
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0023 2,737 6
C.............. 0.0748 17,033 1,274
E.............. 0.0466 4,667 217
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0003 457 0
C.............. 0.0277 3,547 98
Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 38 ..............
C.............. 0.0218 301 7
E.............. 0.0110 947 10
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0001 173 0
C.............. 0.0000 4,147 ..............
E.............. 0.0067 366 2
Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 105 ..............
C.............. 0.0237 707 17
E.............. 0.0124 516 6
Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0020 231 0
Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0280 291 8
C.............. 0.0280 988 28
E.............. 0.0280 682 19
Other rockfish............... Annual.......... C.............. 0.1699 1,534 261
E.............. 0.0000 774 ..............
Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0309 2,000 62
Big skates................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 908 6
[[Page 14759]]
C.............. 0.0063 1,850 12
E.............. 0.0063 1,056 7
Longnose skates.............. Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 61 0
C.............. 0.0063 2,513 16
E.............. 0.0063 632 4
Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,919 12
Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 5,591 35
Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,148 7
Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 4,878 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Table 19--Final 2017 GOA Non-Exempt American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessel (CV) Groundfish Harvest Sideboard
Limits
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of 1995-
1997 non- Final 2017 non-
Species Apportionments Area/component exempt AFA CV Final 2017 exempt AFA CV
by season/gear catch to 1995- TACs sideboard
1997 TAC limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 3,769 2,279
January 20-
March 10.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 42,732 4,987
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 12,272 2,489
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.6047 3,769 2,279
10-May 31.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 49,996 5,835
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 5,007 1,015
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.6047 24,060 14,549
25-October 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 15,176 1,771
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 19,529 3,960
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.6047 24,060 14,549
October 1-
November 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.1167 15,175 1,771
Kodiak (630)... 0.2028 19,529 3,960
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.3495 9,209 3,219
SEO (650)...... 0.3495 9,920 3,467
Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W.............. 0.1331 14,699 1,956
January 1-June
10.
C.............. 0.0692 19,175 1,327
B Season,\2\ W.............. 0.1331 9,799 1,304
September 1-
December 31.
C.............. 0.0692 12,783 885
Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0079 5,124 40
E offshore..... 0.0078 569 4
Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 233 ..............
gear.
C.............. 0.0642 736 47
E.............. 0.0433 173 8
Flatfish, Shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0156 13,250 207
C.............. 0.0587 17,680 1,038
E.............. 0.0126 3,925 49
Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 187 ..............
C.............. 0.0647 3,516 227
E.............. 0.0128 5,578 71
Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0007 1,318 1
C.............. 0.0384 4,453 171
E.............. 0.0029 1,736 5
Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0021 14,500 30
C.............. 0.0280 75,000 2,100
E.............. 0.0002 13,800 3
Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0036 8,650 31
[[Page 14760]]
C.............. 0.0213 15,400 328
E.............. 0.0009 3,800 3
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0023 2,709 6
C.............. 0.0748 16,860 1,261
E.............. 0.0466 4,620 215
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0003 430 0
C.............. 0.0277 3,338 92
Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 38 ..............
C.............. 0.0218 301 7
E.............. 0.0110 947 10
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0001 159 0
C.............. 0.0000 3,791 ..............
E.............. 0.0067 334 2
Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 105 ..............
C.............. 0.0237 705 17
E.............. 0.0124 515 6
Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0020 231 0
Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0280 291 8
C.............. 0.0280 988 28
E.............. 0.0280 682 19
Other rockfish............... Annual.......... W/C............ 0.1699 1,534 261
E.............. 0.0000 774 ..............
Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0309 2,000 62
Big skates................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 908 6
C.............. 0.0063 1,850 12
E.............. 0.0063 1,056 7
Longnose skates.............. Annual.......... W.............. 0.0063 61 0
C.............. 0.0063 2,513 16
E.............. 0.0063 632 4
Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,919 12
Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 5,591 35
Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 4,514 28
Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 1,148 7
Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0063 4,878 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Non-Exempt AFA Catcher Vessel Halibut PSC Limits
The halibut PSC sideboard limits for non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA
are based on the aggregate retained groundfish catch by non-exempt AFA
CVs in each PSC target category from 1995 through 1997 divided by the
retained catch of all vessels in that fishery from 1995 through 1997
(Sec. 679.64(b)(4)). Table 20 lists the final 2016 and 2017 non-exempt
AFA CV halibut PSC limits for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA,
respectively. The 2016 and 2017 seasonal apportionments of trawl
halibut PSC limits between the deep-water and shallow-water species
fisheries categories proportionately incorporate reductions made to the
annual trawl halibut PSC limits and associated seasonal apportionments
(see Table 14).
Table 20--Final 2016 and 2017 Non-Exempt AFA CV Halibut Prohibited Species Catch (PSC) Limits for Vessels Using
Trawl Gear in the GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of 1995-
1997 non-
exempt AFA CV 2016 and 2017 2016 and 2017
Season Season dates Target fishery retained catch PSC limit non-exempt AFA
to total CV PSC limit
retained catch
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................... January 20-April 1.. shallow-water....... 0.340 384 131
deep-water.......... 0.070 85 6
2................... April 1-July 1...... shallow-water....... 0.340 85 29
deep-water.......... 0.070 256 18
3................... July 1-September 1.. shallow-water....... 0.340 171 58
deep-water.......... 0.070 341 24
[[Page 14761]]
4................... September 1-October shallow-water....... 0.340 128 44
1.
deep-water.......... 0.070 0 0
5................... October 1-December all targets......... 0.205 256 52
31.
-----------------------------------------------
Total:.......... 1,706 362
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-AFA Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Limitations
Section 680.22 establishes groundfish catch limits for vessels with
a history of participation in the Bering Sea snow crab fishery to
prevent these vessels from using the increased flexibility provided by
the Crab Rationalization Program to expand their level of participation
in the GOA groundfish fisheries. Sideboard limits restrict these
vessels' catch to their collective historical landings in each GOA
groundfish fishery (except the fixed-gear sablefish fishery). Sideboard
limits also apply to catch made using an LLP license derived from the
history of a restricted vessel, even if that LLP license is used on
another vessel.
The basis for these sideboard limits is described in detail in the
final rules implementing the major provisions of Amendments 18 and 19
to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and
Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP) (70 FR 10174, March 2, 2005), Amendment 34 to
the Crab FMP (76 FR 35772, June 20, 2011), Amendment 83 to the GOA FMP
(76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011), and Amendment 45 to the Crab FMP (80
FR 28539, May 19, 2015).
Tables 21 and 22 list the final 2016 and 2017 groundfish sideboard
limitations for non-AFA crab vessels. All targeted or incidental catch
of sideboard species made by non-AFA crab vessels or associated LLP
licenses will be deducted from these sideboard limits.
Table 21--Final 2016 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of 1996-
2000 non-AFA Final 2016 non-
Area/component/ crab vessel Final 2016 AFA crab
Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel
2000 total sideboard
harvest limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 3,827 38
January 20-
March 10.
Chirikof (620). 0.0031 43,374 134
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 12,456 2
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.0098 3,826 37
10-May 31.
Chirikof (620). 0.0031 50,747 157
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 5,083 1
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.0098 24,421 239
25-October 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.0031 15,404 48
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 19,822 4
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 24,421 239
October 1-
November 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.0031 15,402 48
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 19,822 4
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.0000 9,348 ..............
SEO (650)...... 0.0000 9,920 ..............
Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W Jig.......... 0.0000 17,011 ..............
January 1-June
10.
W Hook-and-line 0.0004 17,011 7
CV.
W Pot CV....... 0.0997 17,011 1,696
W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 17,011 133
W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 17,011 12
C Jig.......... 0.0000 22,190 ..............
C Hook-and-line 0.0001 22,190 2
CV.
C Pot CV....... 0.0474 22,190 1,052
C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 22,190 302
C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 22,190 27
B Season \2\.... W Jig.......... 0.0000 11,341 ..............
Jig Gear: June W Hook-and-line 0.0004 11,341 5
10-December 31. CV.
[[Page 14762]]
All other gears: W Pot CV....... 0.0997 11,341 1,131
September 1-
December 31.
W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 11,341 88
W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 11,341 8
C Jig.......... 0.0000 14,794 ..............
C Hook-and-line 0.0001 14,794 1
CV.
C Pot CV....... 0.0474 14,794 701
C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 14,794 201
C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 14,794 18
Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0110 5,930 65
E offshore..... 0.0000 659 ..............
Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 255 ..............
gear.
C.............. 0.0000 805 ..............
E.............. 0.0000 190 ..............
Flatfish, shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0059 13,250 78
C.............. 0.0001 19,242 2
E.............. 0.0000 4,271 ..............
Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0035 186 1
C.............. 0.0000 3,495 ..............
E.............. 0.0000 5,545 ..............
Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 1,315 ..............
C.............. 0.0000 4,445 ..............
E.............. 0.0000 1,733 ..............
Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0004 14,500 6
C.............. 0.0001 75,000 8
E.............. 0.0000 13,800 ..............
Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0002 8,650 2
C.............. 0.0004 15,400 6
E.............. 0.0000 3,782 ..............
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 2,737 ..............
C.............. 0.0000 17,033 ..............
E.............. 0.0000 4,667 ..............
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0005 457 0
C.............. 0.0000 3,547 ..............
Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0013 38 0
C.............. 0.0012 301 0
E.............. 0.0009 947 1
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0017 173 0
C.............. 0.0000 4,147 ..............
E.............. 0.0000 366 ..............
Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0067 105 1
C.............. 0.0047 707 3
E.............. 0.0008 516 0
Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0000 231 ..............
Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0047 291 1
C.............. 0.0066 988 7
E.............. 0.0045 682 3
Other rockfish............... Annual.......... W/C............ 0.0033 1,534 5
E.............. 0.0000 774 ..............
Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0000 2,000 ..............
Big skate.................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 908 36
C.............. 0.0159 1,850 29
E.............. 0.0000 1,056 ..............
Longnose skate............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 61 2
C.............. 0.0159 2,513 40
E.............. 0.0000 632 ..............
Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,919 34
Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 5,591 98
Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,148 20
Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 4,878 86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
[[Page 14763]]
Table 22--Final 2017 GOA Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessel Groundfish Harvest Sideboard Limits
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of 1996-
2000 non-AFA Final 2017
Area/component/ crab vessel Final 2017 non-AFA crab
Species Season/gear gear catch to 1996- TACs vessel
2000 total sideboard
harvest limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 3,769 37
January 20- Chirikof (620). 0.0031 42,732 132
March 10.
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 12,272 2
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.0098 3,769 37
10-May 31. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 49,996 155
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 5,007 1
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.0098 24,060 236
25-October 1. Chirikof (620). 0.0031 15,176 47
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 19,529 4
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.0098 24,060 236
October 1- Chirikof (620). 0.0031 15,175 47
November 1.
Kodiak (630)... 0.0002 19,529 4
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.0000 9,209 ..............
SEO (650)...... 0.0000 9,920 ..............
Pacific cod.................. A Season \1\.... W Jig.......... 0.0000 14,699 ..............
January 1-June W Hook-and-line 0.0004 14,699 6
10. CV.
W Pot CV....... 0.0997 14,699 1,466
W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 14,699 115
W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 14,699 10
C Jig.......... 0.0000 19,175 ..............
C Hook-and-line 0.0001 19,175 2
CV.
C Pot CV....... 0.0474 19,175 909
C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 19,175 261
C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 19,175 23
B Season \2\.... W Jig.......... 0.0000 9,799 ..............
Jig Gear: June W Hook-and-line 0.0004 9,799 4
10-December 31. CV.
All other gears: W Pot CV....... 0.0997 9,799 977
September 1- W Pot C/P...... 0.0078 9,799 76
December 31.
W Trawl CV..... 0.0007 9,799 7
C Jig.......... 0.0000 12,783 ..............
C Hook-and-line 0.0001 12,783 1
CV.
C Pot CV....... 0.0474 12,783 606
C Pot C/P...... 0.0136 12,783 174
C Trawl CV..... 0.0012 12,783 15
Annual.......... E inshore...... 0.0110 5,125 56
E offshore..... 0.0000 569
Sablefish.................... Annual, trawl W.............. 0.0000 233 ..............
gear. C.............. 0.0000 736
E.............. 0.0000 173
Flatfish, shallow-water...... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0059 13,250 78
C.............. 0.0001 17,680 2
E.............. 0.0000 3,925
Flatfish, deep-water......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0035 187 1
C.............. 0.0000 3,516
E.............. 0.0000 5,578
Rex sole..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 1,318 -
C.............. 0.0000 4,453
E.............. 0.0000 1,736
Arrowtooth flounder.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0004 14,500
C.............. 0.0001 75,000
E.............. 0.0000 13,800
Flathead sole................ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0002 8,650 2
C.............. 0.0004 15,400 6
E.............. 0.0000 3,800
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0000 2,709 ..............
C.............. 0.0000 16,860
E.............. 0.0000 4,620
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0005 430 0
C.............. 0.0000 3,338
Shortraker rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0013 38 0
C.............. 0.0012 301 0
E.............. 0.0009 947 1
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0017 159 0
C.............. 0.0000 3,791
E.............. 0.0000 334
[[Page 14764]]
Rougheye rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 0.0067 105 1
C.............. 0.0047 705 3
E.............. 0.0008 515 0
Demersal shelf rockfish...... Annual.......... SEO............ 0.0000 231 ..............
Thornyhead rockfish.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0047 291 1
C.............. 0.0066 988 7
E.............. 0.0045 682 3
Other rockfish............... Annual.......... W/C............ 0.0033 1,534 5
E.............. 0.0000 774
Atka mackerel................ Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0000 2,000 ..............
Big skate.................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 908 36
C.............. 0.0159 1,850 29
E.............. 0.0000 1,056
Longnose..................... Annual.......... W.............. 0.0392 61 2
skate........................ C.............. 0.0159 2,513 40
E.............. 0.0000 632
Other skates................. Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,919 34
Sculpins..................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 5,591 98
Sharks....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 4,514 79
Squids....................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 1,148 20
Octopuses.................... Annual.......... Gulfwide....... 0.0176 4,878 86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Rockfish Program Groundfish Sideboard and Halibut PSC Limitations
The Rockfish Program establishes three classes of sideboard
provisions: CV groundfish sideboard restrictions, C/P rockfish
sideboard restrictions, and C/P opt-out vessel sideboard restrictions.
These sideboards are intended to limit the ability of rockfish
harvesters to expand into other fisheries.
CVs participating in the Rockfish Program may not participate in
directed fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and northern
rockfish in the West Yakutat district and Western GOA from July 1
through July 31. Also, CVs may not participate in directed fishing for
arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA from
July 1 through July 31 (Sec. 679.82(d)).
C/Ps participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives are restricted
by rockfish and halibut PSC sideboard limits. These C/Ps are prohibited
from directed fishing for dusky rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and
northern rockfish in the West Yakutat district and Western GOA from
July 1 through July 31. Holders of C/P-designated LLP licenses that opt
out of participating in a Rockfish Program cooperative will be able to
access that portion of each sideboard limit that is not assigned to
rockfish cooperatives. Tables 23 and 24 list the final 2016 and 2017
Rockfish Program C/P sideboard limits in the West Yakutat district and
the Western GOA. Due to confidentiality requirements associated with
fisheries data, the sideboard limits for the West Yakutat district are
not displayed.
Table 23--Final 2016 Rockfish Program Harvest Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector in the West Yakutat
District and Western GOA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C/P sector (% of Final 2016
Area Fishery TAC) TACs Final 2016 C/P limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Yakutat District.......... Dusky rockfish.... Confidential \1\.. 275 Confidential.\1\
Pacific ocean Confidential \1\.. 2,847 Confidential.\1\
perch.
Western GOA.................... Dusky rockfish.... 72.3.............. 173 125.
Pacific ocean 50.6.............. 2,737 1,385.
perch.
Northern rockfish. 74.3.............. 457 340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS
and the State of Alaska.
[[Page 14765]]
Table 24--Final 2017 Rockfish Program Harvest Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector in the West Yakutat
District and Western GOA
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C/P sector (% of Final 2017
Area Fishery TAC) TACs Final 2017 C/P limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Yakutat District.......... Dusky rockfish.... Confidential \1\.. 251 Confidential.\1\
Pacific ocean Confidential \1\.. 2,818 Confidential.\1\
perch.
Western GOA.................... Dusky rockfish.... 72.3.............. 159 115.
Pacific ocean 50.6.............. 2,709 1,371.
perch.
Northern rockfish. 74.3.............. 430 319.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Not released due to confidentiality requirements associated with fish ticket data, as established by NMFS
and the State of Alaska.
Under the Rockfish Program, the C/P sector is subject to halibut
PSC sideboard limits for the trawl deep-water and shallow-water species
fisheries from July 1 through July 31. No halibut PSC sideboard limits
apply to the CV sector, as vessels participating in cooperatives
receive a portion of the annual halibut PSC limit. C/Ps that opt out of
the Rockfish Program would be able to access that portion of the deep-
water and shallow-water halibut PSC sideboard limit not assigned to C/P
rockfish cooperatives. The sideboard provisions for C/Ps that elect to
opt out of participating in a rockfish cooperative are described in
Sec. 679.82(c), (e), and (f). Sideboard limits are linked to the catch
history of specific vessels that may choose to opt out. After March 1,
NMFS will determine which C/Ps have opted-out of the Rockfish Program
in 2016, and will know the ratios and amounts used to calculate opt-out
sideboard ratios. NMFS will then calculate any applicable opt-out
sideboards and post these allocations on the Alaska Region Web site at
https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/central-goa-rockfish-program.
Table 25 lists the 2016 and 2017 Rockfish Program halibut PSC limits
for the C/P sector. These halibut PSC limits proportionately
incorporate reductions made to the annual trawl halibut PSC limits and
associated season apportionments (see Table 14).
Table 25--Final 2016 and 2017 Rockfish Program Halibut Mortality Limits for the Catcher/Processor Sector
[Values are rounded to the nearest metric ton]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shallow-water Annual shallow- Annual deep- water
species fishery Deep-water species 2016 and 2017 water species species fishery
Sector halibut PSC fishery halibut halibut mortality fishery halibut halibut PSC
sideboard ratio PSC sideboard limit (mt) PSC sideboard sideboard limit
(percent) ratio (percent) limit (mt) (mt)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catcher/processor.............................. 0.10 2.50 1,706 2 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amendment 80 Program Groundfish and PSC Sideboard Limits
Amendment 80 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (Amendment 80 Program)
established a limited access privilege program for the non-AFA trawl C/
P sector. The Amendment 80 Program established groundfish and halibut
PSC catch limits for Amendment 80 Program participants to limit the
ability of participants eligible for the Amendment 80 Program to expand
their harvest efforts in the GOA.
Section 679.92 establishes groundfish harvesting sideboard limits
on all Amendment 80 program vessels, other than the F/V Golden Fleece,
to amounts no greater than the limits listed in Table 37 to 50 CFR part
679. Under Sec. 679.92(d), the F/V Golden Fleece is prohibited from
directed fishing for pollock, Pacific cod, Pacific ocean perch, dusky
rockfish, and northern rockfish in the GOA.
Groundfish sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels
operating in the GOA are based on their average aggregate harvests from
1998 through 2004. Tables 26 and 27 list the final 2016 and 2017
sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels. NMFS will deduct all
targeted or incidental catch of sideboard species made by Amendment 80
Program vessels from the sideboard limits in Tables 26 and 27.
Table 26--Final 2016 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of
Amendment 80 2016 Amendment
Apportionments sector 80 vessel
Species and allocations Area vessels 1998- 2016 TAC (mt) sideboards
by season 2004 catch to (mt)
TAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 3,827 11
January 20-
February 25.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 43,374 87
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 12,456 25
[[Page 14766]]
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.003 3,826 11
10-May 31.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 50,747 101
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 5,083 10
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.003 24,421 73
25-September 15.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 15,404 31
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 19,822 40
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 24,421 73
October 1-
November 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 15,402 31
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 19,822 40
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.002 9,348 19
Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W.............. 0.020 17,011 340
January 1-June
10.
C.............. 0.044 22,190 976
B Season,\2\ W.............. 0.020 11,341 227
September 1-
December 31.
C.............. 0.044 14,794 651
Annual.......... WYK............ 0.034 6,589 224
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.994 2,737 2,721
WYK............ 0.961 2,847 2,736
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 1.000 457 457
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.764 173 132
WYK............ 0.896 275 246
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
Table 27--Final 2017 GOA Groundfish Sideboard Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of
Amendment 80 2017 Amendment
Apportionments sector 80 vessel
Species and allocations Area vessels 1998- 2017 TAC (mt) sideboards
by season 2004 catch to (mt)
TAC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock...................... A Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 3,769 11
January 20-
February 25.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 42,732 85
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 12,272 25
B Season, March Shumagin (610). 0.003 3,769 11
10-May 31.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 49,996 100
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 5,007 10
C Season, August Shumagin (610). 0.003 24,060 72
25-September 15.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 15,176 30
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 19,529 39
D Season, Shumagin (610). 0.003 24,060 72
October 1-
November 1.
Chirikof (620). 0.002 15,175 30
Kodiak (630)... 0.002 19,529 39
Annual.......... WYK (640)...... 0.002 9,209 18
Pacific cod.................. A Season,\1\ W.............. 0.020 14,699 294
January 1-June
10.
C.............. 0.044 19,175 844
B Season,\2\ W.............. 0.020 9,799 196
September 1-
December 31.
C.............. 0.044 12,783 562
Annual.......... WYK............ 0.034 5,694 194
Pacific ocean perch.......... Annual.......... W.............. 0.994 2,709 2,693
WYK............ 0.961 2,818 2,708
Northern rockfish............ Annual.......... W.............. 1.000 430 430
Dusky rockfish............... Annual.......... W.............. 0.764 159 121
[[Page 14767]]
WYK............ 0.896 251 225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Pacific cod A season for trawl gear does not open until January 20.
\2\ The Pacific cod B season for trawl gear closes November 1.
The PSC sideboard limits for Amendment 80 Program vessels in the
GOA are based on the historic use of halibut PSC by Amendment 80
Program vessels in each PSC target category from 1998 through 2004.
These values are slightly lower than the average historic use to
accommodate two factors: allocation of halibut PSC cooperative quota
under the Central GOA Rockfish Program and the exemption of the F/V
Golden Fleece from this restriction (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)). Table 28
lists the final 2016 and 2017 halibut PSC limits for Amendment 80
Program vessels. These tables incorporate the maximum percentages of
the halibut PSC sideboard limits that may be used by Amendment 80
Program vessels as contained in Table 38 to 50 CFR part 679. These
halibut PSC limits proportionately incorporate the reductions made to
the annual trawl halibut PSC limits and associated seasonal
apportionments (see Table 14). Additionally, residual amounts of a
seasonal Amendment 80 sideboard halibut PSC limit may carry forward to
the next season limit (Sec. 679.92(b)(2)).
Table 28--Final 2016 and 2017 Halibut PSC Limits for Amendment 80 Program Vessels in the GOA
[Values are rounded to nearest metric ton]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic
Amendment 80 2016 and 2017
use of the 2016 and 2017 Amendment 80
Season Season dates Target fishery annual halibut annual PSC vessel PSC
PSC limit catch limit (mt) limit
(ratio)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... January 20-April 1......... shallow-water.............. 0.0048 1,706 8
deep-water................. 0.0115 1,706 20
2....................................... April 1-July 1............. shallow-water.............. 0.0189 1,706 32
deep-water................. 0.1072 1,706 183
3....................................... July 1-September 1......... shallow-water.............. 0.0146 1,706 25
deep-water................. 0.0521 1,706 89
4....................................... September 1-October 1...... shallow-water.............. 0.0074 1,706 13
deep-water................. 0.0014 1,706 2
5....................................... October 1-December 31...... shallow-water.............. 0.0227 1,706 39
deep-water................. 0.0371 1,706 63
-----------------
Total............................... ........................... ................ ................ 474
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directed Fishing Closures
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), if the Regional Administrator
determines (1) that any allocation or apportionment of a target species
or species group allocated or apportioned to a fishery will be reached;
or (2) with respect to pollock and Pacific cod, that an allocation or
apportionment to an inshore or offshore component or sector allocation
will be reached, the Regional Administrator may establish a directed
fishing allowance (DFA) for that species or species group. If the
Regional Administrator establishes a DFA and that allowance is or will
be reached before the end of the fishing year, NMFS will prohibit
directed fishing for that species or species group in the specified GOA
regulatory area or district (Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii)).
The Regional Administrator has determined that the TACs for the
species listed in Table 29 are necessary to account for the incidental
catch of these species in other anticipated groundfish fisheries for
the 2016 and 2017 fishing years.
Table 29--2016 and 2017 Directed Fishing Closures in the GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incidental catch amount and year (if
Target Area/component/gear amounts differ by year)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pollock................................ all/offshore.............. not applicable.\1\
Sablefish \2\.......................... all/trawl................. 1,250 (2016), 1,142 (2017).
[[Page 14768]]
Pacific cod............................ Western, catcher/ 657 (2016), 567 (2017).
processor, trawl. 1,537 (2016), 1,328 (2017).
Central, catcher/
processor, trawl.
Shortraker rockfish \2\................ all....................... 1,286.
Rougheye rockfish \2\.................. all....................... 1,328 (2016).
1,325 (2017).
Thornyhead rockfish \2\................ all....................... 1,961.
Other rockfish......................... all....................... 2,308.
Atka mackerel.......................... all....................... 2,000.
Big skate.............................. all....................... 3,814.
Longnose skate......................... all....................... 3,206.
Other skates........................... all....................... 1,919.
Sharks................................. all....................... 4,514.
Squids................................. all....................... 1,148.
Octopuses.............................. all....................... 4,878.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pollock is closed to directed fishing in the GOA by the offshore component under Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(i).
\2\ Closures not applicable to participants in cooperatives conducted under the Central GOA Rockfish Program.
Consequently, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the
Regional Administrator establishes the DFA for the species or species
groups listed in Table 29 as zero mt. Therefore, in accordance with
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for those
species, areas, gear types, and components in the GOA listed in Table
29. These closures will remain in effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t.,
December 31, 2017.
Section 679.64(b)(5) provides for management of AFA CV groundfish
harvest limits and PSC bycatch limits using directed fishing closures
and PSC closures according to procedures set out at Sec. Sec.
679.20(d)(1)(iv), 679.21(d)(6), and 679.21(e)(3)(v). The Regional
Administrator has determined that, in addition to the closures listed
above, many of the non-exempt AFA CV sideboard limits listed in Tables
18 and 19 are necessary as incidental catch to support other
anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2016 and 2017 fishing years.
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iv), the Regional Administrator
sets the DFAs for the species and species groups in Table 30 at zero
mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing by non-exempt AFA CVs in the GOA for the
species and specified areas listed in Table 30. These closures will
remain in effect through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2017.
Table 30--2016 and 2017 Non-Exempt AFA CV Sideboard Directed Fishing
Closures for All Gear Types in the GOA
[Amounts for incidental catch in other directed fisheries are in metric
tons]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory area/ Incidental catch
Species district amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific cod................. Eastern............. 47 (inshore) and 5
(offshore) [2016].
40 (inshore) and 4
(offshore) [2017].
Shallow-water flatfish...... Eastern............. 54 in 2016, 49 in
2017.
Deep-water flatfish......... Western............. 0.
Rex sole.................... Eastern and Western. 5 and 1.
Arrowtooth flounder......... Eastern and Western. 3 and 30.
Flathead sole............... Eastern and Western. 3 and 31.
Pacific ocean perch......... Western............. 6.
Northern rockfish........... Western............. 0.
Dusky rockfish.............. Entire GOA.......... 2.
Demersal shelf rockfish..... SEO District........ 0.
Sculpins.................... Entire GOA.......... 35.
Squids...................... Entire GOA.......... 7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 680.22 provides for the management of non-AFA crab vessel
sideboards using directed fishing closures in accordance with Sec.
680.22(e)(2) and (3). The Regional Administrator has determined that
the non-AFA crab vessel sideboards listed in Tables 21 and 22 are
insufficient to support a directed fishery and has set the sideboard
DFA at zero mt, with the exception of Pacific cod pot CV sector
apportionments in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas. Therefore,
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing by non-AFA crab vessels in the GOA
for all species and species groups listed in Tables 21 and 22, with the
exception of the Pacific cod pot CV sector apportionments in the
Western and Central Regulatory Areas.
Closures implemented under the 2015 and 2016 GOA harvest
specifications for groundfish (80 FR 10250, February 25, 2015) remain
effective under authority of these final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, and are posted at the following Web site: https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/infobulletins/search. While these closures are
in effect, the maximum retainable amounts
[[Page 14769]]
at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a fishing trip.
These closures to directed fishing are in addition to closures and
prohibitions found at 50 CFR part 679. NMFS may implement other
closures during the 2016 and 2017 fishing years as necessary for
effective conservation and management.
Comments and Responses
NMFS received two comment letters containing five substantive
comments during the public comment period on the proposed 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA. No changes were made
to this final rule in response to the comment letters received. These
comments are summarized and responded to below.
Comment 1: Each commenter expressed general support for the GOA
harvest specifications.
Response: NMFS acknowledges these comments.
Comment 2: The removal of catch limits, such as the Pacific cod
sideboard limits established for hook-and-line C/Ps, should not be
implemented as described in the proposed GOA harvest specifications.
Response: As described in the preamble of this notice and in the
proposed 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for the GOA (80 FR 76405,
December 9, 2015), NMFS previously published a final rule implementing
regulations associated with Amendment 45 to the FMP for Bering Sea/
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Amendment 45) (80 FR 28539, May
19, 2015). Regulations implemented through Amendment 45 directly affect
the harvest specifications process for establishing sideboard limits
for a specific industry sector. Amendment 45 requires that NMFS
permanently remove Pacific cod sideboard limits applicable to specified
hook-and-line catcher/processors (C/P) in the Western and Central GOA
regulatory areas once it receives an affidavit affirming that all
eligible participants in these regulatory areas recommend removal of
the sideboard limits. NMFS received an affidavit that all eligible
fishery participants in the Western and Central GOA recommend removal
of these sideboard limits. By removing the Pacific cod sideboard limits
for the hook-and-line C/P sector from Tables 21 and 22 of this rule,
NMFS incorporates the regulatory changes made under Amendment 45 into
this final rule.
Comment 3: Hook-and-line gear has hazardous effects on local
species and ecosystems. For example, if fishing line is lost or
improperly discarded in the ocean, it will likely be consumed by a wide
variety of animals such as birds, marine mammals, and fish. Because
Laysan albatross dive for their prey, increased fishing in hook-and-
line fishery may increase the mortality of this species from
entanglements.
Response: Hook-and-line gear is a legal gear type in the Gulf of
Alaska for Pacific cod and a variety of other species. Hook-and-line
gear is authorized under both the FMP (available at https://www.npfmc.org/wp-content/PDFdocuments/fmp/GOA/GOAfmp.pdf) and
regulations at 50 CFR part 679. NMFS monitors the catch of all
federally-managed groundfish species in the GOA, by gear type, as part
of its fisheries monitoring and catch accounting procedures. This catch
information is incorporated into the annual SAFE reports prepared to
assess the biomass and population trends for groundfish species (see
ADDRESSES). The annual SAFE report includes an ``Ecosystem
Considerations'' chapter that describes and discusses the latest trends
associated with physical, environmental, ecosystem, and fisheries
components of the GOA. The Plan Team, SSC, and Council use this
information during the annual harvest specifications as it considers
current and future environmental trends that may affect the TAC limits.
NMFS regularly monitors the effects of hook-and-line fisheries and
other commercial fisheries on marine mammal stocks. For example, the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires NMFS to review marine
mammal stock assessment reports annually for stocks designated as
strategic, annually for stocks where there are significant new
information available, and at least once every 3 years for all other
stocks. Each marine mammal stock assessment includes, when available,
estimates of annual human-caused mortality and serious injury from
interactions with commercial fisheries and subsistence hunters. These
data are used to evaluate the progress of each fishery towards
achieving the MMPA's goal of zero fishery-related mortality and serious
injury of marine mammals. The most recent (2014) Alaska Marine Mammal
stock assessment was released in August 2015 and can be downloaded at
https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/region.htm. In addition, further
information on the effects of commercial fisheries can be found in
section 5.3.10 of the SIR.
The Alaska Region has been actively addressing seabird incidental
take in hook-and-line fisheries off Alaska since 1989. The seabird-
related responsibilities and activities include: Consultations under
the Endangered Species Act, data collection by fishery observers,
public and industry outreach and education, research, regulatory action
to employ multiple seabird avoidance measures, and participation in the
development of actions to reduce the incidental take of seabirds in
Alaska fisheries. NMFS has implemented and revised seabird avoidance
measures to mitigate interactions between the federal hook-and-line
fisheries and seabirds (see 62 FR 23176, April 29, 1997; 63 FR 1930,
January 13, 2004; 72 FR 71610, December 18, 2007; 74 FR 13355, March
27, 2009). Currently, operators of vessels longer than 26 ft LOA using
hook-and-line gear are required to comply with regulatory seabird
avoidance measures (see 50 CFR 679.24(e)(2). Section 5.3.9 of the SIR
notes, 2013 seabird estimated bycatch numbers for the combined
groundfish fisheries are the lowest since NMFS began estimating bycatch
in 1993 (see also https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/REFM/REEM/Seabirds/Seabird%20bycatch%202007%20to%202013_Alaskan%20Gndfish_Dec2014.pdf).
Comment 4: Hook-and-line fishing will have an effect on average
sizes of certain species of fish. For example, hook-and-line gear tends
to catch older, larger Pacific cod because smaller fish are unable to
be hooked. This leads to a shift in the Pacific cod population dynamic.
Smaller fish will prey on smaller organisms such as zooplankton,
putting increased pressure on the foundation of the foodweb. Therefore,
NMFS should revise the harvest specifications to limit the use of hook-
and-line gear.
Response: Pacific cod is a stock fished by multiple gear types.
Amendment 83 to the FMP (76 FR 74670, December 1, 2011) implemented
regulations on the amounts of the Western and Central GOA Pacific cod
TACs allocated to the hook-and-line sectors. Changing the amount of
these regulatory allocations for hook-and-line gear is outside the
scope of these final 2016 and 2017 harvest specification for the GOA.
The Environmental Assessment for Amendment 83 determined that Amendment
83 would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment.
In addition, all beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed action
have been addressed to reach the conclusion of no significant impacts
(https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/analyses/earirfrfa0911.pdf).
The primary categories of information considered in the stock
assessment are catch, abundance, and biology. The catch data includes
the gear type and length, the abundance data (biomass
[[Page 14770]]
and numbers of fish) from surveys includes length and age, and the
biological data includes information on fish size, age, reproductive
rates, and movement. The effects of using hook-and-line gear is
incorporated in the stock assessment and informs NMFS on changes in
Pacific cod population dynamics. Also, an evaluation of the effects of
the GOA Pacific cod fisheries on the ecosystem is conducted annually in
the Ecosystem Considerations chapter and in the groundfish SAFE. The
Ecosystems Consideration chapter includes detailed information and
updates on the status and trends of ecosystem components, like
zooplankton, as well as either early signals of direct human effects on
ecosystem components that might warrant management intervention or
evidence of the efficacy of previous management actions. Based on the
Ecosystem Considerations chapter in the 2015 SAFE report, NMFS
concludes that the current GOA Pacific cod fishery does not produce
population-level impacts to marine species or change ecosystem-level
attributes beyond the range of natural variation.
Comment 5: Trawl fishing should not be allowed in the GOA because
of negative environmental consequences such as disturbing non-target
species and increased sedimentation in the ocean. Therefore, NMFS
should revise the harvest specifications to limit the use of trawl
fishing gear.
Response: Trawl gear is a legal gear type in the Gulf of Alaska for
a variety of groundfish species. Similar to hook-and-line gear, pelagic
and non-pelagic trawl gear are authorized under both the FMP and
regulations at 50 CFR part 679.
The Council and NMFS have taken a variety of measures to control
the use of trawl gear and the impacts of trawl gear on non-target
species and marine habitat. In a recent example, NMFS established a no-
trawl protection area in Marmot Bay, northeast of Kodiak Island and
required the use of modified nonpelagic trawl gear when fishing for
flatfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA (79 FR 2794),
January 16, 2014). The Council conducts a complete review of Essential
Fish Habitat once every 5 years, and regularly solicits proposals on
Habitat Areas of Particular Concern and/or conservation and enhancement
measures to minimize potential adverse effects from fishing. More
broadly, the Council and NMFS have incorporated habitat provisions set
forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
into the FMP (available at https://www.npfmc.org, see Section 4.2).
Classification
NMFS has determined that these final harvest specifications are
consistent with the FMP and with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other
applicable laws.
This action is authorized under 50 CFR 679.20 and is exempt from
review under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563.
NMFS prepared an EIS for this action (see ADDRESSES) and made it
available to the public on January 12, 2007 (72 FR 1512). On February
13, 2007, NMFS issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the EIS. In
January 2015, NMFS prepared a Supplemental Information Report (SIR) for
this action. Copies of the EIS, ROD, and SIR for this action are
available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The EIS analyzes the environmental
consequences of the groundfish harvest specifications and alternative
harvest strategies on resources in the action area. The EIS found no
significant environmental consequences of this action and its
alternatives. The preferred alternative is a harvest strategy in which
TACs are set at a level that falls within the range of ABCs recommended
by the Council's SSC; the sum of the TACs must achieve the OY specified
in the FMP. The SIR evaluates the need to prepare a Supplemental EIS
(SEIS) for the 2016 and 2017 groundfish harvest specifications.
An SEIS should be prepared if (1) the agency makes substantial
changes in the proposed action that are relevant to environmental
concerns, or (2) significant new circumstances or information exist
relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed action
or its impacts (40 CFR 1502.9(c)(1)). After reviewing the information
contained in the SIR and SAFE reports, the Regional Administrator has
determined that (1) approval of the 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications, which were set according to the preferred harvest
strategy in the EIS, do not constitute a substantial change in the
action; and (2) there are no significant new circumstances or
information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the
action or its impacts. Additionally, the 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications will result in environmental impacts within the scope of
those analyzed and disclosed in the EIS. Therefore, supplemental
National Environmental Policy Act documentation is not necessary to
implement the 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications.
Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires that, when
an agency promulgates a final rule under section 553 of Title 5 of the
United States Code, after being required by that section, or any other
law, to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking, the agency
shall prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA).
Section 604 describes the required contents of a FRFA: (1) A
statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule; (2) a statement
of the significant issues raised by the public comments in response to
the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a statement of the
assessment of the agency of such issues, and a statement of any changes
made in the proposed rule as a result of such comments; (3) the
response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration in response to the
proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change made to the
proposed rule in the final rule as a result of the comments; (4) a
description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to which
the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate is
available; (5) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping
and other compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of
the classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement
and the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the
report or record; (6) a description of the steps the agency has taken
to minimize the significant economic impact on small entities
consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, including
a statement of the factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the
alternative adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other
significant alternatives to the rule considered by the agency which
affect the impact on small entities was rejected.
A description of this action, its purpose, and its legal basis are
contained at the beginning of the preamble to this final rule and are
not repeated here.
NMFS published the proposed rule on December 9, 2015 (80 FR 76405).
NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to
accompany this action, and included a summary in the proposed rule. The
comment period closed on January 8, 2016. No comments were received on
the IRFA or the economic impacts of the rule more generally.
The entities directly regulated by this action include (1) entities
operating vessels with groundfish FFPs catching FMP groundfish in
Federal waters; (2) all entities operating vessels, regardless of
whether they hold groundfish FFPs, catching FMP groundfish in the
state-waters parallel fisheries; and (3) all
[[Page 14771]]
entities operating vessels fishing for halibut inside three miles of
the shore (whether or not they have FFPs).
The Small Business Administration has established size standards
for all major industry sectors in the United States. A business
primarily involved in finfish harvesting is classified as a small
business if it is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in
its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has combined
annual gross receipts not in excess of $20.5 million, for all its
affiliated operations worldwide. Fishing vessels are considered small
entities if their total annual gross receipts, from all their
activities combined, are less than $20.5 million. The IRFA estimates
the number of harvesting vessels that are considered small entities,
but these estimates may overstate the number of small entities because
(1) some vessels may also be active as tender vessels in the salmon
fishery, fish in areas other than Alaska and the West Coast, or
generate revenue from other non-fishing sources; and (2) all
affiliations are not taken into account, especially if the vessel has
affiliations not tracked in available data (i.e., ownership of multiple
vessel or affiliation with processors) and may be misclassified as a
small entity.
Based on data from 2014 fishing activity, there were 915 individual
catcher vessel entities with gross revenues meeting small entity
criteria. Of these entities, 853 used hook-and-line gear, 97 used pot
gear, and 34 used trawl gear (some of these entities used more than one
gear type, thus the counts of entities using the different gear types
do not sum to the total number of entities above). Four individual
catcher/processors met the small entity criterion; three used hook-and-
line gear, and one used trawl gear. Catcher/processor gross revenues
were not reported for confidentiality reasons, however hook-and-line
small entities had average gross revenues of $400,000, small pot
entities had average gross revenues of $740,000, and small trawl
entities had average gross revenues of $2.5 million.
Some of these vessels are members of AFA inshore pollock
cooperatives, of GOA rockfish cooperatives, or of Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands crab rationalization cooperatives and, therefore,
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) it is the aggregate gross
receipts of all participating members of the cooperative that must meet
the threshold. Vessels that participate in these cooperatives are
considered to be large entities within the meaning of the RFA. These
relationships are accounted for, along with corporate affiliations
among vessels, to the extent that they are known, in the estimated
number of small entities. If affiliations exist of which NMFS is
unaware, or if entities had non-fishing revenue sources, the estimates
above may overstate the number of directly regulated small entities.
This action does not modify recordkeeping or reporting
requirements.
NMFS considered other, alternative harvest strategies when choosing
the preferred harvest strategy (Alternative 2) in December 2006. These
included the following:
Alternative 1: Set TACs to produce fishing mortality
rates, F, that are equal to maxFABC, unless the sum of the TACs is
constrained by the OY established in the FMPs. This is equivalent to
setting TACs to produce harvest levels equal to the maximum permissible
ABCs, as constrained by OY. The term ``maxFABC'' refers to the maximum
permissible value of FABC under Amendment 56 to the groundfish FMPs.
Historically, the TAC has been set at or below the ABC, therefore, this
alternative represents a likely upper limit for setting the TAC within
the OY and ABC limits.
Alternative 3: For species in Tiers 1, 2, and 3, set TAC
to produce F equal to the most recent 5-year average actual F. For
species in Tiers 4, 5, and 6, set TAC equal to the most recent 5-year
average actual catch. For stocks with a high level of scientific
information, TACs would be set to produce harvest levels equal to the
most recent 5-year average actual fishing mortality rates. For stocks
with insufficient scientific information, TACs would be set equal to
the most recent 5-year average actual catch. This alternative
recognizes that for some stocks, catches may fall well below ABCs, and
recent average F may provide a better indicator of actual F than FABC
does.
Alternative 4: (1) Set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 3
at F75%. Set TACs for rockfish species in Tier 5 at F=0.5M. Set
spatially explicit TACs for shortraker and rougheye rockfish in the
GOA. (2) Taking the rockfish TACs as calculated above, reduce all other
TACs by a proportion that does not vary across species, so that the sum
of all TACs, including rockfish TACs, is equal to the lower bound of
the area OY (116,000 mt in the GOA). This alternative sets conservative
and spatially explicit TACs for rockfish species that are long-lived
and late to mature and sets conservative TACs for the other groundfish
species.
Alternative 5: (No Action) Set TACs at zero.
These four alternatives do not meet the objectives of this action
although they have a smaller adverse economic impact on small entities
than the preferred alternative. The Council rejected these alternatives
as harvest strategies in 2006, and the Secretary did so in 2007.
Alternative 1 selected harvest rates that will allow fishermen to
harvest stocks at the level of ABCs, unless total harvests are
constrained by the upper bound of the GOA OY of 800,000 metric tons.
The sums of ABCs in 2016 and 2017 are 727,684 mt and 708,629 mt,
respectively. The sums of the TACs in 2016 and 2017 are 590,809 mt and
573,872 mt, respectively. Thus, although the sum of ABCs in each year
is less than 800,000 metric tons, the sums of the TACs in each year are
less than the sums of the ABCs.
In most cases, the Council has set TACs equal to ABCs. The
divergence between aggregate TACs and aggregate ABCs reflects a variety
of special species- and fishery-specific circumstances:
Pacific cod TACs are set equal to 70 percent in the
Western GOA and 75 percent in the Central GOA of the Pacific cod ABCs
in each year to account for the guideline harvest levels (GHL) set by
the State of Alaska for its GHL Pacific cod fisheries (30 and 25
percent, respectively, of the Western and Central GOA ABCs). Thus, the
difference between the Federal TACs and ABCs does not actually reflect
a Pacific cod harvest below the Pacific cod ABC, as the balance is
available for the State's cod GHL fisheries.
Shallow-water flatfish and flathead sole TACs are set
below ABCs in the Western and Central GOA regulatory areas. Arrowtooth
flounder TACs are set below ABC in all GOA regulatory areas. Catches of
these flatfish species rarely, if ever, approach the proposed ABCs or
TACs. Important trawl fisheries in the GOA take halibut PSC, and are
constrained by limits on the allowable halibut PSC mortality. These
limits may force the closure of trawl fisheries before they have
harvested the available groundfish ABC. Thus, actual harvests of
groundfish in the GOA routinely fall short of some ABCs and TACs.
Markets can also constrain harvests below the TACs, as has been the
case with arrowtooth flounder, in the past. These TACs are set to allow
for increased harvest opportunities for these targets while conserving
the halibut PSC limit for use in other, more fully utilized, fisheries.
[[Page 14772]]
The other rockfish TAC is set below the ABC in the
Southeast Outside district based on several factors. In addition to
conservation concerns for the rockfish species in this group, there is
a regulatory prohibition against using trawl gear east of 140[deg] W.
longitude. Because most species of other rockfish are caught
exclusively with trawl gear, the catch of such species with other gear
types, such as hook-and-line, is low. The commercial catch of other
rockfish in the Eastern regulatory area, which includes the West
Yakutat and Southeast Outside districts, has ranged from approximately
70 mt to 248 mt per year over the last decade.
The GOA-wide Atka mackerel TAC is set below the ABC. The
estimates of survey biomass continue to be unreliable in the GOA.
Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS agrees that the Atka
mackerel TAC in the GOA be set at an amount to support incidental catch
in other directed fisheries.
Alternative 3 selects harvest rates based on the most recent 5
years of harvest rates (for species in Tiers 1 through 3) or for the
most recent 5 years of harvests (for species in Tiers 4 through 6).
This alternative is inconsistent with the objectives of this action,
because it does not take account of the most recent biological
information for this fishery.
Alternative 4 would lead to significantly lower harvests of all
species to reduce TACs from the upper end of the OY range in the GOA to
its lower end of 116,000 mt. Overall, this would reduce 2016 TACs by
about 80 percent. This would lead to significant reductions in harvests
of species by small entities. While production declines in the GOA
would undoubtedly be associated with price increases in the GOA, these
increases would still be constrained by the availability of
substitutes, and are very unlikely to offset revenue declines from
smaller production. Thus, this action would have a detrimental economic
impact on small entities.
Alternative 5, which sets all harvests equal to zero, may also
address conservation issues, but would have a significant adverse
economic impact on small entities.
Impacts on marine mammals resulting from fishing activities
conducted under this rule are discussed in the EIS and SIR (see
ADDRESSES).
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NOAA, finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in
effectiveness for this rule because delaying this rule would be
contrary to the public interest. The Plan Team review occurred in
November 2015, and Council consideration and recommendations occurred
in December 2015. Accordingly, NMFS' review could not begin until
January 2016. For all fisheries not currently closed because the TACs
established under the final 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications (80 FR
10250, February 25, 2015) were not reached, it is possible that they
would be closed prior to the expiration of a 30-day delayed
effectiveness period, because their TACs could be reached within that
period. If implemented immediately, this rule would allow these
fisheries to continue because the new TACs implemented by this rule are
higher than the ones under which they are currently fishing.
Certain fisheries, such as those for pollock and Pacific cod, are
intensive, fast-paced fisheries. Other fisheries, such as those for
sablefish, flatfish, rockfish, Atka mackerel, skates, sculpins, sharks,
squids, and octopuses, are critical as directed fisheries and as
incidental catch in other fisheries. U.S. fishing vessels have
demonstrated the capacity to catch the TAC allocations in many of these
fisheries. If this rule allowed for a 30-day delay in effectiveness and
if a TAC were reached during those 30 days, NMFS would close directed
fishing or prohibit retention for the applicable species. Any delay in
allocating the final TACs in these fisheries would cause confusion to
the industry and potential economic harm through unnecessary discards,
thus undermining the intent of this rule. Waiving the 30-day delay
allows NMFS to prevent economic loss to fishermen that could otherwise
occur should the 2016 TACs be reached. Determining which fisheries may
close is impossible because these fisheries are affected by several
factors that cannot be predicted in advance, including fishing effort,
weather, movement of fishery stocks, and market price. Furthermore, the
closure of one fishery has a cascading effect on other fisheries by
freeing-up fishing vessels, allowing them to move from closed fisheries
to open ones, increasing the fishing capacity in those open fisheries,
and causing them to close at an accelerated pace.
In fisheries subject to declining sideboard limits, a failure to
implement the updated sideboard limits before initial season's end
could deny the intended economic protection to the non-sideboarded
sectors. Conversely, in fisheries with increasing sideboard limits,
economic benefit could be denied to the sideboard limited sectors.
If the final harvest specifications are not effective by March 19,
2016, which is the start of the 2016 Pacific halibut season as
specified by the IPHC, the hook-and-line sablefish fishery will not
begin concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season. This would
result in confusion for the industry and economic harm from unnecessary
discard of sablefish that are caught along with Pacific halibut, as
both hook-and-line sablefish and Pacific halibut are managed under the
same IFQ program. Immediate effectiveness of the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications will allow the sablefish IFQ fishery to begin
concurrently with the Pacific halibut IFQ season.
In addition, the immediate effectiveness of this action is required
to provide consistent management and conservation of fishery resources
based on the best available scientific information. This is
particularly true for those species that have lower 2016 ABCs and TACs
than those established in the 2015 and 2016 harvest specifications (80
FR 10250, February 25, 2015). Immediate effectiveness also would give
the fishing industry the earliest possible opportunity to plan and
conduct its fishing operations with respect to new information about
TACs. Therefore, NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in
effectiveness under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
Small Entity Compliance Guide
This final rule is a plain language guide to assist small entities
in complying with this final rule as required by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This final rule's primary
purpose is to announce the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications
and prohibited species bycatch allowances for the groundfish fisheries
of the GOA. This action is necessary to establish harvest limits and
associated management measures for groundfish during the 2016 and 2017
fishing years, and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the FMP.
This action affects all fishermen who participate in the GOA fisheries.
The specific amounts of OFL, ABC, TAC, and PSC are provided in tables
to assist the reader. NMFS will announce closures of directed fishing
in the Federal Register and information bulletins released by the
Alaska Region. Affected fishermen should keep themselves informed of
such closures.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1540 (f), 1801 et
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 106-31; Pub.
L. 106-554; Pub. L. 108-199; Pub. L. 108-447; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub.
L 109-479.
[[Page 14773]]
Dated: March 14, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06183 Filed 3-17-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
