Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area., 19058-19059 [2016-07613]
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19058
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
squid [Dosidicus gigas,]
Onychoteuthidae, and
Thysanoteuthidae).
(b) Directed commercial fishing for
Shared EC Species. For the purposes of
this section, ‘‘directed commercial
fishing’’ means that a fishing vessel
lands Shared EC Species without
landing any species other than Shared
EC Species, or lands Shared EC Species
with other species and in amounts more
than:
(1) 10 mt combined weight of all
Shared EC Species from any fishing trip;
or
(2) 30 mt combined weight of all
Shared EC Species in any calendar year.
§ 660.6
Prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions
specified in § 600.725 of this chapter,
and the other prohibitions specified in
this part, it is unlawful for any person
to:
(a) Directed commercial fishing.
Engage in directed commercial fishing
for Shared EC Species from a vessel
engaged in commercial fishing within
the EEZ off Washington, Oregon, or
California. This prohibition does not
apply to:
(1) Fishing authorized by the Hoh,
Makah, or Quileute Indian Tribes, or by
the Quinault Indian Nation, or
(2) Fishing trips conducted entirely
within state marine waters.
(b) At-sea processing. At-sea
processing of Shared EC Species is
prohibited within the EEZ, except while
processing groundfish in accordance
with subpart D of this part.
4. In § 660.112, add paragraphs (d)(16)
and (e)(10) to read as follows:
■
§ 660.112
Trawl fishery—prohibitions.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(d) * * *
(16) Retain and process more than 1
mt of Shared EC Species other than
squid species in any calendar year; or,
retain and process more than 40 mt of
any Shared EC squid species in any
calendar year.
(e) * * *
(10) Retain and process more than 1
mt of Shared EC Species other than
squid species in any calendar year; or,
retain and process more than 40 mt of
any Shared EC squid species in any
calendar year.
[FR Doc. 2016–07516 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
remain anonymous).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
50 CFR Part 679
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[Docket No. 150916863–6211–02]
RIN 0648–XE551
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area.
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of
closure.
AGENCY:
NMFS is opening directed
fishing for northern rockfish in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (BSAI). This action is
necessary to fully use the 2016 total
allowable catch (TAC) of northern
rockfish in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), March 30, 2016, through
2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2016.
Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., April 19, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by NOAA–
NMFS–2015–0118, by any of the
following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to:
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20150118, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: Submit written comments to
Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn:
Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O.
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668.
Instructions: Comments sent by any
other method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the end of
the comment period, may not be
considered by NMFS. All comments
received are a part of the public record
and will generally be posted for public
viewing on www.regulations.gov
without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address),
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information
submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. NMFS will
accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00038
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Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI according to the Fishery
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (FMP) prepared by
the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council under authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act.
Regulations governing fishing by U.S.
vessels in accordance with the FMP
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
Pursuant to the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18,
2016), NMFS closed the directed fishery
for northern rockfish under
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
As of March 28, 2016, NMFS has
determined that approximately 3,200
metric tons of northern rockfish initial
TAC remains unharvested in the BSAI.
Therefore, in accordance with
§ 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and
(a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the
2016 TAC of northern rockfish in the
BSAI, NMFS is terminating the previous
closure and is opening directed fishing
for northern rockfish in the BSAI. This
will enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of harvesters in this area. The
Administrator, Alaska Region (Regional
Administrator) considered the following
factors in reaching this decision: (1) The
current catch of northern rockfish in the
BSAI and, (2) the harvest capacity and
stated intent on future harvesting
patterns of vessels in participating in
this fishery.
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and § 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as
such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This
requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it
would prevent NMFS from responding
to the most recent fisheries data in a
timely fashion and would delay the
opening of northern rockfish in the
BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a
notice providing time for public
comment because the most recent,
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04APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
relevant data only became available as
of March 28, 2016.
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
Without this inseason adjustment,
NMFS could not allow the fishery for
northern rockfish in the BSAI to be
harvested in an expedient manner and
in accordance with the regulatory
schedule. Under § 679.25(c)(2),
interested persons are invited to submit
written comments on this action to the
above address until April 19, 2016.
This action is required by §§ 679.20
and 679.25 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 30, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–07613 Filed 3–30–16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150818742–6210–02]
RIN 0648–XE556
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by
Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
AGENCY:
NMFS is prohibiting directed
fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using
pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area
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SUMMARY:
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17:02 Apr 01, 2016
Jkt 238001
of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action
is necessary to prevent exceeding the A
season allowance of the 2016 Pacific
cod total allowable catch apportioned to
vessels using pot gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), March 31, 2016,
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10,
2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Josh
Keaton, 907–586–7228.
NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone
according to the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council
under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. Regulations governing
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance
with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50
CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
Regulations governing sideboard
protections for GOA groundfish
fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR
part 680.
The A season allowance of the 2016
Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC)
apportioned to vessels using pot gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
is 8,028 metric tons (mt), as established
by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA
(81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016) and
reallocation (81 FR 15650, March 24,
2016).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i),
the Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS (Regional Administrator) has
determined that the A season allowance
of the 2016 Pacific cod TAC
apportioned to vessels using pot gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a
directed fishing allowance of 8,018 mt
and is setting aside the remaining 10 mt
as bycatch to support other anticipated
groundfish fisheries. In accordance with
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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19059
Administrator finds that this directed
fishing allowance has been reached.
Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting
directed fishing for Pacific cod by
vessels using pot gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA. After the
effective date of this closure the
maximum retainable amounts at
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
during a trip.
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would
delay the directed fishing closure of
Pacific cod for vessels using pot gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment
because the most recent, relevant data
only became available as of March 29,
2016.
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
This action is required by § 679.20
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 30, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–07599 Filed 3–30–16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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04APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19058-19059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07613]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863-6211-02]
RIN 0648-XE551
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern
Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is
necessary to fully use the 2016 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern
rockfish in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 30, 2016,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2016. Comments must be received
at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., April 19,
2016.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by
NOAA-NMFS-2015-0118, by any of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0118, click the
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or
attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region
NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau,
AK 99802-1668.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period,
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information,
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations
governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at
subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
Pursuant to the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016), NMFS closed the
directed fishery for northern rockfish under Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
As of March 28, 2016, NMFS has determined that approximately 3,200
metric tons of northern rockfish initial TAC remains unharvested in the
BSAI. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(i),
(a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the 2016 TAC of
northern rockfish in the BSAI, NMFS is terminating the previous closure
and is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the BSAI. This
will enhance the socioeconomic well-being of harvesters in this area.
The Administrator, Alaska Region (Regional Administrator) considered
the following factors in reaching this decision: (1) The current catch
of northern rockfish in the BSAI and, (2) the harvest capacity and
stated intent on future harvesting patterns of vessels in participating
in this fishery.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and Sec. 679.25(c)(1)(ii) as such
requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This
requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it
would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in
a timely fashion and would delay the opening of northern rockfish in
the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public
comment because the most recent,
[[Page 19059]]
relevant data only became available as of March 28, 2016.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery
for northern rockfish in the BSAI to be harvested in an expedient
manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under Sec.
679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments
on this action to the above address until April 19, 2016.
This action is required by Sec. Sec. 679.20 and 679.25 and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 30, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07613 Filed 3-30-16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P