Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Annual Specifications and Management Measures for the 2016 Tribal and Non-Tribal Fisheries for Pacific Whiting, 30203-30215 [2016-11329]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30203-30215]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11329]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 160126053-6398-02]
RIN 0648-BF74


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Annual Specifications and Management 
Measures for the 2016 Tribal and Non-Tribal Fisheries for Pacific 
Whiting

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule for the 2016 Pacific whiting 
fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 
2006. This final rule announces the 2016 U.S. Total Allowable Catch 
(TAC) of 367,553 metric tons of Pacific whiting, establishes the tribal 
allocation of 64,322 metric tons, establishes a set-aside for research 
and bycatch of 1,500 metric tons, and announces the allocations of 
Pacific whiting to the non-tribal fishery for 2016. This rule will 
ensure that the 2016 Pacific whiting fishery is managed in accordance 
with the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the FMP, the 
Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, and other applicable laws.

DATES: Effective May 12, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Miako Ushio (West Coast Region, NMFS), 
phone: 206-526-4644, and email: Miako.Ushio@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    This final rule is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the 
Federal Register Web site at https://www.federalregister.gov. 
Background information and documents are available at the NMFS West 
Coast Region Web site at https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/whiting/pacific_whiting.html and at the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council's Web site at https://www.pcouncil.org/.
    The final environmental impact statement (FEIS) regarding Harvest 
Specifications and Management Measures for 2015-2016 and Biennial 
Periods Thereafter is available on the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region 
Web site at: www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/nepa/groundfish/groundfish_nepa_documents.html and copies are available from 
Donald McIsaac, Executive Director, Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council), 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Portland, OR 97220, phone: 503-
820-2280.

Background

    This final rule announces the TAC for Pacific whiting, expressed in 
metric tons (mt). This is the fifth year that the TAC for Pacific 
whiting has been determined under the terms of the Agreement with 
Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting (the Agreement) and the Pacific Whiting 
Act of 2006 (the Whiting Act), 16 U.S.C. 7001-7010. The Agreement and 
the Whiting Act establish bilateral bodies to implement the terms of 
the Agreement, each with various responsibilities, including: The Joint 
Management Committee (JMC), which is the decision-making body; the 
Joint Technical Committee (JTC), which conducts the stock assessment; 
the Scientific Review Group (SRG), which reviews the stock assessment; 
and the Advisory Panel (AP), which provides stakeholder input to the 
JMC (The Agreement, Art. II-IV; 16 U.S.C. 7001-7005). The Agreement 
establishes a default harvest policy (F-40 percent with a 40/10 
adjustment) and allocates 73.88 percent of the TAC to the United States 
and 26.12 percent of the TAC to Canada. The JMC is primarily 
responsible for developing a TAC recommendation to the Parties (United 
States and Canada). The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the 
Secretary of State, has the authority to accept or reject this 
recommendation.

Historic Catch

    Coastwide Pacific whiting landings averaged 224,376 mt from 1966 to 
2015, with a low of 89,930 mt in 1980 and a peak of 363,135 mt in 2005. 
The coast-wide catch in 2015 was 190,663 mt of a 440,000 mt bilateral 
TAC. The U.S. harvested 47.4 percent and Canada 31.8 percent of their 
respective allocations. The overall catch of Pacific whiting in U.S. 
waters was much less than anticipated. Industry reported that this 
lower catch was due to several factors including unusual, dispersed 
distribution of the fish later in the season after the at-sea fleet 
returned from Alaska, possibly due to anomalously warm ocean 
conditions. Catches may also have been impacted

[[Page 30204]]

by reduced global market demand resulting from, among other things, a 
strong U.S. dollar and other market conditions. The Catcher/Processor 
(C/P) Coop Program, Mothership Coop Program, and Shore-Based IFQ 
Program fleets caught 67.9 percent, 38.8 percent, and 46.6 percent of 
their total quotas, respectively. Tribal fisheries did not land any 
Pacific whiting in 2015.

2016 Pacific Whiting Stock Assessment

    The JTC prepared the stock assessment document ``Status of Pacific 
hake (whiting) stock in U.S. and Canadian waters in 2016,'' which was 
completed on March 1, 2016, and presents a model that depends primarily 
upon an acoustic survey biomass index, catches, and age compositions 
for information on the scale of the current Pacific whiting stock. The 
most recent survey was conducted in 2015, and was a result of 
collaboration between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and NOAA Fisheries. 
The 2015 coast-wide survey biomass estimate was 2.156 million mt, which 
is estimated to be the highest on record for the survey. The amount of 
spawning biomass in 2016 is estimated to be 79 percent of historic 
average levels, well above the target 40 percent.
    As with past estimates, there is a considerable range of 
uncertainty around the most recent estimates because young cohorts that 
make up a large portion of the survey biomass have not been observed 
very long. However, age-composition data from both the aggregated 
fisheries (1975-2015) and the acoustic survey (1998-2015) indicate an 
exceptionally strong 2010 cohort (age-5 whiting in 2015) contributing 
to recent increases in the survey index. Coast-wide catches in recent 
years have largely depended on the 2010 cohort, accounting for 70 
percent of the commercial catch in 2013, 67 percent in 2014, and 67 
percent in 2015. Similarly, the 2015 survey age composition was nearly 
60 percent age-5 fish from the 2010 cohort. Both survey and fishery 
data sources provided initial indications that the 2014 cohort (age-1 
whiting in 2015) was above average. Current estimates suggest that the 
2014 cohort is potentially similar in magnitude to the 2010 cohort, but 
because it has been observed only once (in 2015 data) the estimate is 
highly uncertain.
    The JTC provided tables showing catch alternatives for 2016. Using 
the default F-40 percent harvest rate identified in the Agreement 
(Paragraph 1 of Article III), the coastwide TAC for 2016 would be 
804,399 mt. The stock assessment model predicts that the probability of 
the spawning stock biomass dropping below 40 percent under the default 
harvest rate catch scenario is 54 percent, and the probability of 
dropping below 10 percent of unfished biomass in 2016 is less than 1 
percent. Spawning biomass in 2017 is likely to be less than in 2016 
under any catch level, because the dominant 2010 cohort is projected to 
lose biomass due to natural mortality at a faster rate than it will 
increase in biomass due to growth.

Scientific and Management Reviews

    The SRG met in Seattle, Washington, on February 23-25, 2016, to 
review the draft stock assessment document prepared by the JTC. The SRG 
noted that the 2015 acoustic-trawl survey was successfully completed, 
and that the 2015 survey biomass was 12 percent higher than the 2013 
survey estimate, with approximately 21.4 percent of the estimated 
biomass in Canadian waters and 78.6 percent in U.S. waters and that as 
with past assessments, uncertainty in current stock status projections 
is likely underestimated. The SRG determined that substantive 
improvements had been made in the biomass estimate. In particular, a 
geostatistical approach, kriging, has been applied to develop index 
estimates since 2011, and important refinements were made this year 
that increased the SRG's confidence in the extrapolated biomass 
estimates. The SRG noted that according to the stock assessment, 
projected median catches of 830,124 mt in 2016 and 955,423 mt in 2017 
could be achievable without overfishing.
    The AP met on March 16-18, 2016, and provided its 2016 TAC 
recommendation to the JMC on March 18, 2016. At its March 17-18, 2016, 
meeting, the JMC reviewed the advice of the JTC, the SRG, and the AP, 
and agreed on a TAC recommendation for transmittal to the Parties. 
Paragraph 1 of Article III of the Agreement directs the default harvest 
rate to be used unless scientific evidence demonstrates that a 
different rate is necessary to sustain the offshore whiting resource.
    After consideration of the 2016 stock assessment and other relevant 
scientific information, the JMC did not use the default harvest rate. 
Instead, a more conservative approach was agreed upon. There were two 
primary reasons for choosing a TAC well below the default level of F-40 
percent: (1) A desire to minimize mortality of the potentially strong 
2014 year class, which is anticipated to be important to the fishery 
over the next several years, but the scale of which is uncertain, and 
(2) to extend the harvest available from the 2010 year class. The JMC 
recommended an unadjusted TAC of 439,995 mt for 2016, which is 
approximately half of what the TAC would be by using the default 
harvest rate. This conservative approach was endorsed by the AP. Both 
the U.S. and Canada caught significantly less than their individual 
TACs in 2015. Therefore, 15 percent of each Party's individual 
unadjusted 2015 TACs is added to that Party's TAC for 2016 in 
accordance with Article II of the Agreement, resulting in a 2016 
adjusted coastwide TAC of 497,500 mt.
    The recommendation for an unadjusted 2016 United States TAC of 
325,068 mt, plus 42,485 mt carryover of uncaught quota from 2015 
results in an adjusted United States TAC of 367,553 mt for 2016 (73.88 
percent of the coastwide TAC). This recommendation is consistent with 
the best available science, provisions of the Agreement, and the 
Whiting Act. The recommendation was transmitted via letter to the 
Parties on March 18, 2016. NMFS, under delegation of authority from the 
Secretary of Commerce, approved the adjusted TAC recommendation of 
367,553 mt for U.S. fisheries on April 21, 2016.

Tribal Fishery Allocation and Reapportionment

    This final rule establishes the tribal allocation of Pacific 
whiting for 2016. NMFS issued a proposed rule regarding this allocation 
on March 10, 2016 (81 FR 12676). This action finalizes the tribal 
allocation. Since 1996, NMFS has been allocating a portion of the U.S. 
TAC of Pacific whiting to the tribal fishery using the process 
described in Sec.  660.50(d)(1). According to Sec.  660.55(b), the 
tribal allocation is subtracted from the total U.S. Pacific whiting 
TAC. The tribal Pacific whiting fishery is managed separately from the 
non-tribal Pacific whiting fishery, and is not governed by limited 
entry or open access regulations or allocations.
    The proposed rule described the tribal allocation as 17.5 percent 
of the U.S. TAC, and projected a range of potential tribal allocations 
for 2016 based on a range of U.S. TACs over the last 10 years (plus or 
minus 25 percent to capture variability in stock abundance). As 
described in the proposed rule, the resulting range of potential tribal 
allocations was 17,842 to 71,110 mt.
    As described earlier in this preamble, the U.S. TAC for 2016 is 
367,553 mt. Applying the approach described in the proposed rule, NMFS 
is establishing the 2016 tribal allocation of 64,322 mt (17.5 percent 
of the U.S. TAC) at Sec.  660.50(f)(4) by this final rule. While the 
total amount of Pacific whiting to which the Tribes are entitled under 
their treaty

[[Page 30205]]

right has not yet been determined, and new scientific information or 
discussions with the relevant parties may impact that decision, the 
best available scientific information to date suggests that 64,322 mt 
is within the likely range of potential treaty right amounts.
    As with prior tribal Pacific whiting allocations, this final rule 
is not intended to establish precedent for future Pacific whiting 
seasons, or for the determination of the total amount of whiting to 
which the Tribes are entitled under their treaty right. Rather, this 
rule adopts an interim allocation, pending the determination of the 
total treaty amount. That amount will be based on further development 
of scientific information and additional coordination and discussion 
with and among the coastal tribes and State of Washington.

Harvest Guidelines and Allocations

    This final rule establishes the fishery harvest guideline (HG) and 
allocates it among the three non-tribal sectors of the Pacific whiting 
fishery. The fishery harvest guideline, sometimes called the non-tribal 
allocation, was not included in the tribal whiting proposed rule 
published on March 10, 2016 (81 FR 12676), for two reasons related to 
timing and process. First, a recommendation on the coastwide TAC for 
Pacific whiting for 2016, under the terms of the Agreement with Canada, 
was not available until March 18, 2016. This recommendation for a U.S. 
TAC was approved by NMFS, under delegation of authority from the 
Secretary of Commerce, on April 21, 2016. Second, the fishery HG is 
established following deductions from the U.S. TAC for the tribal 
allocation, mortality in scientific research activities, and fishing 
mortality in non-groundfish fisheries. The Council establishes the 
amounts deducted from the U.S. TAC for scientific research and non-
groundfish fisheries on an annual basis at its April meeting, based on 
estimates of scientific research catch and estimated bycatch mortality 
in non-groundfish fisheries. For 2016, the Council recommended and NMFS 
approves a scientific research and bycatch set-aside of 1,500 mt. These 
amounts are not set until the TAC is available. The fishery HG is 
therefore being finalized with this rule. The 2016 HG, sometimes 
referred to as the non-tribal allocation, for Pacific whiting is 
301,731 mt. This amount was determined by deducting from the total U.S. 
TAC of 367,553 mt, the 64,322 mt tribal allocation, along with 1,500 mt 
for scientific research catch and fishing mortality in non-groundfish 
fisheries.
    Regulations at Sec.  660.55(i)(2) allocate the fishery HG among the 
non-tribal C/P Coop Program, Mothership Coop Program, and Shorebased 
IFQ Program sectors of the Pacific whiting fishery. The C/P Coop 
Program is allocated 34 percent (102,589 mt for 2016), the Mothership 
Coop Program is allocated 24 percent (72,415 mt for 2016), and the 
Shorebased IFQ Program is allocated 42 percent (126,727 mt for 2016). 
The fishery south of 42[deg] N. lat. may not take more than 6,336 mt (5 
percent of the Shorebased IFQ Program allocation) prior to May 15, the 
start of the primary Pacific whiting season north of 42[deg] N. lat.
    The 2016 allocations of canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, 
Pacific ocean perch and widow rockfish to the Pacific whiting fishery 
were published in a final rule on March 10, 2015 (80 FR 12567). The 
allocations to the Pacific whiting fishery for these species are 
described in the footnotes to Table 2.b to part 660, subpart C and are 
not changed via this rulemaking.

Comments and Responses

    On March 10, 2016, NMFS issued a proposed rule for the allocation 
and management of the 2016 tribal Pacific whiting fishery. The comment 
period on the proposed rule closed on April 11, 2016. No comment 
letters were received.

Classification

    The Annual Specifications and Management Measures for the 2016 
Tribal and non-Tribal Fisheries for Pacific Whiting are issued under 
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the Pacific Whiting Act 
of 2006, and are in accordance with 50 CFR part 660, subparts C through 
G, the regulations implementing the FMP. NMFS has determined that this 
rule is consistent with the national standards of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act and other applicable laws.
    NMFS has determined that the Pacific whiting fishery, both tribal 
and non-tribal, is consistent, to the maximum extent practicable, with 
approved coastal zone management programs for the States of Washington 
and Oregon. NMFS sent letters to the State of Washington and the State 
of Oregon describing its determination of consistency dated February 5, 
2016. Both the State of Oregon and the State of Washington responded 
indicating agreement with the determination.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the NMFS Assistant Administrator 
finds good cause to waive prior public notice and comment and delay in 
effectiveness for those provisions in this final rule that were not 
included in 80 FR 12676, e.g., the U.S. TAC, as delaying this rule 
would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The annual 
harvest specifications for Pacific whiting must be implemented by the 
start of the primary Pacific whiting season, which begins on May 15, 
2016, or the primary Pacific whiting season will effectively remain 
closed.
    Every year, NMFS conducts a Pacific whiting stock assessment in 
which U.S. and Canadian scientists cooperate. The 2016 stock assessment 
for Pacific whiting was prepared in early 2016, and included updated 
total catch, length and age data from the U.S. and Canadian fisheries 
from 2015, and biomass indices from the 2015 Joint U.S.-Canadian 
acoustic/midwater trawl surveys. Because of this late availability of 
the most recent data for the assessment, and the need for time to 
conduct the treaty process for determining the TAC using the most 
recent assessment, it would not be possible to allow for notice and 
comment before the start of the primary Pacific whiting season on May 
15.
    A delay in implementing the Pacific whiting harvest specifications 
to allow for notice and comment would be contrary to the public 
interest because it would require either a shorter primary whiting 
season or development of a TAC without the most recent data. A shorter 
season could prevent the tribal and non-tribal fisheries from attaining 
their 2016 allocations, which would result in unnecessary short-term 
adverse economic effects for the Pacific whiting fishing vessels and 
the associated fishing communities. A TAC determined without the most 
recent data could fail to account for significant fluctuations in the 
biomass of this relatively short-lived species. To prevent these 
adverse effects and to allow the Pacific whiting season to commence, it 
is in the best interest of the public to waive prior notice and 
comment.
    In addition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the NMFS Assistant 
Administrator finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in 
effectiveness. Waiving the 30-day delay in effectiveness will not have 
a negative impact on any entities, as there are no new compliance 
requirements or other burdens placed on the fishing community with this 
rule. Failure to make this final rule effective at the start of the 
fishing year will undermine the intent of the rule, which is to promote 
the optimal utilization and conservation of Pacific whiting. Making 
this rule effective immediately would also serve the best interests of 
the public because

[[Page 30206]]

it will allow for the longest possible Pacific whiting fishing season 
and therefore the best possible economic outcome for those whose 
livelihoods depend on this fishery. Because the 30-day delay in 
effectiveness would potentially cause significant financial harm 
without providing any corresponding benefits, this final rule is 
effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
    The preamble to the proposed rule and this final rule serve as the 
small entity compliance guide required by Section 212 of the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This action does 
not require any additional compliance from small entities that is not 
described in the preamble. Copies of this final rule are available from 
NMFS at the following Web site: https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/whiting/pacific_whiting.html.
    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this final 
rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    When an agency proposes regulations, the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(RFA) requires the agency to prepare and make available for public 
comment an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) document that 
describes the impact on small businesses, non-profit enterprises, local 
governments, and other small entities. The IRFA is to aid the agency in 
considering all reasonable regulatory alternatives that would minimize 
the economic impact on affected small entities. After the public 
comment period, the agency prepares a Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (FRFA) that takes into consideration any new information and 
public comments. This FRFA incorporates the IRFA and a summary of the 
analyses completed to support the action.
    NMFS published a proposed rule on March 10, 2016 (81 FR 12676) for 
the allocation of the 2016 tribal Pacific whiting fishery. The comment 
period on the proposed rule closed on April 11, 2016, and no comments 
were received on the proposed rule, the IRFA, or the economic impacts 
of this action generally. An IRFA was prepared and summarized in the 
Classification section of the preamble to the proposed rule. The 
description of this action, its purpose, and its legal basis are 
described in the preamble to the proposed rule and are not repeated 
here. The FRFA describes the impacts on small entities, which are 
defined in the IRFA for this action and not repeated here. Analytical 
requirements for the FRFA are described in Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
section 604(a)(1) through (5), and summarized below. The FRFA must 
contain: (1) A succinct statement of the need for, and objectives of, 
the rule; (2) A summary of the significant issues raised by the public 
comments in response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a 
summary 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) A description 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; (4) 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; and (5) 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.
    This final rule establishes the initial 2016 Pacific whiting 
allocations for the tribal fishery, the fishery HG, the allocations for 
the non-tribal sectors (C/P, mothership, and shoreside), and the amount 
of Pacific whiting deducted from the TAC for scientific research and 
fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries. The amount of whiting 
allocated to these sectors is based on the U.S. TAC. From the U.S. TAC, 
small amounts of whiting that account for research catch and for 
bycatch in other fisheries are deducted. The amount of the tribal 
allocation is also deducted directly from the TAC. After accounting for 
these deductions, the remainder is the commercial harvest guideline. 
This guideline is then allocated among the other three sectors as 
follows: 34 percent for the C/P Coop Program; 24 percent for the MS 
Coop Program; and 42 percent for the Shorebased IFQ Program.
    There are four tribes that can participate in the tribal whiting 
fishery: The Hoh, Makah, Quileute, and Quinault. The current tribal 
fleet is composed of 5 trawlers but in recent years, there have been 
fewer vessels actually fishing. Based on groundfish ex-vessel revenues 
and on tribal enrollments (the population size of each tribe), the four 
tribes and their fleets are considered ``small'' entities. We expect 
one tribal entity, the Makah Tribe, to fish in 2016.
    This rule would also impact vessels in the non-tribal fishery that 
fish for Pacific whiting. Currently, there are three non-tribal sectors 
in the Pacific whiting fishery: Shorebased IFQ Program--Trawl Fishery; 
Mothership Coop Program--Whiting At-sea Trawl Fishery; and C/P Coop 
Program--Whiting At-sea Trawl Fishery.
    Currently, the Shorebased IFQ Program is composed of 172 Quota 
Share permits/accounts, 152 vessel accounts, and 44 first receivers. 
The Mothership fishery is currently composed of a single coop, with six 
mothership processor permits, and 34 Mothership/Catcher-Vessel endorsed 
permits, with three permits each having two catch history assignments. 
The C/P Program is composed of 10 C/P permits owned by three companies 
that have formed a single coop. These regulations directly affect IFQ 
Quota shareholders whose vessel accounts receive Quota Pounds (QP), 
holders of mothership catcher-vessel-endorsed permits who determine how 
many co-ops will participate in the fishery and how much fish each co-
op is to receive, and the C/P Coop which is made up of three companies 
that own the catcher-processor permits.
    As part of the permit application processes for the non-tribal 
fisheries, based on a review of the SBA size criteria, applicants are 
asked if they consider themselves a ``small'' business, and they are 
asked to provide detailed ownership information. Although there are 
three non-tribal sectors, many companies participate in two sectors and 
some participate in all three sectors. All of the 34 mothership catch 
history assignments are associated with a single mothership co-op and 
all ten of the C/P permits are associated with a co-op. These co-ops 
are considered large entities from several perspectives; they have 
participants that are large entities, whiting co-op revenues exceed or 
have exceeded $20.5 million, or co-op members are connected to American 
Fishing Act permits or co-ops where the NMFS Alaska Region has 
determined they are all large entities (79 FR 54597; September 12, 
2014). After accounting for cross participation, multiple Quota Share 
account holders, and affiliation through ownership, NMFS estimates that 
there are 103 non-tribal entities directly affected by these 
regulations, 89 of which are considered ``small'' businesses.
    In total in 2015, non-tribal sectors harvested 52 percent of the 
final non-

[[Page 30207]]

tribal allocation of 296,685 mt. The revised Pacific whiting 
allocations for 2015 were: Tribal 26,888 mt, C/P Coop 100,873 mt; 
Mothership Coop 71,204 mt; and Shorebased IFQ Program 124,607.45 mt. 
Sector allocations in 2016 are higher than sector catches in 2015, and 
the initial 2016 allocations to these non-tribal sectors are thirteen 
percent higher than their 2015 initial allocations. NMFS concludes that 
this rule will be beneficial to both large and small entities.
    For the years 2011 to 2015, the total whiting fishery (tribal and 
non-tribal) averaged harvests of approximately 205,000 mt annually, 
worth an average estimated $52 million in ex-vessel revenues. As the 
U.S. whiting TAC has been highly variable during this time, so have 
harvests. In the past five years, harvests have ranged from 151,000 mt 
(2015) to 264,000 mt (2014). Ex-vessel revenues have also varied. 
Annual ex-vessel revenues have ranged from $25 million (2015) to $65 
million (2013 and 2014). Revenues are estimated for the mothership and 
catcher/processor harvest using the average annual shoreside ex-vessel 
price. Total whiting harvest in 2015 was approximately 151,000 mt, 
worth $25 million, at a shoreside ex-vessel price of $167 per mt. Ex-
vessel revenues in 2014 were over $64 million with a harvest of 264,000 
mt and an average shoreside ex-vessel price of $240 per mt. The prices 
for whiting are largely determined by the world market for groundfish, 
because most of the whiting harvested is exported. Poor world market 
conditions led to a decrease in prices in 2015. A confluence of 
biological factors precluded the tribal fishery in 2015, and resulted 
in a much lower harvest percentage of the annual commercial TAC than in 
prior years. In 2015 NMFS reapportioned 30,000 mt of the original 
56,888 mt tribal allocation. This reapportionment was based on 
conversations with the tribes and the best information available at the 
time, which indicated that this amount would not limit tribal harvest 
opportunities for the remainder of the year.
    NMFS believes this rule will not adversely affect small entities. 
There are no significant alternatives to the action in this final rule 
that accomplish the stated objectives of applicable statutes and the 
treaties with the affected tribes that minimize any of the significant 
economic impact of the final rule on small entities.
    The RFA can be found at https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/laws/regulatory-flexibility/. The NMFS Economic Guidelines that 
describe the RFA and EO 12866 can be found at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/EconomicGuidelines.pdf.
    There are no reporting or recordkeeping requirements associated 
with this final rule. No Federal rules have been identified that 
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this action.
    NMFS issued Biological Opinions under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) on August 10, 1990, November 26, 1991, August 28, 1992, September 
27, 1993, May 14, 1996, and December 15, 1999, pertaining to the 
effects of the Groundfish FMP fisheries on Chinook salmon (Puget Sound, 
Snake River spring/summer, Snake River fall, upper Columbia River 
spring, lower Columbia River, upper Willamette River, Sacramento River 
winter, Central Valley spring, California coastal), coho salmon 
(Central California coastal, southern Oregon/northern California 
coastal), chum salmon (Hood Canal summer, Columbia River), sockeye 
salmon (Snake River, Ozette Lake), and steelhead (upper, middle and 
lower Columbia River, Snake River Basin, upper Willamette River, 
central California coast, California Central Valley, south/central 
California, northern California, southern California). These biological 
opinions have concluded that implementation of the FMP is not expected 
to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species under the jurisdiction of NMFS, or result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat.
    NMFS issued a Supplemental Biological Opinion on March 11, 2006, 
concluding that neither the higher observed bycatch of Chinook in the 
2005 whiting fishery nor new data regarding salmon bycatch in the 
groundfish bottom trawl fishery required a reconsideration of its prior 
``no jeopardy'' conclusion. NMFS also reaffirmed its prior 
determination that implementation of the FMP is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any of the affected 
Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). Lower Columbia River coho (70 
FR 37160, June 28, 2005) and Oregon Coastal coho (73 FR 7816, February 
11, 2008) were relisted as threatened under the ESA. The 1999 
biological opinion concluded that the bycatch of salmonids in the 
Pacific whiting fishery were almost entirely Chinook salmon, with 
little or no bycatch of coho, chum, sockeye, and steelhead.
    NMFS has reinitiated section 7 consultation on the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish FMP with respect to its effects on listed salmonids. In the 
event the consultation identifies either reasonable and prudent 
alternatives to address jeopardy concerns, or reasonable and prudent 
measures to minimize incidental take, NMFS would coordinate with the 
Council to put additional alternatives or measures into place, as 
required. After reviewing the available information, NMFS has concluded 
that, consistent with sections 7(a)(2) and 7(d) of the ESA, this action 
will not jeopardize any listed salmonid species, would not adversely 
modify any designated critical habitat, and will not result in any 
irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources that would have 
the effect of foreclosing the formulation or implementation of any 
reasonable and prudent alternative measures.
    On December 7, 2012, NMFS completed a biological opinion concluding 
that the groundfish fishery is not likely to jeopardize non-salmonid 
marine species, including listed eulachon, the southern distinct 
population segment (DPS) of green sturgeon, humpback whales, the 
eastern DPS of Steller sea lions, and leatherback sea turtles. The 
opinion also concluded that the fishery is not likely to adversely 
modify critical habitat for green sturgeon and leatherback sea turtles. 
An analysis included in the same document as the opinion concludes that 
the fishery is not likely to adversely affect green sea turtles, olive 
ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, sei whales, North Pacific 
right whales, blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Southern Resident 
killer whales, Guadalupe fur seals, or the critical habitat for Steller 
sea lions. Since that biological opinion, the eastern DPS of Steller 
sea lions was delisted on November 4, 2013 (78 FR 66140); however, this 
delisting did not change the designation of the codified critical 
habitat for the eastern DPS of Steller sea lions. On January 21, 2013, 
NMFS evaluated the fishery's effects on eulachon to consider whether 
the 2012 opinion should be reconsidered in light of new information 
from the 2011 fishery and the proposed chafing gear modifications. NMFS 
determined that information about bycatch of eulachon in 2011 and 
chafing gear regulations did not change the effects that were analyzed 
in the December 7, 2012, biological opinion, or provide any other basis 
to reinitiate consultation. At the Pacific Fishery Management Council's 
June 2015 meeting, new estimates of eulachon take from fishing activity 
under the FMP indicated that the incidental take threshold in the 2012 
biological opinion was exceeded again in 2013. The increased bycatch 
may be due to increased eulachon abundance. In light of the new fishery 
and

[[Page 30208]]

abundance information, NMFS has reinitiated consultation on eulachon. 
In the event the consultation identifies either reasonable and prudent 
alternatives to address jeopardy concerns, or reasonable and prudent 
measures to minimize incidental take, NMFS would coordinate with the 
Council to put additional alternatives or measures into place, as 
required. After reviewing the available information, NMFS concluded 
that, consistent with sections 7(a)(2) and 7(d) of the ESA, this action 
will not jeopardize any listed species, would not adversely modify any 
designated critical habitat, and will not result in any irreversible or 
irretrievable commitment of resources that would have the effect of 
foreclosing the formulation or implementation of any reasonable and 
prudent alternative measures.
    On November 21, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 
issued a biological opinion concluding that the groundfish fishery will 
not jeopardize the continued existence of the short-tailed albatross. 
The FWS also concurred that the fishery is not likely to adversely 
affect the marbled murrelet, California least tern, southern sea otter, 
bull trout, nor bull trout critical habitat. The 2012-2013 two-year 
average of short-tailed albatross take in the groundfish fishery, using 
expanded annual estimates of black-footed albatross as a proxy, ranged 
from 1.35 to 2.0 for the lower short-tailed albatross population 
estimate to 1.45 to 2.15 for the higher population estimates, which 
exceeded the 2 per 2-year period identified in the incidental take 
statement in the biological opinion. This led NMFS to reinitiate ESA 
Section 7 consultation on take of this species in the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery. Take of short-tailed albatross has not been 
observed in the whiting fishery, which is a midwater trawl fishery. 
After reviewing the available information, NMFS has concluded that, 
consistent with sections 7(a)(2) and 7(d) of the ESA, this action will 
not jeopardize listed short-tailed albatross, would not adversely 
modify any designated critical habitat, and will not result in any 
irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources that would have 
the effect of foreclosing the formulation or implementation of any 
reasonable and prudent alternative measures. In the event the 
consultation identifies either reasonable and prudent alternatives to 
address jeopardy concerns, or reasonable and prudent measures to 
minimize incidental take, NMFS would coordinate with the Council to put 
additional alternatives or measures into place, as required.
    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 
NMFS prepared a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) regarding 
Harvest Specifications and Management Measures for 2015-2016 and 
Biennial Periods Thereafter in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. In 
that FEIS, the effects of the Pacific whiting fishery were considered 
using a range of potential harvest levels, the highest of which 
considered was 408,260 mt, above the harvest level set in this rule.
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, this final rule was developed 
after meaningful collaboration with tribal officials from the area 
covered by the FMP. Consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 
U.S.C. 1852(b)(5), one of the voting members of the Pacific Council is 
a representative of an Indian tribe with federally recognized fishing 
rights from the area of the Council's jurisdiction. In addition, NMFS 
has coordinated specifically with the tribes interested in the whiting 
fishery regarding the issues addressed by this final rule.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660

    Fisheries, Fishing, Indian Fisheries.

    Dated: May 9, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended 
as follows:

PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES

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

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16 
U.S.C. 7001 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  660.50, revise paragraph (f)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.50  Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (4) Pacific whiting. The tribal allocation for 2016 is 64,322 mt.
* * * * *
0
3. Tables 2a and 2b to part 660, subpart C, are revised to read as 
follows:

[[Page 30209]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MY16.001


[[Page 30210]]


    a/ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and 
harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total catch values.
    b/ Fishery harvest guidelines means the harvest guideline or 
quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes 
allocations and projected catch, projected research catch, 
deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and 
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
    c/ Bocaccio. A bocaccio stock assessment update was conducted in 
2013 for the bocaccio stock between the U.S.-Mexico border and Cape 
Blanco. The stock is managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor 
Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10 N. lat. A historical catch 
distribution of approximately 6 percent was used to apportion the 
assessed stock to the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The bocaccio 
stock was estimated to be at 31.4 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 1,351 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment 
using an FMSY proxy of F50. The ABC of 
1,291 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 362 mt ACL is based on the 
current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2022 and an 
SPR harvest rate of 77.7 percent. 8.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (0.7 mt), EFP catch 
(3.0 mt) and research catch (4.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
353.7 mt. The California recreational fishery has an HG of 185.6 mt.
    d/ Canary rockfish. A canary rockfish stock assessment update 
was conducted in 2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 23.2 
percent of its unfished biomass coastwide in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 729 mt is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
FMSY proxy of F50. The ABC of 697 mt 
is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 125 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2030 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 88.7 percent. 15.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (7.7 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), EFP catch (1.0 mt) and research catch (4.5 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 109.8 mt. Recreational HGs are: 3.5 mt 
(Washington); 12.0 mt (Oregon); and 25.0 mt (California).
    e/ Cowcod. A stock assessment for the Conception Area was 
conducted in 2013 and the stock was estimated to be 33.9 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The Conception Area OFL of 56.4 mt is 
projected in the 2013 rebuilding analysis using an FMSY 
proxy of F50. The OFL of 12.0 mt for the 
unassessed portion of the stock in the Monterey area is based on 
depletion-based stock reduction analysis. The OFLs for the Monterey 
and Conception areas were summed to derive the south of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat. OFL of 68.4 mt. The ABC for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. is 61.5 mt. The assessed portion of the stock in the Conception 
Area is considered category 2, with a Conception Area contribution 
to the ABC of 51.5 mt, which is an 8.7 percent reduction from the 
Conception area OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45). The unassessed portion 
of the stock in the Monterey area is considered a category 3 stock, 
with a contribution to the ABC of 10.0 mt, which is a 17 percent 
reduction from the Monterey area OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.45). A 
single ACL of 10.0 mt is being set for both areas combined. The ACL 
of 10.0 mt is based on the rebuilding plan with a target year to 
rebuild of 2020 and an SPR harvest rate of 82.7 percent, which is 
equivalent to an exploitation rate (catch over age 11+ biomass) of 
0.007. 2.0 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing 
(less than 0.02 mt) and research activity (2.0 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 8.0 mt. Any additional mortality in research 
activities will be deducted from the ACL. A single ACT of 4.0 mt is 
being set for both areas combined.
    f/ Darkblotched rockfish. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the 
stock to be at 36 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL 
of 580 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50.The ABC of 554 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 346 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2025 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 64.9 percent. 20.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (0.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (18.4 mt), EFP catch (0.1 mt) and research catch (2.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 325.2 mt.
    g/ Pacific Ocean Perch. A stock assessment was conducted in 2011 
and the stock was estimated to be at 19.1 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2011. The OFL of 850 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat. is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
F50 FMSY proxy. The ABC of 813 mt is a 
4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 164 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2051 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 86.4 percent. 15 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (9.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (0.6 mt), and research catch (5.2 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 149.0 mt.
    h/ Petrale sole. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the stock to 
be at 22.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 3,044 
mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using an F30% FMSY 
proxy. The ABC of 2,910 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is based 
on the 25-5 harvest control rule specified in the current rebuilding 
plan; since the stock is projected to be rebuilt at the start of 
2014, the ACL is set equal to the ABC. 236.6 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (2.4 mt), and research catch (14.2 mt), resulting in 
a fishery HG of 2,673.4 mt.
    i/ Yelloweye rockfish. A stock assessment update was conducted 
in 2011. The stock was estimated to be at 21.4 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The 52 mt coastwide OFL was projected in 
the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an FMSY proxy of 
F50. The ABC of 43 mt is a 16.77 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. The 19 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2074 and an SPR harvest rate of 76.0 
percent. 5.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (2.3 mt), the incidental open access fishery (0.2 mt), EFP 
catch (0.03 mt) and research catch (3.3 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 13.2 mt. Recreational HGs are being established: 3.1 mt 
(Washington); 2.8 mt (Oregon); and 3.7 mt (California).
    j/ Arrowtooth flounder. The arrowtooth flounder stock was last 
assessed in 2007 and was estimated to be at 79 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL of 6,396 mt is derived from the 
2007 assessment using an F30 FMSY 
proxy. The ABC of 5,328 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B25. 2,087 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (30 mt), and research catch (16.4 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 3,241 mt.
    k/ Black rockfish south (Oregon and California). A stock 
assessment was conducted for black rockfish south of 45[deg]46' N. 
lat. (Cape Falcon, Oregon) to Central California (i.e., the 
southern-most extent of black rockfish, Love et al. 2002) in 2007. 
The biomass in the south was estimated to be at 70 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the assessed area is derived 
from the 2007 assessment using an FMSY harvest rate proxy 
of F50 plus 3 percent of the OFL from the stock 
assessment conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat., 
to cover the portion of the stock occurring off Oregon north of Cape 
Falcon (the 3% adjustment is based on historical catch 
distribution). The resulting OFL for the area south of 46[deg]16' N. 
lat. is 1,183 mt. The ABC of 1,131 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
2016 ACL is 1,000 mt, which maintains the constant catch strategy 
designed to keep the stock above its target biomass of 
B40. 1 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate 
EFP catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 999 mt. The black rockfish 
ACL, in the area south of 46[deg]16' N. lat. (Columbia River), is 
subdivided with separate HGs for waters off Oregon (579 mt/58 
percent) and for waters off California (420 mt/42 percent).
    l/ Black rockfish north (Washington). A stock assessment was 
conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape 
Falcon, Oregon) in 2007. The biomass in the north was estimated to 
be at 53 percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the 
assessed area is derived from the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50. The 
resulting OFL for the area north of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is 423 mt and 
is 97 percent of the OFL from the assessed area based on the area 
distribution of historical catch. The ABC of 404 mt for the north is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since the stock 
is above its target biomass of B40. 14 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery, resulting 
in a fishery HG of 390 mt.
    m/ Cabezon (California). A cabezon stock assessment was 
conducted in 2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off

[[Page 30211]]

California was estimated to be at 48.3 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2009. The OFL of 158 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45. The ABC of 151 mt 
is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40. There are no deductions from the ACL so the 
fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 151 mt.
    n/ Cabezon (Oregon). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off Oregon was 
estimated to be at 52 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL of 49 mt is calculated using an FMSY proxy of 
F45. The ABC of 47 mt is based on a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above 
its target biomass of B40. There are no 
deductions from the ACL so the fishery HG is also equal to the ACL 
of 47 mt.
    o/ California scorpionfish was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be at 79.8 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The 
OFL of 117 mt is projected in the 2005 assessment using an 
FMSY harvest rate proxy of F50. The 
ABC of 111 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40. 2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate 
the incidental open access fishery, resulting in a fishery HG of 109 
mt.
    p/ Chilipepper. The coastwide chilipepper stock was assessed in 
2007 and estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2006. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10 N. lat. and within the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. Projected OFLs are 
stratified north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1998-2008 assessed area catch, which is 93 percent for the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 7 percent for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The OFL of 1,694 mt for the area south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2007 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50. The ABC of 1,619 mt 
is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B40. 24 mt 
is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (5 mt), EFP fishing (10 mt), and research catch (9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,595 mt.
    q/ Dover sole. A 2011 Dover sole assessment estimated the stock 
to be at 83.7 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 
59,221 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F30. The ABC of 56,615 
mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B25. However, the ACL of 50,000 mt is set at a 
level below the ABC and higher than the maximum historical landed 
catch. 1,594 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (1,497 mt), the incidental open access fishery (55 mt), and 
research catch (41.9 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 48,406 mt.
    r/ English sole. A 2013 stock assessment was conducted, which 
estimated the stock to be at 88 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 7,890 mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30. The ABC of 7,204 
mt is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) 
as it is a category 2 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B25. 213 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (7 mt) and research catch (5.8 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 6,991 mt.
    s/ Lingcod north. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off Washington and Oregon was 
estimated to be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL for Washington and Oregon of 1,842 mt is calculated using an 
FMSY proxy of F45. The OFL is re-
apportioned by adding 48% of the OFL from California, resulting in 
an OFL of 2,891 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC 
of 2,719 mt is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) for the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. as it's 
a category 1 stock, and an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) for the area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 
40[deg]10' N. lat., as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal 
to the ABC since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40. 278 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (250 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (16 mt), EFP catch (0.5 mt) and research catch (11.7 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 2,441 mt.
    t/ Lingcod south. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off California was estimated to 
be at 74 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for 
California of 2,185 mt is projected in the assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45. The OFL is re-
apportioned by subtracting 48% of the OFL, resulting in an OFL of 
1,136 mt for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 946 mt 
is based on a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40. 9 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate 
the incidental open access fishery (7 mt), EFP fishing (1 mt), and 
research catch (1.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 937 mt.
    u/ Longnose skate. A stock assessment was conducted in 2007 and 
the stock was estimated to be at 66 percent of its unfished biomass. 
The OFL of 2,405 mt is derived from the 2007 stock assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50. The ABC of 2,299 
mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 2,000 mt is a fixed harvest 
level that provides greater access to the stock and is less than the 
ABC. 73 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (56 mt), incidental open access fishery (3.8 mt), and 
research catch (13.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,927 mt.
    v/ Longspine thornyhead. A 2013 longspine thornyhead coastwide 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 75 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 4,763 mt is projected 
in the 2013 stock assessment using an F50 
FMSY proxy. The ABC of 3,968 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., the ACL is 3,015 mt, and is 76 percent of the coastwide ABC 
based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 46 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3 mt), and research catch (13.5 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 2,969 mt. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. the ACL is 952 mt and is 24 percent of the coastwide ABC based 
on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the 
NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research 
catch (1 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 949 mt.
    w/ Pacific cod. The 3,200 mt OFL is based on the maximum level 
of historic landings. The ABC of 2,221 mt is a 30.6 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.40) as it's a category 3 
stock. The 1,600 mt ACL is the OFL reduced by 50 percent as a 
precautionary adjustment. 509 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch (7 mt), and 
the incidental open access fishery (2.0 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,091 mt.
    x/ Pacific whiting. The coastwide stock assessment was published 
in 2016 and estimated the spawning stock to be at 76 percent of its 
unfished biomass. The 2016 OFL of 830,124 mt is based on the 2016 
assessment with an F40 FMSY proxy. The 2016 
coastwide, unadjusted Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 439,995 mt is 
based on the 2016 stock assessment. The U.S. TAC is 73.88 percent of 
the coastwide unadjusted TAC. Up to 15 percent of each party's 
unadjusted 2015 TAC (42,485 mt for the U.S. and 15,020 mt for 
Canada) is added to each party's 2016 unadjusted TAC, resulting in a 
U.S. adjusted 2016 TAC of 367,553 mt. From the adjusted U.S. TAC, 
64,322 mt is deducted to accommodate the Tribal fishery, and 1,500 
mt is deducted to accommodate research and bycatch in other 
fisheries, resulting in a fishery HG of 301,731 mt. The TAC for 
Pacific whiting is established under the provisions of the Agreement 
with Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting and the Pacific Whiting Act of 
2006, 16 U.S.C. 7001-7010, and the international exception applies. 
Therefore, no ABC or ACL values are provided for Pacific whiting.
    y/ Sablefish north. A coastwide sablefish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide sablefish biomass was estimated to 
be at 33 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 8,526 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F45. The ABC of 7,784 mt 
is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.40). The 
40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC to derive a coastwide ACL 
value because the stock is in the precautionary zone. This coastwide 
ACL value is not specified in regulations. The coastwide ACL value 
is apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N. lat., using the 2003-
2010

[[Page 30212]]

average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl 
survey, with 73.6 percent apportioned north of 36[deg] N. lat. and 
26.4 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N. lat. The northern ACL 
is 5,241 mt and is reduced by 524 mt for the tribal allocation (10 
percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N. lat.). The 524 mt Tribal 
allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent to account for discard 
mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are shown in Table 2c.
    z/ Sablefish south. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N. 
lat. is 1,880 mt (26.4 percent of the calculated coastwide ACL 
value). 5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental 
open access fishery (2 mt) and research catch (3 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,875 mt.
    aa/ Shortbelly rockfish. A non-quantitative shortbelly rockfish 
assessment was conducted in 2007. The spawning stock biomass of 
shortbelly rockfish was estimated to be 67 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2005. The OFL of 6,950 mt is based on the estimated MSY 
in the 2007 stock assessment. The ABC of 5,789 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction of the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. The 500 mt ACL is set to accommodate for incidental catch 
when fishing for co-occurring healthy stocks and in recognition of 
the stock's importance as a forage species in the California Current 
ecosystem. 2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research 
catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 498 mt.
    bb/ Shortspine thornyhead. A 2013 coastwide shortspine 
thornyhead stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 74.2 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 3,169 mt 
is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
F50 FMSY proxy. The coastwide ABC of 
2,640 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. For the portion of the stock 
that is north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., the ACL is 1,726 mt. The 
northern ACL is 65.4 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the 
average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC 
trawl survey. 59 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (50 mt), the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), 
and research catch (7 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 1,667 mt for 
the area north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. For that portion of the stock 
south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. the ACL is 913 mt. The southern ACL is 
35.6 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area 
biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 42 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (41 mt) and research catch (1 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 871 mt for the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    cc/ Spiny dogfish. A coastwide spiny dogfish stock assessment 
was conducted in 2011. The coastwide spiny dogfish biomass was 
estimated to be at 63 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The 
coastwide OFL of 2,503 mt is derived from the 2011 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F50. The coastwide 
ABC of 2,085 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B40. 338 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (275 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (49.5 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (12.5 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,747 mt.
    dd/ Splitnose rockfish. A splitnose rockfish coastwide 
assessment was conducted in 2009 that estimated the stock to be at 
66 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. Splitnose rockfish in 
the north is managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and with 
species-specific harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
The coastwide OFL is projected in the 2009 assessment using an 
FMSY proxy of F50. The coastwide OFL 
is apportioned north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1916-2008 assessed area catch resulting in 64.2 percent of 
the coastwide OFL apportioned south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 35.8 
percent apportioned for the contribution of splitnose rockfish to 
the northern Minor Slope Rockfish complex. The southern OFL of 1,826 
mt results from the apportionment described above. The southern ABC 
of 1,746 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the southern OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is estimated to be above its 
target biomass of B40. 110.5 mt is deducted from 
the ACL to accommodate research catch (9 mt) and EFP catch (1.5 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,736 mt.
    ee/ Starry flounder. The stock was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be above 40 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005 (44 
percent in Washington and Oregon, and 62 percent in California). The 
coastwide OFL of 1,847 mt is derived from the 2005 assessment using 
an FMSY proxy of F30. The ABC of 1,539 
mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) 
as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because 
the stock is estimated to be above its target biomass of 
B25. 10.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (2 mt), and the incidental open 
access fishery (8.3 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,529 mt.
    ff/ Widow rockfish. The widow rockfish stock was assessed in 
2011 and was estimated to be at 51.1 percent of its unfished biomass 
in 2011. The OFL of 3,990 mt is projected in the 2011 stock 
assessment using an F50 FMSY proxy. 
The ABC of 3,790 mt is a 5 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.41/P*=0.45). A unique sigma of 0.41 was calculated for 
widow rockfish since the variance in estimated biomass was greater 
than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. The ACL 
could be set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target 
biomass of B40. However, the ACL of 2,000 mt is 
less than the ABC due to high uncertainty in estimated biomass, yet 
this level of allowable harvest will allow access to healthy co-
occurring species, such as yellowtail rockfish. 120.2 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (100 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (3.3 mt), EFP catch (9 mt), and 
research catch (7.9 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    gg/ Yellowtail rockfish. A 2013 yellowtail rockfish stock 
assessment was conducted for the portion of the population north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The estimated stock depletion is 69 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 6,949 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an FMSY proxy of 
F50. The ABC of 6,344 mt is an 8.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 
stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above 
its target biomass of B40. 1,029.6 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (3 mt), EFP catch (10 mt) and 
research catch (16.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 5,314 mt.
    hh/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 88 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species managed in the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish in California, brown 
rockfish, China rockfish, and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 77 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL of 69 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contributions for blue rockfish in California and China rockfish 
where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for 
these two stocks because they are in the precautionary zone. No 
deductions are made to the ACL, thus the fishery HG is equal to the 
ACL, which is 69 mt. Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat. 
the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north has a harvest guideline 
of 23.7 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. has a species-
specific HG, described in footnote kk/.
    ii/ Minor Shelf Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Shelf Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 2,218 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 0.72 
for category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted rockfish between 
40[deg]10' and 42[deg] N. lat. and greenstriped rockfish) and a 
sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 
0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,953 mt is the summed contribution of 
the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 1,952 mt is the sum 
of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed 
stocks, plus the ACL contribution of greenspotted rockfish in 
California where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
72 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (26 mt), EFP catch (3 mt), 
and research catch (13.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    jj/ Minor Slope Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Slope Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,844 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.36 for other category 1 
stocks (i.e., splitnose rockfish), a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., rougheye rockfish, blackspotted rockfish 
and sharpchin

[[Page 30213]]

rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all 
others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 0.39 was calculated for 
aurora rockfish since the variance in estimated spawning biomass was 
greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. 
The resulting ABC of 1,706 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs 
for the component species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because 
all the assessed component stocks are above the target biomass of 
B40. 64 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (36 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (19 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (8.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,642 mt.
    kk/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,288 mt 
is the sum of the OFL contributions for the component species within 
the complex. The ABC for the southern Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex is based on a sigma value of 0.36 for category 1 stocks 
(i.e., gopher rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat.), a sigma value 
of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat., brown rockfish, China rockfish and copper 
rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all 
others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,148 mt is the 
summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL 
of 1,006 mt is the sum of the contributing ABCs of healthy assessed 
stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution for blue 
rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. where the 40-10 adjustment was 
applied to the ABC contribution for this stock because it is in the 
precautionary zone. 4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
incidental open access fishery (1.4 mt) and research catch (2.6 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,002 mt. Blue rockfish south of 
42[deg] N. lat. has a species-specific HG set equal to the 40-10-
adjusted ACL for the portion of the stock north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 
(137.5) plus the ABC contribution for the unassessed portion of the 
stock south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. (60.8 mt). The California (i.e. 
south of 42[deg] N. lat.) blue rockfish HG is 198.3 mt.
    ll/ Minor Shelf Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,919 mt is the sum 
of the OFL contributions for the component species within the 
complex. The ABCs for the southern Minor Shelf Rockfish complex is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., 
greenspotted and greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting 
ABC of 1,626 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the 
component species. The ACL of 1,625 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contribution of greenspotted rockfish in California where the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for this stock 
because it is in the precautionary zone. 49 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (9 mt), EFP 
catch (30 mt), and research catch (9.6 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,576 mt.
    mm/ Minor Slope Rockfish south. The OFL of 814 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. 
The ABC for the southern Minor Slope Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., blackgill rockfish, rougheye rockfish, 
blackspotted rockfish, sharpchin rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma 
of 0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in 
estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for 
other category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 705 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 695 
mt is the sum of the contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks 
and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of blackgill 
rockfish where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
20 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (17 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (2 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 675 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a 
species-specific HG set equal to the species' contribution to the 
40-10-adjusted ACL. The blackgill rockfish HG is 117 mt.
    nn/ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of 
flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are not managed with 
species-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other 
Flatfish complex are unassessed, and include: butter sole, curlfin 
sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab (assessed in 2013, but the 
assessment results were too uncertain to inform harvest 
specifications), rock sole, sand sole, and rex sole (assessed in 
2013). The Other Flatfish OFL of 9,645 mt is based on the sum of the 
OFL contributions of the component stocks. The ABC of 7,243 mt is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., rex 
sole) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) 
with a P* of 0.40. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC since all of the assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific 
sanddabs and rex sole) were above their target biomass of 
B25. 204 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (125 mt), and research catch (19 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 7,039 mt.
    oo/ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp 
greenling coastwide, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark 
coastwide. These species are unassessed. The OFL of 291 mt is the 
sum of the OFL contributions for kelp greenling off California (the 
SSC has not approved methods for calculating the OFL contributions 
for kelp greenling off Oregon and Washington), cabezon off 
Washington, and leopard shark coastwide. The ABC of 243 mt is the 
sum of ABC contributions for kelp greenling off California, cabezon 
off Washington and leopard shark coastwide calculated by applying a 
P* of 0.45 and a sigma of 1.44 to the OFL contributions for those 
stocks. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 243 mt.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MY16.000

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


Sec.  660.140  Shorebased IFQ Program.

* * * * *

[[Page 30215]]

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             2015 Shorebased    2016 Shorebased
                IFQ Species                         Management area          trawl allocation   trawl allocation
                                                                                   (mt)               (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrowtooth flounder........................  .............................           3,193.93           3,033.38
BOCACCIO...................................  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...              81.89              85.02
CANARY ROCKFISH............................  .............................              43.26              44.48
Chilipepper................................  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           1,203.00           1,196.25
COWCOD.....................................  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...               1.44               1.44
DARKBLOTCHED ROCKFISH......................  .............................             285.61             292.81
Dover sole.................................  .............................          45,980.80          45,980.80
English sole...............................  .............................           9,153.19           6,636.64
Lingcod....................................  North of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           1,133.32           1,083.37
Lingcod....................................  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...             447.71             421.61
Longspine thornyhead.......................  North of 34[deg]27' N. lat...           2,962.33           2,815.08
Minor Shelf Rockfish complex...............  North of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           1,091.70           1,096.52
Minor Shelf Rockfish complex...............  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...             192.20             192.32
Minor Slope Rockfish complex...............  North of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           1,219.41           1,229.94
Minor Slope Rockfish complex...............  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...             423.99             425.25
Other Flatfish complex.....................  .............................           7,670.50           6,315.10
Pacific cod................................  .............................           1,031.41           1,031.41
PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH........................  North of 40[deg]10' N. lat...             118.45             124.15
Pacific Whiting............................  .............................         112,007.45         126,727.11
PETRALE SOLE...............................  .............................           2,539.40           2,633.40
Sablefish..................................  North of 36[deg] N. lat......           2,199.37           2,411.24
Sablefish..................................  South of 36[deg] N. lat......             719.88             787.50
Shortspine thornyhead......................  North of 34[deg]27' N. lat...           1,581.49           1,563.44
Shortspine thornyhead......................  South of 34[deg]27' N. lat...              50.00              50.00
Splitnose rockfish.........................  South of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           1,619.28           1,648.73
Starry flounder............................  .............................             756.85             759.35
Widow rockfish.............................  .............................           1,420.62           1,420.62
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH.........................  .............................               1.00               1.08
Yellowtail rockfish........................  North of 40[deg]10' N. lat...           4,593.15           4,376.67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[FR Doc. 2016-11329 Filed 5-12-16; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P