Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts, 2916-2920 [2017-00260]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
text. Additionally in § 383.73, FMCSA
changes paragraph ‘‘(e)(8)’’ to read
‘‘(e)(9)’’ in both the instruction and
associated regulatory text. In instruction
13, amending Part 383, the Agency
changes ‘‘§ 384.235’’ to read
‘‘§ 384.236.’’ These changes are required
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the Federal Register on December 5,
2016, in the final rule titled
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(81 FR 87686, RIN 2126–AB18, Docket
No. FMCSA–2011–0031). FMCSA
makes these corrections in this
document to ensure the original
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Therefore, in FR Doc. 2016–28012
appearing on page 88803 in the Federal
Register of December 8, 2016, the
following corrections are made:
■
§ 383.73
[Corrected]
1. On page 88803, in the first column,
in Part 383, amendatory instruction 10
is corrected to read as follows:
■
‘‘10. Amend § 383.73 by revising paragraph
(b)(3) introductory text and paragraph
(b)(3)(ii) and by adding paragraphs (b)(11),
(e)(9), and (p) to read as follows:’’
The corrected paragraphs (b)(11) and
(e)(9) read as follows’’
§ 383.73
State procedures.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(11) Beginning on February 7, 2020,
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passenger (P) or school bus (S)
endorsement until the State verifies
electronically that the applicant
completed the training prescribed in
subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) * * *
(9) Beginning on February 7, 2020, not
issue an upgrade to a Class A or Class
B CDL, or a passenger (P), school bus
(S), or hazardous materials (H)
endorsement, unless the applicant has
completed the training required by
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pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
§ 384.235
[Corrected]
2. On page 88803, in the third column,
in Part 384, amendatory instruction 13
is corrected to read as follows:
■
‘‘13. Add § 384.236 to subpart B to read as
follows:’’
The corrected section reads as
follows:
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§ 384.236 Entry-level driver training
provider notification.
The State must meet the entry-level
driver training provider notification
requirement of § 383.73(p) of this
chapter.
Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR
1.87 on: December 27, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016–31784 Filed 1–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863–6211–02]
RIN 0648–XF108
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment
to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and
Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch
Amounts
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
adjustment; request for comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS is adjusting the 2017
total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
(BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel, and
Pacific cod fisheries. This action is
necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly
specified, and will ensure the BSAI
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
TACs are the appropriate amounts based
on the best available scientific
information. Also, NMFS is announcing
the Aleutian Islands Catcher Vessel (CV)
Harvest Set-Aside and Bering Sea Trawl
CV A-Season Sector Limitation will not
be in effect for 2017, and TACs in this
inseason adjustment will apply for
2017. This action is consistent with the
goals and objectives of the Fishery
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), January 9, 2017, until
the effective date of the final 2017 and
2018 harvest specifications for BSAI
groundfish, unless otherwise modified
or superseded through publication of a
notification in the Federal Register.
SUMMARY:
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Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., January 25, 2017.
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
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/
A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mary Furuness, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI exclusive economic zone
according to the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. Regulations governing fishing by
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
The final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) set
the 2017 Aleutian Island (AI) pollock
TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt), the 2017
Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC at
1,340,643 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka
mackerel TAC at 55,000 mt, the 2017 BS
Pacific cod TAC at 238,680 mt, and the
AI Pacific cod TAC at 12,839 mt. Also
set was an AI pollock ABC of 36,664
and a Western Aleutian Island limit for
Pacific cod at 26.3 percent of the AI
Pacific cod TAC. In December 2016, the
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) recommended a 2017
BS pollock TAC of 1,345,000 mt, which
is more than the 1,340,643 mt TAC
established by the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI. The Council also
recommended decreasing the AI pollock
ABC to 36,061 mt from 36,664 mt. This
in turn reduces some area and seasonal
limits for AI pollock. The Council also
recommended a 2017 BSAI Atka
mackerel TAC of 65,000 mt, which is
more than the 55,000 mt TAC
established by the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council
recommended a 2017 BS Pacific cod
TAC of 223,704 mt, and an AI Pacific
cod TAC of 15,695 mt, which is less
than the BS Pacific cod TAC of 238,680
mt, and more than the AI Pacific cod
TAC of 12,839 mt established by the
final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI. In addition to changes in TACs,
the Council recommended changing the
percentage limit of Western Aleutian
Island Pacific cod to 25.6 percent of the
AI Pacific cod ABC, from the 26.3
percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The
Council’s recommended 2017 TACs,
and the area and seasonal
apportionments, are based on the Stock
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation
report (SAFE), dated November 2016,
which NMFS has determined is the best
available scientific information for these
fisheries.
Amendment 113 to the FMP (81 FR
84434, November 23, 2016) and
regulations at § 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require
NMFS to announce whether the
Aleutian Islands incidental catch
allowance, directed fishing allowance,
CV Harvest Set-Aside, and Unrestricted
Fishery, as well as the Bering Sea Trawl
CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be
in effect for 2017. NMFS received
notification from Adak and Atka that
neither will be processing Aleutian
Islands Pacific cod in 2017. Therefore,
the Pacific cod TACs in Table 9 of this
inseason adjustment will be effective for
2017 and the harvest limits in Table 8A
(81 FR 84434, November 23, 2016) will
not apply in 2017.
Steller sea lions occur in the same
location as the pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed
as endangered under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod are a
principal prey species for Steller sea
lions in the BSAI. The seasonal
apportionment of pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod harvest is
necessary to ensure the groundfish
fisheries are not likely to cause jeopardy
of extinction or adverse modification of
critical habitat for Steller sea lions.
NMFS published regulations and the
revised harvest limit amounts for Atka
mackerel, Pacific cod, and pollock
fisheries to implement Steller sea lion
protection measures to insure that
groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not
likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of the western distinct
population segment of Steller sea lions
or destroy or adversely modify their
designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286,
November 25, 2014). The regulations at
§ 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS
pollock TAC will be apportioned. The
regulations at § 679.20(a)(7) specify how
the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be
apportioned. The regulations at
§ 679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI
Atka mackerel TAC will be apportioned.
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In accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
(a)(2)(i)(B), and (a)(2)(iv), the
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
(Regional Administrator), has
determined that, based on the November
2016 SAFE report for this fishery, the
current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly
specified. Pursuant to § 679.25(a)(1)(iii),
the Regional Administrator is adjusting
the 2017 BS pollock TAC to 1,345,000
mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC
to 65,000, the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC
to 223,704 mt, and the AI Pacific cod
TAC to 15,695 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
revised consistent with this adjustment.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5
of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
revised for the 2017 BS allocations of
pollock TAC to the directed pollock
fisheries and to the Community
Development Quota (CDQ) directed
fishing allowances consistent with this
adjustment. The Steller sea lion
protection measure final rule (79 FR
70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest
limits for pollock in the A season
(January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543,
542, and 541, see
§ 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the
2017 A season pollock harvest limit is
no more than 30 percent, or 10,818 mt,
of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 542,
the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 15 percent, or 5,409 mt,
of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 543,
the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 5 percent, or 1,803 mt,
of the AI pollock ABC of 36,061 mt.
TABLE 5—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 A season 1
Area and sector
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
A season DFA
Bering Sea subarea TAC 1 ..............................................
CDQ DFA .........................................................................
ICA 1 .................................................................................
Total Bering Sea non-CDQ DFA .....................................
AFA Inshore .....................................................................
AFA Catcher/Processors 3 ...............................................
Catch by C/Ps ..........................................................
Catch by CVs 3 .........................................................
Unlisted C/P Limit 4 ...................................................
AFA Motherships .............................................................
Excessive Harvesting Limit 5 ............................................
Excessive Processing Limit 6 ...........................................
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC .........................................
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC 1 .......................................
CDQ DFA .........................................................................
ICA ...................................................................................
Aleut Corporation .............................................................
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2017 B season 1
2017 allocations
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1,345,000
134,500
47,210
1,163,291
581,645
465,316
425,764
39,552
2,327
116,329
203,576
348,987
36,061
19,000
1,900
2,400
14,700
Fmt 4700
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SCA harvest limit 2
n/a
60,525
n/a
523,481
261,740
209,392
191,594
17,798
1,047
52,348
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
760
1,200
12,464
E:\FR\FM\10JAR1.SGM
n/a
37,660
n/a
325,721
162,861
130,289
n/a
n/a
n/a
32,572
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
10JAR1
B season DFA
n/a
73,975
n/a
639,810
319,905
255,924
234,170
21,754
1,280
63,981
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,140
1,200
2,236
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 5—FINAL 2017 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 A season 1
Area and sector
2017 B season 1
2017 allocations
SCA harvest limit 2
A season DFA
Area harvest limit 7
541 ............................................................................
542 ............................................................................
543 ............................................................................
Bogoslof District ICA 8 ......................................................
10,818
5,409
1,803
500
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
B season DFA
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and the ICA (3.9 percent), is allocated
as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector—50 percent, catcher/processor sector (C/P)—40 percent, and mothership sector—10 percent. In the BS
subarea, 45 percent of the DFA is allocated to the A season (January 20–June 10) and 55 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June
10–November 1). Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A
season is allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
2 In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector’s annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before April 1.
3 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest
only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/processors.
4 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/
processors sector’s allocation of pollock.
5 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
6 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0 percent of the sum of the non-CDQ
pollock DFAs.
7 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in
Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
8 The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The amounts specified are for ICA only and
are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
revised for the 2017 seasonal and spatial
allowances, gear shares, CDQ reserve,
incidental catch allowance, and
Amendment 80 allocation of the BSAI
Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 7—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 allocation by area
Sector 1
Season 2 3 4
TAC .................................................................
CDQ reserve ...................................................
n/a ..................................................................
Total ...............................................................
A .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
B .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
n/a ..................................................................
Total ...............................................................
Total ...............................................................
Total ...............................................................
A .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
B .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
Total ...............................................................
A .....................................................................
B .....................................................................
Total 6 .............................................................
A .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
B .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
Total 6 .............................................................
A .....................................................................
Critical Habitat ................................................
B .....................................................................
Non-CDQ TAC ................................................
ICA ..................................................................
Jig 6 .................................................................
BSAI trawl limited access ...............................
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Amendment 80 sectors ...................................
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ......................
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ..........................
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Eastern Aleutian District/
Bering Sea
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34,500
3,692
1,846
n/a
1,846
n/a
30,809
1,000
149
2,966
1,483
n/a
1,483
n/a
26,694
13,347
13,347
15,191
7,596
n/a
7,596
n/a
11,502
5,751
n/a
5,751
10JAR1
Central
Aleutian
District 5
18,000
1,926
963
578
963
578
16,074
75
0
1,600
800
480
800
480
14,399
7,200
7,200
8,552
4,276
2,566
4,276
2,566
5,847
2,924
1,754
2,924
Western
Aleutian
District
12,500
1,338
669
401
669
401
11,163
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
11,143
5,571
5,571
6,853
3,427
2,056
3,427
2,056
4,290
2,145
1,287
2,145
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
2919
TABLE 7—FINAL 2017 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2017 allocation by area
Sector 1
Season 2 3 4
Eastern Aleutian District/
Bering Sea
Critical Habitat ................................................
n/a
Central
Aleutian
District 5
1,754
Western
Aleutian
District
1,287
1 Section
679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679 and § 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see
§§ 679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
2 Sections 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel fishery.
3 The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
4 Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from January 20 to June 10 and the B
season from June 10 to December 31.
5 Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to be caught inside of critical habitat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at § 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the
TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC.
6 Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear
after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of
the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) is
revised for the 2017 gear shares and
seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific
cod TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
2017 share of
gear sector
total
Percent
2017 share of
sector total
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
100
60.8
n/a
n/a
48.7
223,704
23,936
199,768
15,695
1,679
14,016
4,018
213,783
129,980
500
129,480
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
103,712
Hook-and-line catcher vessel ≥60 ft
LOA.
Pot catcher/processor .......................
0.2
n/a
426
1.5
n/a
3,194
Pot catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA ..........
8.4
n/a
17,889
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using
hook-and-line or pot gear.
Trawl catcher vessel .........................
2
n/a
4,259
22.1
47,246
n/a
AFA trawl catcher/processor .............
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
BS TAC .............................................
BS CDQ ............................................
BS non-CDQ TAC .............................
AI TAC ..............................................
AI CDQ ..............................................
AI non-CDQ TAC ..............................
Western Aleutian Island Limit ...........
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC 1 ..............
Total hook-and-line/pot gear .............
Hook-and-line/pot ICA 2 ....................
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total ...............
Hook-and-line catcher/processor ......
2.3
4,917
n/a
Amendment 80 ..................................
13.4
28,647
n/a
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative ........
n/a
n/a
4,522
Alaska Seafood Cooperative ............
n/a
n/a
24,125
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2017 seasonal apportionment
Seasons
Amount
n/a ....................................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) ....................
n/a ....................................................
n/a ....................................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(i)(B) ....................
n/a ....................................................
n/a ....................................................
n/a ....................................................
n/a ....................................................
see § 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(B) ...................
n/a ....................................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...................................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...................................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...................................
Sept 1–Dec 31 .................................
Jan 1–Jun 10 ...................................
Sept 1–Dec 31 .................................
n/a ....................................................
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
52,893
50,819
217
209
1,629
1,565
9,123
8,765
n/a
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................................
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...................................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................................
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...................................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................................
Jun 10–Nov 1 ...................................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................................
Jan 20–Apr 1 ....................................
Apr 1–Jun 10 ....................................
Jun 10–Dec 31 .................................
34,962
5,197
7,087
3,688
1,229
0
21,485
7,162
0
3,392
1,131
0
18,094
6,031
0
E:\FR\FM\10JAR1.SGM
10JAR1
2920
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 9—FINAL 2017 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
2017 share of
gear sector
total
Percent
Jig ......................................................
2017 share of
sector total
2,993
n/a
1.4
2017 seasonal apportionment
Seasons
Amount
Jan 1–Apr 30 ....................................
Apr 30–Aug 31 .................................
Aug 31–Dec 31 ................................
1,796
599
599
1 The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached, then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains.
2 The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC allocated to the hook-and-line
and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2017 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Classification
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:51 Jan 09, 2017
Jkt 241001
allow for harvests that exceed the
appropriate allocations for pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI
based on the best scientific information
available. NMFS was unable to publish
a notice providing time for public
comment because the most recent,
relevant data only became available as
of December 20, 2016, and additional
time for prior public comment would
result in conservation concerns for the
ESA-listed Steller sea lions.
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
PO 00000
Frm 00072
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested
persons are invited to submit written
comments on this action to the above
address until January 25, 2017.
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: January 4, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–00260 Filed 1–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2916-2920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00260]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 150916863-6211-02]
RIN 0648-XF108
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason
Adjustment to the 2017 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka
Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2017 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts
for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock, Atka mackerel,
and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has
determined these TACs are incorrectly specified, and will ensure the
BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod TACs are the appropriate
amounts based on the best available scientific information. Also, NMFS
is announcing the Aleutian Islands Catcher Vessel (CV) Harvest Set-
Aside and Bering Sea Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation will not be in
effect for 2017, and TACs in this inseason adjustment will apply for
2017. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 9,
2017, until the effective date of the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for BSAI groundfish, unless otherwise modified or
superseded through publication of a notification in the Federal
Register.
Comments must be received at the following address no later than
4:30 p.m., A.l.t., January 25, 2017.
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
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: Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with
the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
The final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) set the 2017 Aleutian Island
(AI) pollock TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt), the 2017 Bering Sea (BS)
pollock TAC at 1,340,643 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC at 55,000
mt, the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC at 238,680 mt, and the AI Pacific cod
TAC at 12,839 mt. Also set was an AI pollock ABC of 36,664 and a
Western Aleutian Island limit for Pacific cod at 26.3 percent of the AI
Pacific cod TAC. In December 2016, the
[[Page 2917]]
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended a 2017
BS pollock TAC of 1,345,000 mt, which is more than the 1,340,643 mt TAC
established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. The Council also recommended decreasing the AI
pollock ABC to 36,061 mt from 36,664 mt. This in turn reduces some area
and seasonal limits for AI pollock. The Council also recommended a 2017
BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of 65,000 mt, which is more than the 55,000 mt
TAC established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore, the Council recommended a 2017 BS
Pacific cod TAC of 223,704 mt, and an AI Pacific cod TAC of 15,695 mt,
which is less than the BS Pacific cod TAC of 238,680 mt, and more than
the AI Pacific cod TAC of 12,839 mt established by the final 2016 and
2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. In addition to
changes in TACs, the Council recommended changing the percentage limit
of Western Aleutian Island Pacific cod to 25.6 percent of the AI
Pacific cod ABC, from the 26.3 percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The
Council's recommended 2017 TACs, and the area and seasonal
apportionments, are based on the Stock Assessment and Fishery
Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November 2016, which NMFS has
determined is the best available scientific information for these
fisheries.
Amendment 113 to the FMP (81 FR 84434, November 23, 2016) and
regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require NMFS to announce
whether the Aleutian Islands incidental catch allowance, directed
fishing allowance, CV Harvest Set-Aside, and Unrestricted Fishery, as
well as the Bering Sea Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation will be in
effect for 2017. NMFS received notification from Adak and Atka that
neither will be processing Aleutian Islands Pacific cod in 2017.
Therefore, the Pacific cod TACs in Table 9 of this inseason adjustment
will be effective for 2017 and the harvest limits in Table 8A (81 FR
84434, November 23, 2016) will not apply in 2017.
Steller sea lions occur in the same location as the pollock, Atka
mackerel, and Pacific cod fisheries and are listed as endangered under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific
cod are a principal prey species for Steller sea lions in the BSAI. The
seasonal apportionment of pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
harvest is necessary to ensure the groundfish fisheries are not likely
to cause jeopardy of extinction or adverse modification of critical
habitat for Steller sea lions. NMFS published regulations and the
revised harvest limit amounts for Atka mackerel, Pacific cod, and
pollock fisheries to implement Steller sea lion protection measures to
insure that groundfish fisheries of the BSAI are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population
segment of Steller sea lions or destroy or adversely modify their
designated critical habitat (79 FR 70286, November 25, 2014). The
regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i) specify how the BS pollock TAC
will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7) specify how
the BSAI Pacific cod TAC will be apportioned. The regulations at Sec.
679.20(a)(8) specify how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will be
apportioned.
In accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i)(B), and
(a)(2)(iv), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional
Administrator), has determined that, based on the November 2016 SAFE
report for this fishery, the current BSAI pollock, Atka mackerel, and
Pacific cod TACs are incorrectly specified. Pursuant to Sec.
679.25(a)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2017 BS
pollock TAC to 1,345,000 mt, the 2017 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to 65,000,
the 2017 BS Pacific cod TAC to 223,704 mt, and the AI Pacific cod TAC
to 15,695 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016)
is revised consistent with this adjustment.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i), Table 5 of the final 2016 and
2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773,
March 18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 BS allocations of pollock TAC
to the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community Development
Quota (CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with this
adjustment. The Steller sea lion protection measure final rule (79 FR
70286, November 25, 2014), sets harvest limits for pollock in the A
season (January 20 to June 10) in Areas 543, 542, and 541, see Sec.
679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6). In Area 541, the 2017 A season pollock harvest
limit is no more than 30 percent, or 10,818 mt, of the AI ABC of 36,061
mt. In Area 542, the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is no more
than 15 percent, or 5,409 mt, of the AI ABC of 36,061 mt. In Area 543,
the 2017 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 5 percent, or
1,803 mt, of the AI pollock ABC of 36,061 mt.
Table 5--Final 2017 Allocations of Pollock Tacs to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed
Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017 A season \1\ 2017 B season \1\
-----------------------------------------------------------
Area and sector 2017 allocations SCA harvest limit
A season DFA \2\ B season DFA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\...... 1,345,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA......................... 134,500 60,525 37,660 73,975
ICA \1\......................... 47,210 n/a n/a n/a
Total Bering Sea non-CDQ DFA.... 1,163,291 523,481 325,721 639,810
AFA Inshore..................... 581,645 261,740 162,861 319,905
AFA Catcher/Processors \3\...... 465,316 209,392 130,289 255,924
Catch by C/Ps............... 425,764 191,594 n/a 234,170
Catch by CVs \3\............ 39,552 17,798 n/a 21,754
Unlisted C/P Limit \4\...... 2,327 1,047 n/a 1,280
AFA Motherships................. 116,329 52,348 32,572 63,981
Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\.. 203,576 n/a n/a n/a
Excessive Processing Limit \6\.. 348,987 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC.... 36,061 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\ 19,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA......................... 1,900 760 n/a 1,140
ICA............................. 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200
Aleut Corporation............... 14,700 12,464 n/a 2,236
[[Page 2918]]
Area harvest limit \7\
541......................... 10,818 n/a n/a n/a
542......................... 5,409 n/a n/a n/a
543......................... 1,803 n/a n/a n/a
Bogoslof District ICA \8\....... 500 n/a n/a n/a
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A), the BS subarea pollock, after subtracting the CDQ DFA (10 percent)
and the ICA (3.9 percent), is allocated as a DFA as follows: Inshore sector--50 percent, catcher/processor
sector (C/P)--40 percent, and mothership sector--10 percent. In the BS subarea, 45 percent of the DFA is
allocated to the A season (January 20-June 10) and 55 percent of the DFA is allocated to the B season (June 10-
November 1). Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(2)(i) and (ii), the annual AI pollock TAC, after
subtracting first for the CDQ directed fishing allowance (10 percent) and second the ICA (2,400 mt), is
allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the AI subarea, the A season is
allocated 40 percent of the ABC and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed fishery.
\2\ In the BS subarea, no more than 28 percent of each sector's annual DFA may be taken from the SCA before
April 1.
\3\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), not less than 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/
processors shall be available for harvest only by eligible catcher vessels delivering to listed catcher/
processors.
\4\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4)(iii), the AFA unlisted catcher/processors are limited to harvesting
not more than 0.5 percent of the catcher/processors sector's allocation of pollock.
\5\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(6), NMFS establishes an excessive harvesting share limit equal to 17.5
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\6\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(7), NMFS establishes an excessive processing share limit equal to 30.0
percent of the sum of the non-CDQ pollock DFAs.
\7\ Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(iii)(B)(6), NMFS establishes harvest limits for pollock in the A season in
Area 541 no more than 30 percent, in Area 542 no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 no more than 5 percent
of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
\8\ The Bogoslof District is closed by the final harvest specifications to directed fishing for pollock. The
amounts specified are for ICA only and are not apportioned by season or sector.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(8), Table 7 of the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March
18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 seasonal and spatial allowances, gear
shares, CDQ reserve, incidental catch allowance, and Amendment 80
allocation of the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
Table 7--Final 2017 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and
Amendment 80 Allocations of the BSAI ATKA Mackerel TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017 allocation by area
-----------------------------------------------
Eastern
Sector \1\ Season \2\ \3\ \4\ Aleutian Central Western
District/ Aleutian Aleutian
Bering Sea District \5\ District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC................................... n/a..................... 34,500 18,000 12,500
CDQ reserve........................... Total................... 3,692 1,926 1,338
A....................... 1,846 963 669
Critical Habitat........ n/a 578 401
B....................... 1,846 963 669
Critical Habitat........ n/a 578 401
Non-CDQ TAC........................... n/a..................... 30,809 16,074 11,163
ICA................................... Total................... 1,000 75 20
Jig \6\............................... Total................... 149 0 0
BSAI trawl limited access............. Total................... 2,966 1,600 0
A....................... 1,483 800 0
Critical Habitat........ n/a 480 0
B....................... 1,483 800 0
Critical Habitat........ n/a 480 0
Amendment 80 sectors.................. Total................... 26,694 14,399 11,143
A....................... 13,347 7,200 5,571
B....................... 13,347 7,200 5,571
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative......... Total \6\............... 15,191 8,552 6,853
A....................... 7,596 4,276 3,427
Critical Habitat........ n/a 2,566 2,056
B....................... 7,596 4,276 3,427
Critical Habitat........ n/a 2,566 2,056
Alaska Seafood Cooperative............ Total \6\............... 11,502 5,847 4,290
A....................... 5,751 2,924 2,145
Critical Habitat........ n/a 1,754 1,287
B....................... 5,751 2,924 2,145
[[Page 2919]]
Critical Habitat........ n/a 1,754 1,287
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii) allocates the Atka mackerel TACs, after subtracting the CDQ reserves, jig gear
allocation, and ICAs to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors. The allocation of the ITAC for
Atka mackerel to the Amendment 80 and BSAI trawl limited access sectors is established in Table 33 to part 679
and Sec. 679.91. The CDQ reserve is 10.7 percent of the TAC for use by CDQ participants (see Sec. Sec.
679.20(b)(1)(ii)(C) and 679.31).
\2\ Sections 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(A) and 679.22(a) establish temporal and spatial limitations for the Atka mackerel
fishery.
\3\ The seasonal allowances of Atka mackerel are 50 percent in the A season and 50 percent in the B season.
\4\ Section 679.23(e)(3) authorizes directed fishing for Atka mackerel with trawl gear during the A season from
January 20 to June 10 and the B season from June 10 to December 31.
\5\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(i) limits no more than 60 percent of the annual TACs in Areas 542 and 543 to
be caught inside of critical habitat; (a)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B
seasons as defined at Sec. 679.23(e)(3); and (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more
than 65 percent of ABC.
\6\ Section 679.20(a)(8)(i) requires that up to 2 percent of the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea
subarea TAC be allocated to jig gear after subtracting the CDQ reserve and ICA. The amount of this allocation
is 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of the final 2016 and 2017
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March
18, 2016) is revised for the 2017 gear shares and seasonal allowances
of the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment.
TABLE 9--Final 2017 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017 share of 2017 seasonal apportionment
Gear sector Percent gear sector 2017 share of ---------------------------------
total sector total Seasons Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BS TAC........................ n/a 223,704 n/a n/a............. n/a
BS CDQ........................ n/a 23,936 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
BS non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 199,768 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI TAC........................ n/a 15,695 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI CDQ........................ n/a 1,679 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
AI non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 14,016 n/a n/a............. n/a
Western Aleutian Island Limit. n/a 4,018 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC \1\.... 100 213,783 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total hook-and-line/pot gear.. 60.8 129,980 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line/pot ICA \2\..... n/a 500 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(ii
)(B).
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total... n/a 129,480 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line catcher/ 48.7 n/a 103,712 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 52,893
processor. Jun 10-Dec 31... 50,819
Hook-and-line catcher vessel 0.2 n/a 426 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 217
>=60 ft LOA. Jun 10-Dec 31... 209
Pot catcher/processor......... 1.5 n/a 3,194 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 1,629
Sept 1-Dec 31... 1,565
Pot catcher vessel >=60 ft LOA 8.4 n/a 17,889 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 9,123
Sept 1-Dec 31... 8,765
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA 2 n/a 4,259 n/a............. n/a
using hook-and-line or pot
gear.
Trawl catcher vessel.......... 22.1 47,246 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 34,962
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 5,197
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 7,087
AFA trawl catcher/processor... 2.3 4,917 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,688
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,229
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0
Amendment 80.................. 13.4 28,647 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 21,485
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 7,162
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0
Alaska Groundfish Cooperative. n/a n/a 4,522 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 3,392
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 1,131
Jun 10-Dec 31... 0
Alaska Seafood Cooperative.... n/a n/a 24,125 Jan 20-Apr 1.... 18,094
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 6,031
Jun 10-Dec 31... 0
[[Page 2920]]
Jig........................... 1.4 2,993 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30.... 1,796
Apr 30-Aug 31... 599
Aug 31-Dec 31... 599
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The gear shares and seasonal allowances for BSAI Pacific cod TAC are based on the sum of the BS and AI
Pacific cod TACs, after the subtraction of CDQ. If the TAC for Pacific cod in either the AI or BS is reached,
then directed fishing for Pacific cod in that subarea may be prohibited, even if a BSAI allowance remains.
\2\ The ICA for the hook-and-line and pot sectors will be deducted from the aggregate portion of Pacific cod TAC
allocated to the hook-and-line and pot sectors. The Regional Administrator approves an ICA of 500 mt for 2017
based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would allow for harvests that exceed the appropriate allocations for
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the BSAI based on the best
scientific information available. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of December 20, 2016, and additional time
for prior public comment would result in conservation concerns for the
ESA-listed Steller sea lions.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
Under Sec. 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit
written comments on this action to the above address until January 25,
2017.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and Sec. 679.25 and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: January 4, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-00260 Filed 1-9-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
