Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, 9236-9237 [2018-04388]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 4—FINAL 2018 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2018 A season 1
Area and sector
2018 B season 1
2018 Allocations
A season DFA
541 ....................................................................................
542 ....................................................................................
543 ....................................................................................
Bogoslof District ICA 8 ..............................................................
12,236
6,118
2,039
450
SCA harvest limit 2
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 Bering Sea 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
Bering Sea 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) through (iii), the annual Aleutian Islands pollock TAC, after subtracting first
for the CDQ DFA (10 percent) and second for the ICA (2,400 mt), is allocated to the Aleut Corporation for a pollock directed fishery. In the Aleutian Islands subarea, the A season is allocated up to 40 percent of the ABC, and the B season is allocated the remainder of the pollock directed
fishery.
2 In the Bering Sea subarea, pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(C), no more than 28 percent of each sector’s annual DFA may be taken from the
SCA before noon, April 1.
3 Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i)(A)(4), 8.5 percent of the DFA allocated to listed catcher/processors shall be available for harvest only by AFA
catcher vessels with catcher/processor sector endorsements delivering to listed catcher/processors, unless there is a C/P sector cooperative contract for the year.
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 of no more than 30 percent, in
Area 542 of no more than 15 percent, and in Area 543 of no more than 5 percent of the Aleutian Islands pollock ABC.
8 Pursuant to § 679.22(a)(7)(i)(B), the Bogoslof District is closed 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.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would
delay the reallocation of AI pollock.
Since the pollock fishery opened
January 20, 2018, it is important to
immediately inform the industry as to
the final Bering Sea subarea pollock
allocations. Immediate notification is
necessary to allow for the orderly
conduct and efficient operation of this
fishery; allow the industry to plan for
the fishing season and avoid potential
disruption to the fishing fleet as well as
processors; and provide opportunity to
harvest increased seasonal pollock
allocations while value is optimum.
NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment
because the most recent, relevant data
only became available as of February 25,
2018.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:56 Mar 02, 2018
Jkt 244001
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
This action is required by § 679.20
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 28, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–04389 Filed 2–28–18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
PO 00000
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 160920866–7167–02]
RIN 0648–XF892
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by
Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet
Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line
Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of
the Gulf of Alaska
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
AGENCY:
NMFS is prohibiting directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
less than 50 feet length overall (LOA)
using hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
(GOA). This action is necessary to
prevent exceeding the A season
allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total
allowable catch apportioned to catcher
vessels less than 50 feet LOA using
hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), March 2, 2018,
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 43 / Monday, March 5, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10,
2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
Keaton, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone
according to the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of
Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council
under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. Regulations governing
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance
with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50
CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
Regulations governing sideboard
protections for GOA groundfish
fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR
part 680.
The A season allowance of the 2018
Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC)
apportioned to catcher vessels less than
50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
is 562 metric tons (mt), as established by
the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA
(82 FR 12032, February 27, 2017) and
inseason adjustment (82 FR 60327,
December 20, 2017).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i),
the Administrator, Alaska Region,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:56 Mar 02, 2018
Jkt 244001
NMFS (Regional Administrator) has
determined that the A season allowance
of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC
apportioned to catcher vessels less than
50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA
will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a
directed fishing allowance of 487 mt
and is setting aside the remaining 75 mt
as bycatch to support other anticipated
groundfish fisheries. In accordance with
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional
Administrator finds that this directed
fishing allowance has been reached.
Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting
directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels less than 50 feet LOA
using hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA. After the
effective date of this closure the
maximum retainable amounts at
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
during a trip.
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
PO 00000
Frm 00103
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
9237
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would
delay the directed fishing closure of
Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than
50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment
because the most recent, relevant data
only became available as of February 27,
2018.
The AA also finds good cause to
waive the 30-day delay in the effective
date of this action under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3). This finding is based upon
the reasons provided above for waiver of
prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
This action is required by § 679.20
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 28, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–04388 Filed 2–28–18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM
05MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9236-9237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04388]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 160920866-7167-02]
RIN 0648-XF892
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
by Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line
Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels less than 50 feet length overall (LOA) using hook-and-
line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA).
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of
the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to catcher
vessels less than 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 2, 2018,
[[Page 9237]]
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 10, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the 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. Regulations governing sideboard
protections for GOA groundfish fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR
part 680.
The A season allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod total allowable
catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher vessels less than 50 feet LOA using
hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA is 562
metric tons (mt), as established by the final 2017 and 2018 harvest
specifications for groundfish of the GOA (82 FR 12032, February 27,
2017) and inseason adjustment (82 FR 60327, December 20, 2017).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has determined that the A season
allowance of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC apportioned to catcher vessels
less than 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of
487 mt and is setting aside the remaining 75 mt as bycatch to support
other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with Sec.
679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed
fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting
directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 50 feet
LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts
at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would delay the directed fishing closure of Pacific cod by catcher
vessels less than 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of February 27, 2018.
The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 28, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04388 Filed 2-28-18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
