Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 49496-49497 [2018-21409]
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49496
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 665
Administrative practice and
procedure, Fisheries, Fishing, Hawaii,
Sea turtles.
Dated: September 26, 2018.
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 665 is amended
as follows:
PART 665—FISHERIES IN THE
WESTERN PACIFIC
1. The authority citation for 50 CFR
part 665 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
2. In § 665.813, revise paragraph (b)(1)
to read as follows:
■
§ 665.813 Western Pacific longline fishing
restrictions.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) Maximum annual limits are
established on the number of physical
interactions that occur each calendar
year between leatherback and North
Pacific loggerhead sea turtles and
vessels registered for use under Hawaii
longline limited access permits while
shallow-set fishing. The annual limit for
leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys
coriacea) is 26, and the annual limit for
North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles
(Caretta caretta) is 17.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2018–21349 Filed 10–1–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779–8161–02]
RIN 0648–XG509
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch
in the Bering Sea Subarea of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of
a closure.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
AGENCY:
NMFS is opening directed
fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:20 Oct 01, 2018
Jkt 247001
Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands management area.
This action is necessary to fully use the
2018 total allowable catch of Pacific
ocean perch specified for the Bering Sea
subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands management area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), October 1, 2018, through
1200 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018.
Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., October 17, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by NOAA–NMFS–2017–0108,
by either of the following methods:
• Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?
D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108, 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
will generally be posted for public
viewing on www.regulations.gov
without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address, etc.),
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive information
submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. NMFS will
accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area (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.
NMFS closed directed fishing for
Pacific ocean perch (POP) in the Bering
Sea subarea of the BSAI under
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii) (83 FR 8365, February
27, 2018).
NMFS has determined that
approximately 5,200 metric tons of POP
remain in the directed fishing
allowance. Therefore, in accordance
with § 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and
(a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize the
2018 total allowable catch of POP in the
Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI, NMFS
is terminating the previous closure and
is opening directed fishing for POP in
Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI, effective
1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 1, 2018,
through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., December 31,
2018. This will enhance the
socioeconomic well-being of harvesters
dependent on POP in this area.
The Administrator, Alaska Region
considered the following factors in
reaching this decision: (1) The current
catch of POP in the BSAI and, (2) the
harvest capacity and stated intent on
future harvesting patterns of vessels
participating in this fishery.
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
from the fishery. The Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA
(AA), finds good cause to waive the
requirement to provide prior notice and
opportunity for public comment
pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. This requirement is
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would
delay the opening of POP directed
fishing in the Bering Sea subarea of the
BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a
notice providing time for public
comment because the most recent,
relevant data only became available as
of September 26, 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.
Without this inseason adjustment,
NMFS could not allow the fishery for
POP in the Bering Sea subarea of the
BSAI to be harvested in an expedient
manner and in accordance with the
regulatory schedule. Under
§ 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are
invited to submit written comments on
this action to the above address until
October 17, 2018.
This action is required by § 679.20
and § 679.25 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
E:\FR\FM\02OCR1.SGM
02OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
[FR Doc. 2018–21409 Filed 10–1–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779–8161–02]
RIN 0648–XG510
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; ‘‘Other Rockfish’’ in
the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
AGENCY:
NMFS is prohibiting retention
of ‘‘other rockfish’’ in the Aleutian
Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands management area
(BSAI). This action is necessary because
the 2018 ‘‘other rockfish’’ total
allowable catch (TAC) in the Aleutian
Islands subarea of the BSAI has been
reached.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:20 Oct 01, 2018
Jkt 247001
Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), September 27, 2018,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31,
2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI according to the Fishery
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (FMP) prepared by
the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council under authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act.
Regulations governing fishing by U.S.
vessels in accordance with the FMP
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2018 ‘‘other rockfish’’ TAC in the
Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI is
570 metric tons (mt) as established by
the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(2), the
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
(Regional Administrator), has
determined that the 2018 ‘‘other
rockfish’’ TAC in the Bering Sea subarea
of the BSAI has been reached.
Therefore, NMFS is requiring that
‘‘other rockfish’’ in the Aleutian Islands
subarea of the BSAI be treated as
prohibited species in accordance with
§ 679.21(b).
DATES:
Dated: September 27, 2018.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
Classification
This action responds to the best
available information recently obtained
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
49497
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 prohibiting retention of ‘‘other
rockfish’’ in the Aleutian Islands
subarea of the BSAI. NMFS was unable
to publish a notice providing time for
public comment because the most
recent, relevant data only became
available as September 26, 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 679.21 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 27, 2018.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–21400 Filed 9–27–18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\02OCR1.SGM
02OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49496-49497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21409]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779-8161-02]
RIN 0648-XG509
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific
Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of a closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in
the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area. This action is necessary to fully use the 2018 total
allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch specified for the Bering Sea
subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 1, 2018,
through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018. Comments must be received
at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 17,
2018.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108, by
either of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0108, 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 will generally be posted for public viewing on
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (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.
NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch (POP) in the
Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI under Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii) (83 FR
8365, February 27, 2018).
NMFS has determined that approximately 5,200 metric tons of POP
remain in the directed fishing allowance. Therefore, in accordance with
Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully
utilize the 2018 total allowable catch of POP in the Bering Sea subarea
of the BSAI, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening
directed fishing for POP in Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI, effective
1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 1, 2018, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., December
31, 2018. This will enhance the socioeconomic well-being of harvesters
dependent on POP in this area.
The Administrator, Alaska Region considered the following factors
in reaching this decision: (1) The current catch of POP in the BSAI
and, (2) the harvest capacity and stated intent on future harvesting
patterns of vessels participating in this fishery.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and
would delay the opening of POP directed fishing in the Bering Sea
subarea of the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time
for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became
available as of September 26, 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.
Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery
for POP in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI to be harvested in an
expedient manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under
Sec. 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written
comments on this action to the above address until October 17, 2018.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and Sec. 679.25 and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
[[Page 49497]]
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 27, 2018.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21409 Filed 10-1-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P