Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2019 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Pollock, Atka Mackerel, and Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amounts, 67144-67148 [2018-28214]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
67144
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
mt of the 2018 Pacific cod TAC
allocated to those vessels under
§ 679.20(a)(12)(i)(B)(4).
In accordance with
§ 679.20(a)(12)(ii)(B), the Regional
Administrator has also determined that
catcher vessels less than 50 feet LOA
using hook-and-line gear, catcher
vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet
LOA using hook-and-line gear, vessels
using pot gear, and catcher/processors
using trawl gear currently have the
capacity to harvest this excess
allocation. Therefore, NMFS apportions
60 mt of Pacific cod from the jig vessel
apportionment, 40 mt of Pacific cod
from the hook-and-line catcher/
processor apportionment, and 580 mt of
Pacific cod from the trawl catcher vessel
apportionment to catcher vessels less
than 50 feet LOA using hook-and-line
gear, catcher vessels greater than or
equal to 50 feet LOA using hook-andline gear, vessels using pot gear, and
catcher/processors using trawl gear in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
The harvest specifications for Pacific
cod in the Central Regulatory Area of
the GOA included in the final 2018 and
2019 harvest specifications for
groundfish of the GOA (83 FR 8768,
March 1, 2018) are revised as follows:
268 mt to catcher/processors using
hook-and-line gear, 990 mt to catcher
vessels less than 50 feet LOA using
hook-and-line gear, 416 mt to catcher
vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet
LOA using hook-and-line gear, 1 mt to
vessels using jig gear, 1,787 mt to
vessels using pot gear, 700 mt to
catcher/processors using trawl gear, and
1,695 mt to catcher vessels using trawl
gear.
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 reallocations of Pacific cod in
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Since the fishery is currently open, it is
important to immediately inform the
industry as to the revised allocations.
Immediate notification is necessary to
allow for the orderly conduct and
efficient operation of this fishery, to
allow the industry to plan for the fishing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:02 Dec 27, 2018
Jkt 247001
season, and to avoid potential
disruption to the fishing fleet as well as
processors. 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, 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: December 21, 2018.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–28367 Filed 12–21–18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779–8161–02]
RIN 0648–XG684
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment
to the 2019 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 2019
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 be
in effect for 2019, and TACs in this
inseason adjustment will apply for
2019. This action is consistent with the
goals and objectives of the Fishery
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00112
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Management Plan for Groundfish of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), December 21, 2018,
until the effective date of the final 2019
and 2020 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 14, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by NOAA–NMFS–2018–0801,
by either of the following methods:
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20180801, 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: NMFS may not consider
comments if they are sent by any other
method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the
comment period ends. All comments
received are a part of the public record,
and NMFS will post the comments 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 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018)
set the 2019 Aleutian Islands (AI)
pollock TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt),
the 2019 Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC
at 1,383,000 mt, the 2019 BSAI Atka
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
28DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
mackerel TAC at 72,500 mt, the 2019 BS
Pacific cod TAC at 159,120 mt, and the
2019 AI Pacific cod TAC at 15,695 mt.
Also set was a 2019 AI pollock ABC of
30,803 mt and a Western Aleutian
Islands limit for Pacific cod at 25.6
percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. In
December 2018, the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council (Council)
recommended a 2019 BS pollock TAC of
1,397,000 mt, which is more than the
1,383,000 mt TAC established by the
final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI. The Council also recommended
increasing the AI pollock ABC to 52,887
mt from 30,803 mt. This increases some
2019 area and seasonal limits for AI
pollock. The Council also recommended
a 2019 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of
57,951 mt, which is less than the 72,500
mt TAC established by the final 2018
and 2019 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore,
the Council recommended a 2019 BS
Pacific cod TAC of 166,475 mt, and an
AI Pacific cod TAC of 14,214 mt, which
is more than the BS Pacific cod TAC of
159,120 mt, and less than the AI Pacific
cod TAC of 15,695 mt established by the
final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI. In addition to changes in TACs,
the Council recommended changing the
percentage limit of Western Aleutian
Islands Pacific cod to 15.7 percent of the
AI Pacific cod ABC, from the 25.6
percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The
Council’s recommended 2019 TACs,
and the area and seasonal
apportionments, are based on the Stock
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation
report (SAFE), dated November 2018,
which NMFS has determined is the best
available scientific information for these
fisheries.
Regulations at § 679.20(a)(7)(viii)
require NMFS to announce whether the
AI incidental catch allowance, directed
fishing allowance, CV Harvest SetAside, and Unrestricted Fishery, as well
as the Bering Sea Trawl CV A-Season
Sector Limitation will be in effect for
2019. NMFS received notification from
Adak that a shoreplant will be
processing AI Pacific cod in 2019.
Therefore, the Pacific cod TACs in Table
9 of this inseason adjustment will be
effective for 2019 and the harvest limits
in Table 9B (83 FR 8365, February 27,
2018) will apply in 2019.
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
pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod
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) and (ii) specify how the
BS and AI 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
67145
how the BSAI Atka mackerel TAC will
be apportioned.
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
2018 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 2019 BS pollock TAC to 1,397,000
mt, the 2019 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC
to 57,951 mt, the 2019 BS Pacific cod
TAC to 166,475 mt, and the AI Pacific
cod TAC to 14,214 mt. Therefore, Table
2 of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018) is
revised consistent with this adjustment.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(5)(i) and (ii),
Table 5 of the final 2018 and 2019
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27,
2018) is revised for the 2019 BS and AI
allocations of pollock TAC to the
directed pollock fisheries and to the
Community Development Quota (CDQ)
directed fishing allowances consistent
with this adjustment. For AI pollock,
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
2019 A season pollock harvest limit is
no more than 30 percent, or 15,866 mt,
of the AI ABC of 52,887 mt. In Area 542,
the 2019 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 15 percent, or 7,933 mt,
of the AI ABC of 52,887 mt. In Area 543,
the 2019 A season pollock harvest limit
is no more than 5 percent, or 2,644 mt,
of the AI pollock ABC of 52,887 mt.
TABLE 5—FINAL 2019 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2019 A season 1
2019
Allocations
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
Area and sector
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 .......................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:02 Dec 27, 2018
Jkt 247001
PO 00000
Frm 00113
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
1,397,000
139,700
49,035
1,208,265
604,133
483,306
442,225
41,081
2,417
120,827
211,446
362,480
52,887
19,000
A season DFA
n/a
62,865
n/a
543,719
271,860
217,488
199,001
18,486
1,087
54,372
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
28DER1
SCA harvest
limit 2
n/a
39,116
n/a
338,314
169,157
135,326
n/a
n/a
n/a
33,831
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
2019 B
season 1
B season DFA
n/a
76,835
n/a
664,546
332,273
265,818
243,224
22,595
1,329
66,455
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
67146
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 5—FINAL 2019 ALLOCATIONS OF POLLOCK TACS TO THE DIRECTED POLLOCK FISHERIES AND TO THE CDQ
DIRECTED FISHING ALLOWANCES (DFA) 1—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2019 A season 1
2019
Allocations
Area and sector
CDQ DFA .........................................................................................................
ICA ...................................................................................................................
Aleut Corporation .............................................................................................
Area harvest limit 7 541 ....................................................................................
542 ...................................................................................................................
543 ...................................................................................................................
Bogoslof District ICA 8 ......................................................................................
A season DFA
1,900
2,400
14,700
15,866
7,933
2,644
500
2019 B
season 1
SCA harvest
limit 2
760
1,200
14,700
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
1,140
1,200
0
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 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 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 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 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018) is
revised for the 2019 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 2019 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATION OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2019 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 ............................................................
Critical Habitat .......................................
B ............................................................
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
non-CDQ TAC ........................................
ICA .........................................................
Jig 7 ........................................................
BSAI trawl limited access ......................
Amendment 80 sectors 7 ........................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:02 Dec 27, 2018
Jkt 247001
PO 00000
Frm 00114
Fmt 4700
Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering
Sea 5
Sfmt 4700
Central Aleutian
District 5
23,970
2,565
1,282
n/a
1,282
n/a
21,405
800
103
2,050
1,025
n/a
1,025
n/a
18,452
9,226
n/a
9,226
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
14,390
1,540
770
462
770
462
12,850
75
0
1,278
639
383
639
383
11,498
5,749
3,449
5,749
28DER1
Western Aleutian
District 5
19,591
2,096
1,048
629
1,048
629
17,495
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
17,475
8,737
5,242
8,737
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
67147
TABLE 7—FINAL 2019 SEASONAL AND SPATIAL ALLOWANCES, GEAR SHARES, CDQ RESERVE, INCIDENTAL CATCH
ALLOWANCE, AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATION OF THE BSAI ATKA MACKEREL TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
2019 Allocation by area
Sector 1
Season 2 3 4
Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering
Sea 5
Critical Habitat .......................................
Central Aleutian
District 5
n/a
Western Aleutian
District 5
3,449
5,242
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 50 CFR 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 Steller sea
lion critical habitat; section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at § 679.23(e)(3);
and section 679.20 (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2) requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC in Area 543.
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 the ICA. NMFS set the amount of this allocation for 2019 at 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
7 The 2019 allocations for Atka mackerel between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access sector will not be known
until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1, 2018. NMFS will post 2019 Amendment 80 allocations when they
become available in December 2018.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of
the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018) is
revised for the 2019 gear shares and
seasonal allowances of the BSAI Pacific
cod TAC consistent with this
adjustment.
TABLE 9–FINAL 2019 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
Gear sector
Percent
2019 Share of
gear sector
total
2019 Share of
sector total
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 ......
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
60.8
n/a
n/a
48.7
166,475
17,813
148,662
14,214
1,521
12,693
2,232
161,355
98,104
400
97,704
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
78,260
Hook-and-line catcher vessel ≥60 ft
LOA.
Pot catcher/processor .......................
0.2
n/a
321
1.5
n/a
2,410
Pot catcher vessel ≥60 ft LOA ..........
8.4
n/a
13,499
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA using
hook-and-line or pot gear.
Trawl catcher vessel .........................
2
n/a
3,214
22.1
35,660
n/a
AFA trawl catcher/processor .............
2.3
3,711
n/a
Amendment 80 ..................................
13.4
21,622
n/a
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:02 Dec 27, 2018
Jkt 247001
PO 00000
Frm 00115
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2019 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
39,912
38,347
164
157
1,229
1,181
6,884
6,614
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–Dec 31 .................................
26,388
3,923
5,349
2,783
928
0
16,216
5,405
0
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
28DER1
67148
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 248 / Friday, December 28, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 9–FINAL 2019 GEAR SHARES AND SEASONAL ALLOWANCES OF THE BSAI PACIFIC COD TAC—Continued
[Amounts are in metric tons]
Gear sector
Percent
Jig ......................................................
2019 Share of
gear sector
total
2019 Share of
sector total
2,259
n/a
1.4
2019 Seasonal apportionment
Seasons
Amount
Jan 1–Apr 30 ....................................
Apr 30–Aug 31 .................................
Aug 31–Dec 31 ................................
1,355
452
452
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 400 mt for 2019 based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
TABLE 9B—2019 BSAI A-SEASON PACIFIC COD LIMITS IF ALEUTIAN ISLANDS SHOREPLANTS INTEND TO PROCESS
PACIFIC COD
Amount
(mt)
2019 Allocations under Aleutian Islands CV Harvest Set-Aside
AI non-CDQ TAC .................................................................................................................................................................................
AI ICA ..................................................................................................................................................................................................
AI DFA .................................................................................................................................................................................................
BS non-CDQ TAC ...............................................................................................................................................................................
BSAI Trawl CV A-Season Allocation ...................................................................................................................................................
BSAI Trawl CV A-Season Allocation minus Sector Limitation 1 ..........................................................................................................
BS Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation ...........................................................................................................................................
AI CV Harvest Set-Aside 2 ...................................................................................................................................................................
AI Unrestricted Fishery 3 ......................................................................................................................................................................
14,214
2,500
11,714
148,662
26,388
21,388
5,000
5,000
6,714
1 This is the amount of the BSAI trawl CV A-season allocation that may be harvested in the Bering Sea prior to March 21, 2019, unless the BS
Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation is suspended for the remainder of the fishing year because the performance requirements pursuant to
§ 679.20(a)(7)(viii)(E) were not met.
2 Prior to March 15, 2019, only catcher vessels that deliver their catch of AI Pacific cod to AI shoreplants for processing may directed fish for
that portion of the AI Pacific cod non–CDQ DFA that is specified as the AI CV Harvest Set-Aside, unless lifted because the performance requirements pursuant to § 679.20(a)(7)(viii)(E) were not met.
3 Prior to March 15, 2019, vessels otherwise authorized to directed fish for Pacific cod in the AI may directed fish for that portion of the AI Pacific cod non–CDQ DFA that is specified as the AI Unrestricted Fishery.
Classification
amozie 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
16:02 Dec 27, 2018
Jkt 247001
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 xx, 2018, 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 00116
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 14, 2019.
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: December 21, 2018.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–28214 Filed 12–21–18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
28DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 248 (Friday, December 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67144-67148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-28214]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779-8161-02]
RIN 0648-XG684
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason
Adjustment to the 2019 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 2019 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 be in
effect for 2019, and TACs in this inseason adjustment will apply for
2019. 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.), December 21,
2018, until the effective date of the final 2019 and 2020 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 14, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-0801, by
either of the following methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0801, 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: NMFS may not consider comments if they are sent by
any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after
the comment period ends. All comments received are a part of the public
record, and NMFS will post the comments 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 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018) set the 2019 Aleutian Islands
(AI) pollock TAC at 19,000 metric tons (mt), the 2019 Bering Sea (BS)
pollock TAC at 1,383,000 mt, the 2019 BSAI Atka
[[Page 67145]]
mackerel TAC at 72,500 mt, the 2019 BS Pacific cod TAC at 159,120 mt,
and the 2019 AI Pacific cod TAC at 15,695 mt. Also set was a 2019 AI
pollock ABC of 30,803 mt and a Western Aleutian Islands limit for
Pacific cod at 25.6 percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. In December
2018, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council)
recommended a 2019 BS pollock TAC of 1,397,000 mt, which is more than
the 1,383,000 mt TAC established by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. The Council also recommended
increasing the AI pollock ABC to 52,887 mt from 30,803 mt. This
increases some 2019 area and seasonal limits for AI pollock. The
Council also recommended a 2019 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC of 57,951 mt,
which is less than the 72,500 mt TAC established by the final 2018 and
2019 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI. Furthermore,
the Council recommended a 2019 BS Pacific cod TAC of 166,475 mt, and an
AI Pacific cod TAC of 14,214 mt, which is more than the BS Pacific cod
TAC of 159,120 mt, and less than the AI Pacific cod TAC of 15,695 mt
established by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI. In addition to changes in TACs, the Council
recommended changing the percentage limit of Western Aleutian Islands
Pacific cod to 15.7 percent of the AI Pacific cod ABC, from the 25.6
percent of the AI Pacific cod TAC. The Council's recommended 2019 TACs,
and the area and seasonal apportionments, are based on the Stock
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (SAFE), dated November 2018,
which NMFS has determined is the best available scientific information
for these fisheries.
Regulations at Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(viii) require NMFS to announce
whether the AI 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 2019.
NMFS received notification from Adak that a shoreplant will be
processing AI Pacific cod in 2019. Therefore, the Pacific cod TACs in
Table 9 of this inseason adjustment will be effective for 2019 and the
harvest limits in Table 9B (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018) will apply
in 2019.
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 pollock, Atka mackerel, and Pacific
cod 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) and (ii) specify how the BS and AI
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 2018 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 2019 BS
pollock TAC to 1,397,000 mt, the 2019 BSAI Atka mackerel TAC to 57,951
mt, the 2019 BS Pacific cod TAC to 166,475 mt, and the AI Pacific cod
TAC to 14,214 mt. Therefore, Table 2 of the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27,
2018) is revised consistent with this adjustment.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i) and (ii), Table 5 of the final
2018 and 2019 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR
8365, February 27, 2018) is revised for the 2019 BS and AI allocations
of pollock TAC to the directed pollock fisheries and to the Community
Development Quota (CDQ) directed fishing allowances consistent with
this adjustment. For AI pollock, 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
2019 A season pollock harvest limit is no more than 30 percent, or
15,866 mt, of the AI ABC of 52,887 mt. In Area 542, the 2019 A season
pollock harvest limit is no more than 15 percent, or 7,933 mt, of the
AI ABC of 52,887 mt. In Area 543, the 2019 A season pollock harvest
limit is no more than 5 percent, or 2,644 mt, of the AI pollock ABC of
52,887 mt.
Table 5--Final 2019 Allocations of Pollock Tacs to the Directed Pollock Fisheries and to the CDQ Directed
Fishing Allowances (DFA) \1\
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 A season \1\ 2019 B season
2019 -------------------------------- \1\
Area and sector Allocations SCA harvest ---------------
A season DFA limit \2\ B season DFA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bering Sea subarea TAC \1\...................... 1,397,000 n/a n/a n/a
CDQ DFA......................................... 139,700 62,865 39,116 76,835
ICA \1\......................................... 49,035 n/a n/a n/a
Total Bering Sea non-CDQ DFA.................... 1,208,265 543,719 338,314 664,546
AFA Inshore..................................... 604,133 271,860 169,157 332,273
AFA Catcher/Processors \3\...................... 483,306 217,488 135,326 265,818
Catch by C/Ps................................... 442,225 199,001 n/a 243,224
Catch by CVs \3\................................ 41,081 18,486 n/a 22,595
Unlisted C/P Limit \4\.......................... 2,417 1,087 n/a 1,329
AFA Motherships................................. 120,827 54,372 33,831 66,455
Excessive Harvesting Limit \5\.................. 211,446 n/a n/a n/a
Excessive Processing Limit \6\.................. 362,480 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea ABC.................... 52,887 n/a n/a n/a
Aleutian Islands subarea TAC \1\................ 19,000 n/a n/a n/a
[[Page 67146]]
CDQ DFA......................................... 1,900 760 n/a 1,140
ICA............................................. 2,400 1,200 n/a 1,200
Aleut Corporation............................... 14,700 14,700 n/a 0
Area harvest limit \7\ 541...................... 15,866 n/a n/a n/a
542............................................. 7,933 n/a n/a n/a
543............................................. 2,644 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 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 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 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\ 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 2018 and 2019
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February
27, 2018) is revised for the 2019 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 2019 Seasonal and Spatial Allowances, Gear Shares, CDQ Reserve, Incidental Catch Allowance, and
Amendment 80 Allocation of the BSAI Atka Mackerel TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Allocation by area
--------------------------------------------------------
Sector \1\ Season \2\ \3\ \4\ Eastern Aleutian
District/Bering Central Aleutian Western Aleutian
Sea \5\ District \5\ District \5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAC.............................. n/a................. 23,970 14,390 19,591
CDQ reserve...................... Total............... 2,565 1,540 2,096
A................... 1,282 770 1,048
Critical Habitat.... n/a 462 629
B................... 1,282 770 1,048
Critical Habitat.... n/a 462 629
non-CDQ TAC...................... n/a................. 21,405 12,850 17,495
ICA.............................. Total............... 800 75 20
Jig \7\.......................... Total............... 103 0 0
BSAI trawl limited access........ Total............... 2,050 1,278 0
A................... 1,025 639 0
Critical Habitat.... n/a 383 0
B................... 1,025 639 0
Critical Habitat.... n/a 383 0
Amendment 80 sectors \7\......... Total............... 18,452 11,498 17,475
A................... 9,226 5,749 8,737
Critical Habitat.... n/a 3,449 5,242
B................... 9,226 5,749 8,737
[[Page 67147]]
Critical Habitat.... n/a 3,449 5,242
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 50
CFR 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 Steller sea lion critical habitat; section 679.20(a)(8)(ii)(C)(1)(ii) equally divides the
annual TACs between the A and B seasons as defined at Sec. 679.23(e)(3); and section 679.20 (a)(8)(ii)(C)(2)
requires the TAC in Area 543 shall be no more than 65 percent of ABC in Area 543.
\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 the ICA. NMFS set the amount of
this allocation for 2019 at 0.5 percent. The jig gear allocation is not apportioned by season.
\7\ The 2019 allocations for Atka mackerel between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the Amendment 80 limited access
sector will not be known until eligible participants apply for participation in the program by November 1,
2018. NMFS will post 2019 Amendment 80 allocations when they become available in December 2018.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7), Table 9 of the final 2018 and 2019
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February
27, 2018) is revised for the 2019 gear shares and seasonal allowances
of the BSAI Pacific cod TAC consistent with this adjustment.
Table 9-Final 2019 Gear Shares and Seasonal Allowances of the BSAI Pacific Cod TAC
[Amounts are in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Share of 2019 Seasonal apportionment
Gear sector Percent gear sector 2019 Share of ---------------------------------
total sector total Seasons Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BS TAC........................ n/a 166,475 n/a n/a............. n/a
BS CDQ........................ n/a 17,813 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
BS non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 148,662 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI TAC........................ n/a 14,214 n/a n/a............. n/a
AI CDQ........................ n/a 1,521 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(i)
(B).
AI non-CDQ TAC................ n/a 12,693 n/a n/a............. n/a
Western Aleutian Island Limit. n/a 2,232 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC \1\.... n/a 161,355 n/a n/a............. n/a
Total hook-and-line/pot gear.. 60.8 98,104 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line/pot ICA \2\..... n/a 400 n/a see Sec. n/a
679.20(a)(7)(ii
)(B).
Hook-and-line/pot sub-total... n/a 97,704 n/a n/a............. n/a
Hook-and-line catcher/ 48.7 n/a 78,260 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 39,912
processor. Jun 10-Dec 31... 38,347
Hook-and-line catcher vessel 0.2 n/a 321 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 164
[gteqt]60 ft LOA. Jun 10-Dec 31... 157
Pot catcher/processor......... 1.5 n/a 2,410 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 1,229
Sept 1-Dec 31... 1,181
Pot catcher vessel [gteqt]60 8.4 n/a 13,499 Jan 1-Jun 10.... 6,884
ft LOA. Sept 1-Dec 31... 6,614
Catcher vessel <60 ft LOA 2 n/a 3,214 n/a............. n/a
using hook-and-line or pot
gear.
Trawl catcher vessel.......... 22.1 35,660 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 26,388
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 3,923
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 5,349
AFA trawl catcher/processor... 2.3 3,711 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 2,783
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 928
Jun 10-Nov 1.... 0
Amendment 80.................. 13.4 21,622 n/a Jan 20-Apr 1.... 16,216
Apr 1-Jun 10.... 5,405
Jun 10-Dec 31... 0
[[Page 67148]]
Jig........................... 1.4 2,259 n/a Jan 1-Apr 30.... 1,355
Apr 30-Aug 31... 452
Aug 31-Dec 31... 452
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 400 mt for 2019
based on anticipated incidental catch in these fisheries.
Note: Seasonal or sector apportionments may not total precisely due to rounding.
Table 9B--2019 BSAI A-Season Pacific Cod Limits if Aleutian Islands
Shoreplants Intend To Process Pacific Cod
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Allocations under Aleutian Islands CV Harvest Set-
Aside Amount (mt)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AI non-CDQ TAC.......................................... 14,214
AI ICA.................................................. 2,500
AI DFA.................................................. 11,714
BS non-CDQ TAC.......................................... 148,662
BSAI Trawl CV A-Season Allocation....................... 26,388
BSAI Trawl CV A-Season Allocation minus Sector 21,388
Limitation \1\.........................................
BS Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation.................. 5,000
AI CV Harvest Set-Aside \2\............................. 5,000
AI Unrestricted Fishery \3\............................. 6,714
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This is the amount of the BSAI trawl CV A-season allocation that may
be harvested in the Bering Sea prior to March 21, 2019, unless the BS
Trawl CV A-Season Sector Limitation is suspended for the remainder of
the fishing year because the performance requirements pursuant to Sec.
679.20(a)(7)(viii)(E) were not met.
\2\ Prior to March 15, 2019, only catcher vessels that deliver their
catch of AI Pacific cod to AI shoreplants for processing may directed
fish for that portion of the AI Pacific cod non-CDQ DFA that is
specified as the AI CV Harvest Set-Aside, unless lifted because the
performance requirements pursuant to Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(viii)(E) were
not met.
\3\ Prior to March 15, 2019, vessels otherwise authorized to directed
fish for Pacific cod in the AI may directed fish for that portion of
the AI Pacific cod non-CDQ DFA that is specified as the AI
Unrestricted 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 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 xx, 2018, 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 14,
2019.
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: December 21, 2018.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-28214 Filed 12-21-18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
