Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Directed Commercial Fishery, 25493-25494 [2019-11444]
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25493
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 84, No. 106
Monday, June 3, 2019
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 300
[Docket No. 190204057–9057–01]
RIN 0648–WCR–A001
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Directed
Commercial Fishery
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
action.
AGENCY:
The Assistant Administrator
for Fisheries, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, on behalf
of the International Pacific Halibut
Commission, publishes notice of an
inseason action pursuant to
International Pacific Halibut
Commission regulations approved by
the Secretary of State to govern the
Pacific halibut fishery. This inseason
SUMMARY:
action removes the June 27, 2019,
designated opening date for the Area 2A
directed commercial fishery from the
list of openings. This action is intended
to enhance the conservation of Pacific
halibut and promote safety at sea.
DATES: This action is effective May 31,
2019, through December 31, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathryn Blair, phone: 503–231–6858,
fax: 503–231–6893, or email:
kathryn.blair@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
International Pacific Halibut
Commission (IPHC), pursuant to the
Convention between the Canada and the
United States for the Preservation of the
Halibut Fishery of the North Pacific
Ocean and Bering Sea (Convention),
signed at Ottawa, Ontario, on March 2,
1953, as amended by a Protocol
Amending the Convention (signed at
Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979),
issued this inseason action pursuant to
IPHC regulations governing the Pacific
halibut fishery. The Secretary of State
approved the regulations, including
season dates, catch limits, and annual
management measures in accordance
with 50 CFR 300.62. NMFS published
the regulations in the Federal Register
on March 14, 2019 (84 FR 9243). On
behalf of the IPHC, NMFS publishes the
inseason action below in the Federal
Register to provide additional notice of
its effectiveness, and to inform fishery
participants of the restrictions and
requirements established in this
inseason action.
IPHC News Release 2019–009 NonTribal Directed Commercial Fishery in
IPHC Regulatory Area 2A: Fishing
Period Limits for 26 June 2019 and 10
July 2019
Published 2 May 2019
The International Pacific Halibut
Commission (IPHC) has established
fishing period limits for the 26 June
2019 and 10 July 2019 fishing periods
for the non-tribal directed commercial
fishery (the fishery) in IPHC Regulatory
Area 2A. The overall allocation for this
fishery for 2019 is 254,426 pounds;
115.41 metric tons.
Note that the IPHC does not intend to
establish fishing period limits for the 27
June 2019 fishing period listed in the
Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations
(2019), and thus the fishery will not be
open that day. The decision not to open
on 27 June was informed by the
response to a survey of fishery license
holders conducted by the IPHC during
April 2019.
The 26 June and 10 July fishing
periods will each begin at 08:00 hrs and
end at 18:00 hrs Pacific Daylight Time.
The fishery is restricted to waters south
of Point Chehalis, Washington
(46°53.30′ N latitude). A total of 176
fishery licenses have been issued thus
far for 2019, with 14 more applications
currently being processed. Fishing
period limits as indicated in the
following table will be in effect for each
of these two fishing periods:
Vessel class
Fishing period catch limit
Length
Letter
0–25 ...................................................................................................
26–30 .................................................................................................
31–35 .................................................................................................
36–40 .................................................................................................
41–45 .................................................................................................
46–50 .................................................................................................
51–55 .................................................................................................
56+ .....................................................................................................
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Number of
licenses for
2019 *
Dressed, head-on
with ice/slime
(pounds)
Dressed, head-on
with ice/slime
(metric tons)
4,525
4,525
4,525
6,820
6,820
9,090
9,090
10,225
2.05
2.05
2.05
3.09
3.09
4.12
4.12
4.64
16
11
18
36
29
31
10
25
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with RULES
* As of 2 May 2019. Note there are 14 license applications still to be processed.
The appropriate vessel length class and
letter are printed on each vessel license.
The fishing period limit applies to the
vessel, not the individual fisher, and
any landings over the vessel limit will
be subject to forfeiture and fine.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 May 31, 2019
Jkt 247001
The fishing period limit is shown in
terms of dressed, head-on weight, and
fishers are reminded that regulations
require that all Pacific halibut be landed
with the head naturally attached.
Additionally, fishers are reminded that
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
there is a 72-hour rule, whereby a vessel
that will be used in the fishery may not
be used to fish for any species of fish
anywhere in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A
during the 72-hour period immediately
before the non-tribal directed
E:\FR\FM\03JNR1.SGM
03JNR1
25494
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 106 / Monday, June 3, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
commercial fishing period unless all
catch of other species has been
completely offloaded or the vessel has
submitted to a hold inspection by an
authorized officer prior to the start of
the fishing period (see Pacific Halibut
Fishery Regulations 2019, sections 20(7)
and 20(8)).
NOAA Fisheries has implemented
mandatory area closures that are in
effect for the directed Pacific halibut
fishery to protect specific rockfish
species. For the exact coordinates of the
closed areas, please refer to their web
page: https://
www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/
fisheries/management/groundfish_
closures/groundfish_closed_areas.html.
For further information, call the NOAA
Fisheries hotline at 1 800–662–9825,
then press ‘‘7’’ for the Pacific halibut
fisheries.
Following the 10 July 2019 fishing
period, the IPHC may establish and
announce fishing period limits for
subsequent fishing periods in 2019,
dependent upon allocation remaining
for the fishery.
Dated: May 28, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–11444 Filed 5–31–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 180713633–9174–02]
RIN 0648–XY001
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with RULES
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 May 31, 2019
Jkt 247001
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
NMFS is prohibiting directed
fishing for yellowfin sole in the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Island management
area (BSAI) by vessels participating in
the BSAI trawl limited access sector
fishery. This action is necessary to
prevent exceeding the 2019 Pacific
halibut prohibited species catch
allowance specified for vessels
participating in the BSAI trawl limited
access sector yellowfin sole fishery.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), May 29, through 2400
hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 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 2019 Pacific halibut prohibited
species catch allowance specified for
vessels participating in the BSAI trawl
limited access sector yellowfin sole
fishery is 150 metric tons as established
by the final 2019 and 2020 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (84 FR 9000, March 13, 2019).
In accordance with
§ 679.21(b)(4)(i)(B), the Regional
Administrator finds that this prohibited
species catch allowance has been
reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for
yellowfin sole in the BSAI by vessels
participating in the BSAI trawl limited
access sector yellowfin sole fishery.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
While this closure is effective 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
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such a 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 closure of the yellowfin sole
directed fishery in the BSAI for vessels
participating in the BSAI trawl limited
access sector fishery. NMFS was unable
to publish a notice providing time for
public comment because the most
recent, relevant data only became
available as of May 28, 2019. The AA
also finds good cause to waive the 30day 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: May 29, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–11457 Filed 5–29–19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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03JNR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 106 (Monday, June 3, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25493-25494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11444]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 106 / Monday, June 3, 2019 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 25493]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 300
[Docket No. 190204057-9057-01]
RIN 0648-WCR-A001
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Directed Commercial Fishery
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason action.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, on behalf of the International Pacific
Halibut Commission, publishes notice of an inseason action pursuant to
International Pacific Halibut Commission regulations approved by the
Secretary of State to govern the Pacific halibut fishery. This inseason
action removes the June 27, 2019, designated opening date for the Area
2A directed commercial fishery from the list of openings. This action
is intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut and promote
safety at sea.
DATES: This action is effective May 31, 2019, through December 31,
2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Blair, phone: 503-231-6858,
fax: 503-231-6893, or email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The International Pacific Halibut Commission
(IPHC), pursuant to the Convention between the Canada and the United
States for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the North Pacific
Ocean and Bering Sea (Convention), signed at Ottawa, Ontario, on March
2, 1953, as amended by a Protocol Amending the Convention (signed at
Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979), issued this inseason action
pursuant to IPHC regulations governing the Pacific halibut fishery. The
Secretary of State approved the regulations, including season dates,
catch limits, and annual management measures in accordance with 50 CFR
300.62. NMFS published the regulations in the Federal Register on March
14, 2019 (84 FR 9243). On behalf of the IPHC, NMFS publishes the
inseason action below in the Federal Register to provide additional
notice of its effectiveness, and to inform fishery participants of the
restrictions and requirements established in this inseason action.
IPHC News Release 2019-009 Non-Tribal Directed Commercial Fishery in
IPHC Regulatory Area 2A: Fishing Period Limits for 26 June 2019 and 10
July 2019
Published 2 May 2019
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has established
fishing period limits for the 26 June 2019 and 10 July 2019 fishing
periods for the non-tribal directed commercial fishery (the fishery) in
IPHC Regulatory Area 2A. The overall allocation for this fishery for
2019 is 254,426 pounds; 115.41 metric tons.
Note that the IPHC does not intend to establish fishing period
limits for the 27 June 2019 fishing period listed in the Pacific
Halibut Fishery Regulations (2019), and thus the fishery will not be
open that day. The decision not to open on 27 June was informed by the
response to a survey of fishery license holders conducted by the IPHC
during April 2019.
The 26 June and 10 July fishing periods will each begin at 08:00
hrs and end at 18:00 hrs Pacific Daylight Time. The fishery is
restricted to waters south of Point Chehalis, Washington (46[deg]53.30'
N latitude). A total of 176 fishery licenses have been issued thus far
for 2019, with 14 more applications currently being processed. Fishing
period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for
each of these two fishing periods:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vessel class Fishing period catch limit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Dressed, head-on Dressed, head-on
Length Letter licenses for with ice/slime with ice/slime
2019 * (pounds) (metric tons)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-25..................................... A 16 4,525 2.05
26-30.................................... B 11 4,525 2.05
31-35.................................... C 18 4,525 2.05
36-40.................................... D 36 6,820 3.09
41-45.................................... E 29 6,820 3.09
46-50.................................... F 31 9,090 4.12
51-55.................................... G 10 9,090 4.12
56+...................................... H 25 10,225 4.64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* As of 2 May 2019. Note there are 14 license applications still to be processed.
The appropriate vessel length class and letter are printed on each
vessel license. The fishing period limit applies to the vessel, not the
individual fisher, and any landings over the vessel limit will be
subject to forfeiture and fine.
The fishing period limit is shown in terms of dressed, head-on
weight, and fishers are reminded that regulations require that all
Pacific halibut be landed with the head naturally attached.
Additionally, fishers are reminded that there is a 72-hour rule,
whereby a vessel that will be used in the fishery may not be used to
fish for any species of fish anywhere in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A during
the 72-hour period immediately before the non-tribal directed
[[Page 25494]]
commercial fishing period unless all catch of other species has been
completely offloaded or the vessel has submitted to a hold inspection
by an authorized officer prior to the start of the fishing period (see
Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations 2019, sections 20(7) and 20(8)).
NOAA Fisheries has implemented mandatory area closures that are in
effect for the directed Pacific halibut fishery to protect specific
rockfish species. For the exact coordinates of the closed areas, please
refer to their web page: https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/groundfish_closures/groundfish_closed_areas.html.
For further information, call the NOAA Fisheries hotline at 1 800-662-
9825, then press ``7'' for the Pacific halibut fisheries.
Following the 10 July 2019 fishing period, the IPHC may establish
and announce fishing period limits for subsequent fishing periods in
2019, dependent upon allocation remaining for the fishery.
Dated: May 28, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-11444 Filed 5-31-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
