Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 45925-45926 [2019-18948]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 3, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
start of the next fishing year on January
1, 2020.
During the commercial closure, the
sale and purchase of Atlantic cobia is
prohibited. The recreational bag and
possession limits for Atlantic cobia,
specified at 50 CFR 697.28(e), apply
while the recreational sector is open.
The prohibition on sale and purchase
does not apply to Atlantic cobia that
were harvested, landed ashore, and sold
before September 4, 2019, and were
held in cold storage by a dealer or
processor.
Dated: August 28, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–18926 Filed 8–28–19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 180713633–9174–02]
Classification
khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
RIN 0648–XY007
The Regional Administrator for the
NMFS Southeast Region has determined
this temporary rule is necessary for the
conservation and management of
Atlantic cobia and is consistent with the
Atlantic Coastal Act and other
applicable laws.
This action is taken under 50 CFR
697.28(f)(1) and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
These measures are exempt from the
procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act because the temporary rule is issued
without opportunity for prior notice and
comment.
This action is based on the best
scientific information available. The
Assistant Administrator for NOAA
Fisheries (AA) finds good cause to
waive the requirements 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 prior
notice and opportunity for public
comment is unnecessary and contrary to
the public interest. Such procedures are
unnecessary because the regulations
associated with the commercial quota
for Atlantic cobia have already been
subject to notice and comment, and all
that remains is to notify the public of
the commercial closure for the
remainder of the 2019 fishing year. Prior
notice and opportunity for public
comment on this action is contrary to
the public interest, because of the need
to immediately implement the
commercial closure to protect Atlantic
cobia, since the capacity of the fishing
fleet allows for rapid harvest of the
commercial quota. Prior notice and
opportunity for public comment would
require time and would potentially
result in a harvest that exceeds the
commercial quota.
For the aforementioned reasons, the
AA also finds good cause to waive the
30-day delay in the effectiveness of this
action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:43 Aug 30, 2019
Jkt 247001
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in 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; request for comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS is opening directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length
overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or
pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area (BSAI). This
action is necessary to fully use the 2019
total allowable catch of Pacific cod
allocated to catcher vessels less than 60
feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), September 1, 2019,
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31,
2019. Comments must be received at the
following address no later than 4:30
p.m., A.l.t., September 18, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by NOAA–NMFS–2018–0089,
by either of the following methods:
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20180089, 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:
Records Office. 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
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
45925
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 is
publicly accessible. NMFS will accept
anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in
the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Obren Davis, 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 parts 600
and 679.
NMFS closed directed fishing for
Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than
60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI under
§ 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on January 12, 2019
(84 FR 121, January 16, 2019).
NMFS has determined that as of
August 27, 2019, approximately 2,650
metric tons of Pacific cod remain in the
2019 Pacific cod apportionment for
catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA
using hook-and-line or pot gear in the
BSAI. Therefore, in accordance with
§ 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and
(a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully use the 2019
total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific
cod in the BSAI, NMFS is terminating
the previous closure and is opening
directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA
using hook-and-line or pot gear in the
BSAI. The Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS, (Regional Administrator)
considered the following factors in
reaching this decision: (1) The current
catch of Pacific cod by catcher vessels
less than 60 feet LOA using hook-andline or pot gear in the BSAI and, (2) the
harvest capacity and stated intent on
future harvesting patterns of vessels in
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
E:\FR\FM\03SER1.SGM
03SER1
45926
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 3, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
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 directed fishing for
Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than
60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI. 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 season, and to avoid
potential disruption to the fishing fleet
and processors. NMFS was unable to
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:43 Aug 30, 2019
Jkt 247001
publish a notice providing time for
public comment because the most
recent, relevant data only became
available as of August 27, 2019.
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
Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than
60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI to be harvested in an
expedient manner and in accordance
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
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
September 18, 2019.
This action is required by § 679.25
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 28, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–18948 Filed 8–28–19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\03SER1.SGM
03SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 3, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45925-45926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18948]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 180713633-9174-02]
RIN 0648-XY007
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
in 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; request for
comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher
vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using
hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2019
total allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels less
than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 1,
2019, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2019. Comments must be
received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t.,
September 18, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-0089, by
either of the following methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0089, 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: Records Office. 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
is publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/
A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 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 parts 600 and 679.
NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI under
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on January 12, 2019 (84 FR 121, January 16,
2019).
NMFS has determined that as of August 27, 2019, approximately 2,650
metric tons of Pacific cod remain in the 2019 Pacific cod apportionment
for catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.25(a)(1)(i),
(a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully use the 2019 total
allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod in the BSAI, NMFS is terminating
the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear
in the BSAI. The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, (Regional
Administrator) considered the following factors in reaching this
decision: (1) The current catch of Pacific cod by catcher vessels less
than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI and, (2)
the harvest capacity and stated intent on future harvesting patterns of
vessels in 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
[[Page 45926]]
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 directed fishing for Pacific cod
by catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot
gear in the BSAI. 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 season, and to avoid potential
disruption to the fishing fleet and processors. NMFS was unable to
publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most
recent, relevant data only became available as of August 27, 2019.
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 Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-
and-line or pot gear in 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 September 18, 2019.
This action is required by Sec. 679.25 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 28, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18948 Filed 8-28-19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P