Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 57785-57786 [2020-20408]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 180 / Wednesday, September 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Dated: September 11, 2020.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20409 Filed 9–11–20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 200325–0088; RTID 0648–
XA437]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery;
Closure of the Closed Area I Scallop
Access Area to General Category
Individual Fishing Quota Scallop
Vessels
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces that the
Closed Area I Scallop Access Area is
closed to Limited Access General
Category Individual Fishing Quota
scallop vessels for the remainder of the
2020 fishing year. No vessel issued a
Limited Access General Category
Individual Fishing Quota permit may
fish for, possess, or land scallops from
the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area.
Regulations require this action once it is
projected that 100 percent of trips
allocated to the Limited Access General
Category Individual Fishing Quota
scallop vessels for the Closed Area I
Scallop Access Area will be taken.
DATES: Effective 0001 hr local time,
September 13, 2020, through March 31,
2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shannah Jaburek, Fishery Management
Specialist, (978) 282–8456.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations governing fishing activity in
the Sea Scallop Access Areas can be
found in 50 CFR 648.59 and 648.60.
These regulations authorize vessels
issued a valid Limited Access General
Category (LAGC) Individual Fishing
Quota (IFQ) scallop permit to fish in the
Closed Area I Scallop Access Area
under specific conditions, including a
total of 571 trips that may be taken
during the 2020 fishing year. Section
648.59(g)(3)(iii) requires the Closed Area
I Scallop Access Area to be closed to
LAGC IFQ permitted vessels for the
remainder of the fishing year once the
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:31 Sep 15, 2020
Jkt 250001
NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional
Administrator determines that the
allocated number of trips for fishing
year 2020 are projected to be taken.
Based on trip declarations by LAGC
IFQ scallop vessels fishing in the Closed
Area I Scallop Access Area, analysis of
fishing effort, and other information,
NMFS projects that 571 trips will be
taken as of September 13, 2020.
Therefore, in accordance with
§ 648.59(g)(3)(iii), NMFS is closing the
Closed Area I Scallop Access Area to all
LAGC IFQ scallop vessels as of
September 13, 2020. No vessel issued an
LAGC IFQ permit may fish for, possess,
or land scallops in or from the Closed
Area I Scallop Access Area after 0001
local time, September 13, 2020. Any
LAGC IFQ vessel that has declared into
the Closed Area I Access Area scallop
fishery, complied with all trip
notification and observer requirements,
and crossed the vessel monitoring
system (VMS) demarcation line on the
way to the area before 0001, September
13, 2020, may complete its trip without
being subject to this closure. This
closure is in effect for the remainder of
the 2020 scallop fishing year, through
March 31, 2021.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act. This action is required by 50 CFR
part 648, which was issued pursuant to
section 304(b), and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there
is good cause to waive prior notice and
an opportunity for public comment on
this action, as notice and comment
would be impracticable and contrary to
the public interest. The Closed Area I
Scallop Access Area opened for the
2020 fishing year on April 1, 2020. The
regulations at § 648.59(g)(3)(iii) require
this closure to ensure that LAGC IFQ
scallop vessels do not take more than
their allocated number of trips in the
area. The projected date on which the
LAGC IFQ fleet will have taken all of its
allocated trips in an Access Area
becomes apparent only as trips into the
area occur on a real-time basis and as
activity trends begin to appear. As a
result, NMFS can only make an accurate
projection very close in time to when
the fleet has taken all of its trips. To
allow LAGC IFQ scallop vessels to
continue to take trips in the Closed Area
I Scallop Access Area during the period
necessary to publish and receive
comments on a proposed rule would
likely result in the vessels taking much
more than the allowed number of trips
in the Closed Area I Scallop Access
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57785
Area. Excessive trips and harvest from
the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area
would result in excessive fishing effort
in the area, where effort controls are
critical, thereby undermining
conservation objectives of the Atlantic
Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
and requiring more restrictive future
management measures.
Also, the public had prior notice and
full opportunity to comment on this
closure process when it was enacted.
For these same reasons, NMFS further
finds, under 5 U.S.C 553(d)(3), good
cause to waive the 30-day delayed
effectiveness period.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 10, 2020.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20344 Filed 9–11–20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 200227–0066]
RTID 0648–XA433
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot
Catcher/Processors in 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 directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/
processors using pot gear in the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands management
area (BSAI). This action is necessary to
prevent exceeding the 2020 Pacific cod
total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to
catcher/processors using pot gear in the
BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), September 12, 2020,
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31,
2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Krista Milani, 907–581–2062.
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
SUMMARY:
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57786
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 180 / Wednesday, September 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Fishery Management Council under
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens 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 2020 Pacific cod TAC allocated to
catcher/processors using pot gear in the
BSAI is 2,074 metric tons (mt) as
established by the final 2020 and 2021
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (85 FR 13553, March 9, 2020).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
the Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS (Regional Administrator), has
determined that the 2020 Pacific cod
TAC allocated as a directed fishing
allowance to catcher/processors using
pot gear in the BSAI will soon be
reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific
cod by pot catcher/processors in the
BSAI.
While this closure is effective the
maximum retainable amounts at
§ 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
during a trip.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act. This action is required by 50 CFR
part 679, which was issued pursuant to
section 304(b), and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there
is good cause to waive prior notice and
an opportunity for public comment on
this action, as notice and comment
would be 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 Pacific
cod by catcher/processors using pot gear
in 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 10, 2020.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 11, 2020.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20408 Filed 9–11–20; 4:15 pm]
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:31 Sep 15, 2020
Jkt 250001
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 200227–0066; RTID 0648–
XA431]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by
Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet
(18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using
Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in 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 directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels
less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) 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 prevent exceeding
the 2020 Pacific cod total allowable
catch allocated to catcher vessels less
than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hookand-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), September 12, 2020,
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31,
2020.
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 part 600
and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2020 Pacific cod total allowable
catch (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels
less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using
hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI is
4,807 metric tons (mt) as established by
SUMMARY:
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the final 2020 and 2021 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (85 FR 13553, March 9, 2020), and
reallocations (85 FR 4601, January 27,
2020, and 85 FR 49976, August 17,
2020).
In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
the Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS (Regional Administrator), has
determined that the 2020 Pacific cod
TAC allocated as a directed fishing
allowance to catcher vessels less than 60
feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line
or pot gear in the BSAI will soon be
reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific
cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet
(18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or
pot gear in the BSAI. While this closure
is effective the maximum retainable
amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at
any time during a trip.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act. This action is required by 50 CFR
part 679, which was issued pursuant to
section 304(b), and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there
is good cause to waive prior notice and
an opportunity for public comment on
this action, as notice and comment
would be 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 Pacific
cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet
(18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or
pot gear in 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 10, 2020.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 11, 2020.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20430 Filed 9–11–20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\16SER1.SGM
16SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57785-57786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20408]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 200227-0066]
RTID 0648-XA433
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
by Pot Catcher/Processors 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; closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher/processors using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent
exceeding the 2020 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to
catcher/processors using pot gear in the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 12,
2020, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Krista Milani, 907-581-2062.
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
[[Page 57786]]
Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens 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 2020 Pacific cod TAC allocated to catcher/processors using pot
gear in the BSAI is 2,074 metric tons (mt) as established by the final
2020 and 2021 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (85 FR
13553, March 9, 2020).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Administrator,
Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the
2020 Pacific cod TAC allocated as a directed fishing allowance to
catcher/processors using pot gear in the BSAI will soon be reached.
Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by
pot catcher/processors in the BSAI.
While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at
Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was
issued pursuant to section 304(b), and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice
and comment would be 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 Pacific cod by
catcher/processors using pot gear in 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 10, 2020.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 11, 2020.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20408 Filed 9-11-20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P