Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2023-2024 Recreational Closure for Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack, 42882-42883 [2023-14164]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 42882 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 5, 2023 / Rules and Regulations intersection with the northern boundary of section 36; then (9) Proceed east along the northern boundary of section 36 to its intersection with the 1,400-foot elevation contour; then (10) Proceed southeasterly along the 1,400-foot elevation contour, crossing onto the Benmore Canyon map and continuing easterly along the 1,400-foot elevation contour to its intersection with the southern boundary of section 11, T14N/R7W; then (11) Proceed north in a straight line to the northern boundary of section 11; then (12) Proceed east along the northern boundary of section 11, crossing Wolf Creek, to the intersection of the section boundary with the 1,320-foot elevation contour; then (13) Proceed south in a straight line to the 1,400-foot elevation contour in section 11; then (14) Proceed southeasterly along the 1,400-foot elevation contour to the western boundary of section 12, T14N/ R7W; then (15) Proceed southeast in a straight line, crossing the North Fork of Cache Creek, to the 1,400-foot elevation contour in section 12 west of the summit of Chalk Mountain; then (16) Proceed southeasterly, then southerly along the meandering 1,400foot elevation contour to its third intersection with the eastern boundary of section 13; then (17) Proceed west in a straight line to an unnamed, unimproved 4-wheel drive road in section 13; then (18) Proceed south in a straight line, crossing over a second unnamed, unimproved 4-wheel drive road in section 13, to the 1,240-foot elevation contour in section 24, T14N/R7W; then (19) Proceed east in a straight line to the 1,400-foot elevation contour in section 24; then (20) Proceed southeasterly, then northeasterly along the meandering 1,400-foot elevation contour to its intersection with an unnamed creek in section 19, T14N/R6W; then (21) Proceed southwesterly (downstream) along the unnamed creek to its intersection with the 1,200-foot contour in section 19; then (22) Proceed south in a straight line to the northern boundary of section 30, T14N/R6W; then (23) Proceed southeast, then east along the northern boundary of section 30 to its intersection with the 1,400-foot elevation contour; then (24) Proceed south in a straight line to the unnamed creek in Benmore Canyon in section 30; then VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Jul 03, 2023 Jkt 259001 (25) Proceed southeast in a straight line to the 1,400-foot elevation contour in section 30; then (26) Proceed southeasterly along the 1,400-foot elevation contour to its intersection with the eastern boundary of section 31, T14N/R6W; then (27) Proceed generally south along the eastern boundary of section 31 and continuing along the eastern boundary of section 6, T13N/R6W, crossing onto the Lower Lake map, to the intersection of the boundary line and State Highway 20 north of Phipps Creek; then (28) Proceed west in a straight line to the 1,200-foot elevation contour; then (29) Proceed northerly along the 1,200-foot elevation contour, crossing onto the Benmore Canyon map, and continuing along the 1,200-foot elevation contour to its intersection with an unnamed trail in section 31, T14N/R6W; then (30) Proceed north in a straight line to State Highway 20; then (31) Proceed west along State Highway 20, returning to the beginning point. Signed: June 23, 2023. Mary G. Ryan, Administrator. Approved: June 26, 2023. Thomas C. West, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy). [FR Doc. 2023–14119 Filed 7–3–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–31–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 1206013412–2517–02; RTID 0648–XD100] Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2023–2024 Recreational Closure for Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS implements an accountability measure for recreational greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2023–2024 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has determined that Gulf greater amberjack landings are projected to reach the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for the 2023–2024 fishing year by August 25, 2023. Therefore, the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 recreational fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will close on August 25, 2023, and the sector will remain closed until the start of the next recreational fishing season on August 1, 2024. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf greater amberjack resource. DATES: This rule is effective 12:01 a.m., local time, August 25, 2023, until 12:01 a.m., local time, August 1, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelli O’Donnell, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727–824– 5305, or email: Kelli.ODonnell@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the reef fish fishery of the Gulf, which includes greater amberjack, under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP). The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council prepared the FMP and NMFS implements the FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 622. All greater amberjack weights discussed in this temporary rule are in round weight. On June 15, 2023, NMFS published the final rule implementing Amendment 54 to the FMP (88 FR 39193). Among other measures, that final rule decreased the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) and quota (recreational ACT) for Gulf greater amberjack. Effective on the July 17, 2023, the recreational greater amberjack ACL and ACT are 404,000 lb (183,251 kg) and 335,320 lb (152,099 kg), respectively (50 CFR 622.41(a)(2)(iii) and 622.39(a)(2)(ii)). As described at 50 CFR 622.7(h), the fishing year for the Gulf greater amberjack recreational sector is August 1 through July 31. Under 50 CFR 622.41(a)(2)(i), NMFS is required to close the greater amberjack recreational sector when the recreational ACT is reached, or is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS has determined that for the 2023–2024 fishing year, the recreational ACT of 335,320 lb (152,099 kg) will be reached by August 25, 2023. Accordingly, NMFS closes recreational harvest of greater amberjack from the Gulf EEZ effective 12:01 a.m., local time, August 25, 2023, until 12:01 a.m., local time, August 1, 2024. During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. The prohibition on possession of Gulf greater amberjack also applies in Gulf state waters for any vessel issued E:\FR\FM\05JYR1.SGM 05JYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 5, 2023 / Rules and Regulations ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish. NMFS notes that for the current 2022– 2023 recreational fishing year of August 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023, the recreational fishing season is closed. Therefore, through July 31, 2023, the bag and possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. The recreational season will reopen on August 1, 2023, the start of the 2023–2024 recreational fishing year and remain open until August 25, 2023. Additionally, NMFS notes that on June 18, 2023, commercial harvest of Gulf greater amberjack was closed for the remainder of the current commercial fishing year of January 1 through December 31, 2023, because NMFS determined that harvest had exceeded the commercial ACL (88 FR 40121, June 21, 2023). VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Jul 03, 2023 Jkt 259001 Classification NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR 622.41(a)(1), which was issued pursuant to section 304(b) of the MagnusonStevens Act, 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 is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures are unnecessary because the regulations associated with the closure of the greater amberjack recreational sector 50 CFR 622.41(a)(2) have already been subject to notice and public comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. Prior notice and PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 42883 opportunity for public comment are contrary to the public interest because there is a need to immediately implement this action to protect the greater amberjack stock. In addition, prior notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and many of those affected by the length of the recreational fishing season, particularly for-hire operators who book trips for clients in advance, need as much notice as possible to adjust their business plans to account for the recreational fishing season. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 29, 2023. Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–14164 Filed 6–29–23; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\05JYR1.SGM 05JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 5, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42882-42883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14164]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 1206013412-2517-02; RTID 0648-XD100]


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
2023-2024 Recreational Closure for Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS implements an accountability measure for recreational 
greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for 
the 2023-2024 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has 
determined that Gulf greater amberjack landings are projected to reach 
the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for the 2023-2024 fishing 
year by August 25, 2023. Therefore, the recreational fishing season for 
greater amberjack in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will close 
on August 25, 2023, and the sector will remain closed until the start 
of the next recreational fishing season on August 1, 2024. This closure 
is necessary to protect the Gulf greater amberjack resource.

DATES: This rule is effective 12:01 a.m., local time, August 25, 2023, 
until 12:01 a.m., local time, August 1, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelli O'Donnell, NMFS Southeast 
Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, or email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the reef fish fishery of the 
Gulf, which includes greater amberjack, under the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP). The Gulf of Mexico 
Fishery Management Council prepared the FMP and NMFS implements the FMP 
under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 
622. All greater amberjack weights discussed in this temporary rule are 
in round weight.
    On June 15, 2023, NMFS published the final rule implementing 
Amendment 54 to the FMP (88 FR 39193). Among other measures, that final 
rule decreased the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) and quota 
(recreational ACT) for Gulf greater amberjack. Effective on the July 
17, 2023, the recreational greater amberjack ACL and ACT are 404,000 lb 
(183,251 kg) and 335,320 lb (152,099 kg), respectively (50 CFR 
622.41(a)(2)(iii) and 622.39(a)(2)(ii)).
    As described at 50 CFR 622.7(h), the fishing year for the Gulf 
greater amberjack recreational sector is August 1 through July 31. 
Under 50 CFR 622.41(a)(2)(i), NMFS is required to close the greater 
amberjack recreational sector when the recreational ACT is reached, or 
is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to that effect 
with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS has determined that for 
the 2023-2024 fishing year, the recreational ACT of 335,320 lb (152,099 
kg) will be reached by August 25, 2023. Accordingly, NMFS closes 
recreational harvest of greater amberjack from the Gulf EEZ effective 
12:01 a.m., local time, August 25, 2023, until 12:01 a.m., local time, 
August 1, 2024.
    During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limits for 
greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. The prohibition on 
possession of Gulf greater amberjack also applies in Gulf state waters 
for any vessel issued

[[Page 42883]]

a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.
    NMFS notes that for the current 2022-2023 recreational fishing year 
of August 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023, the recreational fishing 
season is closed. Therefore, through July 31, 2023, the bag and 
possession limits for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ are 
zero. The recreational season will reopen on August 1, 2023, the start 
of the 2023-2024 recreational fishing year and remain open until August 
25, 2023.
    Additionally, NMFS notes that on June 18, 2023, commercial harvest 
of Gulf greater amberjack was closed for the remainder of the current 
commercial fishing year of January 1 through December 31, 2023, because 
NMFS determined that harvest had exceeded the commercial ACL (88 FR 
40121, June 21, 2023).

Classification

    NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR 622.41(a)(1), which was 
issued pursuant to section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 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 is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such 
procedures are unnecessary because the regulations associated with the 
closure of the greater amberjack recreational sector 50 CFR 
622.41(a)(2) have already been subject to notice and public comment, 
and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. Prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment are contrary to the public 
interest because there is a need to immediately implement this action 
to protect the greater amberjack stock. In addition, prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment would require time and many of those 
affected by the length of the recreational fishing season, particularly 
for-hire operators who book trips for clients in advance, need as much 
notice as possible to adjust their business plans to account for the 
recreational fishing season.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: June 29, 2023.
Kelly Denit,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14164 Filed 6-29-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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