Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #1-#10, 44737-44739 [2023-14721]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 133 / Thursday, July 13, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
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[FR Doc. 2023–14498 Filed 7–12–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No.230508–0124; RTID 0648–
XD072]
Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Modification of the West Coast Salmon
Fisheries; Inseason Actions #1–#10
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Inseason modification of 2023
management measures.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces ten
inseason actions for the 2023–2024
ocean salmon fishing season. These
inseason actions modify the commercial
salmon troll fisheries in the area from
the U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon,
OR.
DATES: The effective date for these
inseason actions are set out in this
document under the heading ‘‘Inseason
Actions’’ and the actions remain in
effect until superseded or modified.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shannon Penna, 562–980–4239,
Shannon.Penna@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Background
The annual management measures for
the 2023 and early 2024 ocean salmon
fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023)
govern the commercial and recreational
fisheries in the area from the U.S./
Canada border to the U.S./Mexico
border, effective from 0001 hours Pacific
Daylight Time (PDT), May 16, 2023,
until the effective date of the 2024
management measures, as published in
the Federal Register. NMFS is
authorized to implement inseason
management actions to modify fishing
seasons and quotas as necessary to
provide fishing opportunity while
meeting management objectives for the
affected species (50 CFR 660.409).
Inseason actions in the salmon fishery
may be taken directly by NMFS (50 CFR
660.409(a)—Fixed inseason
management provisions) or upon
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15:36 Jul 12, 2023
Jkt 259001
consultation with the Chairman of the
Pacific Fishery Management Council
(Council), and the appropriate State
Directors (50 CFR 660.409(b)—Flexible
inseason management provisions).
Management of the salmon fisheries is
divided into two geographic areas: north
of Cape Falcon (NOF) (U.S./Canada
border to Cape Falcon, OR), and south
of Cape Falcon (Cape Falcon, OR, to the
U.S./Mexico border). The action
described in this document affects the
NOF commercial salmon troll fisheries,
as set out under the heading ‘‘Inseason
Actions’’ below.
Consultation with the Council
Chairperson on these inseason actions
occurred on May 16, 2023, May 24,
2023, and June 8, 2023. These
consultations included representatives
from NMFS, Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife, and California
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Representatives from the Salmon
Advisory Subpanel and Salmon
Technical Team were also present. A
Council representative was present on
May 24, 2023, and June 8, 2023.
These inseason actions were
announced on NMFS’ telephone hotline
and U.S. Coast Guard radio broadcast on
the date of the consultations (50 CFR
660.411(a)(2)).
Inseason Actions
Authorization for Inseason Actions #1–
#10
The NMFS West Coast Regional
Administrator (RA) considered the 2023
abundance forecasts for Chinook salmon
stocks, the timing of the actions relative
to the length of the season, and
determined that these inseason actions
described below are necessary to meet
management and conservations goals for
the 2023–2024 management measures.
These inseason actions modified quotas
and/or fishing seasons under 50 CFR
660.409(b)(1)(i).
Inseason Action #1
Description of the action: Inseason
action #1 modifies the NOF ocean
salmon troll commercial fishery. The
area between the U.S./Canada border
and the Queets River (La Push and Neah
Bay subareas) is closed.
Effective dates: Inseason action #1
takes effect on May 17, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until
superseded.
Reason for the action: The area
between the U.S./Canada border and the
Queets River (La Push and Neah Bay
subareas) was closed through inseason
action under the 2022–2023
management measures (88 FR 37479,
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44737
June 8, 2023) from May 11, 2023, to May
15, 2023. The 2023 management
measures (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023)
set the start of the season on Tuesday,
May 16, 2023, however, the landing
week adopted in the 2023 management
measures is Thursday–Wednesday. To
remain consistent with the fishing
season as adopted into regulation, the
fishery was closed in order for managers
to take subsequent action to align the
initial open fishery period with the
landing week as defined in the 2023
management measures.
Inseason Action #2
Description of the action: Inseason
action #2 modifies the NOF ocean
salmon troll commercial fishery. The
landing and possession limit in the area
between the U.S./Canada border and
Cape Falcon is 150 Chinook salmon per
vessel per landing week (Thursday–
Wednesday) May 17, 2023, through June
21, 2023, and for the period June 22,
2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #2
took effect on May 17, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#2 was necessary to align the landing
and possession limit for the area
between the U.S./Canada border to Cape
Falcon under the 2022–23 management
measures (adopted through inseason
action (88 FR 37479, June 8, 2023)) for
fisheries occurring after May 15, 2023,
with fisheries that occurred from May
11, 2023, through May 15, 2023.
Inseason Action #3
Description of the action: Inseason
action #3 modifies the NOF ocean
salmon troll commercial fishery. The
area between the U.S./Canada border
and the Queets River (La Push and Neah
Bay subareas) is open. For the area
between the U.S./Canada border and the
Queets River, the landing and
possession limit is 35 Chinook salmon
per vessel per landing week (Thursday–
Wednesday) May 18, 2023, through June
21, 2023, and for the period June 22,
2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #3
took effect on May 18, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#3 opens the area from the U.S./Canada
border and the Queets River (La Push
and Neah Bay subareas) that was
previously closed on May 11, 2023 (88
FR 37479, June 8, 2023). In addition, the
landing and possession limit that was
put in place for the landing week from
May 1, 2023, to May 10, 2023, was
reduced from 70 Chinook salmon to 35
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 133 / Thursday, July 13, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing
week (Thursday–Wednesday). This
adjustment was necessary in order to
not exceed the Chinook salmon
guideline in the area due to high
Chinook salmon catch to date and to
preserve the length of the season.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Inseason Action #4
Description of the action: Inseason #4
modifies the NOF commercial salmon
troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between the
Queets River and Leadbetter Point
(Westport subarea) is 200 Chinook
salmon per vessel per landing week
(Thursday–Wednesday) May 15, 2023,
through June 21, 2023, and for the
period June 22, 2023, through June 29,
2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #4
took effect on May 25, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#4 increases the landing and possession
limit for the Westport subarea from 150
Chinook salmon to 200 Chinook salmon.
Due to lower than anticipated catch
rates, this action will result in increased
fishing interest and allow greater access
to the quota for the area without
exceeding it.
Inseason Action #5
Description of the action: Inseason #5
modifies the NOF commercial salmon
troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between
Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon
(Columbia River subarea) is 80 Chinook
salmon per vessel per landing week
(Thursday–Wednesday) May 25, 2023,
through June 21, 2023, and for the
period June 22, 2023, through June 29,
2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #5
took effect on May 25, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#5 increases the landing and possession
limit for the area between Leadbetter
Point and Cape Falcon (Columbia River
subarea) from 60 Chinook salmon to 80
Chinook salmon. The action was taken
because of lower than anticipated catch
rates. This action will result in
increased fishing interest and allow
greater access to the quota without
exceeding it.
Inseason Action #6
Description of the action: Inseason #6
modifies the NOF commercial salmon
troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between the
U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is
200 Chinook salmon per vessel per
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15:36 Jul 12, 2023
Jkt 259001
landing week (Thursday–Wednesday)
May 25, 2023, through June 21, 2023,
and for the period June 22, 2023,
through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #6
took effect on May 25, 2023, at 12:01
a.m. and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#6 increases the area NOF landing and
possession limit from 150 Chinook
salmon to 200 Chinook salmon to match
the landing and possession limit of the
largest of the subareas from the Queets
River to Leadbetter Point (Westport
subarea).
Inseason Action #7
Description of the action: Inseason #7
modifies the NOF commercial salmon
troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between
Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon
(Columbia River subarea) is 100
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing
week (Thursday–Wednesday) June 8,
2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the
period June 22, 2023, through June 29,
2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #7
took effect on June 8, 2023, at 12:01 a.m.
and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#7 increases the landing and possession
limit in the area between Leadbetter
Point and Cape Falcon (Columbia River
subarea) from 80 Chinook salmon to 100
Chinook salmon. This action will allow
for better fishing opportunities to
harvest the remaining quota and subarea
caps without exceeding them.
Inseason Action #8
Description of the action: Inseason
action #8 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between the
Queets River and Leadbetter Point
(Westport subarea) is 250 Chinook
salmon per vessel per landing week
(Thursday–Wednesday) June 8, 2023,
through June 21, 2023, and for the
period June 22, 2023, through June 29,
2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #8
took effect on June 8, 2023, at 12:01 a.m.
and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#8 increases the landing and possession
limit in the area between the Queets
River and Leadbetter Point (Westport
subarea) from 200 Chinook salmon to
250 Chinook salmon. This action will
allow for better fishing opportunities to
harvest the remaining quota and subarea
caps without exceeding them.
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Inseason Action #9
Description of the action: Inseason
action #9 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and
possession limit in the area between the
Queets River and the U.S./Canada
border (La Push and Neah Bay subareas)
is 40 Chinook salmon per vessel per
landing week (Thursday–Wednesday)
June 9, 2023, through June 21, 2023, and
for the period June 22, 2023, through
June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #9
took effect on June 8, 2023, at 12:01 a.m.
and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#9 increases the landing and possession
limit in the area between the Queets
River and the U.S./Canada border (La
Push and Neah Bay subareas) from 35
Chinook salmon to 40 Chinook salmon.
This action will allow for better fishing
opportunities to harvest the remaining
quota and subarea caps without
exceeding them.
Inseason Action #10
Description of the action: Inseason
action #10 modifies the NOF
commercial salmon troll fishery. The
landing and possession limit in the area
between the U.S./Canada border and
Cape Falcon is 250 Chinook salmon per
vessel per landing week (Thursday–
Wednesday) June 8, 2023, through June
21, 2023, and for the period June 22,
2023, through June 22, 2023, through
June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #10
took effect on June 8, 2023, at 12:01 a.m.
and remains in effect until June 29,
2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action
#10 increases the landing and
possession limit in the area NOF from
200 Chinook salmon to 250 Chinook
salmon. This action will allow for better
fishing opportunities to harvest the
remaining quota without exceeding it.
All other restrictions and regulations
remain in effect as announced for the
2023 ocean salmon fisheries (88 FR
30235, May 11, 2023).
The RA determined that these
inseason actions were warranted based
on the best available information on
Pacific salmon abundance forecasts,
landings and effort patterns to date,
anticipated fishery effort and projected
catch, and the other factors and
considerations set forth in 50 CFR
660.409. The States and tribes manage
the fisheries in state waters adjacent to
the areas of the U.S. exclusive economic
zone (3–200 nautical miles; 5.6–370.4
kilometers) off the coasts of the States of
Washington, Oregon, and California
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 133 / Thursday, July 13, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
consistent with these Federal actions.
As provided by the inseason notice
procedures at 50 CFR 660.411, actual
notice of the described regulatory
actions was given, prior to the time the
actions became effective, by telephone
hotline numbers 206–526–6667 and
800–662–9825, and by U.S. Coast Guard
Notice to Mariners broadcasts on
Channel 16 VHF–FM and 2182 kHz.
Classification
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
NMFS issues these actions pursuant
to section 305(d) of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (MSA). These actions
are authorized by 50 CFR 660.409,
which was issued pursuant to section
304(b) of the MSA, and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(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. Prior notice and
opportunity for public comment on this
action was impracticable because NMFS
had insufficient time to provide for
prior notice and the opportunity for
public comment between the time
Chinook and coho salmon abundance,
catch, and effort information were
developed and fisheries impacts were
calculated, and the time the fishery
modifications had to be implemented in
order to ensure that fisheries are
managed based on the best scientific
information available. As previously
noted, actual notice of the regulatory
action was provided to fishers through
telephone hotlines and radio
notifications. These actions comply
with the requirements of the annual
management measures for ocean salmon
fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023),
the Pacific Salmon Fishery Management
Plan (FMP), and regulations
implementing the FMP under 50 CFR
660.409 and 660.411.
There is good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) to waive the 30-day delay in
effective date, as a delay in effectiveness
of this action would allow fishing at
levels inconsistent with the goals of the
FMP and the current management
measures.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
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15:36 Jul 12, 2023
Jkt 259001
Dated: July 6, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–14721 Filed 7–12–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 230306–0065]
RTID 0648–XD147
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Blackspotted and
Rougheye Rockfish in the Central
Aleutian and Western Aleutian
Districts of 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 retention
of blackspotted and rougheye rockfish
in the Central Aleutian and Western
Aleutian districts (CAI/WAI) of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area (BSAI). This action is
necessary because the 2023 blackspotted
and rougheye rockfish initial total
allowable catch (ITAC) in the CAI/WAI
of the BSAI has been reached.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
local time (A.l.t.), July 10, 2023, through
2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
BSAI 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
(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 2023 blackspotted and rougheye
rockfish ITAC in the CAI/WAI of the
SUMMARY:
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44739
BSAI is 141 metric tons (mt) as
established by the final 2023 and 2024
harvest specifications for groundfish in
the BSAI (88 FR 14926, March 10, 2023
and 88 FR 18258, March 28, 2023). In
accordance with § 679.20(d)(2), the
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS
(Regional Administrator), has
determined that the 2023 blackspotted
and rougheye rockfish ITAC in the CAI/
WAI of the BSAI has been reached.
Therefore, NMFS is requiring that
blackspotted and rougheye rockfish in
the CAI/WAI of the BSAI be treated in
the same manner as a prohibited
species, as described under § 679.21(a),
for the remainder of the year, except
blackspotted and rougheye rockfish
species in the CAI/WAI caught by
catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot,
or jig gear as described in § 679.20(j).
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 prohibited
retention of blackspotted and rougheye
rockfish in the CAI/WAI of 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 July 7, 2023.
The Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NOAA 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.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: July 7, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–14820 Filed 7–10–23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 133 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44737-44739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14721]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No.230508-0124; RTID 0648-XD072]
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast
Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #1-#10
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Inseason modification of 2023 management measures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS announces ten inseason actions for the 2023-2024 ocean
salmon fishing season. These inseason actions modify the commercial
salmon troll fisheries in the area from the U.S./Canada border to Cape
Falcon, OR.
DATES: The effective date for these inseason actions are set out in
this document under the heading ``Inseason Actions'' and the actions
remain in effect until superseded or modified.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Penna, 562-980-4239,
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The annual management measures for the 2023 and early 2024 ocean
salmon fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023) govern the commercial and
recreational fisheries in the area from the U.S./Canada border to the
U.S./Mexico border, effective from 0001 hours Pacific Daylight Time
(PDT), May 16, 2023, until the effective date of the 2024 management
measures, as published in the Federal Register. NMFS is authorized to
implement inseason management actions to modify fishing seasons and
quotas as necessary to provide fishing opportunity while meeting
management objectives for the affected species (50 CFR 660.409).
Inseason actions in the salmon fishery may be taken directly by NMFS
(50 CFR 660.409(a)--Fixed inseason management provisions) or upon
consultation with the Chairman of the Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council), and the appropriate State Directors (50 CFR
660.409(b)--Flexible inseason management provisions).
Management of the salmon fisheries is divided into two geographic
areas: north of Cape Falcon (NOF) (U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon,
OR), and south of Cape Falcon (Cape Falcon, OR, to the U.S./Mexico
border). The action described in this document affects the NOF
commercial salmon troll fisheries, as set out under the heading
``Inseason Actions'' below.
Consultation with the Council Chairperson on these inseason actions
occurred on May 16, 2023, May 24, 2023, and June 8, 2023. These
consultations included representatives from NMFS, Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Representatives from the
Salmon Advisory Subpanel and Salmon Technical Team were also present. A
Council representative was present on May 24, 2023, and June 8, 2023.
These inseason actions were announced on NMFS' telephone hotline
and U.S. Coast Guard radio broadcast on the date of the consultations
(50 CFR 660.411(a)(2)).
Inseason Actions
Authorization for Inseason Actions #1-#10
The NMFS West Coast Regional Administrator (RA) considered the 2023
abundance forecasts for Chinook salmon stocks, the timing of the
actions relative to the length of the season, and determined that these
inseason actions described below are necessary to meet management and
conservations goals for the 2023-2024 management measures. These
inseason actions modified quotas and/or fishing seasons under 50 CFR
660.409(b)(1)(i).
Inseason Action #1
Description of the action: Inseason action #1 modifies the NOF
ocean salmon troll commercial fishery. The area between the U.S./Canada
border and the Queets River (La Push and Neah Bay subareas) is closed.
Effective dates: Inseason action #1 takes effect on May 17, 2023,
at 12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until superseded.
Reason for the action: The area between the U.S./Canada border and
the Queets River (La Push and Neah Bay subareas) was closed through
inseason action under the 2022-2023 management measures (88 FR 37479,
June 8, 2023) from May 11, 2023, to May 15, 2023. The 2023 management
measures (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023) set the start of the season on
Tuesday, May 16, 2023, however, the landing week adopted in the 2023
management measures is Thursday-Wednesday. To remain consistent with
the fishing season as adopted into regulation, the fishery was closed
in order for managers to take subsequent action to align the initial
open fishery period with the landing week as defined in the 2023
management measures.
Inseason Action #2
Description of the action: Inseason action #2 modifies the NOF
ocean salmon troll commercial fishery. The landing and possession limit
in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is 150
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) May 17,
2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023, through
June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #2 took effect on May 17, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #2 was necessary to align
the landing and possession limit for the area between the U.S./Canada
border to Cape Falcon under the 2022-23 management measures (adopted
through inseason action (88 FR 37479, June 8, 2023)) for fisheries
occurring after May 15, 2023, with fisheries that occurred from May 11,
2023, through May 15, 2023.
Inseason Action #3
Description of the action: Inseason action #3 modifies the NOF
ocean salmon troll commercial fishery. The area between the U.S./Canada
border and the Queets River (La Push and Neah Bay subareas) is open.
For the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River, the
landing and possession limit is 35 Chinook salmon per vessel per
landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) May 18, 2023, through June 21, 2023,
and for the period June 22, 2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #3 took effect on May 18, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #3 opens the area from the
U.S./Canada border and the Queets River (La Push and Neah Bay subareas)
that was previously closed on May 11, 2023 (88 FR 37479, June 8, 2023).
In addition, the landing and possession limit that was put in place for
the landing week from May 1, 2023, to May 10, 2023, was reduced from 70
Chinook salmon to 35
[[Page 44738]]
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday). This
adjustment was necessary in order to not exceed the Chinook salmon
guideline in the area due to high Chinook salmon catch to date and to
preserve the length of the season.
Inseason Action #4
Description of the action: Inseason #4 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in the area
between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point (Westport subarea) is 200
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) May 15,
2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023, through
June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #4 took effect on May 25, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #4 increases the landing and
possession limit for the Westport subarea from 150 Chinook salmon to
200 Chinook salmon. Due to lower than anticipated catch rates, this
action will result in increased fishing interest and allow greater
access to the quota for the area without exceeding it.
Inseason Action #5
Description of the action: Inseason #5 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in the area
between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon (Columbia River subarea) is 80
Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) May 25,
2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023, through
June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #5 took effect on May 25, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #5 increases the landing and
possession limit for the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon
(Columbia River subarea) from 60 Chinook salmon to 80 Chinook salmon.
The action was taken because of lower than anticipated catch rates.
This action will result in increased fishing interest and allow greater
access to the quota without exceeding it.
Inseason Action #6
Description of the action: Inseason #6 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in the area
between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is 200 Chinook salmon
per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) May 25, 2023, through
June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #6 took effect on May 25, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #6 increases the area NOF
landing and possession limit from 150 Chinook salmon to 200 Chinook
salmon to match the landing and possession limit of the largest of the
subareas from the Queets River to Leadbetter Point (Westport subarea).
Inseason Action #7
Description of the action: Inseason #7 modifies the NOF commercial
salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in the area
between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon (Columbia River subarea) is
100 Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday)
June 8, 2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023,
through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #7 took effect on June 8, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #7 increases the landing and
possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon
(Columbia River subarea) from 80 Chinook salmon to 100 Chinook salmon.
This action will allow for better fishing opportunities to harvest the
remaining quota and subarea caps without exceeding them.
Inseason Action #8
Description of the action: Inseason action #8 modifies the NOF
commercial salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in
the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point (Westport
subarea) is 250 Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-
Wednesday) June 8, 2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the period June
22, 2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #8 took effect on June 8, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #8 increases the landing and
possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter
Point (Westport subarea) from 200 Chinook salmon to 250 Chinook salmon.
This action will allow for better fishing opportunities to harvest the
remaining quota and subarea caps without exceeding them.
Inseason Action #9
Description of the action: Inseason action #9 modifies the NOF
commercial salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in
the area between the Queets River and the U.S./Canada border (La Push
and Neah Bay subareas) is 40 Chinook salmon per vessel per landing week
(Thursday-Wednesday) June 9, 2023, through June 21, 2023, and for the
period June 22, 2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #9 took effect on June 8, 2023, at
12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #9 increases the landing and
possession limit in the area between the Queets River and the U.S./
Canada border (La Push and Neah Bay subareas) from 35 Chinook salmon to
40 Chinook salmon. This action will allow for better fishing
opportunities to harvest the remaining quota and subarea caps without
exceeding them.
Inseason Action #10
Description of the action: Inseason action #10 modifies the NOF
commercial salmon troll fishery. The landing and possession limit in
the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is 250 Chinook
salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) June 8, 2023,
through June 21, 2023, and for the period June 22, 2023, through June
22, 2023, through June 29, 2023.
Effective dates: Inseason action #10 took effect on June 8, 2023,
at 12:01 a.m. and remains in effect until June 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Reason for the action: Inseason action #10 increases the landing
and possession limit in the area NOF from 200 Chinook salmon to 250
Chinook salmon. This action will allow for better fishing opportunities
to harvest the remaining quota without exceeding it.
All other restrictions and regulations remain in effect as
announced for the 2023 ocean salmon fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11,
2023).
The RA determined that these inseason actions were warranted based
on the best available information on Pacific salmon abundance
forecasts, landings and effort patterns to date, anticipated fishery
effort and projected catch, and the other factors and considerations
set forth in 50 CFR 660.409. The States and tribes manage the fisheries
in state waters adjacent to the areas of the U.S. exclusive economic
zone (3-200 nautical miles; 5.6-370.4 kilometers) off the coasts of the
States of Washington, Oregon, and California
[[Page 44739]]
consistent with these Federal actions. As provided by the inseason
notice procedures at 50 CFR 660.411, actual notice of the described
regulatory actions was given, prior to the time the actions became
effective, by telephone hotline numbers 206-526-6667 and 800-662-9825,
and by U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners broadcasts on Channel 16
VHF-FM and 2182 kHz.
Classification
NMFS issues these actions pursuant to section 305(d) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). These
actions are authorized by 50 CFR 660.409, which was issued pursuant to
section 304(b) of the MSA, and is exempt from review under Executive
Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(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. Prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this
action was impracticable because NMFS had insufficient time to provide
for prior notice and the opportunity for public comment between the
time Chinook and coho salmon abundance, catch, and effort information
were developed and fisheries impacts were calculated, and the time the
fishery modifications had to be implemented in order to ensure that
fisheries are managed based on the best scientific information
available. As previously noted, actual notice of the regulatory action
was provided to fishers through telephone hotlines and radio
notifications. These actions comply with the requirements of the annual
management measures for ocean salmon fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11,
2023), the Pacific Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and
regulations implementing the FMP under 50 CFR 660.409 and 660.411.
There is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the 30-day
delay in effective date, as a delay in effectiveness of this action
would allow fishing at levels inconsistent with the goals of the FMP
and the current management measures.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: July 6, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-14721 Filed 7-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
