Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #18, 58522-58523 [2023-18512]

Download as PDF lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 58522 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Administrator has determined that this final rule is consistent with the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public comment. This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared. This final rule contains a collectionof-information requirement subject to review and approval by OMB under the PRA. This rule revises the existing requirements for the collection of information under the following OMB Control Number: 0648–0212, Greater Atlantic Region Logbook Family of Forms, by eliminating the shellfish log (NOAA Form 88–140). All respondents and responses that would have used this form would use the Fishing Vessel Trip Report (NOAA Form 88–30) instead. This form takes less time to complete and is submitted electronically, resulting in a small decrease in estimated time burden and the elimination of postage costs. Public reporting burden for the Fishing Vessel Trip Report is estimated to average five minutes, including the time taken to review the instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed, and to complete and review the information collected. We invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Written comments and recommendations for this information collection should be submitted on the following website: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0648–0212. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Aug 25, 2023 Jkt 259001 with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 50 CFR Part 660 Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. [Docket No. 230508–0124; RTID 0648– XD191] Dated: August 22, 2023. Samuel D. Rauch, III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part 648 as follows: PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 648.7, revise paragraphs (b)(1) introductory text, (b)(1)(i) introductory text, and (b)(1)(iii) to read as follows: ■ § 648.7 Recordkeeping and reporting requirements. * * * * * (b) * * * (1) Fishing Vessel Trip Reports. The owner or operator of any vessel issued a valid permit or eligible to renew a limited access permit under this part must maintain on board the vessel and submit an accurate fishing log report for each fishing trip, regardless of species fished for or taken, by electronic means. This report must be entered into and submitted through a software application approved by NMFS. (i) Vessel owners or operators. At least the following information as applicable and any other information required by the Regional Administrator must be provided: * * * * * (iii) Surfclam and ocean quahog owners or operators. In addition to the information listed under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the owner or operator of any vessel conducting any surfclam or ocean quahog fishing operations in the ITQ program must provide at least the following information and any other information required by the Regional Administrator: (A) Total amount in bushels of surfclams and/or ocean quahogs taken; (B) Price per bushel; (C) Tag numbers from cages used; and (D) Allocation permit number. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2023–18414 Filed 8–25–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #18 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Inseason modification of 2023 management measures. AGENCY: NMFS announces one inseason action for the 2023–2024 ocean salmon fishing season. This inseason action modifies the commercial salmon fisheries in the area from the U.S./ Canada border to Cape Falcon, Oregon. DATES: The effective date for this inseason action is set out in this document under the heading ‘‘Inseason Action’’ and the action remains in effect until superseded or modified. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Penna, 562–980–4239, Shannon.Penna@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: 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 (SOF) (Cape Falcon, OR, E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2023 / Rules and Regulations to the U.S./Mexico border). The actions described in this document affect the NOF commercial salmon troll fisheries, as set out under the heading Inseason Action below. Consultation with the Council Chairperson on this inseason action occurred on July 19, 2023. This consultation 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. This inseason action was 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 Action lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 Inseason Action #18 Description of the action: Inseason action #18 modifies the NOF ocean salmon troll commercial fishery. Effective dates: Inseason action #18 takes effect for the following areas and dates, and remains in effect until superseded. • Effective July 20, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., through Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, the landing possession limit is decreased from 35 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week to 30 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday–Wednesday). • Effective July 27, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., through August 2, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., in the area between the U.S./ Canada border and Cape Falcon, the landing and possession limit is decreased from 30 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week to 20 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday–Wednesday). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Aug 25, 2023 Jkt 259001 • Effective August 3, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is closed. Reason and authorization for the action: Inseason action #18 was necessary to progressively slow the rate of Chinook salmon catch in order to preserve the length of the salmon fishing season by setting lower landing and possession limits. The NMFS West Coast Regional Administrator (RA) determined that this inseason action is necessary to meet management and conservation goals for the 2023–2024 management measures after considering the best available information on the 2023 abundance forecasts for Chinook salmon stocks, landings and effort patterns to date, anticipated fishery effort and projected catch, the timing of the action relative to the length of the season, and the other factors and considerations set forth in 50 CFR 660.409. This inseason action modified quotas and/or fishing seasons under 50 CFR 660.409(b)(1)(i). All other restrictions and regulations remain in effect as announced for the 2023 ocean salmon fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11, 2023; 88 FR 44737, July 13, 2023, 88 FR 51250, August 3, 2023; 88 FR 53813, August 9, 2023) except as previously modified by inseason actions. 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 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 this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 58523 Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This action is 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: August 23, 2023. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–18512 Filed 8–25–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 165 (Monday, August 28, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58522-58523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18512]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 230508-0124; RTID 0648-XD191]


Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast 
Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #18

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

ACTION: Inseason modification of 2023 management measures.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces one inseason action for the 2023-2024 ocean 
salmon fishing season. This inseason action modifies the commercial 
salmon fisheries in the area from the U.S./Canada border to Cape 
Falcon, Oregon.

DATES: The effective date for this inseason action is set out in this 
document under the heading ``Inseason Action'' and the action remains 
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 (SOF) (Cape Falcon, OR,

[[Page 58523]]

to the U.S./Mexico border). The actions described in this document 
affect the NOF commercial salmon troll fisheries, as set out under the 
heading Inseason Action below.
    Consultation with the Council Chairperson on this inseason action 
occurred on July 19, 2023. This consultation 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.
    This inseason action was 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 Action

Inseason Action #18

    Description of the action: Inseason action #18 modifies the NOF 
ocean salmon troll commercial fishery.
    Effective dates: Inseason action #18 takes effect for the following 
areas and dates, and remains in effect until superseded.
     Effective July 20, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., through Wednesday, 
July 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., in the area between the U.S./Canada 
border and Cape Falcon, the landing possession limit is decreased from 
35 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per 
landing week to 30 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon 
per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
     Effective July 27, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., through August 2, 
2023, at 11:59 p.m., in the area between the U.S./Canada border and 
Cape Falcon, the landing and possession limit is decreased from 30 
Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per 
landing week to 20 Chinook salmon and 150 adipose marked coho salmon 
per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
     Effective August 3, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., the area between 
the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is closed.
    Reason and authorization for the action: Inseason action #18 was 
necessary to progressively slow the rate of Chinook salmon catch in 
order to preserve the length of the salmon fishing season by setting 
lower landing and possession limits. The NMFS West Coast Regional 
Administrator (RA) determined that this inseason action is necessary to 
meet management and conservation goals for the 2023-2024 management 
measures after considering the best available information on the 2023 
abundance forecasts for Chinook salmon stocks, landings and effort 
patterns to date, anticipated fishery effort and projected catch, the 
timing of the action relative to the length of the season, and the 
other factors and considerations set forth in 50 CFR 660.409. This 
inseason action modified quotas and/or fishing seasons under 50 CFR 
660.409(b)(1)(i).
    All other restrictions and regulations remain in effect as 
announced for the 2023 ocean salmon fisheries (88 FR 30235, May 11, 
2023; 88 FR 44737, July 13, 2023, 88 FR 51250, August 3, 2023; 88 FR 
53813, August 9, 2023) except as previously modified by inseason 
actions.
    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 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 this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This action is 
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: August 23, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-18512 Filed 8-25-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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