Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 75505-75506 [2024-20993]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Monitoring and Reporting
Closure of the September 2024 BFT
General Category Fishery
To date, reported landings for the BFT
General category September time period
total 98.5 mt. Based on these landings
data, including average daily catch
rates, as well as anticipated favorable
fishing conditions in the coming days,
NMFS has determined that the adjusted
September time period subquota of
188.3 mt is projected to be reached and
exceeded shortly. Therefore, retaining,
possessing, or landing large medium or
giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 cm)
CFL or greater) BFT by persons aboard
vessels permitted in the Atlantic Tunas
General category and HMS Charter/
Headboat permitted vessels (while
fishing commercially) must cease at
11:30 p.m. local time on September 12,
2024. The BFT General category will
automatically reopen October 1, 2024,
for the October through November time
period. This action applies to Atlantic
Tunas General category (commercial)
permitted vessels and HMS Charter/
Headboat permitted vessels with a
commercial sale endorsement when
fishing commercially for BFT and is
taken consistent with the regulations at
§ 635.28(a)(1).
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Waiver for Remaining September RFDs
On May 31, 2024 (89 FR 47095),
NMFS published a final rule, which
among other things, implemented RFDs
every Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and
Saturday from July 1 through November
30, 2024. Since the fishery will be
closed for the remainder of the
September time period, NMFS has
decided to waive the previously
scheduled RFDs for the remainder of
that time period. Previously scheduled
RFDs (i.e., every Sunday, Tuesday,
Friday, and Saturday) will resume on
October 1, 2024.
With the RFDs waived during a
closure, consistent with § 635.23(a)(7),
fishermen aboard General category
permitted vessels and HMS Charter/
Headboat permitted vessels may tag and
release BFT of all sizes, subject to the
requirements of the catch-and-release
and tag-and-release programs described
at § 635.26. All BFT that are released
must be handled in a manner that will
maximize their survival, and without
removing the fish from the water,
consistent with requirements at
§ 635.21(a)(1). For additional
information on safe handling, see the
‘‘Careful Catch and Release’’ brochure
available at https://
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/
outreach-and-education/careful-catchand-release-brochure/.
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16:12 Sep 13, 2024
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NMFS will continue to monitor the
BFT fisheries closely. Per
§ 635.5(b)(2)(i)(A), dealers are required
to submit landing reports within 24
hours of a dealer receiving BFT. Late
reporting by dealers compromises
NMFS’ ability to timely implement
actions such as quota and retention
limit adjustments, as well as closures,
and may result in enforcement actions.
Additionally, and separate from the
dealer reporting requirement, General
and HMS Charter/Headboat category
vessel owners are required per
§ 635.5(a)(4) to report their own catch of
all BFT retained or discarded dead
within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end
of each trip, by accessing https://
hmspermits.noaa.gov, using the HMS
Catch Reporting app, or calling 888–
872–8862 (Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.).
After the fishery reopens on October
1, depending on the level of fishing
effort and catch rates of BFT at that
time, NMFS may determine that
additional adjustments are necessary to
ensure available subquotas are not
exceeded or to enhance scientific data
collection from, and fishing
opportunities in, all geographic areas as
specified under § 635.27(a)(7). If
needed, subsequent adjustments will be
published in the Federal Register. In
addition, fishermen may access https://
hmspermits.noaa.gov, for updates on
quota monitoring and inseason
adjustments.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(d)) and regulations
at 50 CFR part 635 and this action is
exempt from review under Executive
Order 12866.
The Assistant Administrator for
NMFS (AA) finds that pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B), it is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest to provide
prior notice of, and an opportunity for
public comment on this action, for the
following reasons. Specifically, the
regulations implementing the 2006
Consolidated HMS FMP and
amendments provide for inseason
retention limit adjustments and fishery
closures to respond to the unpredictable
nature of BFT availability on the fishing
grounds, the migratory nature of this
species, and the regional variations in
the BFT fishery. Providing for prior
notice and an opportunity to comment
is impracticable and contrary to the
public interest as this fishery is
currently underway and, based on the
most recent landings information, the
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75505
available time period subquota is
projected to be reached shortly.
Delaying this action could result in BFT
landings that exceed the September time
period subquota, which may result in
future potential quota reductions for
other BFT categories, depending on the
magnitude of a potential overharvest.
Taking this action does not raise
conservation and management concerns
and would support effective
management of the BFT fishery. NMFS
notes that the public had an opportunity
to comment on the underlying
rulemakings that established the U.S.
BFT quota and the inseason adjustment
and closure criteria.
For all of the above reasons, the AA
also finds that pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(d), there is good cause to waive the
30-day delay in effective date.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801
et seq.
Dated: September 11, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–20994 Filed 9–11–24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 240304–0068; RTID 0648–
XE270]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of
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; reallocation.
AGENCY:
NMFS is reallocating the
projected unused amount of Pacific cod
from American Fisheries Act (AFA)
catcher/processor vessels to
Amendment 80 vessels in the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands management
area. This action is necessary to allow
the 2024 total allowable catch (TAC) of
Pacific cod to be harvested.
DATES: Effective September 11, 2024,
through 2400 hours, Alaska local time
(A.l.t.), December 31, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI)
SUMMARY:
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75506
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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.
TAC specified for AFA catcher/
processor vessels in the BSAI is 3,201
metric tons (mt) as established by the
final 2024 and 2025 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the
BSAI (89 FR 17287, March 11, 2024).
The 2024 Pacific cod TAC allocated to
Amendment 80 vessels in the BSAI is
18,647 mt as established by final 2024
and 2025 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (89 FR 17287,
March 11, 2024).
The Administrator, Alaska Region,
NMFS, (Regional Administrator) has
determined that AFA catcher/processor
vessels will not be able to harvest 1,500
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16:12 Sep 13, 2024
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mt of the AFA catcher/processor vessels
2024 Pacific cod TAC allocated to those
vessels under § 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A)(7).
Therefore, in accordance with
§ 679.20(a)(7)(iii)(B), NMFS apportions
1,500 mt of Pacific cod from AFA
catcher/processor vessels to
Amendment 80 vessels.
The harvest specifications for 2024
Pacific cod included in final 2024 and
2025 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the BSAI (89 FR 17287,
March 11, 2024) are revised as follows:
1,701 mt to AFA catcher/processor
vessels and 20,147 mt to Amendment 80
vessels.
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
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
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 reallocation of
Pacific cod specified from AFA catcher/
processor vessels to Amendment 80
vessels. 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, 2024.
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: September 11, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–20993 Filed 9–11–24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75505-75506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20993]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 240304-0068; RTID 0648-XE270]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation
of 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; reallocation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific
cod from American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher/processor vessels to
Amendment 80 vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management
area. This action is necessary to allow the 2024 total allowable catch
(TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
DATES: Effective September 11, 2024, through 2400 hours, Alaska local
time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI)
[[Page 75506]]
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.
TAC specified for AFA catcher/processor vessels in the BSAI is
3,201 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2024 and 2025
harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (89 FR 17287, March
11, 2024).
The 2024 Pacific cod TAC allocated to Amendment 80 vessels in the
BSAI is 18,647 mt as established by final 2024 and 2025 harvest
specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (89 FR 17287, March 11,
2024).
The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, (Regional Administrator)
has determined that AFA catcher/processor vessels will not be able to
harvest 1,500 mt of the AFA catcher/processor vessels 2024 Pacific cod
TAC allocated to those vessels under Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A)(7).
Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(a)(7)(iii)(B), NMFS
apportions 1,500 mt of Pacific cod from AFA catcher/processor vessels
to Amendment 80 vessels.
The harvest specifications for 2024 Pacific cod included in final
2024 and 2025 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (89 FR
17287, March 11, 2024) are revised as follows: 1,701 mt to AFA catcher/
processor vessels and 20,147 mt to Amendment 80 vessels.
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 reallocation of Pacific
cod specified from AFA catcher/processor vessels to Amendment 80
vessels. 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, 2024.
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: September 11, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20993 Filed 9-11-24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
