Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, 81034-81035 [2024-23086]

Download as PDF 81034 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 194 / Monday, October 7, 2024 / Rules and Regulations lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 NMFS also considered the effects of the adjustment on BFT rebuilding and overfishing, and the effects of the transfer on accomplishing the objectives of the FMP (§ 635.27(a)(7)(v) and (vi)). This quota transfer would be consistent with established quotas and subquotas, which are implemented consistent with ICCAT recommendations (established in Recommendation 22–10), ATCA, and the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and amendments. In establishing these quotas and subquotas and associated management measures, ICCAT and NMFS considered the best scientific information available, objectives for stock management and status such as rebuilding and avoiding overfishing, and effects on the stock. This quota transfer in line with the established management measures and stock status determinations. It is also important that NMFS limit landings to the quota both to adhere to the FMP quota allocations and to ensure that landings are as consistent as possible with the pattern of fishing mortality (e.g., fish caught at each age) that was assumed in the latest stock assessment, and this quota transfer is consistent with those objectives. Another principal consideration is the objective of providing opportunities to harvest the available General category quota without exceeding the annual quota. This consideration is based on the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, including achieving optimum yield on a continuing basis and allowing all permit categories a reasonable opportunity to harvest available BFT quota allocations (related to § 635.27(a)(7)(x)). Monitoring and Reporting NMFS will continue to monitor the BFT fishery 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 or by using the HMS Catch Reporting app, or calling (888) 872–8862 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.). Depending on the level of fishing effort and catch rates of BFT, NMFS VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:55 Oct 04, 2024 Jkt 262001 may determine that additional adjustments are necessary to ensure available quota is not exceeded or to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas. 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. 1885(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), there is good cause to waive prior notice and opportunity to provide comment on this action, as notice and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest for the following reasons. Specifically, the regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and amendments provide for inseason adjustments and quota transfers 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 prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this quota transfer to the General category for the remainder of 2024 is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as the General category fishery is currently underway. Based on General category catch rates, a delay in this action would likely result in closure of the General category fishery when the baseline quota is met, with attendant administrative costs and costs to the fishery. NMFS could not have proposed this action earlier, as it needed to consider updated landings data in deciding whether to transfer a portion of the Reserve category quota to the General category quota. A delay in implementing this quota transfer would preclude the fishery from harvesting BFT that are currently available on the fishing grounds and that might otherwise become unavailable during a delay. This action does not raise conservation and management concerns and would support effective management of the BFT fishery. Transferring quota from the Reserve category to the General category October through November time period does not affect the overall ICCAT-allocated U.S. BFT quota, and available data show the adjustment would have a minimal risk of exceeding the overall quota. NMFS PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 notes that the public had an opportunity to comment on the underlying rulemakings that established the U.S. BFT quota and the inseason adjustment criteria. For all of the above reasons, the AA 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: October 2, 2024. Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–23129 Filed 10–2–24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 240227–0061] RTID 0648–XE359 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of a closure; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2024 total allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 4, 2024, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2024. Comments must be received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., October 22, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by docket number NOAA–NMFS–2023–0133, by any of the following methods: Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA–NMFS–2023–0133 in the Search box. Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 194 / Monday, October 7, 2024 / Rules and Regulations Mail: Submit written comments to Gretchen Harrington, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on https://www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Jahn, 907–586–7228. NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the MagnusonStevens 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 in 50 CFR part 679. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:55 Oct 04, 2024 Jkt 262001 NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA on September 1, 2024 (89 FR 72340, September 5, 2024). NMFS has determined that as of October 1, 2024, approximately 2,300 metric tons of Pacific cod remain in the 2024 Pacific cod apportionment for catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. Therefore, in accordance with § 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully use the 2024 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, (Regional Administrator) considered the following factors in reaching this decision: (1) the current catch of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA and (2) the harvest capacity and stated intent on future harvesting patterns of vessels in participating in this fishery. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 81035 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 opening of directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of October 1, 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. Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery for Pacific cod by catcher vessels catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested in an expedient manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under § 679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this action to the above address until October 22, 2024. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: October 1, 2024. Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–23086 Filed 10–2–24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 194 (Monday, October 7, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 81034-81035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23086]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 240227-0061]
RTID 0648-XE359


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of 
the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; modification of a closure; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher 
vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2024 total 
allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl 
gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 4, 
2024, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2024. Comments must be 
received at the following address no later than 4:30 p.m., A.l.t., 
October 22, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
docket number NOAA-NMFS-2023-0133, by any of the following methods:
    Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via 
the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and 
enter NOAA-NMFS-2023-0133 in the Search box. Click on the ``Comment'' 
icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.

[[Page 81035]]

    Mail: Submit written comments to Gretchen Harrington, Assistant 
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region 
NMFS. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
https://www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Jahn, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (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 in 50 CFR part 679.
    NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 
using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA on September 
1, 2024 (89 FR 72340, September 5, 2024). NMFS has determined that as 
of October 1, 2024, approximately 2,300 metric tons of Pacific cod 
remain in the 2024 Pacific cod apportionment for catcher vessels using 
trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. Therefore, in 
accordance with Sec.  679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and 
(a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully use the 2024 total allowable catch (TAC) 
of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA, NMFS is terminating the previous 
closure and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher 
vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. The 
Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, (Regional Administrator) considered 
the following factors in reaching this decision: (1) the current catch 
of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central 
Regulatory Area of the GOA and (2) the harvest capacity and stated 
intent on future harvesting patterns of vessels in participating in 
this fishery.

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 opening of directed 
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data only became available as of October 1, 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.
    Without this inseason adjustment, NMFS could not allow the fishery 
for Pacific cod by catcher vessels catcher vessels using trawl gear in 
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested in an expedient 
manner and in accordance with the regulatory schedule. Under Sec.  
679.25(c)(2), interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
on this action to the above address until October 22, 2024.

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

    Dated: October 1, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-23086 Filed 10-2-24; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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