Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2023-2024 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments, 84296-84302 [2024-24400]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
J. Executive Order 12898: Federal
Actions To Address Environmental
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Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629,
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§ 63.761
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[Removed and Reserved]
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§ 63.1270 Applicability and designation of
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*
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§ 63.1272
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[FR Doc. 2024–24288 Filed 10–21–24; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
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From Oil and Natural Gas Production
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2. Section 63.760 is amended by
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RIN 0648–BN32
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions;
Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery;
2023–2024 Biennial Specifications and
Management Measures; Inseason
Adjustments
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; inseason adjustments
to biennial groundfish management
measures.
AGENCY:
1. The authority citation for part 63
continues to read as follows:
■
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
§ 63.760 Applicability and designation of
affected source.
This final rule announces
routine inseason adjustments to
management measures in commercial
groundfish fisheries. This action is
SUMMARY:
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intended to allow fishing vessels to
access more abundant groundfish stocks
while protecting rebuilding stocks.
DATES: This final rule is effective
October 22, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Electronic Access: This rule
is accessible via the internet at the
Office of the Federal Register website at
https://www.federalregister.gov.
Background information and documents
are available at the Pacific Fishery
Management Council’s website at
https://www.pcouncil.org/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Sean Matson, phone: 206–526–6187 or
email: sean.matson@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan (PCGFMP) and its
implementing regulations at title 50 in
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
part 660, subparts C through G, regulate
fishing for over 90 species of groundfish
seaward of Washington, Oregon, and
California. The Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council)
develops groundfish harvest
specifications and management
measures for 2-year periods (biennia).
NMFS published the final rule to
implement harvest specifications and
management measures for the 2023–
2024 biennium for most species
managed under the PCGFMP on
December 16, 2022 (87 FR 77007). The
management measures set at the start of
the biennial harvest specifications cycle
help the various sectors of the fishery
attain, but not exceed, the catch limits
for each stock. The Council, in
coordination with Pacific Coast Treaty
Indian Tribes and the States of
Washington, Oregon, and California,
recommends adjustments to the
management measures during the
fishing year to achieve this goal.
At its September 2024 meeting, the
Council recommended an assortment of
modifications that included corrections
and adjustments, to commercial fixed
gear trip limits and incidental catch
limits, for limited entry (LE) and open
access (OA) fisheries for the remainder
of 2024. Stocks and complexes with
recommended changes included the
other fish complex south of 40°10′ N
lat., minor nearshore rockfish south of
40°10′ N lat., and cabezon in California.
Potential changes were analyzed and
ultimately recommended after updated
information regarding projected catch
and attainment became available, as
well as requests from industry.
Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries are
managed using harvest specifications or
limits (e.g., overfishing limits,
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
acceptable biological catch, annual
catch limits and harvest guidelines)
recommended biennially by the Council
and based on the best scientific
information available at that time (50
CFR 660.60(b)). During development of
the harvest specifications, the Council
also recommends management measures
(e.g., trip limits, area closures, and bag
limits) that are meant to control catch so
as not to exceed the harvest
specifications. The harvest
specifications and management
measures developed for the 2023–2024
biennium used data through the 2021
fishing year. Each of the adjustments to
management measures discussed below
are based on updated fisheries
information that was unavailable when
the analysis for the current harvest
specifications was completed. As new
fisheries data becomes available,
adjustments to management measures
are projected so as to help harvesters
achieve but not exceed the harvest
limits.
84297
Other Fish Limited Entry Trip Limit
South of 40°10′ N Lat. (Correction)
In the September 2024 meeting, the
Council recommended that the trip limit
for the ‘‘other fish’’ complex be changed
from zero pounds (lb) per 2 months, to
unlimited for the limited entry fixed
gear (LEFG) fishery south of 40°10′ N
lat. during November and December of
2024 (table 1), to correct an inadvertent
change made in the inseason action
from November 2023, which became
effective in January 2024.
TABLE 1—TRIP LIMIT STRUCTURE FOR LE FG ‘‘OTHER FISH’’ COMPLEX SOUTH OF 40°10′ N LAT., IN CURRENT
REGULATION AND RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Option
January–October
Current regulation ...............................................
Recommended ...................................................
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months .........................................
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months .........................................
LEFG and OA Minor Nearshore Rockfish
South of 40°10′ N Lat., and Cabezon in
California
The Council recommended at their
September 2024 meeting, in agreement
with analyses by the Council’s
Groundfish Management Team (GMT)
and the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW), discussion with
the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel and
enforcement consultants, to change the
management lines on LEFG and open
access (OA) trip limits in Federal
regulation for cabezon in California, as
November–December
well as shallow and deeper nearshore
rockfish (within the minor nearshore
rockfish south of 40°10′ N lat. complex)
from 36° N lat. to 37°07′ N lat. (tables
2 and 3). This was done to align trip
limits with current non-trawl rockfish
conservation area boundaries
(implemented April 1, 2024), align State
and Federal regulations, prevent
regulatory and enforcement confusion,
and to better serve conservation needs
of quillback rockfish (recently
designated as overfished), while
minimizing corresponding constraints
to fishery participants by utilizing more
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
Unlimited.
spatially precise management measures.
Similar changes were recommended in
March 2024 (implemented April 2024)
for lingcod, shelf rockfish, and other
flatfish, to allow more spatially precise
management measures, for both better
quillback conservation, and better
concurrent access to other target
species. CDFW has taken State action to
move their latitude line for quillback
related closures from 36° to 37°07′ N lat.
for the same reasons (State/Federal
coordination, and benefits of spatially
precise management).
TABLE 2—TRIP LIMIT STRUCTURE FOR LEFG AND OA MINOR NEARSHORE ROCKFISH SOUTH OF 40°10′ N LAT., IN
CURRENT REGULATION AND RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Option
Current regulation.
Habitat
Management area
Trip limits
Shallow nearshore ....
40°10′ N lat.–36° N lat ........
South of 36° N lat ...............
40°10′ N lat.–36° N lat ........
South of 36° N lat ...............
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months.
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb (34 kg) may
be copper rockfish.
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months.
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb (34 kg) may
be copper rockfish.
Deeper nearshore .....
Council recommended.
Shallow nearshore ....
Deeper nearshore .....
40°10′ N lat.–37°07′ N lat ...
South of 37°07′ N lat ..........
40°10′ N lat.–37°07′ N lat ...
South of 37°07′ N lat ..........
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TABLE 3—TRIP LIMIT STRUCTURE FOR LE FG AND OA CABEZON IN CALIFORNIA, SOUTH OF 40°10′ N LAT., IN CURRENT
REGULATION AND RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Option
Management area
Current regulation ................
40°10′ N lat.–36° N lat ....................................................
South of 36° N lat ...........................................................
40°10′ N lat.–37°07′ N lat ...............................................
South of 37°07′ N lat .......................................................
Council recommended .........
Therefore, the Council recommended
and NMFS is implementing, by
modifying table 2 South to part 660,
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Trip limits
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
Unlimited.
0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
Unlimited.
subpart E, and table 3 South to part 660,
subpart F, changes to the management
lines on LEFG and OA trip limits in
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Federal regulation for cabezon in
California, as well as shallow and
deeper nearshore rockfish (both part of
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the minor nearshore rockfish south of
40°10′ N lat. complex) from 36° N lat.
to 37°07′ N lat. (tables 2 and 3). These
changes will start with Period 5
(November and December) and remain
in place through the end of 2024 and
beyond, unless otherwise modified.
Retention Limits for Incidental Catch of
Pacific Halibut North of Pt. Chehalis
Pacific halibut is internationally
managed by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission and NMFS. A
catch sharing plan is published each
year by NMFS; the 2024 plan (89 FR
19275, March 18, 2024) states that the
non-treaty incidental catch in sablefish
fishery (north of Pt. Chehalis) is 50,000
lb (22.7 metric tons). At the September
2024 meeting, the Council
recommended to increase retention
limits for the remainder of 2024, for
incidental catch of Pacific halibut in the
primary sablefish fishery north of Pt.
Chehalis. This would represent an
increase from the current limit in
regulation of 130 lb (59 kg) of halibut
per 1,000 lb (454 kg) of dressed sablefish
plus two halibut, to 150 lb (68 kg) of
halibut per 1,000 lb (454 kg) of dressed
sablefish plus two halibut. This action
was requested in order to help sablefish
fishers north of Pt. Chehalis increase the
utilization of their sablefish allocation
without exceeding the halibut
allocation. The GMT projected an
inconsequential increase in already low
attainment of the incidental halibut
limit, from 52 to 55 percent, if the
measure were implemented (table 4).
TABLE 4—PROJECTED INCIDENTAL PACIFIC HALIBUT LANDINGS IN THE PRIMARY SABLEFISH FISHERY NORTH OF POINT
CHEHALIS UNDER CURRENT REGULATION AND COUNCIL RECOMMENDED INCIDENTAL TRIP LIMITS
Landing ratio
Status Quo ........
130 lb (59 kg) halibut per 1,000 lb sablefish landed and up to 2
halibut in excess of limit.
150 lb (68 kg) halibut per 1,000 lb sablefish landed and up to 2
halibut in excess of limit.
Alternative 1 ......
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Projected landings
(net wt. lb)
through December 7
Option
Therefore, the Council recommended
and NMFS is implementing, by
modifying regulation text in § 660.60,
paragraph (b)(3)(iv) to read as follows:
‘‘Incidental Pacific halibut retention
north of Pt. Chehalis, WA (46°53.30′ N
lat.). From April 1 through the closure
date set by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission for Pacific halibut
in all commercial fisheries, vessels
authorized to participate in the sablefish
primary fishery, licensed by the
International Pacific Halibut
Commission for commercial fishing in
Area 2A (waters off Washington,
Oregon, California), and fishing with
longline gear north of Pt. Chehalis, WA
(46°53.30′ N lat.) may possess and land
up to 150 lb (68 kg) dressed weight of
Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb (454
kg) dressed weight of sablefish landed,
and up to two additional Pacific halibut
in excess of the 150-lb-per-1,000-lb limit
per landing. NMFS publishes the
International Pacific Halibut
Commission’s regulations setting forth
annual management measures,
including the closure date for Pacific
halibut in all commercial fisheries, in
the Federal Register by March 15 each
year, 50 CFR 300.62. ‘‘Dressed’’ Pacific
halibut in this area means halibut
landed eviscerated with their heads on.
Pacific halibut taken and retained in the
sablefish primary fishery north of Pt.
Chehalis may only be landed north of
Pt. Chehalis and may not be possessed
or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.’’
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25,871 (11,735 kg) ........
27,609 (12,523 kg) ........
Classification
This final rule makes routine inseason
adjustments to groundfish fishery
management measures, based on the
best scientific information available,
consistent with the PCGFMP and its
implementing regulations.
This action is taken under the
authority of 50 CFR 660.60(c) and is
exempt from review under Executive
Order 12866.
The aggregate data upon which these
actions are based, are available for
public inspection by contacting Dr. Sean
Matson in NMFS West Coast Region (see
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT,
above), or view at the NMFS West Coast
Groundfish website: https://
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/westcoast-groundfish.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b), NMFS
finds good cause to waive prior public
notice and an opportunity for public
comment on this action, as notice and
comment would be impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. The
adjustments to management measures in
this document update management line
designations on trip limits for cabezon
in California, and minor nearshore
rockfish south of 40°10′ N lat., and
allow additional incidental retention of
bycaught Pacific halibut north of Pt.
Chehalis to allow additional economic
opportunity while keeping catch within
allocations established by the 2023–
2024 harvest specifications, and the
2024 halibut catch sharing plan,
respectively.
The latitude line changes on trip
limits in the LE and OA sectors are
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Allocation
(net wt. lb)
50,000 lb
(22,680 kg).
Attainment
(%)
52
55
necessary to enable and spatially precise
management for adequate conservation,
and to minimize catch of quillback
rockfish, which was recently
determined to be overfished (NMFS
notified the Council of the overfished
status determination for quillback
rockfish on December 14, 2023), while
allowing fishing for other species to
continue in areas where it may
otherwise need to be closed if the
changes were not made. The changes
also are necessary to enable effective
enforcement by aligning spatial
management for these species across
State and Federal waters boundaries.
Increases to retention of incidentally
caught halibut are necessary to enable
more effective attainment of the
sablefish allocation without exceeding
the halibut allocation.
Delaying implementation to allow for
public comment would likely reduce
the economic benefits to the commercial
fishing industry and the businesses that
rely on that industry, because it is
unlikely the new regulations would
publish and could be implemented in
time to realize the projected benefits to
fishing communities and the resource. A
delay in implementation could also
contribute to unnecessarily discarded
and largely wasted fish, which could
otherwise be landed to provide food and
revenue, and responsible use of the
resource. Therefore, providing a
comment period for this action could
significantly limit the economic benefits
to the fishery, and would hamper the
achievement of optimum yield from the
affected fisheries.
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Therefore, the NMFS finds reason to
waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) so that
this final rule may become effective
upon publication in the Federal
Register. The adjustments to
management measures in this document
affect fisheries by increasing
opportunity and allowing greater
economic benefit. These adjustments
were requested by the Council’s
advisory bodies, as well as members of
industry during the Council’s
September 2024 meeting, and
recommended unanimously by the
Council. No aspect of this action is
controversial, and changes of this nature
were anticipated in the biennial harvest
specifications and management
measures established through a notice
and comment rulemaking for 2023–2024
(87 FR 77007).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660
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Fisheries, Fishing, Indian fisheries.
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Dated: October 16, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part
660 as follows:
PART 660—FISHERIES OFF WEST
COAST STATES
1. The authority citation for part 660
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C.
773 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.
2. In § 660.231, revise paragraph
(b)(3)(iv) to read as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(3) * * *
(iv) Incidental Pacific halibut
retention north of Pt. Chehalis, WA
(46°53.30′ N lat.). From April 1 through
the closure date set by the International
Pacific Halibut Commission for Pacific
halibut in all commercial fisheries,
vessels authorized to participate in the
sablefish primary fishery, licensed by
the International Pacific Halibut
■
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84299
Commission for commercial fishing in
Area 2A (waters off Washington,
Oregon, California), and fishing with
longline gear north of Pt. Chehalis, WA
(46°53.30′ N lat.) may possess and land
up to 150 lb (68 kg) dressed weight of
Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb (454
kg) dressed weight of sablefish landed,
and up to two additional Pacific halibut
in excess of the 150-lb-per-1,000-lb limit
per landing. NMFS publishes the
International Pacific Halibut
Commission’s regulations setting forth
annual management measures,
including the closure date for Pacific
halibut in all commercial fisheries, in
the Federal Register by March 15 each
year, 50 CFR 300.62. ‘‘Dressed’’ Pacific
halibut in this area means halibut
landed eviscerated with their heads on.
Pacific halibut taken and retained in the
sablefish primary fishery north of Pt.
Chehalis may only be landed north of
Pt. Chehalis and may not be possessed
or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 3. Revise table 2 (South) to part 660,
subpart E, to read as follows:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
!Table 2 (South) to Part 660 Subpart E •· Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear South of 40°10' N lat
I
· ' , 11/1/2024
Other limits and requirem~nts annlv -- Read &&660.10 throuoh 660.399 before usino this table
I
i
JAN-FEB
I MAR-APR I MAY-JUN I JUL-AUG I SEP-OCT I NOV-DEC
Rockfish Conservation Area CRCAl 11:
1 40° 10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
Shoreward EEZ 11 - 75 fm line 11
h
2 37°07' N lat. - 34 °27' N lat.
3 I South of 34 °27' N lat.
50 Im line 11 - 75fm line 11
150 Im line 11 /also aoolies around islands and banks\
100 Im line 11 -
I
"·-·~
""-~
~J
I
~
-··l
1------~
See §§660.60 and 660.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70-660.74 and §§660.76-660.79 for
conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, Farallon Islands, Cordell Bank, and EFHCAs).
Minor Slope rockfish 21 & Darkblotched
rockfish
s Splitnose rockfish
6 Sablefish
4
40,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 6,000 lb may be blackgill rockfish
7
40° 10' N lat. - 36°00' N lat.
8
South of 36°00' N lat.
9 Longspine thomyhead
LJ
I
•,__
2,000 lb/ 2 months
10,000 lb/ month
16
I
40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
South of 37°07' N lat.
I
i
I
I
22 Widow rockfish
23
24
I
!
I
I
I
I
i
10,000 lb/ month seaward of the non-trawl RCA; 0 lb/month inside the non-trawl RCA
10,000 lb/ month
10,000 lb/trip
17 WhitinQ
18 Minor Shelf Rockfish 21
19
I 40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
20
I 37°07' N lat. - 34 °27' N lat.
21
South of 34°27' N lat.
2,500 lb/ 2 months
I
English sole, starry flounder
I
I
40°10' N lat. - 34°27' N lat.
South of 34°27' N lat.
10,000 lb/ 2 months
8,000 lb/ 2 months
I
27
40°10' N lat. - 34°27' N lat.
South of 34°27' N lat.
10,000 lb./ 2 months
8 000 lb. / 2 months
3,500 lb/ 2 months
CLOSED
0 lb/ 2 months
CLOSED
CLOSED
8,000 lb/ 2 months
28 Canary rockfish
29
30
31
32
33
34
1
Yelloweye rockfish
Quillback rockfish
Cowcod
Bronzespotted rockfish
Bocaccio
40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat. Shallow nearshore41
36
South of 37°07' N lat. Shallow nearshore41
37
40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat. Deeper nearshore51
)>
r-
I
m•-
,-N~-
-"'
•-·--
•·
0 •-
-- C
:::r
Minor Nearshore Rockfish
35
-I
OJ
6,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 500 lb may be vermilion/sunset
8,000 lb /2 month period, of which no more than 500 lb may be vermilion/sunset
5,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 3,000 lb mav be vermilion/sunset
25 Chilipepper rockfish
26
~
3,000 lb/ 2 months
Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole,
14 Other Flatfish 31
15
•---
4,500 lb/ v,eek, not to exceed 9,000 lb /2 months
7,000 lb/v,eek, not to exceed 14,000 lb/2 months
2,500 lb/ v,eek
10,000 lb/ 2 months
10 Shortspine thomvhead
11
40° 10' N lat. - 34 °27' N lat.
12
South of 34°27' N lat.
13
40,000 lb/ 2 months
0 lb/ 2 months
2,000 lb/ 2 months
~
I···
~
38
39
40
41
42
43
South of 37°07' N lat. Deeper nearshore51
California Scorpionfish
Lin11cod61
I
40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
South of 37°07' N lat.
Pacific cod
44 Spiny dogfish
0 lb/ 2 months
2,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 75 lb may be copper rockfish
3,500 lb/ 2 months
46 Other Fish 71
47 Cabezon in California
48
40°10' N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
49
South of 37°07' N lat.
50 Big Skate
f---
,__
1,600 lb/2 months seaward of the Non-Trawl RCA; 0 lb/2 months inside the non-trawl RCA
1,600 lb/ 2 months
1,000 lb/ 2 months
150,000 lb/ 2
200,000 lb/ 2 months
100,000 lb/ 2 months
months
Unlimited
0 lb / 2 months
Unlimited
I
I
45 Longnose skate
~
--
I
f--
[J
-·,
I
-·"4
0 lb/ 2 months
Unlimited
Unlimited
--1
1--~
lf-'1~/Tc;.h=•~R=o=ck=fi=sh~C=o=ns=•~rva=tio=n~A=r=••~is~•~n=•r=••~cl=os=•=d=to~fi=1S=hi~ng~b~y2 p=•=rti=cu=l•=r~g=••=r~ty~p=•s~•=b=ou=n=d•=d~b~y~li=n•=•~sLpe=c=if=ica=ll~y=d•=fi=m=•d~b~y~l•=t=ltu=d=•---------------------+!--~
L__Jand -~ongitude coordina_tes s~~ out at §§_660.71-660.74. This RCA~ not d_~~ined by dept~__ contours (with the exception_ofthe 20-fm _
_________ ______
L.!depth contour boundary south of 42° N lat.), and the boundary lines that define the RCA may close areas that are deeper or shallower
i
J '
~ __ 4!,han the depth ~ntour. Vessels that are subject to RCA restrictions may not fish_ in_the R(?_A, or operate in_the RCA for any purpose ______
L!other than transiting. LEFG vessels may be allowed to fish inside groundfish conservation areas using non-bottom contact hook and line only.
----~--~--~---~--------~-------·-t,-··· i
•
d of the regul~tions _for more information.
----------·---·-·--·--·----·--·---·-----·------····-· ... ····--·--·-------···------------··-----·--·-----··-·-----·· ___ _
ockfish complexes are defined at §~Q:..°!J.:_Pacific ocean perch is included in the trip limits for Minor Slope Rockfish. Blackgill rockfish have a
T--t5pecies specific !~!e.~~~:~mit within the Minor Slope Rockfish cumulative limit. Yellowtail rockfish are included in the trip limits fo~~-~-i::_ Sh~elf~R~o=c~kfi~,s~h-~B~ro~n=ze=•~po=t=t•=d--------------+-,
~ckfish have a species specific trip limit.
13/ "Other Flatfish" are defined at § 660.11 and include butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and sand sole.
~L''..§.t!_allow Nearshore" are defined at § ~69.11 under "Groundfish" (7J{i)J~)(~1~)-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
;SI "Deeper Nearshore" are defined at§ 660.11 under "Groundfish" (7)(0(8)(2).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -----~---------- ________________ _
!51 The commerciai" mimimum s~e limit for lingcod is 22 inches (56 cm) total length South of 42°·· N lat.
7/ "Other Fish" are defined at§ 660.11 and include kelp gr~I~l]JJ~o=ff~C=•=lit=or=n=i•=•~nd~l=•o~p=•=rd~s=h•=r~k._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _--i
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'..,.~~~~!!Y~~ pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462, the number of pounds in one kilogran:i_-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - ~ -
84301
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
4. Revise table 3 (South) to part 660,
subpart F, to read as follows:
■
Table 3 (South} to Part 660, Subpart F - Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas and Trip Limits for Open Access Gears South of 40°10· N lat.
Other limits and reauirements anntu Read RRRRn 10 throuah 660 399 before usina 1his 1able
1111/2024
JAN-FEB
MAR-APR
JUL-AUG
NOV-DEC
MAY..JUN
SEP-OCT
I
I
I
I
I
Rocldlsh Conservation Area IRCA\11 :
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Shoreward EEZ11 - 75 fm 1ine,,
1 40°1(Y N lat - 37"0I' N lat.
2 37°07' N lat - 34°27' N lat.
50 fin Jine11 - 75 fm line11
1MffnfinA1/ ~~-Ewn,linA-1/ /,,,1,. ... ,...,Ji~ ,,........,,,..r1 ;.,.1,,.,.~ nn.rl ..,.,.,.1,.,..\
3 !South of 34°27' N la1.
See §§660.60 and &60.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§6&0.7CMi60.74 and §§660.7tk&ti0.79 for
conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, FaraUon Island$, Cordel1 Bank, and EFHCAs}.
4 Minor Slope Rocldish2' & Darl<blolched rocklish
10,000 lb/ 2 monllls, of which no mom 1han 2,500 lb may be blackgiR rockfish
200Ib/monlh
5 Smrmose rocldish
6 Sablellsh
7
8
140·10' Nial. -36·00 N lat.
3,000 lb/ week, not to exceed 6,000 lb/ 2 months
ISouth of 36°00 N lat.
I
3,500 lb/ week, not to exceed 7,000 lb/ 2 months
2 000 lb/ week not to exceed 6 000 lb/ 2 months
9 Shortntne thornvheads
10
I
40°1!Y N la1. - 34°27' N lat.
50lb/ month
40°1<Y N la1. - 34°27' N la1.
13 Shortpine thomyheads and longspine
thomvheads
14
ISouth of 34'2r N 1a1.
501b/ month
11 longspjne thomyheads
I
12
100 lb/ day, no mom than 1,000 lb/ 2 months
15 Dover sole, arrowtooth ffounder, petrate sole,
5,000 lb/ month
English sole, starry flounder"'
16 other
17
I
18
I
19 Whiting
20 Minor Shelf Rocldlsh~
21
I
-I
Aaffish 31
E
5,0001b/ month seaward of the Non-Trawl RCA; 0 lb/month inside the Non-Trawl RCA
40° 1<Y N la1. - 37°07' N lat.
South of 37°07' N lat.
5000lblmonlll
300lblmonth
r-
3 000 lb/ 2 months of which no more than 300 lb mav be vermilion/sunset
4 000 lb/ 2 month of which no more than 300 lb m= be vermilion/sunset
3,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no mom lllan 000 lb may be vermilion/sunset
40°1!Y N la1. - 37°07' N lat.
I 37°07' N lat. - 34°27' N la1.
23
I
South of 34°27' N la1.
I
I
40° 1(Y N lat. - 34°27' N la1.
6,000 lb/ 2 months
Soulll of 34°27' N la1.
4,000 lb/ 2 months
25
27 Chilipepper rocklish
28
29
I
I
40°10' N lat. - 34°27' N lat.
South of 34°27' N lat.
6 000 lb/ 2 months
4 000 lb/ 2 months
1,500 lb/ 2 months
CLOSED
Ct.OSED
Ct.OSED
Olb/ 2monllls
6,000lbl 2monlhs
30 cana,y rocklish
31 Yelloweye rocklish
32 Cowcod
33 Bronzespotted rockfish
34 Qutllback rocklish
35 Bocaccio
36 lllnor Nearshore Rockfish
37
40"1<Y N lat. - 37°0r N la1. Shallow nearshom"
38
Soulll of 37°07' N la1. Shallow nearshom"
39
40"1!Y N la1. - 37°07' N lat. Oeeoer nearshom51
40
South of 37°07" N lat Deeper nearshore51
41 California Seo ruionfish
I
40°10' N lat -37°07' N lat.
South of 37°07' N la1.
C
....
:::,-
r-
Olb/2months
2,000 lb/ 2 months
Olb/2months
2,000 lb/ 2 months, of which no more than 75 lb may be copper rockfish
3 500 lb/ 2 months
47 Longnose skate
48 Big skate
49 other F18h71
50 Cabezon in California
51
I
52
I
16:12 Oct 21, 2024
700 lb / monlll seaward of Ille non-trawl RCA; O lb/ month inside the non-lrawl RCA
7001b/monlll
1,000 lb/ 2 months
150,000 lb/ 2
200,000 lb/ 2 months
100,000 lb/ 2 months
months
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
I
46 Spiny dogfish
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
UI
0
Unacoc:161
43
44
45 Pacific cod
VerDate Sep<11>2014
w
40°1!Y N lat. - 37°07' N lat.
Soulll of 37°07' N la1.
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Olb/monlh
Unlimited
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42
m
-
24 Widow rockfish
26
l>
m
84302
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
Table J (Soul/I} Continued
other timils and reauirements annlv
Read &<RM 10 throuoh 660 399 before usioo this table
JAN-FEB
I
I
MAR-APR
tt/112024
MAY✓UN
I
JUL-AUG
I
SEP-OCT
I
NOV-DEC
Rocldlsh Conservation Area (RCA}fl:
1 40°10' N lat - 36°00' N lat.
Shoreward EEZ11 - 75 fm line11
36°00' N lat. - 34°27' N lat.
50 fm tine11 - 75 fin line11
1flfl frn jjn,:,i,11 - 1 ~ fin finP- 11 tak,n. <>nnli~ amunrl ;c,1.,n,4., Rnrl h.,:,,nl,-ce'\
South of 34°27' N lat
See §§660.60 and &60.230 for additional gear, trip limit and conservation area requirements and restrictions. See §§660.70-660.74 and §§660.76-660.79 for
conservation area descriptions and coordinates (including RCAs, YRCAs, Fandlon Islands, Cordell Bank, and EFHCAs}.
59 SALMON 1ROLL ..(~IJject to RCAs when "!.!~!!'!!!!!J-~!(~~'!!:~..'!.(.fl!!!.'!!!~!!t~,.-~~-~--'E.~.X~Jlowta,J rockfish, as elf!.~-~!~~} ......................................................................................................
2
3
Salmon !rollers may retain and land up to 1 lb of yellowlail rocklish for every 2 lb of Chinook salmon landed, wtth a
cumulatilielimtt of 200 lb/month, bolh within and outside of the RCA This timtt is within the 4,000 lb per 2 month timtt for
South of 40°11Y N lat. minor shelf rockftsh between 40"10" and 34°27" N lat., and not in addition to that limit. All groundf!Sh species are
subject to the open access limits, seasons, size limits and RCA restrictions listed in the table above, unless otherwise
stated here.
60
01 RIDGEBACK PRAWN AND, SOUTH OF 38°57.50' N lat., CA HALIBUT AND SEA CUCUMBER NON--GROUNDASH TRAWL
62 NON--GROUNDASH TRAWL Rocldlsh Conservation Area (RCA} for CA Halibut, Sea Cucumber & Ridgebacl[ Prawn:
63
40°10' N lat. - 38°00' N lat.
64
38°00' N lat. - 34°27' N lat.
South of 34°27' N lat.
65
100 fm line 11 200fmline 11
.. _____
"
100 fm line 11 - 150 fm fine 11
I
I
100 fmline v 200fmfine 11
100 fm line 11 - 150 fm line 11
100 fm line 11 - 150 fm line 11
-I
)>
m
r-
m
w
-...
u,
0
C
Groundfish: 300 lb/trip. Species-specific limits described in the table above also apply and are counted toward the 300 :::,I> groundfish per trip limit. The amount of grnundf1Sh landed may not exceed the amount of the target species landed, i except tllal the amount of spiny dogfish landed may exceed the amount of target species landed. Spiny dogfish are
fimited by the 300 lb/trip overaU groundfish timit. The daily trip limits for sablelish coastwide and thomyheads south of
0
pt Conception and the overall groundfish pertrip" limrt may not be multiplied by the number of days of the trip.
0
Vessels participating in the Galifomia hatibut f1Shery south of 38°57.50' N lat. are lo (I) land up to 100 lb/day of
groundfish without the ratio requirement, provided that at least one Galilomia hafibut is landed and (2) land up to 3,000 ::I
lb/month of flattish, no more than 300 lb of which may be species other than Pacific sanddabs, sand sole, starry
flounder, rock sole, curtfin sole, or California scorpionfish (California scorpionfish is also subiect to the trip limits and
::I
closures in 1ine 29).
0
66
...-·
C
67 PINK SHRIMP NON--GROUNDASH TRAWL GEAR (not subject lo RCAsJ
South
69
fl)
Effective April 1 - October 31: Groundfish: 500 lb/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, no1 to exceed 1,500
lb/trip. 1he folowing subfimits 8'so apply and are counted toward the rnieral 500 lb/ day and 1,500 lb/ trip groundfish
timils: lingcod 300 lb/ month (minimum 24 inch size limtt); sablefish 2,000 lb/ month; canary rockflSh, thomyheads and
yeloweye rockfish are PROHIBITED. AR other groundfish species taken am managed under the overall 500 lb/day and
1,500 lb/ trip groundf,sh limits. Landings of al groundflSh species count toward the per day, per trip or other speciesspecific subtimils described here and the species-specific timits described in the table above do not apply. The amount
of groundf,sh landed may not exceed the amount of pink shrimp landed.
C.
1/ Tile Rockffsh Conservation Area iS an area closed to f1Shlng by particular-gear types, bounded by Hnes specffically defined by latitude
and longitude coordinates set out at§§ 660.71-660.74. This RCA is not defined by depth contoms (with the exception of the 20-fm
depth contour boundary south of 42° N fat}., arid the boundary lines tllat define the RCA may close areas tllat are deeper or shallower
than the depth contour. Vessels that are subject to RCA restrictions may not fish in the RCA, or operate in tfle RCA for any purpose
othertllan transiting. Open access vessels may be allowed to fish inside groundflSh conservation areas using hook and Hne only.
See§ 660.330 (d) of the regulations for more infonnatlon.
2/ Minar Shelf and Slope Rotknsh complexes are defined at§ 660.11. Pacific ocean perch is included in the trip limits tor minor s!Ope rockfiSll. Blackgut rockffSll have
a species spec me trip sUb-limlt Wittlin the mmorslOpe rockf!Sh c1m1u1attve llmlts. Yelk>Wtall r-ockfiStl IS inCIUde<f In tire trtp Hmlts tor mlnOrstlelf rockflSh. Bronzespotte<em rockfiSfl
have a species specmc trip llmlL
3/""0ttlerflaffish" are define<! at§ 660.11 aoo lnelll<fe butter SOie, curmn sole. flatheact SOie, Pacific sancklab. rex SOie, rock sole. and saoo sore
41 "Shallow Nea1Sl1ore" are defined at§ 660.11 under "GroundftSh" (7)(l)(B)(f )51 "Deeper Nearshore" are defined at§ 660.11 under "Groundfish" (7)(i)(B)(2 ).
61 The commercial mimimum size Hrnit for lingcod is 22 inches (fiS cm) South of 42" N lat.
7/ "0ttlerfrsh" are defiiled at§ 660.11 and includes kelp greenling off califomia and leopaftl shart.
81 Open access vessels may be allowed to ftsh inside groundfish conservation areas using hook and line only. See§ 660.330 (d} of the regulations for more .informatton.
To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20482, the number of pounds in one kilogram.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–C
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 660
The reapportionment of Pacific
whiting went into effect at 4:30 p.m.
(16:30) local time, September 26, 2024,
and is effective through December 31,
2024. Comments will be accepted
through November 6, 2024.
DATES:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
[RTID 0648–XE360]
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions;
Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024
Tribal Fishery Allocations for Pacific
Whiting; Reapportionment Between
Tribal and Non-Tribal Sectors
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Inseason reapportionment of
tribal Pacific whiting allocation.
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:12 Oct 21, 2024
Jkt 265001
You may submit comments,
identified by NOAA–NMFS–2024–0120
by the following method:
Electronic Submission: Submit all
electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and enter
NOAA–NMFS–2024–0120 in the Search
box. Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon,
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
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.
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). Attachments to electronic
comments will be accepted in Microsoft
Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats
only.
Electronic Access
This notice is accessible online at the
Office of the Federal Register’s website
at https://www.federalregister.gov.
Background information and documents
E:\FR\FM\22OCR1.SGM
22OCR1
ER22OC24.002</GPH>
This document announces the
reapportionment of 45,000 metric tons
of Pacific whiting from the tribal
allocation to the non-tribal commercial
fishery sectors via automatic action on
September 26, 2024. This
reapportionment is to allow full
utilization of the Pacific whiting
resource.
SUMMARY:
[FR Doc. 2024–24400 Filed 10–21–24; 8:45 am]
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 22, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84296-84302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24400]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No. 221206-0261]
RIN 0648-BN32
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2023-2024 Biennial Specifications and
Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; inseason adjustments to biennial groundfish
management measures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule announces routine inseason adjustments to
management measures in commercial groundfish fisheries. This action is
intended to allow fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish
stocks while protecting rebuilding stocks.
DATES: This final rule is effective October 22, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Electronic Access: This rule is accessible via the internet
at the Office of the Federal Register website at https://www.federalregister.gov. Background information and documents are
available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council's website at
https://www.pcouncil.org/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Sean Matson, phone: 206-526-6187
or email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP) and
its implementing regulations at title 50 in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), part 660, subparts C through G, regulate fishing for
over 90 species of groundfish seaward of Washington, Oregon, and
California. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) develops
groundfish harvest specifications and management measures for 2-year
periods (biennia). NMFS published the final rule to implement harvest
specifications and management measures for the 2023-2024 biennium for
most species managed under the PCGFMP on December 16, 2022 (87 FR
77007). The management measures set at the start of the biennial
harvest specifications cycle help the various sectors of the fishery
attain, but not exceed, the catch limits for each stock. The Council,
in coordination with Pacific Coast Treaty Indian Tribes and the States
of Washington, Oregon, and California, recommends adjustments to the
management measures during the fishing year to achieve this goal.
At its September 2024 meeting, the Council recommended an
assortment of modifications that included corrections and adjustments,
to commercial fixed gear trip limits and incidental catch limits, for
limited entry (LE) and open access (OA) fisheries for the remainder of
2024. Stocks and complexes with recommended changes included the other
fish complex south of 40[deg]10' N lat., minor nearshore rockfish south
of 40[deg]10' N lat., and cabezon in California. Potential changes were
analyzed and ultimately recommended after updated information regarding
projected catch and attainment became available, as well as requests
from industry.
Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries are managed using harvest
specifications or limits (e.g., overfishing limits,
[[Page 84297]]
acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and harvest
guidelines) recommended biennially by the Council and based on the best
scientific information available at that time (50 CFR 660.60(b)).
During development of the harvest specifications, the Council also
recommends management measures (e.g., trip limits, area closures, and
bag limits) that are meant to control catch so as not to exceed the
harvest specifications. The harvest specifications and management
measures developed for the 2023-2024 biennium used data through the
2021 fishing year. Each of the adjustments to management measures
discussed below are based on updated fisheries information that was
unavailable when the analysis for the current harvest specifications
was completed. As new fisheries data becomes available, adjustments to
management measures are projected so as to help harvesters achieve but
not exceed the harvest limits.
Other Fish Limited Entry Trip Limit South of 40[deg]10' N Lat.
(Correction)
In the September 2024 meeting, the Council recommended that the
trip limit for the ``other fish'' complex be changed from zero pounds
(lb) per 2 months, to unlimited for the limited entry fixed gear (LEFG)
fishery south of 40[deg]10' N lat. during November and December of 2024
(table 1), to correct an inadvertent change made in the inseason action
from November 2023, which became effective in January 2024.
Table 1--Trip Limit Structure for LE FG ``Other Fish'' Complex South of
40[deg]10' N Lat., in Current Regulation and Recommended by Council in
September 2024
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option January-October November-December
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current regulation.......... 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months 0 lb (0 kg)/2
months.
Recommended................. 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months Unlimited.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEFG and OA Minor Nearshore Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N Lat., and
Cabezon in California
The Council recommended at their September 2024 meeting, in
agreement with analyses by the Council's Groundfish Management Team
(GMT) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW),
discussion with the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel and enforcement
consultants, to change the management lines on LEFG and open access
(OA) trip limits in Federal regulation for cabezon in California, as
well as shallow and deeper nearshore rockfish (within the minor
nearshore rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. complex) from 36[deg] N
lat. to 37[deg]07' N lat. (tables 2 and 3). This was done to align trip
limits with current non-trawl rockfish conservation area boundaries
(implemented April 1, 2024), align State and Federal regulations,
prevent regulatory and enforcement confusion, and to better serve
conservation needs of quillback rockfish (recently designated as
overfished), while minimizing corresponding constraints to fishery
participants by utilizing more spatially precise management measures.
Similar changes were recommended in March 2024 (implemented April 2024)
for lingcod, shelf rockfish, and other flatfish, to allow more
spatially precise management measures, for both better quillback
conservation, and better concurrent access to other target species.
CDFW has taken State action to move their latitude line for quillback
related closures from 36[deg] to 37[deg]07' N lat. for the same reasons
(State/Federal coordination, and benefits of spatially precise
management).
Table 2--Trip Limit Structure for LEFG and OA Minor Nearshore Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N Lat., in Current
Regulation and Recommended by Council in September 2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Habitat Management area Trip limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current regulation....... Shallow nearshore.............. 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
36[deg] N lat. 2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months.
South of 36[deg] N
lat.
Deeper nearshore............... 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
36[deg] N lat. 2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months, of
South of 36[deg] N which no more than 75 lb (34
lat. kg) may be copper rockfish.
Council recommended...... Shallow nearshore.............. 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
37[deg]07' N lat. 2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months.
South of 37[deg]07'
N lat.
Deeper nearshore............... 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2 months.
37[deg]07' N lat. 2,000 lb (907 kg)/2 months, of
South of 37[deg]07' which no more than 75 lb (34
N lat. kg) may be copper rockfish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3--Trip Limit Structure for LE FG and OA Cabezon in California,
South of 40[deg]10' N Lat., in Current Regulation and Recommended by
Council in September 2024
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option Management area Trip limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current regulation.......... 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2
36[deg] N lat. months.
South of 36[deg] N Unlimited.
lat.
Council recommended......... 40[deg]10' N lat.- 0 lb (0 kg)/2
37[deg]07' N lat. months.
South of 37[deg]07' Unlimited.
N lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is implementing, by
modifying table 2 South to part 660, subpart E, and table 3 South to
part 660, subpart F, changes to the management lines on LEFG and OA
trip limits in Federal regulation for cabezon in California, as well as
shallow and deeper nearshore rockfish (both part of
[[Page 84298]]
the minor nearshore rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. complex) from
36[deg] N lat. to 37[deg]07' N lat. (tables 2 and 3). These changes
will start with Period 5 (November and December) and remain in place
through the end of 2024 and beyond, unless otherwise modified.
Retention Limits for Incidental Catch of Pacific Halibut North of Pt.
Chehalis
Pacific halibut is internationally managed by the International
Pacific Halibut Commission and NMFS. A catch sharing plan is published
each year by NMFS; the 2024 plan (89 FR 19275, March 18, 2024) states
that the non-treaty incidental catch in sablefish fishery (north of Pt.
Chehalis) is 50,000 lb (22.7 metric tons). At the September 2024
meeting, the Council recommended to increase retention limits for the
remainder of 2024, for incidental catch of Pacific halibut in the
primary sablefish fishery north of Pt. Chehalis. This would represent
an increase from the current limit in regulation of 130 lb (59 kg) of
halibut per 1,000 lb (454 kg) of dressed sablefish plus two halibut, to
150 lb (68 kg) of halibut per 1,000 lb (454 kg) of dressed sablefish
plus two halibut. This action was requested in order to help sablefish
fishers north of Pt. Chehalis increase the utilization of their
sablefish allocation without exceeding the halibut allocation. The GMT
projected an inconsequential increase in already low attainment of the
incidental halibut limit, from 52 to 55 percent, if the measure were
implemented (table 4).
Table 4--Projected Incidental Pacific Halibut Landings in the Primary Sablefish Fishery North of Point Chehalis
Under Current Regulation and Council Recommended Incidental Trip Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected landings (net wt. lb) Allocation (net wt. Attainment
Option Landing ratio through December 7 lb) (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status Quo............ 130 lb (59 kg) 25,871 (11,735 kg).............. 50,000 lb (22,680 kg). 52
halibut per
1,000 lb
sablefish landed
and up to 2
halibut in
excess of limit.
Alternative 1......... 150 lb (68 kg) 27,609 (12,523 kg).............. 55
halibut per
1,000 lb
sablefish landed
and up to 2
halibut in
excess of limit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is implementing, by
modifying regulation text in Sec. 660.60, paragraph (b)(3)(iv) to read
as follows: ``Incidental Pacific halibut retention north of Pt.
Chehalis, WA (46[deg]53.30' N lat.). From April 1 through the closure
date set by the International Pacific Halibut Commission for Pacific
halibut in all commercial fisheries, vessels authorized to participate
in the sablefish primary fishery, licensed by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission for commercial fishing in Area 2A (waters off
Washington, Oregon, California), and fishing with longline gear north
of Pt. Chehalis, WA (46[deg]53.30' N lat.) may possess and land up to
150 lb (68 kg) dressed weight of Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb
(454 kg) dressed weight of sablefish landed, and up to two additional
Pacific halibut in excess of the 150-lb-per-1,000-lb limit per landing.
NMFS publishes the International Pacific Halibut Commission's
regulations setting forth annual management measures, including the
closure date for Pacific halibut in all commercial fisheries, in the
Federal Register by March 15 each year, 50 CFR 300.62. ``Dressed''
Pacific halibut in this area means halibut landed eviscerated with
their heads on. Pacific halibut taken and retained in the sablefish
primary fishery north of Pt. Chehalis may only be landed north of Pt.
Chehalis and may not be possessed or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.''
Classification
This final rule makes routine inseason adjustments to groundfish
fishery management measures, based on the best scientific information
available, consistent with the PCGFMP and its implementing regulations.
This action is taken under the authority of 50 CFR 660.60(c) and is
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
The aggregate data upon which these actions are based, are
available for public inspection by contacting Dr. Sean Matson in NMFS
West Coast Region (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above), or view
at the NMFS West Coast Groundfish website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/west-coast-groundfish.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b), NMFS finds good cause to waive prior
public notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as
notice and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. The adjustments to management measures in this document
update management line designations on trip limits for cabezon in
California, and minor nearshore rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat.,
and allow additional incidental retention of bycaught Pacific halibut
north of Pt. Chehalis to allow additional economic opportunity while
keeping catch within allocations established by the 2023-2024 harvest
specifications, and the 2024 halibut catch sharing plan, respectively.
The latitude line changes on trip limits in the LE and OA sectors
are necessary to enable and spatially precise management for adequate
conservation, and to minimize catch of quillback rockfish, which was
recently determined to be overfished (NMFS notified the Council of the
overfished status determination for quillback rockfish on December 14,
2023), while allowing fishing for other species to continue in areas
where it may otherwise need to be closed if the changes were not made.
The changes also are necessary to enable effective enforcement by
aligning spatial management for these species across State and Federal
waters boundaries. Increases to retention of incidentally caught
halibut are necessary to enable more effective attainment of the
sablefish allocation without exceeding the halibut allocation.
Delaying implementation to allow for public comment would likely
reduce the economic benefits to the commercial fishing industry and the
businesses that rely on that industry, because it is unlikely the new
regulations would publish and could be implemented in time to realize
the projected benefits to fishing communities and the resource. A delay
in implementation could also contribute to unnecessarily discarded and
largely wasted fish, which could otherwise be landed to provide food
and revenue, and responsible use of the resource. Therefore, providing
a comment period for this action could significantly limit the economic
benefits to the fishery, and would hamper the achievement of optimum
yield from the affected fisheries.
[[Page 84299]]
Therefore, the NMFS finds reason to waive the 30-day delay in
effectiveness pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) so that this final rule
may become effective upon publication in the Federal Register. The
adjustments to management measures in this document affect fisheries by
increasing opportunity and allowing greater economic benefit. These
adjustments were requested by the Council's advisory bodies, as well as
members of industry during the Council's September 2024 meeting, and
recommended unanimously by the Council. No aspect of this action is
controversial, and changes of this nature were anticipated in the
biennial harvest specifications and management measures established
through a notice and comment rulemaking for 2023-2024 (87 FR 77007).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660
Fisheries, Fishing, Indian fisheries.
Dated: October 16, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part
660 as follows:
PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES
0
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16
U.S.C. 7001 et seq.
0
2. In Sec. 660.231, revise paragraph (b)(3)(iv) to read as follows:
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(3) * * *
(iv) Incidental Pacific halibut retention north of Pt. Chehalis, WA
(46[deg]53.30' N lat.). From April 1 through the closure date set by
the International Pacific Halibut Commission for Pacific halibut in all
commercial fisheries, vessels authorized to participate in the
sablefish primary fishery, licensed by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission for commercial fishing in Area 2A (waters off
Washington, Oregon, California), and fishing with longline gear north
of Pt. Chehalis, WA (46[deg]53.30' N lat.) may possess and land up to
150 lb (68 kg) dressed weight of Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb
(454 kg) dressed weight of sablefish landed, and up to two additional
Pacific halibut in excess of the 150-lb-per-1,000-lb limit per landing.
NMFS publishes the International Pacific Halibut Commission's
regulations setting forth annual management measures, including the
closure date for Pacific halibut in all commercial fisheries, in the
Federal Register by March 15 each year, 50 CFR 300.62. ``Dressed''
Pacific halibut in this area means halibut landed eviscerated with
their heads on. Pacific halibut taken and retained in the sablefish
primary fishery north of Pt. Chehalis may only be landed north of Pt.
Chehalis and may not be possessed or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.
* * * * *
0
3. Revise table 2 (South) to part 660, subpart E, to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[[Page 84300]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22OC24.000
[[Page 84301]]
0
4. Revise table 3 (South) to part 660, subpart F, to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22OC24.001
[[Page 84302]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22OC24.002
[FR Doc. 2024-24400 Filed 10-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
