Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 33; 2025-26 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures, 101514-101544 [2024-28035]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 241 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 101514-101544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28035]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 241022-0278]
RIN 0648-BN08


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan; Amendment 33; 2025-26 Biennial Specifications and 
Management Measures

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes the 2025-26 harvest specifications 
for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) seaward 
of Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act 
or MSA) and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan 
(PCGFMP). This final rule also revises management measures intended to 
keep the total annual catch of each groundfish stock or stock complex 
within the annual catch limits. These measures are intended to help 
prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, 
and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific 
information available. Additionally, this final rule makes minor 
corrections (e.g., correcting grammar, removing outdated regulations, 
revisions for clarity) to the regulations, as well as technical 
corrections recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) at their September 2024 meeting. Last, this final rule 
implements amendment 33 to the PCGFMP, which establishes a rebuilding 
plan for California quillback rockfish and revises the allocation 
framework for shortspine thornyhead.

DATES: Effective January 1, 2025.

ADDRESSES: The Analysis, which addresses the National Environmental 
Policy Act, Presidential Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, is accessible via the internet at the NMFS West Coast 
Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast. The 
final 2024 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for 
Pacific Coast groundfish, as well as the SAFE reports for previous 
years, are available from the Council's website at https://www.pcouncil.org. The final Council Analytical Document, which 
describes the Council's final recommendations on the 2025-26 harvest 
specifications and management measures and amendment 33, is also 
available from the Council's website at https://www.pcouncil.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Massey, Fishery Management 
Specialist, at 562-900-2060 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Harvest Specifications

    This final rule sets 2025-26 harvest specifications and management 
measures for the 90+ groundfish stocks or management units which 
currently have annual catch limits (ACLs) or ACL contributions to stock 
complexes managed under the PCGFMP, except for Pacific whiting. Pacific 
whiting harvest specifications are established annually through a 
separate bilateral process with Canada.
    The proposed overfishing limits (OFLs), acceptable biological 
catches (ABCs), and ACLs are based on the best available biological and 
socioeconomic data, including projected biomass trends, information on 
assumed distribution of stock biomass, and revised technical methods 
used to calculate stock biomass. See tables 1a and 2a to Part 660, 
Subpart C in the regulatory text supporting this rule for the 2025-26 
OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs for each stock or stock complex.
    A detailed description of each stock and stock complex for which 
the Council establishes harvest specifications set through this rule 
can be found in the 2024 SAFE document posted on the Council's website 
at https://www.pcouncil.org/stock-assessments-star-reports-stat-reports-rebuilding-analyses-terms-of-reference/safe-documents-4/. A 
summary of how the 2025-26 harvest specifications were developed, 
including a description of off-the-top deductions for Tribal, research, 
incidental open access (IOA), and experimental fisheries, was provided 
in the proposed rule (87 FR 70406, August 29, 2024) and is not repeated 
here. Additional information on the development of these harvest 
specifications is also provided in the Analysis.
    For most stocks, the Council recommended harvest specifications 
based on the default harvest control rule used in the prior biennium. 
The Council recommended deviating from the default harvest control rule 
for four stocks in 2025-2026. Table 1 presents a summary of the changes 
to the harvest control rules for these stocks for the 2025-26 biennium. 
Each of these changes was discussed in the proposed rule and that 
discussion is not repeated here.

   Table 1--Changes to Harvest Control Rules for the 2025-26 Biennium
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Alternative
              Stock                 Default harvest     harvest control
                                   control rule \a\        rule \a\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rex Sole........................  ACL = ABC (P*       ACL = ABC (P*
                                   0.40).              0.45).
Shortspine thornyhead \b\.......  ACL < ABC (P*       ACL < ABC (P*
                                   0.40).              0.45), 40-10 HRC
                                                       applied.
Dover sole......................  ACL = 50,000        ACL = ABC (P*
                                   metric tons (mt).   0.45).
Quillback Rockfish off            ACL contribution <  ABC Rule \d\ (ACL
 California.                       ABC (SPR 0.55; P*   = ABC; P* 0.45).
                                   0.45) \c\.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The Default Harvest Control Rules were used to set the ACLs in 2023
  and 2024. The Alternative Harvest Controls rules are the proposed
  changes for setting the ACLs in 2025 and 2026.
\b\ The 40-10 adjustment applies where a precautionary reduction is
  warranted, per the PCGFMP at section 4.6.1. The 40-10 adjustment
  reduces the harvest rate to help the stock return to the maximum
  sustainable yield level.

[[Page 101515]]

 
\c\ In 2023-24, the harvest control rule (ACL contribution < ABC, SPR
  0.55; P* 0.45) specified an ACL contribution because quillback
  rockfish was still part of the Nearshore rockfish complex. For 2025-
  26, California quillback rockfish is proposed to be taken out of the
  Nearshore complex and managed pursuant to a stock-specific ACL.
\d\ The Council recommended the ABC Rule as the alternative harvest
  control rule based on a range of harvest strategies analyzed in the
  California Quillback Rockfish Rebuilding Plan new management measure,
  which is described in section III, P of this preamble.

II. Management Measures

    This final rule revises management measures, which are used to 
further allocate the ACLs to the various components of the fishery 
(i.e., biennial fishery harvest guidelines and set-asides) and to 
control fishing. Management measures for the commercial fishery modify 
fishing behavior during the fishing year to ensure catch does not 
exceed the ACL, and include trip and cumulative landing limits, time/
area closures, size limits, and gear restrictions. Management measures 
for the recreational fisheries include bag limits, size limits, gear 
restrictions, fish dressing requirements, and time/area closures. Each 
of these changes was discussed in the proposed rule and that discussion 
is not repeated here.

A. Deductions From the ACLs

    Before making allocations to the primary commercial and 
recreational components of groundfish fisheries, the Council recommends 
``off-the-top deductions,'' or deductions from the ACLs to account for 
anticipated mortality for certain types of activities, including: (1) 
harvest in Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribal fisheries; (2) harvest in 
scientific research activities; (3) harvest in non-groundfish fisheries 
(i.e., IOA catch); and (4) harvest that occurs under exempted fishing 
permits (EFPs). As part of NMFS' effort to simplify regulations 
pertaining to harvest specifications, the footnotes that typically 
specify these values in tables 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b of subpart C have 
been removed, and all off-the-top deductions for individual stocks or 
stock complexes and are included in the 2024 SAFE. The details of the 
EFPs are discussed below in section II, I of this preamble and section 
III, I of the proposed rule.

B. Annual Catch Targets

    As defined at 50 CFR 660.11, an annual catch target (ACT) is a 
management target set below the ACL that may be used as an 
accountability measure in cases where there is uncertainty in inseason 
catch monitoring to ensure against exceeding an ACL. Since the ACT is a 
target and not a limit, it can be used in lieu of harvest guidelines 
(HGs) or set strategically to accomplish other management objectives. 
Sector-specific ACTs can also be specified to accomplish management 
objectives. For the 2025-26 biennium, NMFS is implementing ACTs for 
yelloweye rockfish in the non-trawl sectors (both commercial and 
recreational), copper rockfish in the recreational sector south of 
34[deg] 27' North latitude (N lat.), and shortspine thornyhead in the 
commercial non-trawl sector north of 34[deg] 27' N lat. Further, NMFS 
is removing the ACT from the 2023-24 biennium for California quillback 
rockfish. These ACTs can be found in the footnotes to tables 1a and 2a 
to part 660, subpart C in the regulatory text of this final rule.

C. Biennial Fishery Allocations

    The Council routinely recommends 2-year trawl and non-trawl 
allocations during the biennial specifications process for stocks 
without formal allocations (as defined in section 6.3.2 of the PCGFMP) 
or stocks where the long-term allocation is suspended because the stock 
is declared overfished. The 2-year trawl and non-trawl allocations, 
with the exception of sablefish north of 36[deg] N lat., are based on 
the fishery HG. The fishery HG is the tonnage that remains after 
subtracting the off-the-top deductions described in section II, A, 
entitled ``Deductions from the ACLs,'' in this preamble. The trawl and 
non-trawl allocations and recreational HGs are designed to accommodate 
anticipated mortality in each sector as well as variability and 
uncertainty in those mortality estimates. Additional information on the 
Council's allocation framework and formal allocations can be found in 
section 6.3 of the PCGFMP and 50 CFR 660.55 of the Federal regulations. 
Allocations are detailed in the harvest specification tables appended 
to 50 CFR part 660, subpart C in the regulatory text of this final rule 
and described in section III, C of the proposed rule. As proposed, 
allocations for shortspine thornyhead and widow rockfish are revised 
with this final rule.

D. Harvest Guideline Sharing Agreements

    For each biennium, the Council can consider HG sharing agreements 
for other stocks or stock complexes separate from the standard list of 
biennial allocations discussed in section II, C of this preamble and in 
section III, C of the proposed rule. These sharing agreements can be 
arrangements on how the HG is split among separate states, fishery 
sectors, or both. For the 2025-26 biennium, NMFS is implementing 
sharing agreements for: bocaccio south of 40[deg]10' N lat., canary 
rockfish, cowcod, Nearshore rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N 
lat., sablefish south of 36[deg] N lat., slope rockfish south of 
40[deg]10' N lat., and blackgill rockfish. All sharing agreements are 
maintained from the 2023-24 biennium, with the exception of sablefish 
south of 36[deg] N lat. NMFS is implementing a new sharing agreement 
for sablefish south of 36[deg] N lat. (described in section III, D of 
the proposed rule) based on a new recreational set-aside. Refer to the 
Council Analytical Document (see ADDRESSES) for more information on how 
these HG sharing agreements were chosen. Each of the sharing agreements 
and the resulting shares between sectors and/or states are published in 
the SAFE.

E. Modifications to Waypoints for Rockfish Conservation Areas

    Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) are large area closures intended 
to reduce the catch of a rockfish stock or stock complex by restricting 
fishing activity at specific depths. The boundaries for RCAs are 
defined by straight lines connecting a series of latitude and longitude 
coordinates that approximate depth contours. These sets of coordinates, 
or lines, are not gear or fishery specific, but can be used in 
combination to define an area. NMFS then implements fishing 
restrictions for a specific gear and/or fishery within each defined 
area. For the 2025-26 biennium, NMFS is making coordinate modifications 
to six waypoints (#95 through 100) on the 50 fathom (fm) line seaward 
of California between Pt. Arena and Bodega Bay. These modifications 
would better align existing RCA coordinates with the 50-fm chart-based 
depth contour.

F. Limited Entry Trawl

    The limited entry trawl fishery is made up of the shorebased 
individual fishing quota (IFQ) program (for whiting and non-whiting) 
and the at-sea whiting sectors (Mothership (MS) and catcher-processor 
(C/P)). For some stocks and stock complexes with a trawl allocation, an 
amount is first set-aside for the at-sea whiting sector with the 
remainder of the trawl allocation going to the Shorebased IFQ sector. 
Set-asides are not managed

[[Page 101516]]

by NMFS or the Council except in the case of a risk to the ACL.
At-Sea Set Asides
    For several species, the trawl allocation is reduced by an amount 
set-aside for the at-sea whiting sector. This amount is designed to 
accommodate catch by the at-sea whiting sector when they are targeting 
Pacific whiting. This final rule adopts at-sea set asides as shown in 
section III, F, table 11 of the proposed rule.
Incidental Trip Limits for IFQ Vessels
    For vessels fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program, with either 
groundfish trawl gear or non-trawl gears, the following incidentally-
caught stocks are managed with trip limits: Nearshore rockfish complex 
north and south of 40[deg]10' N lat., Washington black rockfish, Oregon 
black/blue/deacon rockfish complex, cabezon (46[deg]16' to 40[deg]10' N 
lat. and south of 40[deg]10' N lat.), Pacific spiny dogfish, longspine 
thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N lat., big skate, California 
scorpionfish, longnose skate, Pacific whiting, and the Other Fish 
complex. As described in the proposed rule in section III, F, this rule 
maintains the same IFQ fishery trip limits for these stocks for the 
start of the 2025-26 biennium as those in place in 2024. Trip limits 
for the IFQ fishery can be found in table 1b (North) and table 1b 
(South) to part 660, subpart D in the regulatory text of this final 
rule. Changes to trip limits would be considered a routine measure 
under Sec.  660.60(c), and may be implemented or adjusted, if 
determined necessary, through inseason action.

G. Limited Entry Fixed Gear (LEFG) and Open Access (OA) Non-Trawl 
Fishery

    Management measures for the LEFG and OA non-trawl fisheries tend to 
be similar because the majority of participants in both fisheries use 
hook-and-line gear. Management measures, including area restrictions 
(e.g., Non-Trawl RCA) and trip limits in these non-trawl fisheries, are 
generally designed to allow harvest of target stocks while keeping 
catch of overfished stocks low. LEFG trip limits are specified in table 
2b (North) and table 2b (South) to subpart E in the regulatory text of 
this final rule. OA trip limits are specified in table 3b (North) and 
table 3b (South) to subpart F, in the regulatory text of this final 
rule. HG sharing agreements between non-trawl sectors are published in 
the SAFE.
LEFG and OA Trip Limits
    NMFS is implementing status quo trip limits for LEFG and OA 
fisheries in 2025, with the exception of the OA trip limit for lingcod 
north of 42[deg] N lat., which is being decreased from 11,000 pounds 
(lb) (4,990 kilograms (kg)) per 2 months, to 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) per 2 
months, to ensure the OA trip limit is lower than the LEFG trip limit. 
NMFS is also modifying the temporal component (i.e., monthly to 
bimonthly) of multiple OA and LEFG trip limits. Consolidating trip 
limits from monthly to bimonthly is expected to reduce regulatory 
complexity and confusion. With the exception of the trip limit for 
lingcod north of 42[deg] N lat., trip limit amounts that were monthly 
will double for the bimonthly trip limit (i.e., a trip limit that was 
100 lb (45 kg) monthly will become a 200 lb (91 kg) trip limit in the 
bimonthly option). The Council could recommend further adjustment to 
the trip limits through additional inseason action, once more data on 
the current limits is collected and the effects on mortality, 
particularly discard mortality, are better understood. More information 
on these trip limits can be found in the Council Analytical Document 
(see ADDRESSES).
Primary Sablefish Tier Limits
    The primary sablefish fishery tier program is a limited access 
privilege program set up under amendment 14 to PCGFMP (66 FR 41152, 
August 7, 2001). Participants hold limited entry permits with a pot 
gear and/or longline gear endorsement and a sablefish endorsement.
    Under amendment 14, as set out in 50 CFR 660.231, the permit holder 
of a sablefish-endorsed permit receives a tier limit, which is an 
annual share of the sablefish catch allocation to this sector. NMFS 
sets three different tier limits through the biennial harvest 
specifications and management measures process and up to three permits 
may be stacked at one time on a vessel participating in the fishery. 
Stacked tier limits are combined to provide a cumulative catch limit 
for that vessel. After vessels have caught their full tier limits, they 
are allowed to move into other fisheries for sablefish, specifically 
the LEFG or OA trip limit fishery, or fisheries for other species. The 
tier limits for 2025 are as follows: Tier 1 at 246,824 lb (111,957 kg), 
Tier 2 at 112,193 lb (50,890 kg), and Tier 3 at 64,110 lb (29,080 kg). 
The tier limits for 2026 are as follows: Tier 1 at 234,312 lb (106,282 
kg), Tier 2 at 106,506 lb (48,310 kg), and Tier 3 at 60,860 lb (27,606 
kg).

H. Recreational Fisheries

    Management measures for the recreational fisheries typically 
include depth restrictions and bag limits to constrain catch within the 
recreational HGs for each stock. These measures are designed to limit 
catch of overfished stocks found in the waters adjacent to each state 
while allowing target fishing opportunities in their particular 
recreational fisheries. Washington, Oregon, and California each 
proposed, and NMFS is implementing, different combinations of seasons, 
bag limits, area closures, and size limits for stocks targeted in 
recreational fisheries, as described in section III, H of the proposed 
rule. This final rule would set these measures for recreational 
fisheries occurring in the EEZ. Each state, respectively, typically 
sets measures for recreational fisheries in State waters. Changes to 
management measures for recreational fisheries off the coasts of 
Washington, Oregon and California can be found in Sec.  660.360 of the 
regulatory text of this final rule.

I. Permit Program for the Directed OA Fishery Sector

    NMFS is implementing a new permit program for the directed OA 
sector starting on March 1, 2025. The directed OA fishery is defined in 
50 CFR 660.11 under ``open access fishery'' and includes those vessels 
targeting groundfish pursuant to the OA regulations under Part 660 
subpart F. It does not include vessels that retain groundfish 
incidentally to non-groundfish target species (e.g., the salmon troll 
fishery, which may retain incidentally caught groundfish). For more 
background information on this measure, see section III, J of the 
proposed rule.
    The permit program will require vessels that intend to participate 
in the directed OA sector to register their information, pay an 
administrative fee, and obtain a permit on an annual basis. Permits 
will expire on the last day of the birth month of the permit holder. 
The number of permits will not be capped. Permits will be assigned to a 
vessel owner per vessel (i.e., if an owner intends to use two vessels 
in the directed OA fishery, they would need to obtain two permits, one 
for each vessel). Applications will be available year-round with an 
estimated 2-week turnaround between when an applicant submits a 
complete application and when a permit is issued; therefore, directed 
OA participants will need to do some short-term planning ahead for 
their participation in the sector. NMFS will use its existing web-based 
application with digital submission and delivery of the permit 
applications and to allow participants to provide either digital or 
paper proof of permit upon

[[Page 101517]]

request. Required application information includes vessel ownership 
documentation from either the U.S. Coast Guard or state registration 
form. Permit lists would be shared with the West Coast Groundfish 
Observer Program for observer selection purposes.
    All permits issued by NMFS carry an administrative cost, per the 
requirements for user fees based on the provision of a service. These 
costs vary based on the administrative costs of receiving applications, 
reviewing applications and any associated required documentation, and 
issuing permits, as a factor of the number of expected applications. 
The cost of the directed OA permit is estimated to be $73 per permit. 
This amount was determined in accordance with the NOAA Finance Handbook 
available at https://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/finance/documents/NOAAFinanceHBTOC_09.06.19.pdf and will be specified on the application 
form. The fee must be submitted with the application for the 
application to be considered complete. NMFS periodically recalculates 
the cost of permits, and will notify affected users on the application 
form in the future if the cost changes.
    In the proposed rule, NMFS solicited public comment on whether 
vessel monitoring system (VMS) information should be required during 
the application process for the directed OA permit. All directed OA 
vessels are required to obtain and activate VMS in accordance with 50 
CFR 660.14. NMFS did not receive any formally-submitted public comment 
related to this aspect of the proposed rule and after additional 
consideration, NMFS has decided to include this requirement in this 
final action. Specifically, the directed OA application will require 
the ``passcode,'' which is a code given to a fisherman when NOAA's 
Office of Law Enforcement confirms that their VMS unit has been 
activated. If fishermen do not know their passcode, they can call the 
West Coast Groundfish Declarations Line at 1-888-585-5518 to obtain 
that information.
    Additionally, in the proposed rule, NMFS solicited public comment 
on whether or not the ability to dual declare both a directed OA 
declaration code (codes 33 through 35 at Sec.  660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)) and 
an IOA declaration code should be restricted. The purpose of this 
restriction would be to better delineate directed OA fishermen from IOA 
fishermen. NMFS did not receive any written public comment related to 
this aspect of the proposed rule and, after additional consideration, 
NMFS has decided to not restrict this activity.

J. Update Electronic Monitoring Program Discard and Retention 
Requirements

    NMFS is modifying the regulations pertaining to discard and 
retention requirements in the Electronic Monitoring (EM) program for 
non-IFQ species, to include sablefish and rex sole, and to exclude 
California halibut. The addition of sablefish and rex sole to the 
existing list in regulations, and removing California halibut from 
them, align current practices with the vessel monitoring plans that 
were approved under the Electronic Monitoring Program EFP. For more 
background information on this measure, see section III, K of the 
proposed rule.

K. Shortspine Thornyhead Allocation Framework

    NMFS is modifying the allocation framework for shortspine 
thornyhead. These modifications include removing the management line at 
34[deg]27' N lat. and combining the area-specific ACLs, off-the-top 
deductions, HGs, and trawl/non-trawl allocations that would have 
otherwise been assigned north and south of 34[deg]27' N lat. NMFS is 
also changing shortspine thornyhead to a 2-year allocation species 
(i.e., trawl/non-trawl allocation amounts will be set biennially as 
opposed to specified in the PCGFMP). See table 1a and table 2a to 
subpart C in the regulatory text of this final rule for the new 2025 
and 2026 ACLs, and see table 1b and table 2b to subpart C in the 
regulatory text of this final rule for the new biennial trawl/non-trawl 
allocations. These allocation amounts may be revisited by the Council 
in future biennia. For more background information on this measure, see 
section III, L of the proposed rule.

L. Requirement for Recreational Vessels To Possess a Descending Device

    NMFS is implementing a new management measure that requires 
recreational vessels fishing in Federal waters seaward of Washington, 
Oregon, or California, to possess a functional descending device. The 
requirement is one functional descending device per vessel, regardless 
of the number of anglers onboard. Although each of the respective 
states have their own requirements, those requirements are only 
applicable in State waters. This management measure applies to any 
vessel fishing for groundfish under recreational catch limits in 
Federal waters, thus creating continuity across State and Federal 
regulations. Anglers are required to present the descending device at 
the request of an enforcement officer. For more background information 
on this measure, see section III, M of the proposed rule.

M. Modification to Continuous Transit Limitations for California 
Recreational Vessels

    NMFS is modifying the continuous transit regulations for California 
recreational vessels. These changes allow recreational vessels to stop 
and/or anchor in Federal waters shoreward of a Recreational RCA line, 
provided that no hook-and-line gear is deployed. NMFS took temporary 
emergency action to modify the continuous transit regulations for the 
2024 fishing year (89 FR 22352, April 1, 2024 and 89 FR 67326, August 
20, 2024). NMFS is making the same modifications permanent through this 
action for the 2025-26 biennium and beyond. For more background 
information on this measure, see section III, N of the proposed rule.

N. Change to the Scientific Name of Pacific Sand Lance and the Common 
Name of Pacific Spiny Dogfish

    NMFS is making administrative changes to the regulations that 
correct the scientific name of Pacific sand lance and the common name 
of Pacific spiny dogfish. The scientific name for Pacific sand lance at 
Sec.  660.5(a) is incorrectly listed as Ammodytes hexapterus. The 
correct scientific name for this species is Ammodytes personatus. The 
common name for spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) has changed to include 
``Pacific'' thus the correct common name is Pacific Spiny Dogfish.

O. Rebuilding Plan for California Quillback Rockfish

    NMFS is implementing a rebuilding plan for California quillback 
rockfish. NMFS declared California quillback rockfish overfished in 
December 2023 in response to a data-moderate assessment conducted by 
the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in 2021 (Agenda Item E.2, 
Attachment 4, November 2021). When NMFS declares a stock overfished, 
the Council must develop and manage the stock in accordance with a 
rebuilding plan (50 CFR 600.310(j)), which must include certain 
rebuilding parameters, including TMIN, TMAX, and 
TTARGET. In March 2024, the Council adopted the California 
quillback rockfish rebuilding analysis (Agenda Item F.2 Attachment 1, 
March 2024), which specified the following rebuilding parameters: 
TMIN = 2045, TMAX = 2071, and mean generation 
time of 26 years. TTARGET (2060) was selected

[[Page 101518]]

based on the chosen rebuilding strategy, which is the stock's ABC Rule 
(ACL = ABC; P* 0.45). As shown in the Analysis, this rebuilding 
strategy has a 50 percent probability of rebuilding the stock by 2060 
(TTARGET) and 73.6 percent probability of rebuilding by 
TMAX (2071). Accordingly, this strategy will rebuild the 
stock within the MSA-mandated timeframe, while still providing some 
fishing opportunity to meet the needs of the fishing communities. For 
more information about how these rebuilding parameters were developed, 
see the Analysis and section III, P of the proposed rule.
    The majority of quillback rockfish fishing mortality occurs in 
State waters. The rebuilding plan only applies in the EEZ. NMFS expects 
to work cooperatively with the California Department of Fish and 
Wildlife (CDFW) on any measures the state deems fit to apply in state 
waters to support rebuilding throughout the stock's range. Mortality of 
California quillback rockfish in state waters will be deducted from the 
Federal ACL.

P. Administrative Changes to 50 CFR Part 660

    This final rule makes minor corrections to the regulations at 50 
CFR part 660, which were included in the proposed rule. These minor 
corrections are necessary to reduce confusion and inconsistencies in 
the regulatory text, alleviate enforcement challenges, and ensure the 
regulations accurately implement the Council's intent.
    At Sec.  660.11, NMFS removed the definition for ``grandfathered or 
first generation'' because it is a term that is no longer used in 
Federal regulations.
    At Sec.  660.13, NMFS made various changes to the non-trawl logbook 
regulations. First, at Sec.  660.13(a)(3)(ii)(A) and (B), NMFS amended 
the regulations to clarify that information on setting and retrieving 
gear must be recorded for every set. The regulations as previously 
written: ``Logbook entries for setting gear, including vessel 
information, gear specifications, set date/time/location, must be 
completed within 2 hours of setting gear'' created enforcement 
challenges because some fishermen interpreted the regulations to mean 
that they were only required to record information once all of their 
gear was deployed (i.e., if they set a portion of their gear on one 
day, and the rest of their gear the next day, they interpreted that to 
mean the 2-hour requirement starts after the last piece of gear is 
set). Amending these regulations clarifies that the 2-hour and 4-hour 
requirements for setting and retrieving gear apply to each individual 
set. Second, at Sec.  660.13(a)(3)(ii)(A) and (B), NMFS clarified that 
all logbook information, whether recorded inside or outside of the 
electronic application, must be available at-sea for review by an 
enforcement officer. The regulations as written: ``Information recorded 
outside of the logbook entry must be available for review at-sea by 
authorized law enforcement personnel upon request'' have led to 
enforcement challenges because some fishermen have interpreted the 
regulations to mean they are only required to show enforcement officers 
logbook data that they have recorded outside of the electronic 
application. Amending these regulations clarifies that all logbook 
data, whether recorded in the electronic application or by some other 
method, must be available for review by an enforcement officer. Third, 
NMFS removed the paragraph at Sec.  660.13(a)(4), as the non-trawl 
paper logbook provision will expire at the end of 2024 and this 
regulation will no longer be relevant starting in 2025.
    At Sec.  660.55(i)(2), NMFS clarified that at-sea set-asides are 
described in the biennial specifications process and not ``in Tables 1D 
and 2D of this subpart'' as previously stated.
    At Sec.  660.60(c)(1)(i), NMFS removed the cross reference to 
``(c)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this section'' as those references no longer 
exist.
    At Sec.  660.60(g) and Sec.  660.65, NMFS clarified the language 
about how catch of groundfish species in state waters is accounted for 
under Federal harvest specifications.
    At Sec.  660.140(g), NMFS added a sentence clarifying that IFQ 
species with discard mortality rates (DMRs) should be appropriately 
accounted for when deducting discard amounts from quota pounds (QP) in 
vessel accounts. As previously written, the regulations stated that 
discarded species must be accounted for and deducted from QP in vessels 
accounts, but they did not state that the species with reduced discard 
amounts because of DMRs should be accounted for when deducting discard 
amounts from QP in vessels accounts. Revising this regulation clarifies 
that IFQ species with DMRs should also be accounted for when deducting 
discard amounts from QP in vessel accounts.
    At Sec.  660.230(b) and Sec.  660.330(b), NMFS removed the 25-hook 
maximum limit on each mainline. As previously written, the regulations 
precluded fishermen from adjusting the number of hooks on mainlines if 
they were using fewer than four mainlines. For example, if a fisherman 
chooses to only have two mainlines in the water, then the intent of the 
regulations is to allow a maximum of 50 hooks on each mainline. 
However, as previously written, the fisherman would still only be able 
to use 25 hooks per mainline. The gear specifications require that no 
more than 100 hooks may be in the water, therefore, removing the 25-
hook maximum does not change the intent of the regulations.
    At Sec.  660.231, NMFS revised the paragraph at (b)(3)(iv) to 
improve readability. The purpose of these revisions is to make the 
regulatory text less confusing for fishermen and enforcement to 
interpret. No substantive changes to this regulation were made.

III. Comments and Responses

    The notice of availability (NOA) for amendment 33 to the PCGFMP was 
published on August 2, 2024 (89 FR 63153). NMFS received one supportive 
public comment on the NOA. The proposed rule was published on August 
29, 2024 (87 FR 70406). NMFS received two public comments which were 
generally supportive of the proposed rule, one of which offered 
technical corrections. All public comments pertaining to the changes to 
the PCGFMP and harvest specification and management measures described 
in the proposed rule are summarized and addressed below.
    Comment 1: CDFW submitted a public comment that supported the 
proposed rule. CDFW also provided NMFS with a list of technical 
corrections and clarifications to the text in the preamble of the 
proposed rule.
    Response: NMFS thanks CDFW for their support and thorough review of 
the proposed rule. All technical corrections and clarifications 
requested by CDFW were to text or tables in the preamble of the 
proposed rule; none of which are carried forward in the preamble of 
this final rule. However, NMFS affirms the below technical corrections 
and clarifications to the proposed rule preamble text and tables.
    On page 70414, the cabezon IOA set-aside for 2025 in table 5 was 
incorrectly listed as 0.06 mt. The correct value is 0.6 mt. With the 
implementation of this final rule, IOA set-asides are no longer 
specified in regulatory text, but will be available in the SAFE posted 
on the Council's website (see ADDRESSES).
    On page 70416, the 2026 bocaccio south of 40[deg]10' N lat. non-
trawl percentage and value in table 8 was incorrectly listed as 60 
percent and 1,025.1 mt. The correct values are 61 percent and 1,012.7 
mt. These values were correctly listed in the proposed regulatory text 
in table 2b to Part 660, Subpart C on page 70436.

[[Page 101519]]

    On page 70421, the season dates for the Northern Mendocino, San 
Francisco, and part of the Central Groundfish Management Areas (GMAs) 
were incorrectly listed as April 1-April 31. The correct dates are 
April 1-April 30. Additionally, on page 70421 in the same paragraph, 
the ``closed in the EEZ'' text, listed between the October and December 
seaward of 50 fm fisheries, did not provide a corresponding time for 
that closure, which should be November 1-November 30. These season 
dates and time ranges were accurately listed in table 13 on page 70421. 
Last, on page 70421, CDFW recommended that NMFS use consistent naming 
conventions for the Central Management Areas, as CDFW uses in their 
state regulations. NMFS lists these two areas as Central Management 
Area (37[deg]11' N lat. to 36[deg] N lat.) and Central Management Area 
(36[deg] N lat. to 34[deg]27' N lat.), whereas CDFW refers to these 
areas as ``Central north'' and ``Central south.'' NMFS will consider 
this recommendation in the drafting of future rulemakings.
    On page 70422, CDFW commented that NMFS mis-characterized how RCA 
lines have historically been used for recreational fisheries. NMFS 
agrees that using a range of depths, i.e., implementing an RCA closure 
between two fathom lines, is a standard practice for the commercial 
non-trawl fishery, and not the recreational fishery as the proposed 
rule text suggests. Additionally, on page 70422, CDFW commented that 
NMFS incorrectly identified the first time that the 50 fm ``offshore 
fishery'' management measure was enacted. NMFS cited the Council's 
September 2023 inseason action (88 FR 67656, October 2, 2023) as the 
first time the 50 fm ``offshore fishery'' came into effect, while CDFW 
commented that such an ``offshore fishery'' was in effect from May 15 
to July 15, 2023, in the San Francisco and Mendocino GMAs, and that 
offshore only fisheries were also scheduled to occur from October 1 
through December 31, 2023, in the Central GMA, and from September 16 
through December 31, 2023, in the Southern GMA. These scheduled 
offshore fishery management measure actions identified by CDFW were 
enacted by CDFW through their State regulations. Thus, NMFS correctly 
cited the September 2023 inseason action as the first time that an 
``offshore fishery'' management measure was enacted in Federal waters 
through the Council process. Next, on page 70422, NMFS affirms CDFW's 
comment that the seasonal Recreational RCA boundaries listed in table 
13 are not an ``exception'' to the recreational management measures to 
be carried forward from 2024 to the 2025-26 biennium, as the text 
suggests. No changes were made to the season structure and depth limits 
by management area between 2024 and 2025-26. NMFS did however change 
the language used in table 13 to describe when recreational vessels are 
required to fish shoreward of 20 fm (i.e., NMFS denotes ``closed in the 
EEZ'' instead of ``<20 fm''). Last, on page 70422, when discussing the 
modification of filet requirements for select groundfish species, CDFW 
recommended that NMFS specify the ``entire skin'' when referring to the 
skin that is required to be left on the filet. NMFS affirms that the 
intent is for the ``entire skin'' to be left on the filet in the 
modified requirements.
    The remainder of CDFW's suggestions, such as deleting commas and 
rearranging paragraphs, do not apply in this final rule as the text 
commented on is not being carried forward in this final rule.
    Comment 2: The Pacific Whiting Conservation Cooperative (PWCC) 
submitted a comment that supports the proposed rule; specifically the 
proposed set-asides for the at-sea Pacific whiting sectors.
    Response: NMFS thanks the PWCC for their support and appreciates 
their collaboration on the development of the set-asides.
    Comment 3: An anonymous individual submitted a comment on the NOA 
that supports the proposed amendment, including the California 
Quillback Rockfish Rebuilding Plan and the revised allocation framework 
for shortspine thornyhead.
    Response: NMFS thanks the commenter for their support of the 
proposed amendment.

IV. Council-Recommended Corrections to the Proposed Rule

    At the September 2024 meeting, the Council discussed and 
recommended necessary corrections to the proposed rule that were 
discovered by Council and NMFS staff during the preparation of the 
proposed rule. The Council also recommended that certain inseason 
changes for 2024 be carried over to the start of 2025. In alignment 
with the Council's recommendations, NMFS offers the following 
corrections and carryover changes in this final rule. These corrections 
and changes to the proposed rule do not change the substance or intent 
of this action.
    In tables 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b to 50 CFR part 660 Subpart C in the 
regulatory text of the proposed rule (see 87 FR 70434 through 87 FR 
70438), the OFLs, ABCs, ACLs, and biennial allocations for the Shelf 
Rockfish complexes north and south of 40[deg]10' N lat are incorrect. 
In addition, the trawl IFQ allocations for north of 40[deg]10' N lat on 
table 1 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) to Part 660 Subpart D are incorrect 
(see 87 FR 70439). These errors occurred because the harvest 
specifications for greenspotted rockfish, which is a component species 
of the Shelf Rockfish complexes, were incorrect in the Council's final 
Analytical Document (see ADDRESSES), and those specifications 
contributed to the overall OFLs, ABCs, ACLs, and allocations for the 
Shelf Rockfish complexes specified in the proposed rule. The Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee reviewed and approved the revised 
OFLs and ABCs at the Council's September 2024 meeting. Specifically, 
the corrected harvest specifications, biennial allocations, and trawl 
IFQ allocations for the Shelf Rockfish complexes can be found in Agenda 
Item I.6 Supplemental Revised Attachment 1 September 2024 (see 
pcouncil.org) and in tables 2 through 5 below. These corrections are 
incorporated into tables 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b to CFR 50 Part 660 Subpart 
C and table 1 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) to Part 660 Subpart D in the 
regulatory text of this final rule.

    Table 2--2025 Harvest Specifications for the Shelf Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10' N Lat.,
                                             Corrected, Values in mt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Area                        2025 OFL          2025 ABC          2025 ACL           2025 HG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 40[deg]10' N lat...............          1,668.66           1,329.7           1,329.6           1,250.4
South of 40[deg]10' N lat...............           1,827.6           1,457.7          1,457.12          1,430.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 101520]]


    Table 3--2026 Harvest Specifications for the Shelf Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10' N Lat.,
                                             Corrected, Values in mt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Area                        2026 OFL          2026 ABC          2026 ACL           2026 HG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 40[deg]10' N lat...............          1,654.54           1,316.3           1,316.2           1,263.8
South of 40[deg]10' N lat...............          1,827.12          1,455.37          1,454.89           1,428.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Table 4--2025 and 2026 Trawl/Non-Trawl Allocations for the Shelf Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10'
                                         N Lat., Corrected, Values in mt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Area                       2025 Trawl      2025 Non-trawl      2026 Trawl      2026 Non-trawl
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 40[deg]10' N lat...............            760.81            502.99            752.74            497.66
South of 40[deg]10' N lat...............            174.52           1,256.0            174.27          1,254.14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table 5--2025 and 2026 Trawl IFQ Allocations for the Shelf Rockfish
       Complex North of 40[deg]10' N Lat., Corrected, Values in mt
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Area                        2025              2026
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trawl allocation....................            760.81            752.74
At-sea Set-Aside....................                35                35
IFQ.................................            725.81            717.74
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In table 3b (South) to Part 660 Subpart F in the regulatory text of 
the proposed rule (see 87 FR 70446), the trip limit for sablefish 
between 40[deg]10' N lat. and 36[deg] N lat. is incorrect. In alignment 
with the Council's recommendation, NMFS is changing the trip limit to 
3,250 lbs. (1,474 kg) per week not to exceed 6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg) per 
2 months. More information on the corrected trip limit can be found in 
Agenda Item I.6.a Supplemental GMT Report 1 September 2024 (see 
pcouncil.org).
    Additionally, in alignment with the Council's recommendation, NMFS 
is changing the LEFG and OA trip limits for cabezon and the Nearshore 
Rockfish complex in the area south of 40[deg]10' N lat. The purpose of 
these changes is to align Federal trip limits with California state 
trip limits at the beginning of 2025, which will reduce enforcement 
complexity and simplify regulations for fishermen. For more information 
on these trip limit changes, see Agenda Item I.6.a Supplemental GMT 
Report 1 September 2024 at pcouncil.org. The trip limit changes in 
table 6 below are incorporated into tables 2b (South) and 3b (South) to 
Part 660 Subpart F in the regulatory text of this final rule.

 Table 6--LEFG and OA Trip Limits for Cabezon and the Nearshore Rockfish
             Complex for South of 40[deg]10' N Lat., Revised
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Species                            Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabezon (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N     CLOSED.
 lat.).
Cabezon (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.)......  Unlimited.
Nearshore rockfish complexes:
    Shallow nearshore rockfish complex      CLOSED.
     (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N lat.).
    Shallow nearshore rockfish complex      2,000 lb/2 months.
     (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.).
    Deeper nearshore rockfish complex       CLOSED.
     (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N lat.).
    Deeper nearshore rockfish complex       2,000 lb/2 months, of which
     (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.).           no more than 75 lb may be
                                             copper rockfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Other Changes to the Proposed Rule

    NMFS offers the below additional changes to the proposed rule. 
These changes are additional clarifying changes that NMFS deems 
necessary to achieve regulatory consistency and accuracy. These 
clarifications and corrections to the information provided in the 
proposed rule do not change the substance or intent of this action.
    Table 2a to Part 660, Subpart C in the regulatory text of the 
proposed rule (see 87 FR 70436) shows an incorrect area delineation for 
the Nearshore Rockfish North complex. The area delineation is listed as 
N of 42[deg] N lat., whereas it should be listed as N of 40[deg]10' N 
lat. NMFS has corrected this error in Table 2a to Part 660, Subpart C 
in the regulatory text of this final rule.
    In table 1b to Part 660 Subpart C of the regulatory text of the 
proposed rule (see 87 FR 70434), the 2025 non-trawl allocation (i.e., 
the non-trawl HG) of 38.5 mt for yelloweye rockfish is incorrect. The 
correct value of 37.7 mt is incorporated into table 2b Part 660 Subpart 
C of the regulatory text of this final rule.
    In table 1 to Paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D), the 2025 Shorebased trawl 
allocations were incorrect for arrowtooth flounder, dover sole, lingcod 
north of 40[deg]10' N lat., widow rockfish, the Other flatfish complex, 
and the Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. Additionally, 
the 2026 Shorebased trawl allocations were incorrect for yelloweye 
rockfish, arrowtooth flounder, cowcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat., 
canary rockfish, sablefish north of 36[deg] N lat., sablefish south of 
36[deg] N lat., widow rockfish, the Shelf Rockfish complex north of 
40[deg]10' N lat., and the Shelf Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N 
lat.. These errors occurred either because of rounding

[[Page 101521]]

error or because of a miscalculation in subtracting the 2025-26 at-sea 
set-asides for the at-sea Pacific whiting sectors. NMFS has corrected 
these values in table 1 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) in the regulatory 
text of this final rule.
    Since the proposed rule (87 FR 70406) published, NMFS has 
recognized that there may be confusion about how renewal of the 
directed OA permit will work during 2025. NMFS has set the expiration 
date for the directed OA permits as the last day of the permit holder's 
birthday month. Therefore, there was ambiguity regarding whether a 
permit holder would need to pay for the directed OA permit twice if, 
for example, they receive a directed OA permit in January 2025, but 
their birthday month is in March 2025. To prevent multiple charges for 
directed OA permits in 2025, NMFS has added a paragraph under Sec.  
660.25(i)(2)(iv)(A) to clarify that directed OA permits issued in 2025 
will be valid for the remainder of 2025 and through the permit holder's 
birthday month in 2026. For directed OA permits issued in 2026, and 
after, the duration of a directed OA permit will be no longer than 1 
year and the expiration will be on the last day of the permit holder's 
birthday month. NMFS also added additional language at Sec.  
660.14(d)(4)(iii) to allow a VMS exemption if a directed OA permit has 
not been renewed and the vessel is not participating in a different 
fishery that requires VMS. If NMFS does not provide this exemption, 
then the vessel would be required to have VMS for the remainder of the 
fishing year, regardless of its fishing activity.
    Additionally, NMFS is making a minor administrative revision to a 
regulation promulgated in this final rule to clarify existing 
requirements for logbooks. NMFS added a sentence under Sec.  
660.13(a)(3)(ii) explaining that non-trawl logbook submissions are not 
required if no fish were caught or discarded on a fishing trip. In 
reviewing the corrections to the non-trawl logbook regulations in 50 
CFR part 660 noticed in the proposed rule, NMFS noted ambiguity in the 
current regulations regarding whether logbook submissions are required 
if no fish are caught or discarded on a fishing trip and accordingly 
added a sentence under Sec.  660.13(a)(3)(ii) to clarify logbook 
submission is not required in such circumstances.
    Lastly, NMFS included regulations in the proposed rule that remove 
the Farallon Islands from the list of Groundfish Conservation Areas at 
Sec. Sec.  660.11, 660.70, 660.230, and 660.330. The reason for 
removing the Farallon Islands from these lists is because the only 
fishery regulations pertaining to the Farallon Islands apply within 10 
fm (18 m), which is entirely in State waters. Therefore, NMFS removed 
the closure from Federal regulations. Although the regulatory revisions 
were included in the proposed rule, NMFS did not describe the change in 
the preamble and is therefore highlighting the changes in this final 
rule.

VI. Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) and section 305(d) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined 
that this final rule is consistent with the PCGFMP, other provisions of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law.
    NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), so that this final rule may become 
effective on January 1, 2025. This action establishes the final 
specifications (i.e., annual catch limits) for the Pacific Coast 
groundfish fisheries for the 2025 fishing year, which begins on January 
1, 2025. If this final rule is not effective on January 1, 2025, then 
the fishing year begins using the catch limits and management measures 
from 2024.
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, this rulemaking was developed 
after meaningful consultation and collaboration with Tribal officials 
from the area covered by the PCGFMP. Under the MSA at 16 U.S.C. 
1852(b)(5), one of the voting members of the Council must be a 
representative of an Indian Tribe with federally recognized fishing 
rights from the area of the Council's jurisdiction. In addition, 
regulations implementing the PCGFMP establish a procedure by which the 
Tribes with treaty fishing rights in the area covered by the PCGFMP 
request new allocations or regulations specific to the Tribes, in 
writing, before the first of the two meetings at which the Council 
considers groundfish management measures. The regulations at 50 CFR 
660.50 further direct NMFS to develop Tribal allocations and 
regulations in consultation with the affected Tribes. The Tribal 
management measures in this rule have been developed following these 
procedures. The Tribal representative on the Council made a motion to 
adopt the non-whiting Tribal management measures, which was passed by 
the Council. Those management measures, which were developed and 
proposed by the Tribes, are included in this final rule.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    NMFS prepared an Analysis for this action, which addresses the 
statutory requirements of the MSA, Presidential Executive Order 12866, 
and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The full suite of alternatives 
analyzed by the Council can be found on the Council's website at 
www.pcouncil.org. NMFS addressed the statutory requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act through preparation of an 
Environmental Assessment (EA), which is included in the Analysis. The 
EA concluded that there will be no significant impact on the human 
environment as a result of this rule. A copy of the Analysis is 
available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
    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 final regulatory 
flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared.
    This final rule contains a collection-of-information requirement 
subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This rule revises 
existing requirements for information collection 0648-0203, Northwest 
Region Federal Fisheries Permits. The main change to this collection is 
the addition of a new directed groundfish OA fishery permit. The 
addition of this permit will increase the number of respondents for 
this collection by 400 respondents. The public reporting burden for the 
directed groundfish OA permit is estimated to average 20 minutes per 
respondent, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. This results in 
an additional 133 hours for the time burden for this collection (1,953 
hours to 2,086 hours). The additional permit will also result in 
additional labor costs of $2,226.67 and $40,000 in miscellaneous costs 
to the public.
    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

[[Page 101522]]

information collection should be submitted at the following website 
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 0648-0203.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660

    Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: November 22, 2024.
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 
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. Amend part 660 by:
0
a. Removing the word ``non-coop'' and adding in its place the word 
``non-cooperative'' wherever it appears;
0
b. Removing the word ``coop's'' and adding in its place the word 
``cooperative's'' wherever it appears;
0
c. Removing the name ``nontrawl RCA'' and adding in its place the name 
``Non-Trawl RCA'' wherever it appears; and
0
d. Removing the word ``nontrawl'' and adding in its place the word 
``non-trawl'' wherever it appears.

0
3. Amend Sec.  660.5 by revising paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.5  Shared Ecosystem Component Species.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus)
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  660.11:
0
a. In the definition of ``Conservation areas(s)'' by removing paragraph 
(1)(v); redesignating paragraphs (1)(vi), (vii), and (viii) as 
paragraphs (1)(v), (vi), and (vii); and revising newly redesignated 
paragraphs (1)(vi)(A) and (B);
0
b. By removing the definition of ``Grandfathered or first generation'';
0
c. In the definition of ``Groundfish'' by revising paragraphs (1) and 
(7); and
0
d. In the definition of ``Open access fishery'' by revising paragraph 
(1) and adding paragraph (2).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  660.11  General definitions.

* * * * *
    Conservation area(s) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) * * *
    (A) Trawl (Limited Entry and Open Access Non-groundfish Trawl 
Gears) RCAs. The Trawl RCAs are intended to protect a complex of 
species, such as overfished shelf rockfish species, and have boundaries 
defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates approximating 
depth contours. Boundaries for the limited entry Trawl RCA throughout 
the year are provided in table 1a (North) subpart D of this part. 
Boundaries for the open access non-groundfish Trawl RCA throughout the 
year are provided in Sec.  660.333(e). Boundaries of the Trawl RCAs may 
be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to Sec.  660.60(c).
    (B) Non-Trawl (Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access Non-Trawl 
Gears) RCAs. Non-Trawl RCAs are intended to protect a complex of 
species, such as overfished shelf rockfish species, and have boundaries 
defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates approximating 
depth contours. Boundaries for the Non-Trawl RCA throughout the year 
are provided in tables 2a (North) and 2a (South) of subpart E of this 
part and tables 3a (North) and 3a (South) of subpart F of this part and 
may be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to Sec.  660.60(c).
* * * * *
    Groundfish * * *
    (1) Sharks: Leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata; soupfin shark, 
Galeorhinus zyopterus; Pacific spiny dogfish, Squalus suckleyi.
* * * * *
    (7) Rockfish: ``Rockfish'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and 
species of the family Scorpaenidae that occur off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, even if not listed below, including longspine 
thornyhead, Sebastolobus altivelis, and shortspine thornyhead, S. 
alascanus. Where species below are listed both in a geographic category 
(nearshore, shelf, slope) and as an area-specific listing (north or 
south of 40[deg]10' N lat.) those species are managed within a complex 
in that area-specific listing.
    (i) Nearshore rockfish includes black rockfish, Sebastes melanops 
(off Washington and California) and the following nearshore rockfish 
species managed in complexes:
    (A) Nearshore Rockfish Complex North of 46[deg]16' N lat. 
(Washington): Black and yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas; blue rockfish, 
S. mystinus; brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli; 
China rockfish, S. nebulosus; copper rockfish, S. caurinus; deacon 
rockfish, S. diaconus, gopher rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S. 
rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S. atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. 
serranoides; quillback rockfish, S. maliger; treefish, S. serriceps.
    (B) Nearshore Rockfish Complex between 46[deg]16' N lat. and 
42[deg] N lat. (Oregon): Black and yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas; 
brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli; China 
rockfish, S. nebulosus; copper rockfish, S. caurinus; gopher rockfish, 
S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S. rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S. 
atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; quillback rockfish, S. 
maliger; treefish, S. serriceps.
    (C) Black/blue/deacon Rockfish Complex between 46[deg]16' N lat. 
and 42[deg] N lat. (Oregon): Black rockfish, S. melanops, blue 
rockfish, S. mystinus, and deacon rockfish, S. diaconus.
    (D) Nearshore Rockfish Complex between 42[deg] N lat. and 
40[deg]10' N lat. (northern California): Black and yellow rockfish, S. 
chrysomelas; blue rockfish, S. mystinus; brown rockfish, S. 
auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli; China rockfish, S. nebulosus; 
copper rockfish, S. caurinus; deacon rockfish, S. diaconus, gopher 
rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S. rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, 
S. atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; treefish, S. serriceps.
    (E) Nearshore Rockfish Complex South of 40[deg]10' N lat. (Southern 
California): Nearshore rockfish are divided into three management 
categories:
    (1) Shallow nearshore rockfish consists of black and yellow 
rockfish, S. chrysomelas; China rockfish, S. nebulosus; gopher 
rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S. rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, 
S. atrovirens.
    (2) Deeper nearshore rockfish consists of black rockfish, S. 
melanops; blue rockfish, S. mystinus; brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; 
calico rockfish, S. dalli; copper rockfish, S. caurinus; deacon 
rockfish, S. diaconus; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; treefish, S. 
serriceps.
    (3) California scorpionfish, Scorpaena guttata.
    (ii) Shelf rockfish includes bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; canary 
rockfish, S. pinniger; chilipepper, S. goodei;

[[Page 101523]]

cowcod, S. levis; shortbelly rockfish, S. jordani; widow rockfish, S. 
entomelas; yelloweye rockfish, S. ruberrimus; yellowtail rockfish, S. 
flavidus and the following shelf rockfish species managed in complexes:
    (A) Shelf Rockfish Complex North of 40[deg]10' N lat.: 
Bronzespotted rockfish, S. gilli; bocaccio, S. paucispinis; chameleon 
rockfish, S. phillipsi; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; dusky 
rockfish, S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, 
S. rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched 
rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; 
greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. 
semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. 
umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; 
pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe 
rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy 
rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled 
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, 
S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. 
crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. 
nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus.
    (B) Shelf Rockfish Complex South of 40[deg]10' N lat.: 
Bronzespotted rockfish, S. gilli; chameleon rockfish, S. phillipsi; 
dusky rockfish, S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag 
rockfish, S. rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; 
greenblotched rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. 
chlorostictus; greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded 
rockfish, S. semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb 
rockfish, S. umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, 
S. eos; pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; 
redstripe rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; 
rosy rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; 
speckled rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry 
rockfish, S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset 
rockfish, S. crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger 
rockfish, S. nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus; yellowtail 
rockfish, S. flavidus.
    (iii) Slope rockfish includes darkblotched rockfish, Sebastes 
crameri; Pacific ocean perch, S. alutus; splitnose rockfish, S. 
diploproa; and the following slope rockfish species managed in 
complexes:
    (A) Slope Rockfish Complex North of 40[deg]10' N lat.: Aurora 
rockfish, S. aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; redbanded 
rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, S. aleutianus; sharpchin 
rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, S. borealis; splitnose 
rockfish, S. diploproa; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
    (B) Slope Rockfish Complex South of 40[deg]10' N lat.: Aurora 
rockfish, S. aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; Pacific ocean 
perch, S. alutus; redbanded rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, 
S. aleutianus; sharpchin rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, 
S. borealis; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
* * * * *
    Open access fishery * * *
    (1) Directed open access fishery means that a fishing vessel is 
target fishing (defined at Sec.  660.11) for groundfish and is only 
declared into a directed open access groundfish gear type or sector as 
defined in Sec.  660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A). In addition to the requirements 
in subpart F of this part, fishing vessels participating in the 
directed open access fishery must be registered to a directed open 
access permit described at Sec.  660.25(i) and are also subject to the 
non-trawl logbook requirement at Sec.  660.13(a)(3).
    (2) Incidental open access fishery means that a fishing vessel is 
retaining groundfish incidentally to a non-groundfish target species 
(see ``Incidental catch or incidental species'').
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  660.12 by adding paragraph (a)(22) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.12  General groundfish prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (22) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in the directed 
open access fishery without having a valid directed open access permit 
for the vessel.
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  660.13 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) and (a)(3)(ii)(A) and (B);
0
b. Adding paragraph (a)(3)(iii);
0
c. Removing paragraph (a)(4); and
0
d. Revising paragraphs (d)(3), (d)(4)(iv) introductory text, and 
(d)(4)(iv)(A)(21), (23), and (27) through (29).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  660.13  Recordkeeping and reporting.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The limited entry fixed gear trip limit fisheries subject to 
the trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) to subpart E of 
this part, and primary sablefish fisheries, as defined at Sec.  
660.211; and
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) Setting gear. Logbook entries for setting gear, including 
vessel information, gear specifications, set date/time/location, must 
be completed within 2 hours of setting each piece of string or gear. 
The authorized representative of each vessel may record or document 
this information in a format outside of the electronic logbook 
application (e.g., waterproof paper). All logbook information whether 
recorded inside or outside of the electronic application must be 
available for immediate review by at-sea authorized law enforcement 
personnel.
    (B) Retrieving gear. Logbook entries for retrieving gear, including 
date/time recovered and catch/discard information, must be completed 
within 4 hours of retrieving each piece of string or gear. The 
authorized representative of each vessel may record or document this 
information in a format outside of the electronic logbook application 
(e.g., waterproof paper). All logbook information whether recorded 
inside or outside of the electronic application must be available for 
immediate review by at-sea authorized law enforcement personnel.
* * * * *
    (iii) If no fish are retained or discarded on a fishing trip, then 
a non-trawl logbook submission is not required for that fishing trip.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Declaration reports for open access vessels using non-trawl 
gear (all types of open access gear other than non-groundfish trawl 
gear). The operator of any vessel that is not registered to a limited 
entry permit or is registered to a directed open access permit, must 
provide NMFS with a declaration report, as specified at paragraph 
(d)(4)(iv) of this section, before the vessel leaves port on a trip in 
which the vessel is used to take and retain or possess groundfish in 
the EEZ or land groundfish taken in the EEZ.
    (4) * * *
    (iv) Declaration reports will include: The vessel name and/or 
identification number, gear type, and monitoring type where applicable, 
(as defined in paragraph (d)(4)(iv)(A) of this section). Upon receipt 
of a declaration report,

[[Page 101524]]

NMFS will provide a confirmation code or receipt to confirm that a 
valid declaration report was received for the vessel. Retention of the 
confirmation code or receipt to verify that a valid declaration report 
was filed and the declaration requirement was met is the responsibility 
of the vessel owner or operator. Vessels using non-trawl gear may 
declare more than one gear type, with the exception of vessels 
participating in the Shorebased IFQ Program (i.e., gear switching) and 
those vessels declaring to fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA with non-
bottom contact stationary vertical jig gear or groundfish troll gear 
(i.e., if one of these declarations is used, no other declaration may 
be made on that fishing trip). For the purpose of the directed open 
access permit defined at Sec.  660.65, declaration codes for the 
directed open access fishery include codes 33 through 37. Vessels using 
trawl gear may only declare one of the trawl gear types listed in 
paragraph (d)(4)(iv)(A) of this section on any trip and may not declare 
non-trawl gear on the same trip in which trawl gear is declared.
    (A) * * *
    (21) Directed open access bottom contact hook-and-line gear for 
groundfish (e.g., bottom longline, commercial vertical hook-and-line, 
rod and reel, dinglebar) (declaration code 33);
* * * * *
    (23) Directed open access groundfish trap or pot gear (declaration 
code 34);
* * * * *
    (27) Directed open access non-bottom contact hook and line gear for 
groundfish (e.g., troll, jig gear, rod & reel gear) (outside the Non-
Trawl RCA only) (declaration code 35);
    (28) Directed open access non-bottom contact stationary vertical 
jig gear (allowed inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration 
code 36);
    (29) Directed open access non-bottom contact troll gear (allowed 
inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 37);
* * * * *

0
7. Amend Sec.  660.14 by revising paragraph (d)(4)(iii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.14  Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iii) Permit exemption. If a limited entry permit had a change in 
vessel registration so that it is no longer registered to the vessel 
(for the purposes of this section, this includes permits placed into 
``unidentified'' status); or if a directed open access permit has not 
yet been renewed, NMFS may exempt the vessel from VMS requirements 
providing the vessel is not used in a fishery requiring VMS off the 
States of Washington, Oregon, or California (0-200 nm (5.6-370.4 km) 
offshore) for the remainder of the fishing year.
* * * * *

0
8. Amend Sec.  660.25 by adding paragraph (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.25  Permits.

* * * * *
    (i) Directed open access permit--(1) Permit information. This 
section applies to vessels that take and retain, possess, or land 
groundfish in the West Coast groundfish directed open access fishery, 
as defined in Sec.  660.11 under ``Open Access Fishery''. Starting on 
March 1, 2025, no person shall take and retain, possess, or land 
groundfish as part of the directed open access fishery, unless SFD has 
issued them a permit valid for the groundfish directed open access 
fishery.
    (i) Validity. The following section applies to vessel for permits 
under this paragraph (i):
    (A) A permit issued under this paragraph (i) is valid only for the 
vessel for which it is registered.
    (B) A permit issued under this paragraph (i) not registered for use 
with a particular vessel is not valid.
    (C) Only a person eligible to own a documented vessel under the 
terms of 46 U.S.C. 12103 may be issued or may hold a directed open 
access vessel permit.
    (D) No individual may alter, erase, mutilate, or forge any permit 
or document issued under this section. Any such permit or document that 
is intentionally altered, erased, mutilated, or forged is invalid.
    (ii) Transferability. Permits are not transferable. A permit issued 
under this paragraph (i) is valid only for the vessel for which it is 
registered. A change in ownership, documentation, or name of the 
registered vessel, or transfer of the ownership of the registered 
vessel will render the permit invalid.
    (A) A vessel owner must contact SFD if the vessel for which the 
permit is issued is sold, ownership of the vessel is transferred, the 
vessel is renamed, or any other reason for which the documentation of 
the vessel is changed as the change may invalidate the current permit.
    (B) In the case where a permit is invalidated due to a change in 
documentation, a new permit application is required. To submit a new 
application, please complete the process outlined in paragraph (i)(2) 
of this section.
    (iii) Civil Procedures. SFD may suspend, revoke, or modify any 
permit issued under this section under policies and procedures in title 
15 CFR part 904, or other applicable regulations in this chapter.
    (2) Applications. A vessel owner who wants to engage in the West 
Coast groundfish directed open access fishery, as defined in section 
Sec.  660.11, must apply for the directed open access permit using the 
application form in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section.
    (i) Application form. To apply for a directed open access permit, 
an individual must submit a complete permit application to the SFD West 
Coast Region through the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Coast Groundfish and 
Halibut Portal--Log In web page at https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/apex/ifq/f?p=120:LOGIN_DESKTOP.
    (ii) Required documentation. A complete application consists of:
    (A) An application form that contains valid responses for all 
required data fields, information, and signatures.
    (B) A copy of the current (not expired) U.S. Coast Guard 
Documentation Form or state registration form for the vessel.
    (C) Payment of required fees as required at paragraph (f) of this 
section.
    (D) Additional documentation SFD may require as it deems necessary 
to make a determination on the application.
    (iii) Application review, approval or denial, and appeals--(A) 
Application review. Applications for groundfish directed open access 
permits issued under this paragraph (i) must be received a minimum of 
15 days before intending to participate in the fishery to allow for 
processing time.
    (B) Approved application. SFD shall issue a vessel permit upon 
receipt of a completed permit application, including all required 
information listed in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section, submitted 
through the Pacific Coast Groundfish and Halibut Portal, and a cleared 
sanctions check.
    (C) Denied application. If the application is denied, SFD will 
issue an initial administrative decision (IAD) that will explain the 
denial in writing. SFD may decline to act on a permit application that 
is incomplete, or if the vessel or vessel owner is subject to sanction 
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and 
implementing regulations at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D.
    (D) Appeals. In cases where the applicant disagrees with SFD's 
decision on a permit application, the applicant may file an appeal 
following the

[[Page 101525]]

procedures described at paragraph (g) of this section.
    (iv) Issuance. Upon review and approval of a directed open access 
permit application, SFD will issue a permit under this paragraph (i) 
electronically to the permit owner.
    (A) Duration. A permit issued under this paragraph (i) is valid 
until the first date of renewal, except as provided in this paragraph 
(i). The date of renewal will be the last day of the vessel owner's 
birth month, following the year after the permit is issued (e.g., if 
the birth month is March and the permit is issued on October 3, 2026, 
the permit will remain valid through March 31, 2027). The permit owner 
is responsible for renewing their directed open access permit. Any 
permit not renewed by the renewal date will expire and is no longer 
valid.
    (1) For permits issued in 2025, the date of renewal will be the 
last day of the vessel owner's birth month in 2026 (e.g., if the birth 
month is October and the permit is issued on March 3, 2025, the permit 
will remain valid through October 31, 2026).
    (2) [Reserved]
    (B) Display. A copy (electronic or paper) of the permit issued 
under this subpart must be available for inspection by an authorized 
officer when the vessel is operating in the groundfish open access 
fishery, defined at Sec.  660.11.

0
9. Amend Sec.  660.40 by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.40  Rebuilding plans.

* * * * *
    (b) Quillback rockfish off California. Quillback rockfish off 
California was declared overfished in 2023. The target year for 
rebuilding the California quillback rockfish stock to BMSY 
is 2060. The harvest control rule to be used to rebuild the quillback 
rockfish stock off California is the ABC Rule (P* 0.45).

0
10. Amend Sec.  660.50 by revising paragraphs (f) and (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.50  Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.

* * * * *
    (f) Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries allocations, harvest 
guidelines, and set-asides. Trip limits for certain species were 
recommended by the Tribes and the Council and are specified in 
paragraph (g) of this section.
    (1) Arrowtooth flounder. The Tribal harvest guideline is 2,041 mt 
per year.
    (2) Big skate. The Tribal harvest guideline is 15 mt per year.
    (3) Black rockfish off Washington. (i) Harvest guidelines for 
commercial harvests of black rockfish by members of the Pacific Coast 
Indian Tribes using hook-and-line gear will be established biennially 
for two subsequent 1-year periods for the areas between the U.S.-
Canadian border and Cape Alava (48[deg]09.50' N lat.) and between 
Destruction Island (47[deg]40' N lat.) and Leadbetter Point 
(46[deg]38.17' N lat.), in accordance with the procedures for 
implementing harvest specifications and management measures. Pacific 
Coast treaty Indians fishing for black rockfish in these areas under 
these harvest guidelines are subject to the provisions in this section, 
and not to the restrictions in subparts C through G of this part.
    (ii) For the commercial harvest of black rockfish off Washington 
State, a treaty Indian Tribes' harvest guideline is set at 30,000 lb 
(13,608 kg) for the area north of Cape Alava, WA (48[deg]09.50' N lat.) 
and 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) for the area between Destruction Island, WA 
(47[deg]40' N lat.) and Leadbetter Point, WA (46[deg]38.17' N lat.). 
This harvest guideline applies and is available to the Pacific Coast 
treaty Indian Tribes. There are no Tribal harvest restrictions for 
black rockfish in the area between Cape Alava and Destruction Island.
    (4) Canary rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 50 mt per 
year.
    (5) Darkblotched rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 5 mt per 
year.
    (6) Dover sole. The Tribal harvest guideline is 1,497 mt per year.
    (7) English sole. The Tribal harvest guideline is 200 mt per year.
    (8) Lingcod. The Tribal harvest guideline is 250 mt per year.
    (9) Longnose skate. The Tribal harvest guideline is 220 mt per 
year.
    (10) Minor nearshore rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 1.5 
mt per year.
    (11) Minor shelf rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 30 mt 
per year.
    (12) Minor slope rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 36 mt 
per year.
    (13) Other flatfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 60 mt per 
year.
    (14) Pacific cod. The Tribal harvest guideline is 500 mt per year.
    (15) Pacific ocean perch. The Tribal harvest guideline is 130 mt 
per year.
    (16) Pacific spiny dogfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 275 mt 
per year.
    (17) Pacific whiting. The Tribal whiting allocation will be 
announced annually in conjunction with the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) 
setting process of the Whiting Act.
    (18) Petrale sole. The harvest guideline is 290 mt per year.
    (19) Sablefish. (i) The sablefish allocation to Pacific coast 
treaty Indian Tribes is 10 percent of the sablefish ACL for the area 
north of 36[deg] N lat. This allocation represents the total amount 
available to the treaty Indian fisheries before deductions for discard 
mortality.
    (ii) The Tribal allocation is 2,869 mt in 2025 and 2,724 mt in 
2026. This allocation is, for each year, 10 percent of the Monterey 
through Vancouver area (North of 36[deg] N lat.) ACL, including 
estimated discard mortality.
    (20) Starry flounder. The Tribal harvest guideline is 2 mt per 
year.
    (21) Thornyheads. The Tribal harvest guideline for shortspine 
thornyhead is 50 mt per year and the Tribal harvest guideline for 
longspine thornyhead is 30 mt per year.
    (22) Washington cabezon/kelp greenling. The Tribal harvest 
guideline is 2 mt per year.
    (23) Widow rockfish. Widow rockfish taken in the directed Tribal 
midwater trawl fisheries are subject to a catch limit of 200 mt for the 
entire fleet, per year.
    (24) Yelloweye rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 8 mt per 
year.
    (25) Yellowtail rockfish. Yellowtail rockfish taken in the directed 
Tribal mid-water trawl fisheries are subject to a catch limit of 1,000 
mt for the entire fleet, per year.
    (g) Pacific coast treaty Indian fisheries management measures. Trip 
limits for certain species were recommended by the Tribes and the 
Council and are specified here.
    (1) Rockfish. The Tribes will require full retention of all 
overfished rockfish species and all other marketable rockfish species 
during treaty fisheries.
    (2) Yelloweye rockfish. Subject to a 200-lb (90-kg) trip limit.
    (3) Pacific whiting. Tribal whiting processed at-sea by non-Tribal 
vessels, must be transferred within the Tribal U&A from a member of a 
Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribe fishing under this section.
    (4) Groundfish without a Tribal allocation. Makah Tribal members 
may use midwater trawl gear to take and retain groundfish for which 
there is no Tribal allocation and will be subject to the trip landing 
and frequency and size limits applicable to the limited entry fishery.
    (5) EFH. Measures implemented to minimize adverse impacts to 
groundfish EFH, as described in Sec.  660.12, do not apply to Tribal 
fisheries in their U&A fishing areas described at Sec.  660.4, subpart 
A.
    (6) Small footrope trawl gear. Makah Tribal members fishing in the 
bottom trawl fishery may use only small footrope (less than or equal to 
8 inches (20.3 cm)) bottom trawl gear.
* * * * *

[[Page 101526]]


0
11. Amend Sec.  660.55 by revising table 1 to paragraph (c)(1) and 
paragraph (i)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.55  Allocations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *

  Table 1 to Paragraph (c)(1)--Allocation Amounts and Percentages for Limited Entry Trawl and Non-Trawl Sectors
                             Specified for FMP Groundfish Stocks and Stock Complexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         All non-treaty LE trawl      All non-treaty non-trawl
                  Stock or complex                             sectors (%)                   sectors (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrowtooth Flounder.................................                            95                             5
Chilipepper Rockfish S. of 40[deg]10' N lat.........                            75                            25
Darkblotched Rockfish...............................                            95                             5
Dover Sole..........................................                            95                             5
English Sole........................................                            95                             5
Lingcod N of 40[deg]10' N lat.......................                            45                            55
Longspine Thornyhead N of 34[deg]27' N lat..........                            95                             5
Pacific Cod.........................................                            95                             5
Pacific Ocean Perch.................................                            95                             5
Sablefish S of 36[deg] N lat........................                            42                            58
Splitnose Rockfish S. of 40[deg]10' N lat...........                            95                             5
Starry Flounder.....................................                            50                            50
Yellowtail Rockfish N of 40[deg]10' N lat...........                            88                            12
Minor Slope Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N lat......                            81                            19
Other Flatfish......................................                            90                            10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (2) The fishery harvest guideline for Pacific whiting is allocated 
among three sectors, as follows: 34 percent for the C/P Co-op Program; 
24 percent for the MS Co-op Program; and 42 percent for the Shorebased 
IFQ Program. No more than 5 percent of the Shorebased IFQ Program 
allocation may be taken and retained south of 42[deg] N lat. before the 
start of the primary Pacific whiting season north of 42[deg] N lat. 
Specific sector allocations for a given calendar year are found in 
tables 1a through c and 2a through c of this subpart. Set-asides for 
other species for the at-sea whiting fishery for a given calendar year 
are established through the biennial specifications process.
* * * * *

0
12. Amend Sec.  660.60 by revising paragraphs (b)(1), (c) introductory 
text, (c)(1)(i), (g), (h)(1), (h)(7)(i)(D), and (h)(7)(ii)(A)(2) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  660.60  Specifications and management measures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Except for Pacific whiting, every biennium, NMFS will implement 
OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable, for each species or species group 
based on the harvest controls used in the previous biennium (referred 
to as default harvest control rules) applied to the best available 
scientific information. The default harvest control rules for each 
species or species group are listed in the biennial SAFE document. NMFS 
may implement OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable, that vary from the 
default harvest control rules based on a Council recommendation.
* * * * *
    (c) Routine management measures. Catch restrictions that are likely 
to be adjusted on a biennial, or more frequent, basis may be imposed 
and announced by a single notification in the Federal Register, if good 
cause exists under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to waive 
notice and comment, and if they have been designated as routine through 
the two-meeting process described in the PCGFMP. Routine management 
measures that may be revised during the fishing year, via this process, 
are implemented in paragraph (h) of this section, and in subparts C 
through G of this part, including tables 1a through 1c, and 2a through 
2c to subpart C of this part, tables 1a and 1b (North) and tables 1a 
and 1b (South) of subpart D of this part, tables 2a and 2b (North) and 
tables 2a and 2b (South) of subpart E of this part, and tables 3a and 
3b (North) and tables 3a and 3b (South) of subpart F of this part. Most 
trip, bag, and size limits, and some Groundfish Conservation Area 
closures in the groundfish fishery have been designated ``routine,'' 
which means they may be changed rapidly after a single Council meeting. 
Council meetings are held in the months of March, April, June, 
September, and November. Inseason changes to routine management 
measures are announced in the Federal Register pursuant to the 
requirements of the APA. Changes to trip limits are effective at the 
times stated in the Federal Register. Once a trip limit change is 
effective, it is illegal to take and retain, possess, or land more fish 
than allowed under the new trip limit. This means that, unless 
otherwise announced in the Federal Register, offloading must begin 
before the time a fishery closes or a more restrictive trip limit takes 
effect. The following catch restrictions have been designated as 
routine:
    (1) * * *
    (i) Trip landing and frequency limits, size limits, all gear. Trip 
landing and frequency limits have been designated as routine for the 
following species or species groups: Widow rockfish, canary rockfish, 
yellowtail rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye rockfish, black 
rockfish, blue/deacon rockfish, splitnose rockfish, blackgill rockfish 
in the area south of 40[deg]10' N lat., chilipepper, bocaccio, cowcod, 
Minor Nearshore Rockfish or shallow and deeper Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish, shelf or Minor Shelf Rockfish, and Minor Slope Rockfish; 
Dover sole, sablefish, shortspine thornyheads, and longspine 
thornyheads; petrale sole, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific 
sanddabs, big skate, and the Other Flatfish complex, which is composed 
of those species plus any other flatfish species listed at Sec.  
660.11; Pacific whiting; lingcod; Pacific cod; Pacific spiny dogfish; 
longnose skate; cabezon in Oregon and California; and ``Other Fish'' as 
defined at Sec.  660.11. In addition to the species and species groups 
listed above, sub-limits or aggregate limits may be specified, specific 
to the Shorebased IFQ Program, for the following species: big skate, 
California skate, California scorpionfish, leopard shark, soupfin 
shark, finescale codling, Pacific rattail (grenadier), ratfish, kelp 
greenling, shortbelly rockfish, and

[[Page 101527]]

cabezon in Washington. Size limits have been designated as routine for 
sablefish and lingcod. Trip landing and frequency limits and size 
limits for species with those limits designated as routine may be 
imposed or adjusted on a biennial or more frequent basis for the 
purpose of keeping landings within the harvest levels announced by 
NMFS.
* * * * *
    (g) Applicability. These specifications account for fish caught in 
state ocean waters (0-3 nm offshore) though that fishing activity is 
governed by the States of Washington, Oregon, and California, 
respectively. Catch of a stock in State waters is taken off the top of 
the harvest specifications for the stock in the EEZ (3-200 nm (5.6-
370.4 km) offshore).
    (h) * * *
    (1) Commercial trip limits and recreational bag and boat limits. 
Commercial trip limits and recreational bag and boat limits defined in 
tables 1a through 2d of this subpart, and those specified in subparts D 
through G of this part, including tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of 
subpart D of this part, tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of subpart E 
of this part, and tables 3b (North) and 3b (South) of subpart F of this 
part must not be exceeded.
* * * * *
    (7) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (D) Rockfish complexes. Several rockfish species are designated 
with species-specific limits on one side of the 40[deg]10' N lat. 
management line and are included as part of a rockfish complex on the 
other side of the line. A vessel that takes and retains fish from a 
rockfish complex (nearshore, shelf, or slope) on both sides of a 
management line during a single cumulative limit period is subject to 
the more restrictive cumulative limit for that rockfish complex during 
that period.
    (1) If a vessel takes and retains species from the slope rockfish 
complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat., that vessel is also permitted to 
take and retain, possess or land splitnose rockfish up to its 
cumulative limit south of 40[deg]10' N lat., even if splitnose rockfish 
were a part of the landings from slope rockfish complex taken and 
retained north of 40[deg]10' N lat.
    (2) If a vessel takes and retains species from the slope rockfish 
complex south of 40[deg]10' N lat., that vessel is also permitted to 
take and retain, possess or land Pacific ocean perch up to its 
cumulative limit north of 40[deg]10' N lat., even if Pacific ocean 
perch were a part of the landings from slope rockfish complex taken and 
retained south of 40[deg]10' N lat.
    (ii) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (2) Vessels with a valid limited entry permit endorsed for bottom 
longline and/or pot gear fishing inside the Non-Trawl RCA with 
stationary vertical jig gear or groundfish troll gear as defined at 
Sec.  660.320(b)(6). Vessels fishing with one of these two approved 
hook-and-line gear configurations may fish up to the limited entry 
fixed gear trip limits in table 2b (North) and table 2b (South) of 
subpart E, either inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA. This provision 
only applies on fishing trips where the vessel made the appropriate 
declaration (specified at Sec.  660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)).
* * * * *

0
13. Revise Sec.  660.65 to read as follows:


Sec.  660.65  Groundfish harvest specifications.

    Harvest specifications include OFLs, ABCs, and the designation of 
OYs and ACLs. Management measures necessary to keep catch within the 
ACL include ACTs, HGs, or quotas for species that need individual 
management, the allocation of fishery HGs between the trawl and non-
trawl segments of the fishery, and the allocation of commercial HGs 
between the open access and limited entry segments of the fishery. 
These specifications account for fish caught in state ocean waters (0-3 
nm (0-5.6 km) offshore), though that fishing activity is governed by 
the States of Washington, Oregon, and California respectively. Catch of 
a stock in State waters is taken off the top of the harvest 
specifications for the stock in the EEZ (3-200 nm (5.6-370.4 km) 
offshore). Harvest specifications are provided in tables 1a through 2d 
of this subpart.


Sec.  660.70  [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  660.70 by removing paragraph (u) and redesignating 
paragraph (v) as paragraph (u).

0
15. Amend Sec.  660.72 by revising paragraphs (a)(95) through (100) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  660.72  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m) 
through 75 fm (137 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (95) 39[deg]32.47' N lat., 123[deg]52.25' W long.;
    (96) 39[deg]21.86' N lat., 123[deg]54.13' W long.;
    (97) 39[deg]8.35' N lat., 123[deg]49.67' W long.;
    (98) 38[deg]57.50' N lat., 123[deg]49.42' W long.;
    (99) 38[deg]51.20' N lat., 123[deg]46.09' W long.;
    (100) 38[deg]29.47' N lat., 123[deg]20.19' W long.;
* * * * *

0
16. Revise tables 1a through 1c to part 660, subpart C to read as 
follows:

  Table 1a to Part 660, Subpart C--2025, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT and Fishery HG (Weights in Metric
                                    Tons). Capitalized Stocks Are Rebuilding
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Species/stock                 Area             OFL             ABC           ACL \a\     Fishery HG \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUILLBACK ROCKFISH OFF           California.....            1.52             1.3             1.3             1.2
 CALIFORNIA.
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \c\.........  Coastwide......           105.8            87.2            55.8              41
Arrowtooth Flounder............  Coastwide......          16,460          11,193          11,193           9,098
Big Skate......................  Coastwide......           1,456           1,224           1,224         1,164.6
Black Rockfish.................  Washington (N               262           244.6           244.6             226
                                  of 46[deg]16'
                                  N lat.).
Black Rockfish.................  California (S               250             234             224           222.3
                                  of 42[deg] N
                                  lat.).
Bocaccio.......................  S of 40[deg]10'           1,849           1,681           1,681         1,673.2
                                  N lat.

[[Page 101528]]

 
Cabezon........................  California (S               176             162             162           161.2
                                  of 42[deg] N
                                  lat.).
California Scorpionfish........  S of 34[deg]27'             273             244             244             242
                                  N lat.
Canary Rockfish................  Coastwide......             647             605             572           508.4
Chilipepper....................  S of 40[deg]10'           3,128           2,815           2,815           2,788
                                  N lat.
Cowcod.........................  S of 40[deg]10'             111              77              77            66.5
                                  N lat.
    Cowcod.....................  (Conception)...              93              66              66  ..............
    Cowcod.....................  (Monterey).....              18              11              11  ..............
Darkblotched Rockfish..........  Coastwide......             830             754             754           729.8
Dover Sole.....................  Coastwide......          52,214          47,424          47,424          45,840
English Sole...................  Coastwide......          11,175           8,884           8,884         8,669.4
Lingcod........................  N of 40[deg]10'           4,237           3,631           3,631         3,349.9
                                  N lat.
Lingcod........................  S of 40[deg]10'             897             768             748           736.4
                                  N lat.
Longnose Skate.................  Coastwide......           1,922           1,616           1,616         1,365.4
Longspine Thornyhead...........  Coastwide......           4,284           2,698           2,698  ..............
Longspine Thornyhead...........  N of 34[deg]27'  ..............  ..............           2,050         2,000.7
                                  N lat.
Longspine Thornyhead...........  S of 34[deg]27'  ..............  ..............             648             646
                                  N lat.
Pacific Cod....................  Coastwide......           3,200           1,926           1,600         1,098.6
Pacific Ocean Perch............  N of 40[deg]10'           4,029           3,328           3,328         3,182.5
                                  N lat.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..........  Coastwide......           1,857           1,361           1,361         1,037.6
Pacific Whiting................  Coastwide......           (\d\)           (\d\)           (\d\)           (\d\)
Petrale Sole...................  Coastwide......           2,518           2,354           2,354         2,035.5
Sablefish......................  Coastwide......          39,085          36,545          36,545  ..............
Sablefish......................  N of 36[deg] N   ..............  ..............          28,688    See Table 1c
                                  lat.
Sablefish......................  S of 36[deg] N   ..............  ..............           7,857        7,829.80
                                  lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead \e\......  Coastwide......             940             821             815           743.3
Splitnose......................  S of 40[deg]10'           1,724           1,508           1,508         1,493.9
                                  N lat.
Starry Flounder................  Coastwide......             652             392             392           375.3
Widow Rockfish.................  Coastwide......          12,254          11,237          11,237        11,018.7
Yellowtail Rockfish............  N of 40[deg]10'           6,866           6,241           6,241         5,216.1
                                  N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Species/Stock Complexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish.....  Oregon.........             464             423             423           421.7
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling.........  Washington.....              19              15              15            12.2
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling.........  Oregon.........             196             177             177           176.1
Nearshore Rockfish North.......  N of 40[deg]10'             106              88              88            84.8
                                  N lat.
Nearshore Rockfish South.......  S of 40[deg]10'           1,137             934             932           929.3
                                  N lat.
Other Fish.....................  Coastwide......             286             223             223           213.2
Other Flatfish.................  Coastwide......          10,895           7,974           7,974           7,803

[[Page 101529]]

 
Shelf Rockfish North...........  N of 40[deg]10'         1,668.7         1,329.7         1,329.6         1,250.4
                                  N lat.
Shelf Rockfish South...........  S of 40[deg]10'         1,827.6         1,457.7         1,457.1         1,430.5
                                  N lat.
Slope Rockfish North...........  N of 40[deg]10'           1,779           1,488           1,488           1,430
                                  N lat.
Slope Rockfish South...........  S of 40[deg]10'             866             693             693             674
                                  N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total
  catch values.
\b\ Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations and
  projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and
  deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing agreements between states
  and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
\c\ Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 29.6 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.2 mt. The recreational ACTs
  are: 7.6 mt (Washington), 6.9 mt (Oregon), and 8.9 mt (California).
\d\ Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-
  Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced in 2025.
\e\ Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 67 mt for north of 34[deg] 27' N lat.
\f\ Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 15.8 for south of 34[deg] 27' N lat.


                                     Table 1b to Part 660, Subpart C--2025, Allocations by Species or Species Group
                                                                 [Weight in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                Trawl                   Non-trawl
           Species/stock & complexes                           Area                Fishery HG or ACT ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           %            mt           %            mt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH............................  Coastwide........................                 41            8          3.3           92         37.7
Arrowtooth flounder...........................  Coastwide........................              9,098           95      8,643.1            5        454.9
Big skate.....................................  Coastwide........................            1,164.6           95      1,106.4            5         58.2
Bocaccio......................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,673.2           39        652.5           61      1,020.6
Canary rockfish...............................  Coastwide........................              508.4         72.3        367.6         27.7        140.8
Chilipepper rockfish..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............              2,788           75        2,091           25          697
Cowcod........................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............               66.5           36        23.90           64         42.6
Darkblotched rockfish.........................  Coastwide........................              729.8           95        693.3            5         36.5
Dover sole....................................  Coastwide........................             45,840           95     43,459.8            5      2,290.2
English sole..................................  Coastwide........................            8,669.4           95      8,235.9            5        433.5
Lingcod.......................................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            3,349.9           45      1,507.5           55      1,842.4
Lingcod.......................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............              736.4           40        294.6           60        441.8
Longnose skate................................  Coastwide........................            1,365.4           90      1,228.9           10        136.5
Longspine thornyhead..........................  N of 34[deg]27' N lat............            2,000.7           95      1,900.7            5          100
Pacific cod...................................  Coastwide........................            1,098.6           95      1,043.7            5         54.9
Pacific Ocean perch...........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            3,182.5           95      3,023.4            5        159.1
Pacific whiting...............................  Coastwide........................  .................          100  ...........            0            0
Petrale sole..................................  Coastwide........................            2,035.5  ...........      2,005.5  ...........           30
Sablefish.....................................  N of 36[deg] N lat...............           25,729.3                     See Table 1c
Sablefish.....................................  S of 36[deg] N lat...............            7,829.8           42      3,288.5           58      4,541.3
Shortspine thornyhead.........................  Coastwide........................              743.3           64       475.71           36       267.59
Splitnose rockfish............................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,493.9           95      1,419.2            5         74.7
Starry flounder...............................  Coastwide........................              375.3           50        187.7           50        187.7
Widow rockfish................................  Coastwide........................           11,018.7  ...........     10,718.7  ...........          300
Yellowtail rockfish...........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            5,216.1           88      4,590.2           12        625.9
Shelf rockfish north..........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,250.4         60.2        760.8         39.8          503
Shelf rockfish south..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,430.5         12.2        174.5         87.8        1,256
Slope rockfish north..........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............              1,430           81      1,158.3           19        271.7
Slope rockfish south..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............                674           63        424.6           37        249.4
Other flatfish................................  Coastwide........................              7,803           90      7,022.7           10        780.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Table 1c to Part 660, Subpart C--Sablefish North of 36[deg] N Lat. Allocations, 2025
                                             [Weight in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Percent              Allocation (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Tribal Commercial HG \a\..................................  .......................                 25,729.3
    LE Share..................................................                     90.6                 23,310.7
        LE Trawl..............................................                       58                 13,520.2

[[Page 101530]]

 
        LEFG..................................................                       42                  9,791.9
            Primary...........................................                       85                  8,323.1
            Trip limit........................................                       15                  1,468.8
    OA Share..................................................                      9.4                  2,418.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Off-the-top deductions from the ACL that result in the HG are in the SAFE.


0
17. Revise tables 2a through 2c to part 660, subpart C, to read as 
follows:

Table 2a to Part 660, Subpart C--2026, and Beyond, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT, and Fishery HG (Weights
                               in Metric Tons). Capitalized Stocks Are Rebuilding
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Species/stock                 Area             OFL             ABC           ACL \a\     Fishery HG \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUILLBACK ROCKFISH OFF           California.....            1.77             1.5             1.5             1.4
 CALIFORNIA.
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \c\.........  Coastwide......           108.3            88.5            56.6            41.8
Arrowtooth Flounder............  Coastwide......          13,833           9,227           9,227           7,132
Big Skate......................  Coastwide......           1,426           1,188           1,188         1,128.6
Black Rockfish.................  Washington (N               259             241             241           226.6
                                  of 46[deg]16'
                                  N lat.).
Black Rockfish.................  California (S               265             247             236           234.4
                                  of 42[deg] N
                                  lat.).
Bocaccio.......................  S of 40[deg]10'           1,846           1,668           1,668         1,660.2
                                  N lat.
Cabezon........................  California (S               170             155             155           154.5
                                  of 42[deg] N
                                  lat.).
California Scorpionfish........  S of 34[deg]27'             267             238             238             236
                                  N lat.
Canary Rockfish................  Coastwide......             655             609             573           509.6
Chilipepper Rockfish...........  S of 40[deg]10'           2,949           2,643           2,643         2,615.2
                                  N lat.
Cowcod.........................  S of 40[deg]10'             111              75              75            65.2
                                  N lat.
Cowcod.........................  (Conception)...              92              64              64  ..............
Cowcod.........................  (Monterey).....              19              11              11  ..............
Darkblotched Rockfish..........  Coastwide......             810             732             732           707.8
Dover Sole.....................  Coastwide......          46,049          42,457          42,457          40,873
English Sole...................  Coastwide......          11,192           8,819           8,819         8,604.4
Lingcod........................  N of 40[deg]10'           4,163           3,534           3,534         3,252.9
                                  N lat.
Lingcod........................  S of 40[deg]10'             937             795             773           761.5
                                  N lat.
Longnose Skate.................  Coastwide......           1,895           1,579           1,579         1,328.4
Longspine Thornyhead...........  Coastwide......           4,166           2,575           2,575  ..............
Longspine Thornyhead...........  N of 34[deg]27'  ..............  ..............           1,957         1,907.3
                                  N lat.
Longspine Thornyhead...........  S of 34[deg]27'  ..............  ..............             618           616.5
                                  N lat.
Pacific Cod....................  Coastwide......           3,200           1,926           1,600         1,098.6

[[Page 101531]]

 
Pacific Ocean Perch............  N of 40[deg]10'           3,937           3,220           3,220         3,074.5
                                  N lat.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..........  Coastwide......           1,833           1,318           1,318           994.2
Pacific Whiting................  Coastwide......           (\d\)           (\d\)           (\d\)           (\d\)
Petrale Sole...................  Coastwide......           2,424           2,255           2,238         1,919.5
Sablefish......................  Coastwide......          37,310          34,699          34,699  ..............
Sablefish......................  N of 36[deg] N   ..............  ..............          27,238    See Table 2c
                                  lat.
Sablefish......................  S of 36[deg] N   ..............  ..............           7,460         7,432.9
                                  lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead \e\......  Coastwide......             961             831             825           752.7
Splitnose Rockfish.............  S of 40[deg]10'           1,686           1,469           1,469         1,454.9
                                  N lat.
Starry Flounder................  Coastwide......             652             392             392           375.3
Widow Rockfish.................  Coastwide......          11,382          10,392          10,392        10,173.7
Yellowtail Rockfish............  N of 40[deg]10'           6,662           6,023           6,023         4,997.5
                                  N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Species/stock Complexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish.....  Oregon.........             472             428             428           426.5
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling.........  Washington.....              19              15              15            12.1
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling.........  Oregon.........             194             174             174           173.6
Nearshore Rockfish North.......  N of 40[deg]10'             105              86              86              83
                                  N lat.
Nearshore Rockfish South \f\...  S of 40[deg]10'           1,143             933             931           928.1
                                  N lat.
Other Fish.....................  Coastwide......             286             223             223           212.7
Other Flatfish.................  Coastwide......           9,988           7,144           7,144         6,972.6
Shelf Rockfish North...........  N of 40[deg]10'         1,654.5         1,316.3         1,316.2         1,263.8
                                  N lat.
Shelf Rockfish South...........  S of 40[deg]10'         1,827.1         1,455.4         1,454.9         1,428.4
                                  N lat.
Slope Rockfish North...........  N of 40[deg]10'           1,754           1,460           1,460         1,402.2
                                  N lat.
Slope Rockfish South...........  S of 40[deg]10'             865             690             690             671
                                  N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total
  catch values.
\b\ Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations and
  projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and
  deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing agreements between states
  and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
\c\ Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 30.2 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.3 mt. The recreational ACTs
  are: 7.7 mt (Washington), 7.0 mt (Oregon), and 9.1 mt (California).
\d\ Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-
  Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced in 2026.
\e\ Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 55 mt for north of 34[deg] 27' N lat.
\f\ Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 18.0 for south of 34[deg] 27' N lat.


                               Table 2b to Part 660, Subpart C--2026, and Beyond, Allocations by Species or Species Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                Trawl                   Non-trawl
           Species/stock & complexes                           Area                Fishery HG or ACT ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           %            mt           %            mt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH............................  Coastwide........................               41.8            8          3.3           92         38.5
Arrowtooth flounder...........................  Coastwide........................              7,132           95      6,775.4            5        356.6
Big skate.....................................  Coastwide........................            1,128.6           95      1,072.2            5         56.4
Bocaccio......................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,660.2           39        647.5           61      1,012.7
Canary rockfish...............................  Coastwide........................              509.6         72.3        368.4         27.7        141.2
Chilipepper rockfish..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            2,615.2           75      1,961.4           25        653.8
Cowcod........................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............               65.2           36         23.5           64         41.7

[[Page 101532]]

 
Darkblotched rockfish.........................  Coastwide........................              707.8           95        672.4            5         35.4
Dover sole....................................  Coastwide........................             40,873           95     38,829.4            5      2,043.7
English sole..................................  Coastwide........................            8,604.4           95      8,174.2            5        430.2
Lingcod.......................................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            3,252.9           45      1,463.8           55      1,789.1
Lingcod.......................................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............              761.5           40        304.6           60        456.9
Longnose skate................................  Coastwide........................            1,328.4           90      1,195.6           10        132.8
Longspine thornyhead..........................  N of 34[deg]27' N lat............            1,907.3           95      1,811.9            5         95.4
Pacific cod...................................  Coastwide........................            1,098.6           95      1,043.7            5         54.9
Pacific Ocean perch...........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            3,074.5           95      2,920.8            5        153.7
Pacific whiting...............................  Coastwide........................  .................          100          0.0  ...........            0
Petrale sole..................................  Coastwide........................            1,919.5  ...........      1,889.5  ...........           30
Sablefish.....................................  N of 36[deg] N lat...............           24,425.1                     See Table 2c
Sablefish.....................................  S of 36[deg] N lat...............            7,432.9           42      3,121.8           58      4,311.1
Shortspine thornyhead.........................  Coastwide........................              752.7           71        534.4           29        218.3
Splitnose rockfish............................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,454.9           95      1,382.2            5         72.7
Starry flounder...............................  Coastwide........................              375.3           50        187.7           50        187.7
Widow rockfish................................  Coastwide........................           10,173.7  ...........      9,873.7  ...........          300
Yellowtail rockfish...........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            4,997.5           88      4,397.8           12        599.7
Shelf rockfish north..........................  N of 40[deg]10[deg] N lat........            1,263.8         60.2        760.8         39.8          503
Shelf rockfish south..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,428.4         12.2        174.3         87.8      1,254.1
Slope rockfish north..........................  N of 40[deg]10' N lat............            1,402.2           81      1,135.8           19        266.4
Slope rockfish south..........................  S of 40[deg]10' N lat............                671           63        422.7           37        248.3
Other flatfish................................  Coastwide........................            6,972.6           90      6,275.3           10        697.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Table 2c to Part 660, Subpart C--Sablefish North of 36[deg] N Lat. Allocations, 2026 and Beyond
                                            [Weights in metric tons]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Percent              Allocation (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Tribal Commercial HG \a\..................................  .......................                 24,425.1
LE Share......................................................                     90.6                 22,129.1
    LE Trawl..................................................                       58                 12,834.9
    LEFG......................................................                       42                    9,294
        Primary...............................................                       85                  7,899.9
        Trip limit............................................                       15                  1,394.1
    OA Share..................................................                      9.4                    2,296
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Off-the-top deductions from the ACL that result in the HG are in the SAFE.


0
18. Amend Sec.  660.111 by revising the definition of ``Block area 
closures or BACs'' to read as follows:


Sec.  660.111  Trawl fishery--definitions.

* * * * *
    Block area closures or BACs are a type of groundfish conservation 
area, defined at Sec.  660.11, bounded on the north and south by 
commonly used geographic coordinates, defined at Sec.  660.11, and on 
the east and west by the EEZ, and boundary lines approximating depth 
contours, defined with latitude and longitude coordinates at Sec. Sec.  
660.71 through 660.74 (10 fm (18 m) through 250 fm (457 m)), and Sec.  
660.76 (700 fm (1,280 m)). BACs may be implemented or modified as 
routine management measures, per regulations at Sec.  660.60(c). BACs 
may be implemented in the EEZ seaward of Washington, Oregon, and 
California for vessels using limited entry bottom trawl and/or midwater 
trawl gear. BACs may be implemented within Tribal Usual and Accustomed 
fishing areas but may only apply to non-Tribal vessels. BACs may close 
areas to specific trawl gear types (e.g., closed for midwater trawl, 
bottom trawl, or bottom trawl unless using selective flatfish trawl) 
and/or specific programs within the trawl fishery (e.g., Pacific 
whiting fishery or MS Co-op Program). BACs may vary in their geographic 
boundaries and duration. Their geographic boundaries, applicable gear 
type(s) and/or specific trawl fishery program, and effective dates will 
be announced in the Federal Register. BACs may have a specific 
termination date as described in the Federal Register or may be in 
effect until modified. BACs that are in effect until modified by 
Council recommendation and subsequent NMFS action are set out in tables 
1a (North) and 1a (South) of this subpart.
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec.  660.130 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a), (c) introductory text, and (c)(4) 
introductory text;
0
c. Removing paragraph (e)(2);
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(3) through (8) as (e)(2) through (7); 
and
0
e. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (e)(3) introductory text.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  660.130  Trawl fishery--management measures.

    (a) General. This section applies to the limited entry trawl 
fishery. Most species taken in the limited entry trawl fishery will be 
managed with quotas (see Sec.  660.140), allocations or set-asides (see 
Sec.  660.150 or Sec.  660.160), or cumulative trip limits (see trip 
limits in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this subpart), size 
limits (see Sec.  660.60(h)(5)), seasons (see Pacific whiting at Sec.  
660.131(b)), gear restrictions (see paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section) and closed areas (see paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section 
and Sec. Sec.  660.70 through 660.79). The limited

[[Page 101533]]

entry trawl fishery has gear requirements and harvest limits that 
differ by the type of groundfish trawl gear on board and the area 
fished. Groundfish vessels operating south of Point Conception must 
adhere to CCA restrictions (see paragraph (e)(1) of this section and 
Sec.  660.70). The trip limits in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of 
this subpart apply to vessels participating in the limited entry trawl 
fishery and may not be exceeded. Federal commercial groundfish 
regulations are not intended to supersede any more restrictive state 
commercial groundfish regulations relating to federally managed 
groundfish.
* * * * *
    (c) Restrictions by limited entry trawl gear type. Management 
measures may vary depending on the type of trawl gear (i.e., large 
footrope, small footrope, selective flatfish, or midwater trawl gear) 
used and/or on board a vessel during a fishing trip, cumulative limit 
period, and the area fished. Trawl nets may be used on and off the 
seabed. For some species or species groups, tables 1b (North) and 1b 
(South) of this subpart provide trip limits that are specific to 
different types of trawl gear: Large footrope, small footrope 
(including selective flatfish), selective flatfish, midwater, and 
multiple types. If tables 1a (North), 1b (North), 1a (South), and 1b 
(South) of this subpart provide gear specific limits or closed areas 
for a particular species or species group, prohibitions at Sec. Sec.  
660.12 and 660.112(a)(5) apply. Additional conservation areas 
applicable to vessels registered to limited entry permits with trawl 
endorsements are listed at paragraph (e) of this section.
* * * * *
    (4) More than one type of trawl gear on board. The trip limits in 
table 1b (North) or 1b (South) of this subpart must not be exceeded. A 
vessel may not have both groundfish trawl gear and non-groundfish trawl 
gear onboard simultaneously. A vessel may have more than one type of 
limited entry trawl gear on board (midwater, large or small footrope, 
including selective flatfish trawl), either simultaneously or 
successively, during a cumulative limit period except between 42[deg] N 
lat. and 40[deg]10' N lat. as described in this section. If a vessel 
fishes both north and south of 40[deg]10' N lat. with any type of small 
or large footrope gear onboard the vessel at any time during the 
cumulative limit period, the most restrictive cumulative limit 
associated with the gear on board would apply for that trip and all 
catch would be counted toward that cumulative limit (see crossover 
provisions at Sec.  660.60(h)(7)). When operating in an applicable GCA, 
all trawl gear must be stowed, consistent with prohibitions at Sec.  
660.112(a)(5)(i), unless authorized in this section.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) Trawl RCA. This GCA is off the coast of Washington, between the 
US/Canada border and 46[deg]16' N lat. Boundaries for the trawl RCA 
applicable to groundfish trawl vessels throughout the year are provided 
in the header to table 1a (North) of this subpart and may be modified 
by NMFS inseason pursuant to Sec.  660.60(c). Prohibitions at Sec.  
660.112(a)(5) do not apply under the following conditions and when the 
vessel has a valid declaration for the allowed fishing:
* * * * *

0
20. Amend Sec.  660.131 by revising paragraphs (b)(3) introductory text 
and (g)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.131  Pacific whiting fishery management measures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Pacific whiting trip limits. For Shorebased IFQ Program vessels 
targeting Pacific whiting outside the primary season, the ``per trip'' 
limit for whiting is announced in table 1b of this subpart. The per-
trip limit is a routine management measure under Sec.  660.60(c). This 
trip limit includes any whiting caught shoreward of 100 fm (183 m) in 
the Eureka management area. The per-trip limit for other groundfish 
species are announced in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this 
subpart and apply as follows:
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) The amount of whole whiting on board does not exceed the trip 
limit (if any) allowed under Sec.  660.60(c) or table 1b (North) or 1b 
(South) in subpart D.
* * * * *

0
21. Amend Sec.  660.140 by revising table 1 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) 
and paragraph (g)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.140  Shorebased IFQ Program.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) * * *

               Table 1 to Paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D)--Shorebased Trawl Allocations for 2025 and 2026
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             2025 Shorebased    2026 Shorebased
                IFQ species                               Area               trawl allocation   trawl allocation
                                                                                   (mt)               (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH.........................  Coastwide....................                3.3                3.3
Arrowtooth flounder........................  Coastwide....................              8,543              6,765
Bocaccio...................................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....                653                648
Canary rockfish............................  Coastwide....................                348                348
Chilipepper rockfish.......................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....              2,091              1,961
Cowcod.....................................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....                 24                 24
Darkblotched rockfish......................  Coastwide....................                593                572
Dover sole.................................  Coastwide....................             43,538             38,819
English sole...............................  Coastwide....................              8,236              8,174
Lingcod....................................  North of 40[deg]10' N lat....              1,493              1,449
Lingcod....................................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....                295                305
Longspine thornyhead.......................  North of 34[deg]27' N lat....              1,901              1,812
Pacific cod................................  Coastwide....................              1,044              1,044
Pacific ocean perch........................  North of 40[deg]10' N lat....              2,723              2,621
Pacific whiting \a\........................  Coastwide....................                TBD                TBD
Petrale sole...............................  Coastwide....................              2,001              1,885
Sablefish..................................  North of 36[deg] N lat.......             13,091             12,406
Sablefish..................................  South of 36[deg] N lat.......              3,289              3,122
Shortspine thornyhead......................  Coastwide....................                406                464
Splitnose rockfish.........................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....              1,419              1,382
Starry flounder............................  Coastwide....................                188                188

[[Page 101534]]

 
Widow rockfish.............................  Coastwide....................             10,419              9,574
Yellowtail rockfish........................  North of 40[deg]10' N lat....              4,230              4,038
Other Flatfish complex.....................  Coastwide....................              6,923              6,175
Shelf Rockfish complex.....................  North of 40[deg]10' N lat....                726                718
Shelf Rockfish complex.....................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....                175                175
Slope Rockfish complex.....................  North of 40[deg]10' N lat....                858                836
Slope Rockfish complex.....................  South of 40[deg]10' N lat....                425                423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Managed through an international process. These allocations will be updated when announced.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) General. Shorebased IFQ Program vessels may discard IFQ 
species/species groups, provided such discards are accounted for and 
deducted from QP in the vessel account. The discard mortality for those 
species with discard mortality rates must be accounted for and applied 
to QP in the vessel account. With the exception of vessels on a 
declared Pacific whiting IFQ trip and engaged in maximized retention, 
and vessels fishing under a valid EM Authorization in accordance with 
Sec.  660.604, prohibited and protected species (except short-tailed 
albatross as directed by Sec.  660.21(c)(1)(v)) must be discarded at 
sea. Pacific halibut must be discarded as soon as practicable and the 
discard mortality must be accounted for and deducted from IBQ pounds in 
the vessel account. Non-IFQ species and non-groundfish species may be 
discarded at sea, unless otherwise required by EM Program requirements 
at Sec.  660.604. The sorting of catch, the weighing and discarding of 
any IBQ and IFQ species, and the retention of IFQ species must be 
monitored by the observer or EM system.
* * * * *

Table 1 (North) to Part 660, Subpart D--[Removed]

0
22. Remove table 1 (North) to part 660, subpart D.

Table 1 (South) to Part 660, Subpart D--[Removed]

0
23. Remove table 1 (South) to part 660, subpart D.

0
24. Add tables 1a (North), 1b (North), 1a (South), and 1b (South) to 
part 660, subpart D to read as follows:

  Table 1a (North) to Part 660, Subpart D--Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish
            Conservation Areas for North of 40[deg]10' N Lat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 46[deg]16' N lat..............  100 fm line-150 fm line.
46[deg]16' N lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.....  BACs may be implemented and
                                          will be announced in the
                                          Federal Register.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 1a (North): The Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing
  with groundfish trawl gear, as defined at Sec.   660.11. Trawl RCA
  boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations
  for state closures. Trawl RCA boundaries or Block Area Closures (BACs)
  may be revised or implemented via inseason action; therefore, users
  should refer back to this table throughout the year. Vessels fishing
  groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under
  gear switching provisions at Sec.   660.140, are subject to the
  limited entry fixed gear Non-Trawl RCA, as described in tables 2a
  (North) and 2a (South) to part 660, subpart E.


 Table 1b (North) to Part 660, Subpart D--Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ
         Species and Pacific Whiting North of 40[deg]10' N Lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Cabezon (California)...................  50 lb/month.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Nearshore rockfish complex, Washington   300 lb/month.
 black rockfish and Oregon black/blue/
 deacon rockfish.
Oregon cabezon/kelp greenling complex..  50 lb/month.
Other fish.............................  Unlimited.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..................  60,000 lb/month.
Pacific whiting--Midwater Trawl........  Before the primary whiting
                                          season: CLOSED.
                                         During the primary whiting
                                          season: mid-water trawl
                                          permitted in the RCA. See Sec.
                                            660.131 for season and trip
                                          limit details.
                                         After the primary whiting
                                          season: CLOSED.
Pacific whiting--Large & Small Footrope  Before the primary whiting
 Gear.                                    season: 20,000 lb/trip.
                                         During the primary whiting
                                          season: 10,000 lb/trip.
                                         After the primary whiting
                                          season: 10,000 lb/trip.

[[Page 101535]]

 
Pacific whiting--Eureka Management Area  No more than 10,000 lb of
                                          whiting may be taken and
                                          retained, possessed, or landed
                                          by a vessel that, at any time
                                          during the fishing trip,
                                          fished in the fishery
                                          management area shoreward of
                                          100 fm contour (see Sec.
                                          660.131(d)).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 1b (North): This table describes incidental landing
  allowances for vessels registered to a Federal limited entry trawl
  permit. Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state
  regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-
  round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative periods
  (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits''). Trip limits are
  effective from the U.S.-Canada border to 40[deg]10' N lat. unless
  otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this
  table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.   660.11 under
  ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
  therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.
  To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by
  2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms. See
  provisions at Sec.   660.130 for gear restrictions and requirements by
  area. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish
  non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at Sec.   660.140,
  are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing
  allowances in this table, regardless of the type of fishing gear used.


  Table 1a (South) to Part 660, Subpart D--Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish
            Conservation Areas for South of 40[deg]10' N Lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
South of 40[deg]10' N lat.:............  BACs may be implemented and
                                          will be announced in the
                                          Federal Register.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 1a (South): The Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing
  with groundfish trawl gear, as defined at Sec.   660.11. Trawl RCA
  boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations
  for state closures. Trawl RCA boundaries or Block Area Closures (BACs)
  may be revised or implemented via inseason action; therefore, users
  should refer back to this table throughout the year. Vessels fishing
  groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under
  gear switching provisions at Sec.   660.140, are subject to the
  limited entry fixed gear Non-Trawl RCA, as described in tables 2a
  (North) and 2a (South) to part 660, subpart E.


 Table 1b (South) to Part 660, Subpart D--Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ
         Species and Pacific Whiting South of 40[deg]10' N Lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Blackgill rockfish.....................  Unlimited.
Cabezon................................  50 lb/month.
California scorpionfish................  Unlimited.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Longspine thornyhead (south of           24,000 lb/2 months.
 34[deg]27' N lat.).
Nearshore rockfish complex, Washington   300 lb/month.
 black rockfish and Oregon black/blue/
 deacon rockfish.
Other fish.............................  Unlimited.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..................  60,000 lb/month.
Pacific whiting--Midwater Trawl........  During the primary whiting
                                          season: allowed seaward of the
                                          Trawl RCA; prohibited within
                                          and shoreward of the Trawl
                                          RCA.
Pacific whiting--Large & Small Footrope  Before the primary whiting
 Gear.                                    season: 20,000 lb/trip.
                                         During the primary whiting
                                          season: 10,000 lb/trip.
                                         After the primary whiting
                                          season: 10,000 lb/trip.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 1b (South): This table describes incidental landing
  allowances for vessels registered to a Federal limited entry trawl
  permit. Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state
  regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-
  round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative periods
  (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits''). Trip limits are
  effective from 40[deg]10' N lat. to the U.S.-Mexico border unless
  otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this
  table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.   660.11 under
  ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
  therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.
  To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by
  2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms. See
  provisions at Sec.   660.130 for gear restrictions and requirements by
  area. Vessels fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish
  non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at Sec.   660.140,
  are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing
  allowances in this table, regardless of the type of fishing gear used.


0
25. Amend Sec.  660.230 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(6)(i)(B);
0
b. Removing paragraph (d)(15); and
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(16) and (17) as paragraphs (d)(15) and 
(16).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  660.230  Fixed gear fishery--management measures.

    (a) General. Most species taken in limited entry fixed gear 
(longline and pot/trap) fisheries will be managed with cumulative trip 
limits (see trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this 
subpart), size limits (see Sec.  660.60(h)(5)), seasons (see trip 
limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this subpart and 
sablefish primary season details in Sec.  660.231), gear restrictions 
(see paragraph (b) of this section), and closed areas (see paragraph 
(d) of this section and Sec. Sec.  660.70 through 660.79). Cowcod, 
yelloweye, and California quillback rockfish retention is prohibited in 
all fisheries, and groundfish vessels operating south of Point 
Conception must adhere to GEA restrictions (see paragraph (d)(16) of 
this section and Sec.  660.70). Regulations governing tier limits for 
the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season north of 36[deg] 
N lat. are found in Sec.  660.231. Vessels not participating in the 
sablefish primary season are subject to daily or weekly sablefish 
limits in addition to cumulative limits for each cumulative limit 
period. Only one sablefish landing per week may be made in excess of 
the daily trip limit and, if the vessel chooses to make a landing in 
excess of that daily trip limit, then that is the only sablefish

[[Page 101536]]

landing permitted for that week. The trip limit for black rockfish 
caught with hook-and-line gear also applies, see paragraph (e) of this 
section. The trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this 
subpart apply to vessels participating in the limited entry groundfish 
fixed gear fishery and may not be exceeded.
    (b) * * *
    (6) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) No more than four vertical mainlines attached to or fished from 
the vessel (e.g., rod and reel) may be used in the water at one time.
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Sec.  660.231 by revising paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (iv) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  660.231  Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) A vessel participating in the primary season will be 
constrained by the sablefish cumulative limit associated with each of 
the permits registered for use with that vessel. During the primary 
season, each vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph 
(a) of this section may take, retain, possess, and land sablefish, up 
to the cumulative limits for each of the permits registered for use 
with that vessel (i.e., stacked permits). If multiple limited entry 
permits with sablefish endorsements are registered for use with a 
single vessel, that vessel may land up to the total of all cumulative 
limits announced in this paragraph for the tiers for those permits, 
except as limited by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Up to three 
permits may be registered for use with a single vessel during the 
primary season; thus, a single vessel may not take and retain, possess 
or land more than three primary season sablefish cumulative limits in 
any one year. A vessel registered for use with multiple limited entry 
permits is subject to per vessel limits for species other than 
sablefish, and to per vessel limits when participating in the daily 
trip limit fishery for sablefish under Sec.  660.232. In 2025, the 
following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 246,824 lb (111,957 
kg), Tier 2 at 112,193 lb (50,890 kg), and Tier 3 at 64,110 lb (29,080 
kg). In 2026 and beyond, the following annual limits are in effect: 
Tier 1 at 234,312 lb (106,282 kg), Tier 2 at 106,506 lb (48,310 kg), 
and Tier 3 at 60,860 lb (27,606 kg).
* * * * *
    (iv) Incidental Pacific halibut retention north of Pt. Chehalis, WA 
(46[deg]53.30' N lat.). Pacific halibut may be retained north of Pt 
Chehalis by vessels participating in the sablefish primary fishery with 
the requisite Pacific halibut commercial fishery permit. Pacific 
halibut incidentally caught in the primary sablefish fishery when using 
bottom longline gear may be retained from April 1 through the Pacific 
halibut commercial fishing closure date set by the International 
Pacific Halibut Commission. Vessels permitted as described in this 
section 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, plus two additional Pacific halibut. Pacific halibut retained 
as described in this section may not be possessed or landed south of 
Pt. Chehalis.
* * * * *

0
27. Amend Sec.  660.232 by revising paragraph (a)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.232  Limited entry daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for 
sablefish.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Vessels registered for use with a limited entry fixed gear 
permit that does not have a sablefish endorsement may fish in the 
limited entry DTL fishery, consistent with regulations at Sec.  
660.230, for as long as that fishery is open during the fishing year, 
subject to routine management measures imposed under Sec.  660.60(c), 
Subpart C. DTL limits for the limited entry fishery north and south of 
36[deg] N lat. are provided in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this 
subpart.
* * * * *

Table 2 (North) to Part 660, Subpart E--[Removed]

0
28. Remove table 2 (North) to part 660, subpart E.

Table 2 (South) to Part 660, Subpart E--[Removed]

0
29. Remove table 2 (South) to part 660, subpart E.

0
30. Add tables 2a (North), 2b (North), 2a (South), and 2b (South) to 
part 660, subpart E to read as follows:

Table 2a (North) to Part 660, Subpart E--Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation
                             Area Boundaries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 46[deg]16' N lat.:............  Shoreward EEZ-100 fm line.
46[deg]16' N lat.-42[deg]00' N lat.....  30 fm line-75 fm line.
42[deg]00' N lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.....  Shoreward EEZ-75 fm line.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 2a (North): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to
  fishing with particular non-trawl gear types, as defined at Sec.
  660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA
  boundaries may be revised via inseason action; therefore, users should
  refer back to this table throughout the year.


 Table 2b (North) to Part 660, Subpart E--Trip Limits for Limited Entry
                  Fixed Gear North of 40[deg]10' N Lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Black rockfish (42[deg]00' N lat.-       CLOSED.
 40[deg]10' N lat.).
Cabezon (42[deg]00' N lat.-40[deg]10' N  CLOSED.
 lat.).
Cabezon/kelp greenling complex (Oregon)  Unlimited.
Canary rockfish........................  3,000 lb/2 months.
Flatfish (includes dover sole,           20,000 lb/2 months.
 arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole,
 English sole, starry flounder).
Lingcod (north of 42[deg]00' N lat.)...  11,000 lb/2 months.
Lingcod (42[deg]00' N lat.-40[deg]10' N  2,000 lb/2 months seaward of
 lat.).                                   the Non-Trawl RCA; CLOSED
                                          inside the Non-Trawl RCA.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Longspine thornyheads..................  10,000 lb/2 months.

[[Page 101537]]

 
Nearshore rockfish complex, Oregon       5,000 lb/2 months, no more than
 black/blue/deacon rockfish, &            1,200 lb of which may be
 Washington black rockfish (north of      species other than black
 42[deg]00' N lat.).                      rockfish or blue/deacon
                                          rockfish.
                                         See Sec.   660.230(e) for
                                          additional trip limits for
                                          Washington black rockfish.
Nearshore rockfish complex (42[deg]00'   CLOSED.
 N lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.).
Other fish.............................  Unlimited.
Other flatfish complex (north of         20,000 lb/2 months.
 42[deg]00' N lat.).
Other flatfish complex (42[deg]00' N     20,000 lb/2 months seaward of
 lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.).                 the Non-Trawl RCA; CLOSED
                                          inside the Non-Trawl RCA.
Pacific cod............................  1,000 lb/2 months.
Pacific ocean perch....................  3,600 lb/2 months.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..................  Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2
                                          months.
                                         Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
                                         Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2
                                          months.
Pacific whiting........................  10,000 lb per trip.
Quillback rockfish (42[deg]00' N lat.-   CLOSED.
 40[deg]10' N lat.).
Sablefish..............................  4,500 lb/week not to exceed
                                          9,000 lb/2 months.
Shelf rockfish complex.................  1,600 lb/2 months.
Shortspine thornyhead..................  3,000 lb/2 months.
Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched    8,000 lb/2 months.
 rockfish.
Widow rockfish.........................  4,000 lb/2 months.
Yelloweye rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
Yellowtail rockfish....................  6,000 lb/2 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 2b (North): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are
  effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different
  cumulative periods (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits'').
  Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border to 40[deg]10' N
  lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions
  in this table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.   660.11 under
  ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
  therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.
  To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by
  2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.


Table 2a (South) to Part 660, Subpart E--Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation
                             Area Boundaries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N lat.....  Shoreward EEZ-75 fm line.
37[deg]07' N lat.-34[deg]27' N lat.....  50 fm line-75 fm line.
South of 34[deg]27' N lat..............  100 fm line-150 fm line (also
                                          applies around islands and
                                          banks).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 2a (South): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to
  fishing with particular non-trawl gear types, as defined at Sec.
  660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA
  boundaries may be revised via inseason action; therefore, users should
  refer back to this table throughout the year.


Table 2b (South) to Part 660, Subpart E--b Trip Limits for Limited Entry
                 Fixed Gear South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Bocaccio...............................  8,000 lb/2 months.
Bronzespotted rockfish.................  CLOSED.
Cabezon (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N  CLOSED.
 lat.).
Cabezon (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.)...  Unlimited.
California scorpionfish................  3,500 lb/2 months.
Canary rockfish........................  3,500 lb/2 months.
Chilipepper rockfish (40[deg]10' N lat.- 10,000 lb/2 months.
 34[deg] 27' N lat.).
Chilipepper rockfish (south of 34[deg]   8,000 lb/2 months.
 27' N lat.).
Cowcod.................................  CLOSED.
Flatfish (includes dover sole,           20,000 lb/2 months.
 arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole,
 English sole, starry flounder).
Lingcod (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg] 07'   1,600 lb/2 months seaward of
 N lat.).                                 the Non-Trawl RCA; 0 lb/2
                                          months inside of the Non-Trawl
                                          RCA.
Lingcod (south of 37[deg] 07' N lat.)..  1,600 lb/2 months.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Longspine thornyhead (south of 34[deg]   10,000 lb/2 months.
 27' N lat.).
Nearshore rockfish complexes...........
Shallow nearshore rockfish complex       CLOSED.
 (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N lat.).
Shallow nearshore rockfish complex       2,000 lb/2 months.
 (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.).
Deeper nearshore rockfish complex        CLOSED.
 (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N lat.).
Deeper nearshore rockfish complex        2,000 lb/2 months, of which no
 (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.).            more than 75 lb may be copper
                                          rockfish.
Other fish.............................  Unlimited.

[[Page 101538]]

 
Other flatfish complex (40[deg]10' N     20,000 lb/2 months seaward of
 lat.-37[deg] 07' N lat.).                the Non-Trawl RCA; CLOSED
                                          inside of the Non-Trawl RCA.
Other flatfish complex (south of         20,000 lb/2 months.
 37[deg] 07' N lat.).
Pacific cod............................  1,000 lb/2 months.
Pacific spiny dogfish..................  Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2
                                          months Period 3: 150,000 lb/2
                                          months Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/
                                          2 months.
Pacific whiting........................  10,000 lb per trip.
Quillback rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
Sablefish (40[deg]10' N lat.-36[deg] N   4,500 lb/week not to exceed
 lat.).                                   9,000 lb/2 months.
Sablefish (south of 36[deg] N lat.)....  2,500 lb/2 months.
Shelf rockfish complex (40[deg]10' N     6,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 lat.-37[deg] 07' N lat.); excludes       no more than 500 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shelf rockfish complex (37[deg] 07' N    8,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 lat.-34[deg] 27' N lat.); excludes       no more than 500 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shelf rockfish complex (south of         5,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 34[deg] 27' N lat.); excludes            no more than 3,000 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shortspine thornyhead (40[deg] 10' N.    3,000 lb/2 months.
 lat.-34[deg] 27' N. lat.).
Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched    40,000 lb/2 months, of which no
 rockfish.                                more than 6,000 lb may be
                                          blackgill rockfish.
Splitnose rockfish.....................  40,000 lb/2 months.
Widow rockfish (40[deg]10' N lat.-       10,000 lb/2 months.
 34[deg] 27' N lat.).
Widow rockfish (south of 34[deg] 27' N   8,000 lb/2 months.
 lat.).
Yelloweye rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 2b (South): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are
  effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different
  cumulative periods (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits'').
  Trip limits are effective from 40[deg]10' N lat. to the U.S.-Mexico
  border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state
  subdivisions in this table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.
  660.11 under ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason
  action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout
  the year. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds
  by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.


0
31. Amend Sec.  660.312 by adding paragraph (a)(6) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.312  Open access fishery--prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (6) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in the directed 
open access fishery without having a valid directed open access permit 
for the vessel.
* * * * *

0
32. Amend Sec.  660.330 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a), (b)(3) introductory text, and (b)(3)(i)(B) 
and (C);
0
b. Removing paragraph (d)(17); and
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(18) and (19) as paragraphs (d)(17) and 
(18).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  660.330  Open access fishery--management measures.

    (a) General. Groundfish species taken in open access fisheries will 
be managed with cumulative trip limits (see trip limits in tables 3b 
(North) and 3b (South) of this subpart), size limits (see Sec.  
660.60(h)(5)), seasons (see seasons in tables 3a (North) and 3a (South) 
of this subpart), gear restrictions (see paragraph (b) of this 
section), and closed areas (see paragraph (d) of this section and 
Sec. Sec.  660.70 through 660.79). Unless otherwise specified, a vessel 
operating in the open access fishery is subject to, and must not 
exceed, any trip limit, frequency limit, and/or size limit for the open 
access fishery. Retention of cowcod, yelloweye rockfish, and quillback 
rockfish off California is prohibited in all fisheries, and groundfish 
vessels operating south of Point Conception must adhere to GEA 
restrictions (see paragraph (d)(18) of this section and Sec.  660.70). 
For information on the open access daily/weekly trip limit fishery for 
sablefish, see Sec.  660.332 and the trip limits in tables 3b (North) 
and 3b (South) of this subpart. Open access vessels are subject to 
daily or weekly sablefish limits in addition to cumulative limits for 
each cumulative limit period. Only one sablefish landing per week may 
be made in excess of the daily trip limit and, if the vessel chooses to 
make a landing in excess of that daily trip limit, then that is the 
only sablefish landing permitted for that week. The trip limit for 
black rockfish caught with hook-and-line gear also applies (see 
paragraph (e) of this section).
    (b) * * *
    (3) Gear for use inside the Non-Trawl RCA. Inside the Non-Trawl 
RCA, only legal non-bottom contact hook-and-line gear configurations 
may be used for target fishing for groundfish by vessels that 
participate in the directed open access sector as defined at Sec.  
660.11. Vessels must be registered to a valid directed open access 
permit as defined at Sec.  660.25(i). On a fishing trip where any 
fishing will occur inside the Non-Trawl RCA, only one type of legal 
non-bottom contact gear may be carried on board, and no other fishing 
gear of any type may be carried on board or stowed during that trip. 
The vessel may fish inside and outside the Non-Trawl RCA on the same 
fishing trip, provided a valid declaration report as required at Sec.  
660.13(d) has been filed with NMFS OLE. Legal non-bottom contact hook-
and-line gear means stationary vertical jig gear not anchored to the 
bottom, and groundfish troll gear, subject to the specifications in 
paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (i) * * *
    (B) No more than four vertical mainlines attached to or fished from 
the vessel (e.g., rod & reel) may be used in the water at one time.
    (C) No more than 100 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no 
more than 25 extra hooks on board the vessel.
* * * * *

0
33. Amend Sec.  660.332 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.332  Open access daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for 
sablefish.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Daily and/or weekly trip limits for the open access fishery 
north and south of 36[deg] N lat. are provided in tables 3b (North) and 
3b (South) of this subpart.
* * * * *

0
34. Amend Sec.  660.333 by revising paragraph (a), redesignating 
paragraph

[[Page 101539]]

(e) as paragraph (g), adding new paragraph (e), and adding paragraphs 
(f), (h), and (i).
    The revision and additions read as follows:


Sec.  660.333  Open access non-groundfish trawl fishery--management 
measures.

    (a) General. This section describes management measures for vessels 
that take groundfish incidentally with non-groundfish trawl gear, 
including vessels engaged in fishing for pink shrimp, ridgeback prawns, 
California halibut, or sea cucumbers.
* * * * *
    (e) Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area restrictions for the 
ridgeback prawn, California halibut, and sea cucumber fisheries. (1) 
40[deg] 10' N lat.-38.00[deg] N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm during Periods 1 
and 6; 100 fm to 150 fm during Periods 2, 3, 4, and 5.
    (2) 38.00[deg] N lat.-34[deg] 27 N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm
    (3) South of 34[deg] 27 N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm
    (f) Trip Limits for the ridgeback prawn, California halibut, and 
sea cucumber fisheries. Groundfish. 300 lb (136 kg) per trip. Species-
specific limits described in table 3b South also apply and are counted 
toward the 300 lb (136 kg) groundfish per trip limit. The amount of 
groundfish landed may not exceed the amount of the target species 
landed, except that the amount of Pacific spiny dogfish landed may 
exceed the amount of target species landed. Pacific spiny dogfish are 
limited by the 300 lb (136 kg)/trip overall groundfish limit. The daily 
trip limits for sablefish coastwide and thornyheads south of Pt. 
Conception and the overall groundfish ``per trip'' limit may not be 
multiplied by the number of days of the trip. Vessels participating in 
the California halibut fishery south of 38[deg]57.50' N lat. are 
allowed to:
    (1) Land up to 100 lb (45 kg) per day of groundfish without the 
ratio requirement, provided that at least one California halibut is 
landed; and
    (2) Land up to 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) per month of flatfish, no more 
than 300 lb (136 kg) of which may be species other than Pacific 
sanddabs, sand sole, starry flounder, rock sole, curlfin sole, or 
California scorpionfish (California scorpionfish is also subject to the 
trip limits and closures in table 3b South).
* * * * *
    (h) Management measures for the pink shrimp fishery north of 
40[deg] 10' N lat. Effective April 1-October 31: Groundfish: 500 lb 
(227 kg)/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, not to 
exceed 1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip. The following sublimits also apply and 
are counted toward the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and 1,500 lb (680 
kg)/trip groundfish limits: lingcod 300 lb (136 kg)/month (minimum 24-
inch (0.61 cm) size limit); sablefish 2,000 lb (907 kg)/month; canary, 
thornyheads, and yelloweye rockfish are PROHIBITED. All other 
groundfish species taken are managed under the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/
day and 1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip groundfish limits. Landings of these 
species count toward the per day and per trip groundfish limits and do 
not have species-specific limits. The amount of groundfish landed may 
not exceed the amount of pink shrimp landed.
    (i) Management measures for the pink shrimp fishery south of 
40[deg] 10' N lat. Effective April 1-October 31: Groundfish: 500 lb 
(227 kg)/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, not to 
exceed 1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip. The following sublimits also apply and 
are counted toward the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and 1,500 lb (680 
kg)/trip groundfish limits: lingcod 300 lb (136 kg)/month (minimum 24-
inch (0.61 cm) size limit); sablefish 2,000 lb (907 kg)/month; canary 
rockfish, thornyheads, and yelloweye rockfish are PROHIBITED. All other 
groundfish species taken are managed under the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/
day and 1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip groundfish limits. Landings of all 
groundfish species count toward the per day, per trip or other species-
specific sublimits described here and the species-specific limits 
described in the table above do not apply. The amount of groundfish 
landed may not exceed the amount of pink shrimp landed.

0
35. Add Sec.  660.334 to subpart F to read as follows:


Sec.  660.334  Open access non-groundfish salmon troll fishery--
management measures.

    (a) General. This section includes management measures applicable 
to vessels that incidentally take and retain groundfish while 
participating in the West Coast salmon fishery under the regulations at 
part 660, subpart H (herein referred to as ``salmon troll fishery''). 
All salmon troll vessels that take and retain groundfish species are 
subject to the open access trip limits, seasons, size limits, and Non-
Trawl RCA restrictions listed in tables 3a (North), 3b (North), 3a 
(South), and 3b (South) to this subpart, unless otherwise stated in 
this section.
    (b) Trip limits. (1) In the area north of 40[deg] 10' N lat., 
salmon trollers may retain and land up to 500 lb (227 kg) of yellowtail 
rockfish per month as long as salmon is on board, both within and 
outside of the Non-Trawl RCA. Salmon trollers may retain and land up to 
1 lingcod per 2 Chinook per trip, plus 1 lingcod per trip, up to a trip 
limit of 10 lingcod, on a trip where any fishing occurs within the Non-
Trawl RCA. The lingcod limit only applies during times when lingcod 
retention is allowed and is not ``CLOSED''. These limits are within the 
limits described in table 3b (North), and not in addition to those 
limits.
    (2) In the area south of 40[deg] 10' N lat., salmon trollers may 
retain and land up to 1 lb (0.45 kg) of yellowtail rockfish for every 2 
lb (0.90 kg) of Chinook salmon landed, with a cumulative limit of 200 
lb (91 kg)/month, both within and outside of the Non-Trawl RCA. This 
limit is within the trip limits for shelf rockfish, and not in addition 
to those limits. All groundfish species are subject to the open access 
limits, seasons, size limits, and RCA restrictions listed in tables 3a 
(South) and 3b (South) to this subpart, unless otherwise stated here.

Table 3 (North) to Part 660, Subpart F--[Removed]

0
36. Remove table 3 (North) to part 660, subpart F.

Table 3 (South) to Part 660, Subpart F--[Removed]

0
37. Remove table 3 (South) to part 660, subpart F.

0
38. Add tables 3a (North), 3b (North), 3a (South), and 3b (South) to 
part 660, subpart F to read as follows:

Table 3a (North) to Part 660, Subpart F--Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation
                             Area Boundaries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North of 46[deg]16' N lat.:............  Shoreward EEZ-100 fm line.
    46[deg]16' N lat.-42[deg]00' N lat.  30 fm line-75 fm line.

[[Page 101540]]

 
    42[deg]00' N lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.  Shoreward EEZ-75 fm line.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 3a (North): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to
  fishing with particular non-trawl gear types, as defined at Sec.
  660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA
  boundaries may be revised via inseason action; therefore, users should
  refer back to this table throughout the year.


  Table 3b (North) to Part 660, Subpart F--Trip Limits for Open Access
                       North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Black rockfish (42[deg]00' N. lat.-      CLOSED.
 40[deg]10' N. lat.).
Cabezon (42[deg]00' N. lat.-40[deg]10'   CLOSED.
 N. lat.).
Cabezon/kelp greenling complex (Oregon)  Unlimited.
Canary rockfish........................  1,000 lb/2 months.
Flatfish (includes dover sole,           10,000 lb/2 months.
 arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole,
 English sole, starry flounder).
Lingcod (north of 42[deg]00' N. lat.)..  9,000 lb/2 months.
Lingcod (42[deg]00' N. lat.-40[deg]10'   2,000 lb/2 months seaward of
 N. lat.).                                the Non-Trawl RCA; CLOSED
                                          inside the Non-Trawl RCA.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Longspine thornyheads..................  100 lb/2 months.
Nearshore rockfish complex, Oregon       5,000 lb/2 months no more than
 black/blue/deacon rockfish, &            1,200 lb of which may be
 Washington black rockfish (north of      species other than black
 42[deg]00' N. lat.).                     rockfish or blue/deacon
                                          rockfish.
                                         See Sec.   660.330(e) for
                                          additional trip limits for
                                          Washington black rockfish.
Nearshore rockfish complex (42[deg]00'   CLOSED.
 N. lat.-40[deg]10' N. lat.).
Other fish.............................  Unlimited.
Other flatfish complex (north of         10,000 lb/2 months.
 42[deg]00' N. lat.).
Other flatfish complex (42[deg]00' N.    10,000 lb/2 months seaward of
 lat.-40[deg]10' N. lat.).                the Non-Trawl RCA; 0 lb/2
                                          months inside the Non-Trawl
                                          RCA.
Pacific cod............................  1,000 lb/2 months.
Pacific ocean perch....................  200 lb/2 months.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..................  Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2
                                          months.
                                         Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
                                         Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2
                                          months.
Pacific whiting........................  600 lb/2 months.
Quillback rockfish (42[deg]00' N lat.-   CLOSED.
 40[deg]10' N lat.).
Sablefish..............................  3,250 lb/week not to exceed
                                          6,500 lb/2 months.
Shelf rockfish complex (north of         1,600 lb/2 months.
 42[deg]00' N. lat.).
Shelf rockfish complex (42[deg]00' N     1,200 lb per 2 months.
 lat.-40[deg]10' N lat.).
Shortspine thornyhead..................  100 lb/2 months.
Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched    4,000 lb/2 months.
 rockfish.
Widow rockfish.........................  2,000 lb/2 months.
Yelloweye rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
Yellowtail rockfish....................  3,000 lb/2 months.
Salmon Troll...........................  See Sec.   660.334(b)(1).
Pink Shrimp non-groundfish trawl.......  See Sec.   660.333(g) and (h).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 3b (North): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are
  effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different
  cumulative periods (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits'').
  Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border to 40[deg]10' N
  lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions
  in this table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.   660.11 under
  ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
  therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.
  To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by
  2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.


Table 3a (South) to Part 660, Subpart F--Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation
                             Area Boundaries
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Latitude                             Boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg] 07' N lat....  Shoreward EEZ-75 fm line.
37[deg] 07' N lat.-34[deg] 27' N lat...  50 fm line-75 fm line.
South of 34[deg] 27' N lat.............  100 fm line-150 fm line (also
                                          applies around islands and
                                          banks).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 3a (South): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to
  fishing with particular non-trawl gear types, as defined at Sec.
  660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA
  boundaries may be revised via inseason action; therefore, users should
  refer back to this table throughout the year.


  Table 3b (South) to Part 660, Subpart F--Trip Limits for Open Access
                       South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big skate..............................  Unlimited.
Bocaccio...............................  6,000 lb/2 months.
Bronzespotted rockfish.................  CLOSED.

[[Page 101541]]

 
Cabezon (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N  CLOSED.
 lat.).
Cabezon (south of 37[deg]07' N lat.)...  Unlimited.
California scorpionfish................  3,500 lb/2 months.
Canary rockfish........................  1,500 lb/2 months.
Chilipepper rockfish (40[deg]10' N lat.- 6,000 lb/2 months.
 34[deg] 27' N lat.).
Chilipepper rockfish (south of 34[deg]   4,000 lb/2 months.
 27' N lat.).
Cowcod.................................  CLOSED.
Flatfish (includes Dover sole,           10,000 lb/2 months.
 arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole,
 English sole, starry flounder).
Lingcod (40[deg]10' N lat.--37[deg] 07'  1,400 lb/2 months seaward of
 N lat.).                                 the Non-Trawl RCA; CLOSED
                                          inside of the Non-Trawl RCA.
Lingcod (south of 37[deg] 07' N lat.)..  1,400 lb/2 months.
Longnose skate.........................  Unlimited.
Longspine thornyhead (40[deg] 10' to     100 lb/2 months.
 34[deg] 27' N lat.).
Nearshore rockfish complexes:
    Shallow nearshore rockfish           CLOSED.
     (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N
     lat.).
    Shallow nearshore rockfish (south    2,000 lb/2 months.
     of 37[deg]07' N lat.).
    Deeper nearshore rockfish            CLOSED.
     (40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg]07' N
     lat.).
    Deeper nearshore rockfish (south of  2,000 lb/2 months, of which no
     37[deg]07' N lat.).                  more than 75 lb may be copper
                                          rockfish.
Other fish (defined at Sec.   660.11)..  Unlimited.
Other flatfish complex (defined at Sec.  40[deg]10' N lat.-37[deg] 07' N
   660.11).                               lat.: 10,000 lb/2 months
                                          seaward of the Non-Trawl RCA;
                                          CLOSED inside of the Non-Trawl
                                          RCA
                                         South of 37[deg] 07' N lat.:
                                          10,000 lb/2 months.
Pacific cod............................  1,000 lb/2 months.
Pacific Spiny Dogfish..................  Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2
                                          months.
                                         Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
                                         Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2
                                          months.
Pacific whiting........................  600 lb/2 months.
Quillback rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
Sablefish (40[deg]10' N lat.-36[deg] N   3,250 lb/week not to exceed
 lat.).                                   6,500 lb/2 months.
Sablefish (south of 36[deg] N lat.)....  2,000 lb/week not to exceed
                                          6,000 lb/2 months.
Shelf rockfish complex (40[deg]10' N     3,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 lat.-37[deg] 07' N lat.); excludes       no more than 300 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shelf rockfish complex (37[deg] 07' N    4,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 lat.-34[deg] 27' N lat.); excludes       no more than 300 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shelf rockfish complex (south of         3,000 lb per 2 months, of which
 34[deg] 27' N lat.); excludes            no more than 900 lb may be
 bronzespotted rockfish.                  vermilion/sunset rockfish.
Shortspine thornyhead (40[deg] 10' N.    100 lb/2 months.
 lat.-34[deg] 27' N. lat.).
Shortspine thornyhead and longspine      100 lb/day, no more than 1,000
 thornyhead (south of 34[deg] 27' N.      lb/2 months for all periods.
 lat.).
Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched    10,000 lb/2 months, of which no
 rockfish.                                more than 2,500 lb may be
                                          blackgill rockfish.
Splitnose rockfish.....................  400 lb/2 months.
Widow rockfish (40[deg]10' N lat.-       6,000 lb/2 months.
 34[deg] 27' N lat.).
Widow rockfish (south of 34[deg] 27' N   4,000 lb/2 months.
 lat.).
Yelloweye rockfish.....................  CLOSED.
Salmon Troll...........................  See Sec.   660.334(b)(2).
Ridgeback Prawn, California halibut,     See Sec.   660.333(e) and (f).
 and sea cucumber.
Pink Shrimp............................  See Sec.   660.333(g) and (i).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1 to table 3b (South): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see
  appropriate state regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are
  effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different
  cumulative periods (defined at Sec.   660.11 under ``Trip limits'').
  Trip limits are effective from 40[deg]10' N lat. to the U.S.-Mexico
  border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state
  subdivisions in this table. Stock complexes are defined at Sec.
  660.11 under ``Groundfish''. Trip limits may be revised via inseason
  action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout
  the year. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds
  by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.


0
39. Amend Sec.  660.351 by revising the definition of ``Boat limit'' 
and adding in alphabetical order a definition for ``Descending device'' 
to read as follows:


Sec.  660.351  Recreational fishery--definitions.

* * * * *
    Boat limit means the number of fish available for a vessel or boat.
    Descending device means an instrument capable of releasing a fish 
at the depth from which the fish was caught.
* * * * *

0
40. Amend Sec.  660.352 by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.352  Recreational fishery--prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (c) Fail to have at least one functional descending device on board 
ready for immediate use during a groundfish recreational fishing trip.

0
41. Amend Sec.  660.360 by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (b)(1) and a reserved paragraph (b)(2);
0
b. Revising paragraph (c)(1) introductory text, table 1 to paragraph 
(c)(1)(i)(D), paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) through (iv) and (c)(2)(iii)(A) 
through (C);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(2)(iii)(D) and (E) as paragraphs 
(c)(2)(iii)(E) and (F);
0
d. Adding new paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(D);
0
e. Revising paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) introductory text;
0
f. Removing paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(C);
0
g. Redesignating paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(D) as paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(C) and 
revising it;
0
h. Revising paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(D);
0
i. Removing paragraph (c)(3)(v)(C); and

[[Page 101542]]

0
j. Redesignating paragraph (c)(3)(v)(D) as paragraph (c)(3)(v)(C) and 
revising it.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  660.360  Recreational fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) All vessels participating in the groundfish recreational 
fishery seaward of California, Oregon, or Washington must carry on 
board one functional descending device as defined at Sec.  660.351. The 
descending device must be available for immediate use and be available 
to present to an enforcement officer upon request.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) * * *
    (1) Washington. For each person engaged in recreational fishing off 
the coast of Washington, the groundfish bag limit is nine groundfish 
per day, including rockfish, cabezon, and lingcod. Within the 
groundfish bag limit, there are sub-limits for rockfish, lingcod, and 
cabezon outlined in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(D) of this section. In addition 
to the groundfish bag limit of nine, there will be a flatfish limit of 
five fish, not to be counted towards the groundfish bag limit but in 
addition to it. The recreational groundfish fishery will open the 
second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October for all 
species. In the Pacific halibut fisheries, retention of groundfish is 
governed in part by annual management measures for Pacific halibut 
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register. The following 
seasons, closed areas, sub-limits, and size limits apply:
    (i) * * *
    (D) * * *

[[Page 101543]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE24.000

    (ii) Rockfish. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington 
(Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are open to recreational groundfish 
fishing, there is a seven rockfish per day bag limit, including a sub-
bag limit of five canary rockfish. Taking and retaining yelloweye 
rockfish is prohibited in all Marine Areas.
    (iii) Cabezon. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington 
(Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are open to recreational groundfish 
fishing, there is a one cabezon per day bag limit.
    (iv) Lingcod. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington 
Marine Areas 1-4) that are open to recreational groundfish fishing and 
when the recreational season for lingcod is open, there is a bag limit 
of two lingcod per day. The recreational fishing seasons for lingcod is 
open from the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in 
October.
    (2) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) Marine fish. The bag limit is 10 marine fish per day, which 
includes rockfish, kelp greenling, cabezon, and other groundfish 
species; except the daily bag limit in the long-leader gear fishery is 
12 fish per day with a sub-bag limit of 5 fish per day for canary

[[Page 101544]]

rockfish. The bag limit of marine fish excludes Pacific halibut, 
salmonids, tuna, perch species, sturgeon, sanddabs, flatfish, lingcod, 
striped bass, hybrid bass, offshore pelagic species, and baitfish 
(e.g., herring, smelt, anchovies, and sardines). The minimum size for 
cabezon retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 16 in (41 cm) 
total length.
    (B) Lingcod. There is a three fish limit per day. The minimum size 
for lingcod retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 22 in (56 
cm) total length. For vessels using long-leader gear (as defined in 
Sec.  660.351) and fishing inside the Recreational RCA, possession of 
lingcod is prohibited.
    (C) Flatfish. There is a 25 fish limit per day for all flatfish, 
excluding Pacific halibut, but including all soles, flounders, and 
Pacific sanddabs.
    (D) Sablefish. There is a 10 fish limit per day.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) Recreational rockfish conservation areas. The Recreational RCAs 
are areas that are closed to recreational fishing for certain 
groundfish. Fishing for the California rockfish, cabezon, greenling 
complex (RCG Complex), as defined in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this 
section, and lingcod with recreational gear, is prohibited within the 
Recreational RCA. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land 
the RCG Complex and lingcod taken with recreational gear within the 
Recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. A vessel 
fishing in the Recreational RCA may not be in possession of any species 
prohibited by the restrictions that apply within the Recreational RCA. 
For example, if a vessel fishes in the recreational salmon fishery 
within the Recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of the 
RCG Complex and lingcod while in the Recreational RCA. The vessel may, 
however, on the same trip fish for and retain rockfish shoreward of the 
Recreational RCA on the return trip to port. If the season is closed 
for a species or species group, fishing for that species or species 
group is prohibited both within the Recreational RCA and outside of the 
Recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. In times 
and areas where a Recreational RCA is closed shoreward of a 
Recreational RCA line (i.e., when an ``off-shore only'' fishery is 
active in that management area) vessels may stop, anchor in, or transit 
through waters shoreward of the Recreational RCA line so long as they 
do not have any hook-and-line fishing gear in the water. Coordinates 
approximating boundary lines at the 30 fm (55 m) through 100 fm (183 m) 
depth contours can be found at Sec. Sec.  660.71 through 660.73. The 
recreational fishing season structure and RCA depth boundaries seaward 
of California by management area and month are as follows:
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (C) Dressing/fileting. Each RCG Complex filet must have the entire 
skin attached.
    (iii) * * *
    (D) Dressing/fileting. Lingcod filets may be no smaller than 14 in 
(36 cm) in length. Each lingcod filet must have the entire skin 
attached.
* * * * *
    (v) * * *
    (C) Dressing/fileting. Each California scorpionfish filet must have 
the entire skin attached.
* * * * *

0
42. Amend Sec.  660.604 by revising paragraph (p)(4)(i) introductory 
text to read as follows:


Sec.  660.604  Vessel and first receiver responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (p) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) The vessel must retain IFQ species (as defined at Sec.  
660.140(c)), except for Arrowtooth flounder, English sole, Dover sole, 
deep sea sole, Pacific sanddab, Pacific whiting, lingcod, sablefish, 
starry flounder, and rex sole; must retain salmon and eulachon; and 
must retain the following non-IFQ species: Greenland turbot, slender 
sole, hybrid sole, c-o sole, bigmouth sole, fantail sole, hornyhead 
turbot, spotted turbot, northern rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, olive rockfish, Puget Sound rockfish, 
semaphore rockfish, walleye pollock, slender codling, and Pacific tom 
cod, with exceptions listed in paragraphs (p)(4)(i)(A) and (B) of this 
section.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2024-28035 Filed 12-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P