[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-1268] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: January 20, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 675 [Docket No. 90899-0015; I.D. 120893B] Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Change in observer coverage. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS requires the operators of catcher or processor vessels equal to or greater than 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) and less than 125 feet (38.1) LOA to have a NMFS-certified observer on board the vessel each day it is used to participate in a directed fishery for groundfish in statistical area 517 during the period that the 1994 directed fishery is open for Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to collect further information on prohibited species bycatch rates experienced by vessels fishing in this area for purposes of assessing current and future bycatch management measures. It is intended to carry out the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the BSAI (FMP). EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), January 13, 1994, until 12 midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1994. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen R. Varosi, Fishery Biologist, Fisheries Management Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, (907) 586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone is managed by the Secretary of Commerce according to the FMP prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) under authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at 50 CFR parts 620 and 675. At its September 1993 meeting, the Council recommended that the Director of the Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Director), require an increase in observer coverage for catcher or processor vessels, as defined in Sec. 675.2, equal to or greater than 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) and less than 125 feet (38.1 m) LOA that are used to participate in a directed fishery for groundfish in statistical area 517 during the period that the 1994 directed fishery is open for Pacific cod in the BSAI management area (BSAI). NMFS published the Council's recommended change in observer coverage requirements in the Federal Register (58 FR 65574, December 15, 1993) for public review and comment. The comment period ended on December 27, 1993, and no comments were received. Upon reviewing the reasons for the recommended change in observer coverage requirements, the Regional Director has determined that this action is necessary for fishery conservation and management and implements the Council's recommendation of observer coverage requirements. Therefore, the operators of catcher or processor vessels equal to or greater than 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) and less than 125 feet (38.1 m) LOA must have a NMFS-certified observer on board the vessel each day that it is used to participate in a directed fishery for groundfish in statistical area 517 during the period that the 1994 directed fishery is open for Pacific cod in the BSAI. Catcher vessels only delivering unsorted cod-ends are exempt from this increased observer coverage requirement. Requirements for observer coverage are contained in Sec. 675.25. This action implements a change in those coverage requirements as authorized under Sec. 675.25(c)(1)(i) and is necessary to effectively monitor prohibited species bycatch rates experienced by vessels in the 60 (18.3 m) through 124 feet (37.8 m) LOA category and to identify specific locations with high bycatch rates in statistical area 517. This information will be used to help assess future management bycatch measures. Further explanation of the reasons for this change in observer coverage requirements are contained in the December 15, 1993, Federal Register notice. Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR 675.25. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), has determined, under section 553(d) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, that good cause exists for waiving the 30-day delayed effectiveness period for this action. The directed fishery for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear began on January 1 and the trawl fishery begins on January 20, 1994. The objectives for increased observer coverage for vessels equal to or greater than 60 feet LOA will be jeopardized if a delay in the effective date exceeds the opening dates for the 1994 Pacific cod fisheries. Additional coverage is necessary during this period to collect more comprehensive data on prohibited species bycatch rates experienced by the small boat fleet. This information will be used to help assess future bycatch management measures, and to identify specific areas with high bycatch rates in statistical area 517. Therefore, the AA is waiving the 30-day delayed effectiveness period for these changes to observer coverage requirements. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 675 Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 13, 1994. David S. Crestin, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 94-1268 Filed 1-13-94; 2:38 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-M