[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13183]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 31, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 661

[Docket No. 940422-4122; I.D. 051994C]

 

Ocean Salmon Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and 
California

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

ACTION: Inseason adjustment.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area 
from Sisters Rocks to House Rock, Oregon, is open 7 days per week 
beginning May 18, 1994. This adjustment is intended to provide 
additional fishing opportunity to commercial fishermen and maximize the 
harvest of chinook salmon without exceeding the ocean share allocated 
to the commercial fishery in this area.

DATES: Effective at 0001 hours local time, May 18, 1994. Comments will 
be accepted through June 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to J. Gary Smith, Acting Director, 
Northwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., BIN C15700-Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Information 
relevant to this notice has been compiled in aggregate form and is 
available for public review during business hours at the office of the 
NMFS Northwest Regional Director.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William L. Robinson at (206) 526-6140.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the annual management measures for ocean 
salmon fisheries (59 FR 22999, May 4, 1994), NMFS announced that the 
1994 commercial fishery in the area between Sisters Rocks and House 
Rock, Oregon, would open on May 1 and fishing would be allowed during 
designated 2-day periods (May 1-2, 5-6, 10-11, 14-15, 18-19, 22-23, 26-
27, and 31). The preseason objective for implementing the open/closure 
cycle was to dampen catch rates and extend the fishing season for as 
long as possible.
    The best available information on May 17 indicated that commercial 
catch and effort rates have been low, with catches totaling less than 
100 chinook salmon. The fishery is scheduled to close the earlier of 
May 31 or attainment of the 1,500 chinook salmon quota. The preseason 
management measure that opened this fishery for 2-day periods is being 
rescinded because its use as a catch dampening measure is now 
considered to be too restrictive. Conversion to a 7-day fishing week 
would provide additional fishing opportunity to commercial fishermen to 
increase access to chinook salmon.
    Modifications of fishing seasons are authorized by regulations at 
50 CFR 661.21(b)(1)(i). All other restrictions that apply to this 
fishery remain in effect as announced in the annual management measures 
(59 FR 22999).
    The Regional Director consulted with representatives of the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council and the Oregon Department of Fish and 
Wildlife regarding this adjustment affecting the commercial fishery 
between Sisters Rocks and House Rock. The State of Oregon will manage 
the commercial fishery in state waters adjacent to this area of the 
Exclusive Economic Zone in accordance with this Federal action. In 
accordance with the inseason notice procedures of 50 CFR 661.23, actual 
notice to fishermen of this action was given prior to 0001 hours local 
time, May 18, 1994, by telephone hotline number (206) 526-6667 or (800) 
662-9825 and by U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners broadcasts on 
Channel 16 VHF-FM and 2182 KHz. Because of the need for immediate 
action, the Secretary of Commerce has determined that good cause exists 
for this notice to be issued without affording a prior opportunity for 
public comment. This notice does not apply to other fisheries that may 
be operating in other areas.

Classification

    This action is authorized by 50 CFR 661.21 and 661.23.

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

    Dated: May 24, 1994.
David S. Crestin,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 94-13183 Filed 5-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P