[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 13, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41988-41989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20617]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 960126016-6121-04; I.D. 080596D]


Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West 
Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Adjustments from the U.S.-Canadian 
Border to Leadbetter Point, WA

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

ACTION: Inseason adjustments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the possession and landing limit in the 
commercial salmon fishery in the area from the U.S.-Canadian border to 
Leadbetter Point, WA, was increased to 200 coho salmon per opening 
beginning August 2, 1996. This adjustment is intended to increase 
economic efficiency in the fishery. NMFS also announces that the bag 
limit in the recreational salmon fishery in the area from the U.S.-
Canadian border to Cape Alava, WA, was decreased to one fish per day at 
the opening of the season on August 5, 1996. This adjustment is 
intended to prolong the season and provide fishing opportunity to a 
larger number of recreational fishermen.

DATES: Modification of the commercial possession and landing limit is 
effective 0001 hours local time, August 2, 1996, through 2400 hours 
local time, September 30, 1996. Modification of the recreational bag 
limit is effective 0001 hours local time, August 5, 1996, through 2400 
hours local time, September 26, 1996. Comments will be accepted through 
August 27, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to William Stelle, Jr., Director, 
Northwest Region, NMFS (Regional Director), NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way 
NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Information relevant to this action has 
been compiled in aggregate form and is available for public review 
during business hours at the office of the Regional Director.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William L. Robinson, 206-526-6140.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the annual management measures for ocean 
salmon fisheries (61 FR 20175, May 6, 1996), NMFS announced that the 
1996 commercial fishery for all salmon except chinook salmon in the 
area between the U.S.-Canadian border and Leadbetter Point, WA, would 
open July 26, and fishing would follow a cycle of 3 days open and 4 
days closed. The fishery would close the earlier of September 30 or 
attainment of the 18,800 coho salmon quota. Each vessel would be able 
to possess, land and deliver no more than 75 coho salmon per open 
period.
    The best available information on July 31 indicated that commercial 
catches for the first open period totaled 3,100 coho salmon. The 
preseason objective for the possession and landing limit was as a 
catch-dampening measure to prevent exceeding the quota during the first 
open period. Increasing the possession and landing limit to 200 coho 
salmon per opening would increase economic efficiency and provide 
additional harvest opportunity to commercial fishermen. This adjustment 
would be effective starting with the second open period on August 2-4.
    In the annual management measures, NMFS announced that the 1996 
recreational fishery for all salmon except chinook salmon in the area 
between the U.S.-Canadian border and Cape Alava, WA, would open August 
5 and continue through the earlier of September 26 or attainment of the 
5,800 coho salmon subarea quota. The bag limit would be two fish per 
day.
    Based on historical catch and effort levels available on July 31, 
it is expected that the quota would be reached and the fishery would be 
closed within 2 days of the season opening. Opening the season with an 
adjusted bag limit of one fish per day will provide a longer season and 
additional fishing opportunity to more recreational fishermen.
    Modifications of limited retention regulations and recreational bag 
limits are authorized by regulations at 50 CFR 660.409(b)(1)(ii) and 
(iii). All other restrictions that apply to these fisheries remain in 
effect as announced in the annual management measures.
    The Regional Director consulted with representatives of the 
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish 
and Game, and Pacific Fishery Management Council regarding this action. 
The State of Washington will manage the commercial and recreational 
fisheries in State waters adjacent to these areas of the exclusive 
economic zone consistent with this Federal action. As provided by the 
inseason action procedures of 50

[[Page 41989]]

CFR 660.411, actual notice to fishermen of this action was given prior 
to August 2, 1996 (reopening date of the commercial fishery between the 
U.S.-Canadian border and Leadbetter Point, WA), and August 5, 1996 
(opening date of the recreational fishery between the U.S.-Canadian 
border and Cape Alava, WA), 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 to adjust these fisheries in a timely manner, NMFS has 
determined that good cause exists for this action to be issued without 
affording a prior opportunity for public comment. This action does not 
apply to other fisheries that may be operating in other areas.

Classification

    This action is authorized by 50 CFR 660.409 and 660.411 and is 
exempt from review under E.O. 12866.

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

    Dated: August 7, 1996.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-20617 Filed 8-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F