[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 207 (Tuesday, October 27, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57255-57256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-28646]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 971208297-8054-02; I.D. 102098E]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
in the Western Regulatory Area in the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Modification of a closure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels 
catching Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA) for processing by both the inshore and offshore 
components. This action is necessary to fully utilize the total 
allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod in that area.

DATES: Dates Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 
21, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Hindman, 907-581-2062.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing 
fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H 
of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    In accordance with Sec. 679.20(a)(6)(iii), the allowance of the 
Pacific cod TAC apportioned for vessels catching Pacific cod for 
processing by the inshore and offshore components in the Western 
Regulatory Area of the GOA was established as: 20,853 metric tons (mt) 
inshore, and 2,317 mt offshore, by the

[[Page 57256]]

Final 1998 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish (63 FR 12027, March 
12, 1998) and subsequent apportionment of reserves (63 FR 18848, April 
16, 1998).
    The inshore component fishery for Pacific cod in the Western 
Regulatory Area was closed to directed fishing under 
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on October 11, 1998, (63 FR 55341, October 15, 
1998).
    The offshore component fishery for Pacific cod in the Western 
Regulatory Area was closed to directed fishing under 
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on March 11, 1998 (63 FR 12697, March 16, 1998).
    NMFS has determined that as of October 15, 1998, approximately 
1,100 mt remain in the inshore component directed fishing allowance, 
and 2,000 mt remain in the offshore component directed fishing 
allowance. Therefore, NMFS is terminating the previous closures and is 
opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific 
cod in Statistical Area 610 of the GOA for processing by both the 
inshore and offshore components.
    Fishermen are reminded that Pacific cod hook-and-line and trawl 
gear fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska are closed (63 FR 45765, August 
27, 1998) and (63 FR 55341, October 15, 1998).
    NMFS is taking this action to prevent the underharvest of the 
Pacific cod TAC in Statistical Area 610 as authorized by 
Sec. 679.25(a)(2)(i)(C).

Classification

    All other closures remain in full force and effect. This action 
responds to the best available information recently obtained from the 
fishery. It must be implemented immediately in order to allow full 
utilization of the Pacific cod TAC. Providing prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment for this action is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. Further delay would only disrupt the 
FMP objective of providing the Pacific cod TAC for harvest. NMFS finds 
for good cause that implementation of this action cannot be delayed for 
30 days. Accordingly, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d), a delay in the effective 
date is hereby waived.
    This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review 
under E.O. 12866.

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

    Dated: October 21, 1998.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director,Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-28646 Filed 10-21-98; 5:02 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F