[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28336]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 011218304-1304-01; I.D. 103102A]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Trawl Gear 
in the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Modification of a closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is opening directed fishing by vessels using trawl gear 
in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 
2002 halibut bycatch allowance for trawl gear in the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), November 6, 
2002, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., November 10, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228.

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.
    NMFS closed the directed fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the 
GOA pursuant to Sec.  679.21(d)(7)(i) on October 13, 2002 (67 FR 64066, 
October 17, 2002). As of October 24, 2002, 67 metric tons of halibut 
remain in the trawl halibut bycatch allowance in the GOA. Therefore, 
NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed 
fishing by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA from 1200 hrs, A.l.t., 
November 6, 2002, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., November 10, 2002.

Classification

    This action responds to the best available information recently 
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA, (AA) finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set 
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is contrary to the 
public interest. This requirement is contrary to the public interest as 
it would delay the opening of the fishery, prevent the full use of the 
2002 halibut bycatch allowance specified for trawl gear in the GOA, and 
therefore reduce the public's ability to use and enjoy the fishery 
resource.
    The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the 
effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is 
based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment.
    This action is required by Sec.  679.21 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: November 1, 2002.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 02-28336 Filed 11-4-02; 1:11 pm]
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