[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4330]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 021212307-2307-01; I.D. 021903A]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Species in 
the Rock sole/Flathead sole/``Other flatfish'' Fishery Category by 
Vessels Using Trawl Gear in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management 
Area

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

ACTION: Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock sole/
flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using 
trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area 
(BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the interim 2003 
halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead 
sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 18, 
2003, until superseded by the notice of Final 2003 Harvest 
Specifications of Groundfish for the BSAI, which will be published in 
the Federal Register.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area 
(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 CFR part 679.
    The interim 2003 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl 
rock sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI 
is 195 metric tons as established by the interim 2003 harvest 
specifications for Groundfish of the BSAI (67 FR 78739, December 26, 
2002).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.21(e)(7)(ii)(B), the Administrator, 
Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the amount of the interim 2003 
halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead 
sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI will be caught. 
Consequently, NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock 
sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using 
trawl gear in the BSAI.

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)(3)(B) as such requirement is contrary to the 
public interest. This requirement is contrary to the public interest as 
it would delay the closure of the fishery, lead to exceeding the 
interim 2003 halibut bycatch allowance, 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: February 19, 2003.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-4330 Filed 2-19-03; 4:34 pm]
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