[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 153 (Friday, August 8, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47265]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20278]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 021122286-3036-02; I.D. 080103A]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; ``Other 
Rockfish'' in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of ``other rockfish'' in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring 
that catch of ``other rockfish'' in this area be treated in the same 
manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of 
injury. This action is necessary because the allocation of the ``other 
rockfish'' 2003 total allowable catch (TAC) in this area has been 
achieved.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 6, 2003, 
until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2003.

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 the Groundfish Fishery 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.
    The allocation of the ``other rockfish'' TAC in the Central 
Regulatory Area was established as 550 metric tons by the final 2003 
harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (68 FR 9924, March 3, 
2003).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(2), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS, has determined that the allocation of the ``other 
rockfish'' TAC in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been 
reached. Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of ``other 
rockfish'' in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as 
prohibited species in accordance with Sec.  679.21(b).

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 prohibition of retention, lead to exceeding the TAC 
of ``other rockfish'' in the Central Regulatory Area of 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.  679.20 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: August 5, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-20278 Filed 8-5-03; 3:10 pm]
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