[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50079-50080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21346]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 021122286-3036-02; I.D. 081503A]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Arrowtooth 
Flounder in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Closure.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action 
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2003 total allowable catch (TAC) 
of arrowtooth flounder in this area.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 16, 2003, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 907-586-2778.

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 CFR part 679.
    The 2003 TAC of arrowtooth flounder for the Western Regulatory Area 
was established as 8,000 metric tons (mt) by the final 2003 harvest 
specifications for groundfish in the GOA (68 FR 9924, March 3, 2003).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2003 TAC 
for arrowtooth flounder in the Western Regulatory Area will be reached. 
Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed 
fishing allowance of 7,900 mt, and is setting aside the remaining 100 
mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In 
accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator 
finds that this directed fishing allowance will soon be reached. 
Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for arrowtooth 
flounder in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

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

[[Page 50080]]

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 closure of the 
fishery, lead to exceeding the 2003 TAC for arrowtooth flounder in the 
Western 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 15, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-21346 Filed 8-15-03; 3:04 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S