[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26072]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 021212306-2306-01; I.D. 100703E]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION: Modification of a closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical 
Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 24 hours. This action is 
necessary to fully use the total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock 
specified for Statistical Area 630.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 9, 2003, 
through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 10, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 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 for pollock in Statistical Area 
630 of the GOA under Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii) on October 2, 2003 (68 FR 
57381, October 3, 2003).
    NMFS has determined that, approximately 1,900 mt of pollock remain 
in the directed fishing allowance. Therefore, in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize 
the pollock TAC specified for Statistical Area 630, NMFS is terminating 
the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time 
(A.l.t.), October 9, 2003, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 10, 2003. 
In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator 
finds that this directed fishing allowance will be reached after 24 
hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock 
in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 
10, 2003.

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 impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. Notice and comment are impracticable 
because the data were recently obtained. Moreover, delaying this action 
is contrary to the public interest as it would delay the opening of the 
fishery, not allow the full utilization of the pollock TAC in 
Statistical Area 630, 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: October 8, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26072 Filed 10-9-03; 2:59 pm]
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