[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 147 (Monday, August 2, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 46109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17518]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 072704C]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shortraker 
and Rougheye Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of 
Alaska

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

ACTION: Prohibition of retention.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of shortraker and rougheye 
rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). 
NMFS is requiring that catch of shortraker and rougheye 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 shortraker and rougheye rockfish 2004 total allowable catch 
(TAC) in this area has been reached.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 28, 2004, 
until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2004.

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 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 CFR part 679.
    The 2004 TAC of shortraker and rougheye rockfish in the Western 
Regulatory Area of the GOA was established as 254 metric tons (mt) by 
the final 2004 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (69 FR 
9261, February 27, 2004).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(2), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS, has determined that the shortraker and rougheye rockfish 
TAC in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. 
Therefore, NMFS is requiring that further catches of shortraker and 
rougheye rockfish in the Western 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 a requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from 
responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and 
would delay the prohibition of retention of shortraker and rougheye 
rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
    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: July 27, 2004.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17518 Filed 7-28-04; 3:57 pm]
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