[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 37 (Friday, February 24, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1751]



[[Page 9478]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041126332-5039-02; I.D. 022106B]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Rock Sole, 
Flathead Sole, and ``Other Flatfish'' 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: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is closing directed fishing for rock sole, flathead sole, 
and ``other flatfish'' by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea 
and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary 
to prevent exceeding the first seasonal allowance of the 2006 halibut 
bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole, flathead sole, and 
``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 21, 
2006, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management 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 50 CFR part 679.
    The first seasonal allowance of the 2006 halibut bycatch allowance 
specified for the trawl rock sole, flathead sole, and ``other 
flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI is 448 metric tons as 
established by the 2005 and 2006 final harvest specifications for 
groundfish in the BSAI (70 FR 8979, February 24, 2005).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.21(e)(7)(v), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS, has determined that the first seasonal allowance of the 
2006 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole, 
flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI has 
been caught. Consequently, NMFS is closing directed fishing for rock 
sole, flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' by vessels using trawl gear 
in the BSAI.
    ``Other flatfish'' includes Alaska plaice, as well as all other 
flatfish species except for Pacific halibut (a prohibited species), 
Greenland turbot, rock sole, yellowfin sole, flathead sole, and 
arrowtooth flounder.
    After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable 
amounts at Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

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. 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 closure of directed fishing for rock sole, flathead 
sole, and ``other flatfish'' by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. 
NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment 
because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of 
February 18, 2006.
    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 21, 2006.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1751 Filed 2-21-06; 2:49 pm]
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