[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 116 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11634]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 070213032-7032-01]
RIN 0648-XA82


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern 
Rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch, and Pelagic Shelf Rockfish for Catcher 
Vessels Participating in the Rockfish Limited Access Fishery in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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

ACTION:  Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY:  NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish, 
Pacific ocean perch, and pelagic shelf rockfish for catcher vessels 
participating in the rockfish limited access fishery in the Central 
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary 
to prevent exceeding the 2007 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern 
rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and pelagic shelf rockfish allocated to 
catcher vessels participating in the rockfish limited access fishery in 
the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES:  Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 1, 2007, 
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jennifer Hogan, 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.
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the TAC of 
northern rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and pelagic shelf rockfish 
allocated to catcher vessels participating in the rockfish limited 
access fishery in the Central GOA will be necessary as incidental catch 
to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries for the 2007 fishing 
year. Consequently, the Regional Administrator is establishing a 
directed fishing allowance of 0 mt. Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  
679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern 
rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and pelagic shelf rockfish for catcher 
vessels participating in the rockfish limited access fishery in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
    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 northern rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, and 
pelagic shelf rockfish for catcher vessels participating in the 
rockfish limited access fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the 
GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public 
comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as 
of June 8, 2007.
    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 Sec.  679.82 and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: June 11, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11634 Filed 6-15-07; 8:45 am]
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