[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 114 (Thursday, June 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33331-33332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13236]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 071106671-8010-02]
RIN 0648-XI39


Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water 
Species Fishery by Catcher Processor Rockfish Cooperatives in 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 species that comprise 
the deep-water species fishery by catcher processor rockfish 
cooperatives subject to sideboard limits established under the Central 
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Rockfish Program in the GOA. This action is 
necessary because the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch 
(PSC) sideboard limit specified for the deep-water species fishery by 
catcher processor rockfish cooperatives subject to sideboard limits 
established under the Central GOA Rockfish Program in the GOA is 
insufficient to support directed fishing for the deep-water species 
fisheries.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 1, 2008, 
through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 31, 2008.

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.
    The 2008 Pacific halibut PSC sideboard limit specified for the 
deep-water species fishery by catcher processor rockfish cooperatives 
subject to sideboard limits established under the Central GOA Rockfish 
Program in the GOA is 8 metric tons as established by Sec.  679.82(d), 
the 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (73 
FR 10562, February 27, 2008), and as posted as the Catcher Processor 
Sideboards at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/goarat/default.htm.
    In accordance with Sec.  679.82(d)(9)(i)(B), the Administrator, 
Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the 2008 Pacific halibut PSC 
sideboard limit specified for the deep-water species fishery by catcher 
processor rockfish cooperatives subject to sideboard limits established 
under the Central GOA Rockfish Program in the GOA is insufficient to 
support directed fishing for the deep-water species fisheries. 
Consequently, in accordance with Sec.  679.82(d)(9)(ii)(B), NMFS is 
prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water 
species fishery by catcher processor rockfish cooperatives subject to 
sideboard limits established under the Central GOA Rockfish Program in 
the GOA. The species and species groups that comprise the deep-water 
species fishery for the sideboard limit include deep-water flatfish, 
rex 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 the deep-water species fishery by catcher 
processor rockfish cooperatives subject to sideboard limits established 
under the Central GOA Rockfish Program in the GOA. NMFS was unable to 
publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most 
recent,

[[Page 33332]]

relevant data only became available as of June 4, 2008.
    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.  679.82 and is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: June 6, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-13236 Filed 6-11-08; 8:45 am]
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