[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 240 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77606-77614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31520]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE280


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; North 
Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program Standard Ex-Vessel 
Prices

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

ACTION: Notification of standard ex-vessel prices.

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SUMMARY: NMFS publishes standard ex-vessel prices for groundfish and 
halibut for the calculation of the observer fee under the North Pacific 
Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program (Observer Program). This notice 
is intended to provide information to vessel owners, processors, 
registered buyers, and other participants about the standard ex-vessel 
prices that will be used to calculate the observer fee liability for 
landings of groundfish and halibut made in 2016. NMFS will send 
invoices to processors and registered buyers subject to the fee by 
January 15, 2017. Fees are due to NMFS on or before February 15, 2017.

DATES: Effective January 1, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions about the 
observer fee and standard ex-vessel prices, contact Sally Bibb at 907-
586-7389. For questions about the fee billing process, contact Kristie 
Balovich at 907-586-7419. Additional information about the Observer 
Program is available on NMFS Alaska Region's Web site at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/observers/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Observer Program deploys NMFS-certified observers (observers) 
who collect information necessary for the conservation and management 
of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA) 
groundfish and halibut fisheries. Fishery managers use information 
collected by observers to monitor quotas, manage groundfish and 
prohibited species catch, and document and reduce fishery interactions 
with protected resources. Scientists use observer-collected information 
for stock assessments and marine ecosystem research.
    The Observer Program is divided into two observer coverage 
categories--the partial observer coverage category and the full 
observer coverage category. All groundfish and halibut vessels and 
processors are included in one of these two categories. The partial 
observer coverage category includes vessels and processors that are not 
required to have an observer at all times; the full observer coverage 
category includes vessels and processors required to have all of their 
fishing and processing operations off Alaska observed. Vessels and 
processors in the full coverage category arrange and pay for observer 
services from a permitted observer provider. Observer coverage for the 
partial coverage category is funded through a system of fees based on 
the ex-vessel value of groundfish and halibut.

Landings Subject to Observer Coverage Fee

    The objective of the observer fee assessment is to levy a fee on 
all landings accruing against a Federal total allowable catch (TAC) for 
groundfish or a commercial halibut quota made by vessels that are 
subject to Federal regulations and not included in the full coverage 
category. A fee is only assessed on landings of groundfish from vessels 
designated on a Federal Fisheries Permit or from vessels landing 
individual fishing quota (IFQ) or community development quota (CDQ) 
halibut or IFQ sablefish. Within the subset of vessels subject to the 
observer fee, only landings accruing against the Federal TAC are 
included in the fee assessment. A table with additional information 
about which landings are and are not subject to the observer fee is in 
NMFS regulations at Sec.  679.55(c) and is on page 2 of an 
informational bulletin titled ``Observer Fee Collection'' on the NMFS 
Alaska Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/observers/observerfees.pdf.

Fee Determination

    A fee equal to 1.25 percent of the ex-vessel value is assessed on 
the landings of groundfish and halibut subject to the fee. Ex-vessel 
value is determined by multiplying the standard price for groundfish by 
the round weight equivalent for each species, gear, and port 
combination, and the standard price for halibut by the headed and 
gutted weight equivalent. NMFS will assess each landing report 
submitted via eLandings and each manual landing entered into the IFQ 
landing database and determine if the landing is subject to the 
observer fee and, if it is, which groundfish in the landing are subject 
to the observer fee. All IFQ or CDQ halibut in a landing subject to the 
observer fee will be assessed as part of the fee liability. For any 
groundfish or halibut subject to the observer fee, NMFS will apply the 
appropriate standard ex-vessel prices for the species, gear type, and 
port, and calculate the observer fee liability associated with the 
landing.
    Processors and registered buyers access the landing-specific, 
observer fee liability information through NMFS Web Application 
(https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/webapps/efish/login) or eLandings 
(https://elandings.alaska.gov/). For IFQ halibut, CDQ halibut, and IFQ 
sablefish, this information is available as soon as the IFQ report is 
submitted. For groundfish and sablefish that accrue against the fixed 
gear sablefish CDQ reserve, the observer fee liability information is 
generally available within 24 hours of receipt of the report. The time 
lag on the groundfish and sablefish CDQ fee information is necessary 
because NMFS

[[Page 77607]]

must process the landings report through the catch accounting system 
computer programs to determine if all of the groundfish in the landings 
are subject to the observer fee. Information about which groundfish in 
a landing accrues against a Federal TAC is not immediately available 
from the processor's data entry into eLandings.
    The intent of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NMFS 
is for vessel owners to split the fee liability 50/50 with the 
processor or registered buyer. While vessels and processors are 
responsible for their portion of the fee, the owner of a shoreside 
processor or a stationary floating processor and the registered buyer 
are responsible for collecting the fee, including the vessel's portion 
of the fee, and remitting the full fee liability to NMFS.
    NMFS will send invoices to processors and registered buyers for 
their total fee liability, which is determined by the sum of the fees 
reported for each landing for that processor or registered buyer for 
the prior calendar year, by January 15, 2017. Processors and registered 
buyers must pay the fees to NMFS using NMFS Web Application by February 
15, 2017. Processors and registered buyers have access to this system 
through a User ID and password issued by NMFS. Instructions for 
electronic payment will be provided on the NMFS Alaska Region Web site 
at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov and on the observer fee liability 
invoice to be mailed to each permit holder.

Standard Prices

    This notice provides the standard ex-vessel prices for groundfish 
and halibut species subject to the observer fee in 2016. Data sources 
for ex-vessel prices are:
     For groundfish other than sablefish IFQ and sablefish 
accruing against the fixed gear sablefish CDQ reserve, the State of 
Alaska's Commercial Fishery Entry Commission's (CFEC) gross revenue 
data, which are based on the Commercial Operator Annual Report (COAR) 
and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) fish tickets; and
     For halibut IFQ, halibut CDQ, sablefish IFQ, and sablefish 
accruing against the fixed gear sablefish CDQ reserve, the IFQ Buyer 
Report that is submitted annually to NMFS under Sec.  679.5(l)(7)(i).
    The standard prices in this notice were calculated using applicable 
guidance for protecting confidentiality of data submitted to or 
collected by NMFS. NMFS does not publish any price information that 
would permit the identification of an individual or business. At least 
four different vessels must make landings of a species with a 
particular gear type at a particular port in order for NMFS to publish 
that price data for that species-gear-port combination. Similarly, at 
least three different processors in a particular port must purchase a 
species harvested with a particular gear type in order for NMFS to 
publish a price for that species-gear-port combination. Price data that 
is confidential because fewer than four vessels or three processors 
contributed data to a particular species-gear-port combination has been 
aggregated to protect confidential data.

Groundfish Standard Ex-Vessel Prices

    Table 1 shows the groundfish species standard ex-vessel prices for 
2016. These prices are based on the CFEC gross revenue data, which are 
based on landings data from ADF&G fish tickets and information from the 
COAR. The COAR contains statewide buying and production information, 
and is considered the most complete routinely collected information to 
determine the ex-vessel value of groundfish harvested from waters off 
Alaska.
    The standard ex-vessel prices for groundfish were calculated by 
adding ex-vessel value from the CFEC gross revenue files for 2012, 
2013, and 2014 by species, port, and gear category, and adding the 
volume (weight) the CFEC gross revenue files for 2012, 2013, and 2014 
by species, port, and gear category, and then dividing total ex-vessel 
value over the 3-year period in each category by total volume over the 
3-year period in each category. This calculation results in an average 
ex-vessel price per pound by species, port, and gear category for the 
3-year period. Three gear categories were used for the standard ex-
vessel prices: (1) Non-trawl gear, including hook-and-line, pot, jig, 
troll, and others (Non-Trawl); (2) non-pelagic trawl gear (NPT); and 
(3) pelagic trawl gear (PTR).
    CFEC ex-vessel value data are available in the fall of the year 
following the year the fishing occurred. Thus, it is not possible to 
base ex-vessel fee liabilities on standard prices that are less than 2 
years old.
    If a particular groundfish species is not listed in Table 1, the 
standard ex-vessel price for a species group, if it exists in the 
management area, will be used. If price data for a particular species 
remained confidential once aggregated to the ALL level, data is 
aggregated by species group (BSAI Skate; Flathead Sole; GOA Deep-water 
Flatfish; GOA Shallow-water Flatfish; GOA Skate, Other; and Other 
Rockfish). Standard prices for the groundfish species groups are shown 
in Table 2.
    If a port-level price does not meet the confidentiality 
requirements, the data are aggregated by port group. Port-group data 
for Southeast Alaska (SEAK) and the Eastern GOA excluding Southeast 
Alaska (EGOAxSE) also are presented separately when price data are 
available. Port-group data is then aggregated by regulatory area in the 
GOA (Eastern GOA, Central GOA, and Western GOA) and by subarea in the 
BSAI (BS subarea and AI subarea). If confidentiality requirements are 
still not met by aggregating prices across ports at these levels, the 
prices are aggregated at the level of BSAI or GOA, then statewide (AK) 
and ports outside of Alaska (OTAK), and finally all ports, including 
those outside of Alaska (``ALL'').
    Standard prices are presented separately for non-pelagic trawl and 
pelagic trawl when non-confidential data is available. NMFS also 
calculated prices for a ``Pelagic Trawl/Non-pelagic Trawl Combined'' 
category that can be used when combining trawl price data for landings 
of a species in a particular port or port group will not violate 
confidentiality requirements. Creating this standard price category 
allows NMFS to assess a fee on 2016 landings of some of the species 
with pelagic trawl gear based on a combined trawl gear price for the 
port or port group.
    If no standard ex-vessel price is listed for a species or species 
group and gear category combination in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3, no 
fee will be assessed on that landing. Volume and value data for that 
species will be added to the standard ex-vessel prices in future years, 
if that data becomes available and display of a standard ex-vessel 
price meets confidentiality requirements.

[[Page 77608]]



       Table 1--Standard Ex-Vessel Prices for Groundfish Species for 2016 Observer Coverage Fee Liability
                              [Based on volume and value from 2012, 2013, and 2014]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Non-trawl
             Species 1 2                   Port/area 3 4          ($)        NPT ($)      PTR ($)    PTR/NPT ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Plaice Flounder (133)........  Kodiak................           --         0.09           --         0.09
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.09           --         0.09
                                      GOA...................           --         0.09           --         0.09
                                      AK....................           --         0.09           --         0.09
                                      ALL...................           --         0.09           --         0.09
Arrowtooth Flounder (121)...........  Kodiak................           --         0.06         0.06           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.06         0.06           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.06         0.06           --
                                      AK....................         0.45         0.06         0.06           --
                                      ALL...................         0.45         0.06         0.06           --
Black Rockfish (142)................  AK....................         0.48         0.19           --         0.18
Bocaccio Rockfish (137).............  SEAK..................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.43           --           --           --
Butter Sole (126)...................  Kodiak................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.16         0.16           --
Canary Rockfish (146)...............  Sitka.................         0.56           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.51           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.51           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.42           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.50           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.50           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.50           --           --           --
China Rockfish (149)................  SEAK..................         0.55           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.37           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.37           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.53           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.67           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.45           --           --           --
Copper Rockfish (138)...............  Sitka.................         0.58           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.56           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.29           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.29           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.38           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.41           --           --           --
Dover Sole (124)....................  Kodiak................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.10         0.10           --
Dusky Rockfish (172)................  Sitka.................         0.50           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.49           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.29           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.30         0.20         0.20           --
                                      Seward................         0.46           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.31         0.20         0.20           --
                                      GOA...................         0.35         0.20         0.22           --
                                      AK....................         0.35         0.20         0.22           --
                                      ALL...................         0.35         0.20         0.22           --
English Sole (128)..................  Kodiak................           --         0.16           --         0.16
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.16           --         0.16
                                      GOA...................           --         0.16           --         0.16
                                      AK....................           --         0.16           --         0.16
                                      ALL...................           --         0.16           --         0.16
Flathead Sole (122).................  Kodiak................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.16         0.10           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.16         0.09           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.16         0.09           --

[[Page 77609]]

 
Northern Rockfish (136).............  Kodiak................         0.14         0.20         0.19           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.17         0.20         0.19           --
                                      GOA...................         0.17         0.20         0.19           --
                                      AK....................         0.24         0.20         0.19           --
                                      ALL...................         0.24         0.20         0.19           --
Octopus (870).......................  Homer.................         0.77           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.56         0.58         0.52           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.57         0.58         0.52           --
                                      WGOA..................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.52         0.58         0.52           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.31           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.30           --           --           --
                                      BSAI..................         0.30           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.51         0.58         0.52           --
                                      ALL...................         0.51         0.58         0.52           --
Pacific Cod (110)...................  Hoonah................         0.55           --           --           --
                                      Juneau................         0.60           --           --           --
                                      Ketchikan.............         0.31           --           --           --
                                      Petersburg............         0.14           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.57           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.36           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.35           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.35           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.33         0.29         0.27           --
                                      Seward................         0.34           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.34         0.29         0.27           --
                                      WGOA..................         0.28           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.28         0.19           --
                                      Adak..................         0.30           --           --           --
                                      AI....................         0.30           --           --           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.31         0.29           --         0.29
                                      BS....................         0.31         0.28           --         0.28
                                      BSAI..................           --         0.28           --         0.28
                                      Stationary Floating            0.30           --           --         0.27
                                       Processor.
                                      AK....................         0.31         0.28         0.18           --
                                      ALL...................         0.31         0.28         0.18           --
Pacific Ocean Perch (141)...........  Kodiak................           --         0.21         0.23           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.21         0.23           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.21         0.25           --
                                      AK....................         0.33         0.21         0.25           --
                                      ALL...................         0.33         0.21         0.25           --
Pollock (270).......................  Homer.................         0.34           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.13         0.16         0.16           --
                                      Seward................         0.09           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.14         0.16         0.16           --
                                      GOA...................         0.14         0.16         0.16           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.11         0.16           --         0.16
                                      BS....................         0.10         0.15           --         0.15
                                      BSAI..................         0.10         0.15           --         0.15
                                      Stationary Floating              --           --           --         0.16
                                       Processor.
                                      AK....................         0.14         0.16         0.16           --
                                      ALL...................         0.14         0.16         0.16           --
Quillback Rockfish (147)............  Ketchikan.............         0.46           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.82           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.83           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.27           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.28           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      Seward................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.59           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.59           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.59           --           --           --
Redbanded Rockfish (153)............  Ketchikan.............         0.32           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.52           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.37           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.31           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.34           --           --           --

[[Page 77610]]

 
                                      Kodiak................         0.23         0.18           --         0.18
                                      Seward................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.33         0.18           --         0.18
                                      GOA...................         0.36         0.18           --         0.18
                                      AK....................         0.36         0.18           --         0.18
                                      ALL...................         0.36         0.18           --         0.18
Redstripe Rockfish (158)............  EGOA..................         0.46           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.31           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.35           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.35           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.35           --           --           --
Rex Sole (125)......................  Kodiak................           --         0.31         0.31           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.31         0.31           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.31         0.31           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.31         0.31           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.31         0.31           --
Rock Sole (123).....................  Kodiak................           --         0.25         0.25           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.25         0.25           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.25         0.25           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.25         0.25           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.25         0.25           --
Rosethorn Rockfish (150)............  SEAK..................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.44           --           --           --
Rougheye Rockfish (151).............  Ketchikan.............         0.32           --           --           --
                                      Petersburg............         0.27           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.52           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.25           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.28           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.34           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.31         0.23         0.23           --
                                      Seward................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.35         0.23         0.22           --
                                      GOA...................         0.36         0.25         0.22           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.14           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.14           --           --           --
                                      BSAI..................         0.16           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.36         0.25         0.22           --
                                      ALL...................         0.36         0.25         0.22           --
Sablefish (blackcod) (710)..........  Kodiak................      \5\ n/a         2.74         2.73           --
                                      CGOA..................      \5\ n/a         2.74         2.71           --
                                      GOA...................      \5\ n/a         2.75         2.71           --
                                      AK....................      \5\ n/a         2.75         2.71           --
                                      ALL...................      \5\ n/a         2.75         2.71           --
Shortraker Rockfish (152)...........  Ketchikan.............         0.31           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.54           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.37           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.50           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.35           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.30         0.23         0.24           --
                                      Seward................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.39         0.23         0.22           --
                                      GOA...................         0.40         0.29         0.22           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.38           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.34           --           --           --
                                      BSAI..................         0.34           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.40         0.29         0.22           --
                                      ALL...................         0.40         0.29         0.22           --
Silvergray Rockfish (157)...........  Ketchikan.............         0.36           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.55           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.28           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      Seward................         0.42           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.41           --           --           --

[[Page 77611]]

 
                                      GOA...................         0.43           --           --         0.29
                                      AK....................         0.43           --           --         0.29
                                      ALL...................         0.43           --           --         0.29
Skate, Alaska (703).................  EGOA..................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.41           --           --           --
Skate, Aleutian (704)...............  AK....................         0.43           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.43           --           --           --
Skate, Big (702)....................  EGOAxSE...............         0.43           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.42           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.45         0.45         0.45           --
                                      Seward................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.44         0.45         0.45           --
                                      GOA...................         0.44         0.45         0.45           --
                                      AK....................         0.44         0.45         0.45           --
                                      ALL...................         0.44         0.45         0.45           --
Skate, Longnose (701)...............  Petersburg............         0.40           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.41           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.36           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.45         0.44         0.44           --
                                      Seward................         0.41           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.44         0.44         0.44           --
                                      GOA...................         0.43         0.44         0.44           --
                                      AK....................         0.43         0.44         0.44           --
                                      ALL...................         0.43         0.44         0.44           --
Skate, Other (700)..................  Kodiak................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.47           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      Stationary Floating            0.35           --           --           --
                                       Processor.
                                      AK....................         0.37           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.37           --           --           --
Squid (875).........................  Kodiak................           --           --         0.06         0.06
                                      CGOA..................           --           --         0.08         0.08
                                      GOA...................           --           --         0.08         0.08
                                      AK....................           --         0.03         0.07           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.03         0.07           --
Starry Flounder (129)...............  Kodiak................           --         0.08         0.08           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.08         0.08           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.08         0.08           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.08         0.08           --
                                      ALL...................           --         0.08         0.08           --
Thornyhead Rockfish (Idiots) (143)..  Ketchikan.............         1.18           --           --           --
                                      Petersburg............         1.00           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         1.09           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.53           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.82           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.79           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.64         0.67           --         0.70
                                      Seward................         0.84           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.77         0.67           --         0.70
                                      WGOA..................         0.72           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.67           --         0.70
                                      AI....................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.75           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.73           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.85         0.67           --         0.70
                                      ALL...................         0.85         0.67           --         0.70
Tiger Rockfish (148)................  SEAK..................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.25           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.28           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.35           --           --           --
                                      Seward................         0.39           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.38           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.40           --           --           --
Widow Rockfish (156)................  Sitka.................         0.46           --           --           --

[[Page 77612]]

 
                                      SEAK..................         0.46           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.46           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.47           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.47           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.47           --           --           --
Yelloweye Rockfish (145)............  Craig.................         1.44           --           --           --
                                      Hoonah................         0.54           --           --           --
                                      Ketchikan.............         1.48           --           --           --
                                      Petersburg............         1.15           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         1.78           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         1.61           --           --           --
                                      Cordova...............         0.98           --           --           --
                                      Whittier..............         0.86           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.95           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.79           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.42         0.25           --         0.25
                                      Seward................         0.67           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.65         0.25           --         0.25
                                      GOA...................         1.40         0.25           --         0.25
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.35           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.23           --           --           --
                                      BSAI..................         0.23           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         1.40         0.25           --         0.25
                                      ALL...................         1.40         0.25           --         0.25
Yellowtail Rockfish (155)...........  Sitka.................         0.55           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.55           --           --           --
                                      EGOA..................         0.54           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.24           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.32           --           --           --
                                      AK....................         0.32           --           --           --
                                      ALL...................         0.32           --           --           --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- = no landings in last 3 years or the data is confidential
\1\ If species is not listed, use price for the species group in Table 2 if it exists in the management area. If
  no price is available for the species or species group in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3, no fee will be
  assessed on that landing. That species will come into standard ex-vessel prices in future years.
\2\ For species codes, see Table 2a to 50 CFR part 679.
\3\ Regulatory areas are defined at Sec.   679.2. (AI = Aleutian Islands subarea; AK = Alaska; ALL = all ports
  including those outside Alaska; BS = Bering Sea subarea; BSAI = Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands; CGOA = Central
  Gulf of Alaska; EGOA = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; EGOAxSE = Eastern Gulf of Alaska except Southeast Alaska; GOA =
  Gulf of Alaska; SEAK = Southeast Alaska; WGOA = Western Gulf of Alaska)
\4\ If a price is listed for the species, port, and gear type combination, that price will be applied to the
  round weight equivalent for groundfish landings. If no price is listed for the port and gear type combination,
  use port group and gear type, or see Table 2 or Table 3.
\5\ n/a = ex-vessel prices for sablefish landed with hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear are listed in Table 3 with
  the prices for IFQ and CDQ landings.


    Table 2--Standard Ex-Vessel Prices for Groundfish Species Groups for 2016 Observer Coverage Fee Liability
                              [Based on volume and value from 2012, 2013, and 2014]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Non-trawl
          Species group \1\                Port/area 2 3          ($)        NPT ($)      PTR ($)    PTR/NPT ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BSAI Skate (USKT)...................  AK....................         0.43           --           --           --
Flathead Sole (FSOL)................  Kodiak................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.16         0.16           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.16         0.10           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.16         0.09           --
GOA Deep-water Flatfish \4\ (DFL4)..  Kodiak................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.10         0.10           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.10         0.10           --
GOA Shallow-water Flatfish \5\        Kodiak................           --         0.23         0.23           --
 (SFL1).
                                      CGOA..................           --         0.23         0.23           --
                                      GOA...................           --         0.23         0.23           --
GOA Skate, Other (USKT).............  EGOA..................         0.40           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.45           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.47           --           --           --
                                      GOA...................         0.42           --           --           --
Other Rockfish 6 7 (ROCK)...........  Ketchikan.............         0.32           --           --           --
                                      Sitka.................         0.59           --           --           --
                                      SEAK..................         0.48           --           --           --

[[Page 77613]]

 
                                      Cordova...............         0.79           --           --           --
                                      Whittier..............         0.79           --           --           --
                                      EGOAxSE...............         0.80           --           --           --
                                      Homer.................         0.76           --           --           --
                                      Kodiak................         0.39         0.21           --         0.21
                                      Seward................         0.57           --           --           --
                                      CGOA..................         0.58         0.21         0.28           --
                                      GOA...................         0.60         0.21         0.29           --
                                      AI....................         0.44           --           --           --
                                      DH/Unalaska...........         0.75           --           --           --
                                      BS....................         0.72           --           --           --
                                      AK....................           --         0.21         0.29           --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- = no landings in last 3 years or the data is confidential
\1\ If groundfish species is not listed in Table 1, use price for the species group if it exists in the
  management area. If no price is available for the species or species group in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3, no
  fee will be assessed on that landing. That species will come into standard ex-vessel prices in future years.
\2\ Regulatory areas are defined at Sec.   679.2. (AI = Aleutian Islands subarea; AK = Alaska; BS = Bering Sea
  subarea; CGOA = Central Gulf of Alaska; EGOA = Eastern Gulf of Alaska; EGOAxSE = Eastern Gulf of Alaska except
  Southeast Alaska; GOA = Gulf of Alaska; SEAK = Southeast Alaska)
\3\ If a price is listed for the species, port, and gear type combination, that price will be applied to the
  round weight equivalent for groundfish landings. If no price is listed for the port and gear type combination,
  use port group and gear type combination.
\4\ ``Deep-water flatfish'' in the GOA means Dover sole, Greenland turbot, Kamchatka flounder, and deepsea sole.
\5\ ``Shallow-water flatfish'' in the GOA means flatfish not including ``deep-water flatfish,'' flathead sole,
  rex sole, or arrowtooth flounder.
\6\ In the GOA:
``Other rockfish (slope rockfish)'' means Sebastes aurora (aurora), S. melanostomus (blackgill), S. paucispinis
  (bocaccio), S. goodei (chilipepper), S. crameri (darkblotch), S. elongatus (greenstriped), S. variegatus
  (harlequin), S. wilsoni (pygmy), S. babcocki (redbanded), S. proriger (redstripe), S. zacentrus (sharpchin),
  S. jordani (shortbelly), S. brevispinis (silvergray), S. diploproa (splitnose), S. saxicola (stripetail), S.
  miniatus (vermilion), S. reedi (yellowmouth), S. entomelas (widow), and S. flavidus (yellowtail).
``Demersal shelf rockfish'' means Sebastes pinniger (canary), S. nebulosus (china), S. caurinus (copper), S.
  maliger (quillback), S. helvomaculatus (rosethorn), S. nigrocinctus (tiger), and S. ruberrimus (yelloweye).
``Other rockfish'' in the Western and Central Regulatory Areas means ``other rockfish (slope rockfish)'' and
  demersal shelf rockfish.
``Other rockfish'' in the West Yakutat District of the EGOA means ``other rockfish (slope rockfish),'' northern
  rockfish (S. polyspinis), and demersal shelf rockfish.
``Other rockfish'' in the SEO District of the GOA (and SEAK for Table 2) means ``other rockfish (slope rockfish)
  and northern rockfish (S. polyspinis).
\7\ ``Other rockfish'' in the BSAI includes all Sebastes and Sebastolobus species except for Pacific ocean
  perch, northern, shortraker, and rougheye rockfish.


    Table 3--Standard Ex-Vessel Prices for Halibut IFQ, halibut CDQ,
 Sablefish IFQ, and Sablefish Accruing Against the Fixed Gear Sablefish
             CDQ Reserve for the 2016 Observer Fee Liability
                    [Based on 2015 IFQ Buyer Report]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Price \2\
              Species                     Port/Area \1\          ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halibut (200)......................  Ketchikan.............        $6.59
                                     Petersburg............         6.60
                                     SEAK..................         6.61
                                     Cordova...............         6.65
                                     Yakutat...............         6.47
                                     EGOAxSE...............         6.53
                                     Homer.................         6.74
                                     Kenai.................         7.09
                                     Kodiak................         6.45
                                     CGOA..................         6.58
                                     WGOA..................         5.44
                                     BS....................         5.87
                                     BSAI..................         5.81
                                     AK....................         6.42
                                     ALL...................         6.42
Sablefish (710)....................  Ketchikan.............         3.95
                                     SEAK..................         4.06
                                     EGOAxSE...............         3.63
                                     Homer.................         3.54
                                     Kodiak................         3.76
                                     CGOA..................         3.74
                                     WGOA..................         3.28
                                     BS....................         4.68
                                     BSAI..................         4.52
                                     AK....................         3.85
                                     ALL...................         3.85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Regulatory areas are defined at Sec.   679.2. (AK = Alaska; ALL =
  all ports including those outside Alaska; BS = Bering Sea subarea;
  CGOA = Central Gulf of Alaska; EGOAxSE = Eastern Gulf of Alaska except
  Southeast Alaska; SEAK = Southeast Alaska; WGOA = Western Gulf of
  Alaska)
\2\ If a price is listed for the species and port combination, that
  price will be applied to the round weight equivalent for sablefish
  landings and the headed and gutted weight equivalent for halibut
  landings. If no price is listed for the port, use port group.

Halibut and Sablefish IFQ and CDQ Standard Ex-Vessel Prices

    Table 3 shows the observer fee standard ex-vessel prices for 
halibut and sablefish. These standard prices are calculated as a single 
annual average price, by port or port group. Volume and ex-vessel value 
data collected on the 2015 IFQ Buyer Report for landings made from 
October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015, were used to calculate the 
standard ex-vessel prices for the 2016 observer fee liability for 
halibut IFQ, halibut CDQ, sablefish IFQ, and sablefish landings that 
accrue against the fixed gear sablefish CDQ reserve.

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


[[Page 77614]]


    Dated: December 10, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31520 Filed 12-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P