[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57807-57808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20264]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 150818742-6210-02]
RIN 0648-XE822


Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water 
Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear 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 vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf 
of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the third seasonal 
apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for 
the trawl deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 20, 
2016, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, 2016.

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 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 third seasonal apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch 
allowance specified for the deep-water species in the GOA by vessels 
not participating in the cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Program of 
the Central GOA, is 159 metric tons (mt). This apportionment was 
established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for 
groundfish of the GOA (81 FR 14740, March 18, 2016) and reapportionment 
(81 FR 45423, July 14, 2016), for the period 1200 hours, A.l.t., July 
1, 2016, through 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1, 2016.
    In accordance with Sec.  679.21(d)(6)(i), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS, has determined that the third seasonal apportionment of 
Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for deep-water species by 
vessels using trawl gear in the GOA has been reached. Consequently, 
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the deep-water species by 
vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The species and species groups 
that comprise the deep-water species fishery include sablefish, 
rockfish, deep-water flatfish, rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder. This 
closure does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the 
cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Program for the Central 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.

[[Page 57808]]

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 vessels 
using trawl gear in 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 August 18, 2016.
    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: August 19, 2016.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20264 Filed 8-19-16; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P