[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 3727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02195]
[[Page 3727]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 170817779-8161-02]
RIN 0648-AKR-A001
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using
Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in
the 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 prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall
(LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod
exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area
(BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of
Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using
jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in
the BSAI.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 10,
2019, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2019.
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.
In accordance with Sec. 679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(2), the Administrator,
Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that 113
metric tons of Pacific cod have been caught by catcher vessels less
than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the
Bogoslof exemption area described at Sec. 679.22(a)(7)(i)(C)(1).
Consequently, the Regional Administrator is prohibiting directed
fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m)
LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod
exemption area.
While this closure is effective 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 directed fishery closure of Pacific cod by catcher
vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear
in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area. NMFS was unable to publish
a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent,
relevant data only became available as of February 7, 2019.
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. 679.22 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 8, 2019.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02195 Filed 2-8-19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P