[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 106 (Friday, May 31, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11946]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 240417-0111]
RTID 0648-XE003


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recreational 
Fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone 
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 recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in 
the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Area. This action is 
necessary for the conservation of all Cook Inlet Chinook stocks due to 
the uncertainty of run strength and to protect stocks of concern.

DATES: Effective 0001 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), May 30, 2024, 
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., August 15, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zaleski, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the Cook Inlet EEZ Area 
according to the Fishery Management Plan for Salmon Fisheries in the 
EEZ off Alaska (Salmon FMP). The intended effect of this action is to 
conserve and manage the salmon resources in Cook Inlet EEZ Area in 
accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Regulations governing fishing by 
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR 
parts 600 and 679.
    In accordance with Sec.  679.118(c)(1)(ii), the Regional 
Administrator has determined it is necessary to close Chinook salmon 
recreational fishing for conservation and management purposes and is 
prohibiting recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the Cook Inlet 
EEZ Area. In making this determination, the Regional Administrator has 
considered the following factors: the low proposed Chinook salmon 
acceptable biological catch in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area (270), 
anticipated harvest rates, expected mortality, and the potential number 
of participants.

Classification

    NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is authorized by 50 CFR 679.118(c)(1)(ii), 
which was issued pursuant to section 304(c), and is necessary to carry 
out the Salmon FMP. This action is exempt from review under Executive 
Order 12866.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action. Notice and 
comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, as 
it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent information 
regarding the status of Cook Inlet Chinook salmon stocks in a timely 
fashion. This action is being taken pursuant to regulations 
implementing amendment 16 to the Salmon FMP (April 30, 2024, 89 FR 
34718). These Federal salmon management measures--which generally allow 
for recreational harvest of all salmon stocks in the Cook Inlet EEZ 
year-round--become effective May 30, 2024. Therefore, publishing a 
notification providing time for public comment would delay the closure 
of the Cook Inlet EEZ to recreational Chinook salmon fishing until 
after the regulations that otherwise authorize such fishing become 
effective. A delay of this closure would prevent the accomplishment of 
the conservation and management objectives for the Cook Inlet EEZ Area 
salmon fishery, resulting in recreational harvest of Chinook salmon 
that is not supported by current stock levels.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA 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.

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

    Dated: May 24, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-11946 Filed 5-30-24; 8:45 am]
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