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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
CFR Citation: 50 CFR Part 679
Docket ID: [Docket No. 021212307-3037-02; I.D. 092403D]
NOTICE: RULES
ACTION: Fishery conservation and management:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Closure.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 25, 2003, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2003.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY: NMFS is closing directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2003 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl Pacific cod fishery category in the BSAI.
SUMMARY: Pacific cod,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone[[Page 56214]]
according to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 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 CFR part 679.
The 2003 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl Pacific cod fishery category in the BSAI is 1,434 metric tons as established by the final 2003 harvest specifications for Groundfish of the BSAI (68 FR 9907, March 3, 2003).
In accordance with Sec. 679.21(e)(7)(v), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the amount of the final 2003 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl Pacific cod fishery category in the BSAI will be caught. Consequently, NMFS is closing directed fishing Pacific cod by vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, 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 contrary to the public interest. This requirement is contrary to the public interest as it would delay the closure of the fishery, lead to exceeding the 2003 halibut bycatch allowance, and therefore reduce the public's ability to use and enjoy the fishery resource.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, also finds good cause to waive the 30day 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: September 24, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 0324732 Filed 92503; 1:18 pm]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mary Furuness, 907-586-7228.
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