Federal Register: April 29, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 81)
DOCID: fr29ap09-14 FR Doc E9-9821
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
CFR Citation: 50 CFR Part 679
Docket ID: [Docket No. 09100091344-0956-02]
RIN ID: RIN 0648-XO93
NOTICE: RULES
DOCID: fr29ap09-14
DOCUMENT ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 23, 2009, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 1, 2009.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deepwater species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the second seasonal apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deepwater species fishery in the GOA has been reached.
SUMMARY:
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska: ; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska,
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 second seasonal apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deepwater species fishery in the GOA is 300 metric tons as established by the final 2009 and 2010 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (74 FR 7333, February 17, 2009), for the period 1200 hrs, A.l.t., April 1, 2009, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., July 1, 2009.
In accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(7)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the second seasonal apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl deep water species fishery in the GOA has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the deepwater species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The species and species groups that comprise the deepwater species fishery include sablefish, rockfish, deepwater flatfish, rex sole, and arrowtooth flounder. This closure does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Pilot 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. 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 deepwater 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 April 21, 2009.
The AA 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: April 24, 2009.
Kristen C. Koch
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E99821 Filed 42809; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 351022S
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Obren Davis, 907-586-7228.