[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 198 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 62005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24447]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 198 / Friday, October 11, 2013 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 62005]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 120918468-3111-02]
RIN 0648-XC918
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in
Statistical Area 630 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 pollock in
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch of
pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 8, 2013,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2013.
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 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in Statistical Area
630 of the GOA is 27,372 metric tons (mt) as established by the final
2013 and 2014 harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (78 FR
13162, February 26, 2013).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional
Administrator has determined that the 2013 TAC of pollock in
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of
26,872 mt and is setting aside the remaining 500 mt as bycatch to
support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this
directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the
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 Acting 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) and Sec. 679.25(c)(1)(ii) 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 directed
fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of 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 October 7, 2013.
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. 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: October 8, 2013.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, performing the
functions and duties of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24447 Filed 10-8-13; 4:15 pm]
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