[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 179 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19628]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 161020985-7181-02]
RIN 0648-XF654


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation 
of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; 
Correction

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocations; correction.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is correcting a temporary rule that reallocated Pacific 
cod from vessels using jig gear and catcher vessels greater than or 
equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line 
gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) LOA using hook-
and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management 
area. The amount reallocated from vessels using jig gear was incorrect.

DATES: Effective September 18, 2017 through 2400 hours, Alaska local 
time (A.l.t) December 31, 2017, and is applicable beginning August 30, 
2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Need for Correction

    NMFS published the reallocation of Pacific cod on September 5, 2017 
(82 FR 41899). The document contains incorrect amounts of Pacific cod 
to be transferred to catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-
and-line or pot gear from vessels using jig gear. These corrections 
will not affect the fishing operations. These corrections are necessary 
to provide the correct information about the amount of the Pacific cod 
transferred from vessels using jig gear and eliminate potential avoid 
confusion by fishery participants.

Correction

    In the Federal Register of September 5, 2017, (82 FR 41899) in FR 
Doc. 2017-18733, on page 41900, column 1, paragraph 2, sentences 1 and 
2 are corrected to read as follows:
    ``The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, (Regional Administrator) 
has determined that jig vessels will not be able to harvest 1,186 mt of 
the remaining 2017 Pacific cod TAC allocated to those vessels under 
Sec.  679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A)(1). Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  
679.20(a)(7)(iii)(A), NMFS apportions 1,186 mt of Pacific cod to the 
annual amount specified for catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using 
hook-and-line or pot gear.''

Classification

    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 actions corrects an error that attributed the 
total amount of Pacific cod being transferred to catcher vessels less 
than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear from multiple sectors 
(1,612 mt), rather than the amount of Pacific cod being reallocated 
from vessels using jig gear (1,186 mt). This correction does not change 
operating practices in the fisheries. Corrections should be made as 
soon as possible to avoid confusion for participants in the fisheries.
    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.

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

    Dated: September 12, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19628 Filed 9-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P