[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 149 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 40158] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-19543] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 960129018-6018-01; I.D. 072596B] Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Modification of a closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is opening the directed fishery for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully utilize the total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in that area. EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 31, 1996, until 12 noon, A.l.t., December 31, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Smoker, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone is managed by NMFS 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 Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at Subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. In accordance with Sec. 679.20 (c)(3)(ii), the annual TAC for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA, was established by the Final 1996 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish (61 FR 4304, February 5, 1996) as 2,366 metric tons (mt). The directed fishery for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA closed to directed fishing under Sec. 679.20 (d)(1)(iii) in order to reserve amounts anticipated to be needed for incidental catch in other fisheries (61 FR 37225; July 17, 1996). NMFS has determined that as of July 13, 1996, 800 mt remain in the directed fishing allowance. The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the 1996 directed fishing allowance of Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA has not been reached. Therefore, NMFS is terminating the previous closure and is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA. All other closures remain in full force and effect. Classification This action is taken under Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 26, 1996. Richard W. Surdi, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 96-19543 Filed 7-31-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F