[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 45460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21668]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 990304062-9060-01; I.D. 081699B]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water
Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Closure.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise
the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf
of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the third seasonal
apportionment of the 1999 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified
to the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 17, 1999,
until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 1, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Furuness, 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 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance for the GOA trawl deep-water
species fishery, which is defined at Sec. 679.21(d)(3)(iii)(B), was
established by the Final 1999 Harvest Specifications of Groundfish for
the GOA (64 FR 12094, March 11, 1999) for the third season, the period
July 4, 1999, through September 30, 1999, as 400 metric tons. The GOA
trawl deep-water species fishery was closed under Sec. 679.20(d)(iii)
on July 21, 1999 (64 FR 40293, July 26, 1999), and reopened on August
6, 1999 (64 FR 43296, August 10, 1999).
In accordance with Sec. 679.21(d)(97)(i), the Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS, has determined that the third seasonal apportionment of
the 1999 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl
deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been caught. Consequently,
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the deep-water species fishery
by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. The species and species groups
that comprise the deep-water species fishery are: rockfish as defined
at Sec. 679.2, deep water flatfish (Dover sole, Greenland turbot, and
deepsea sole), rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish.
Maximum retainable bycatch amounts may be found in the regulations
at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f).
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. It must be implemented immediately in order
to prevent overharvesting the third seasonal apportionment of the 1999
Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl-deepwater
species fishery in the GOA. A delay in the effective date is
impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The third seasonal
apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance has been caught.
Further delay would only result in overharvest. NMFS finds for good
cause that the implementation of this action cannot be delayed for 30
days. Accordingly, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d), a delay in the effective date
is hereby waived.
This action is required by Sec. 679.21 and is exempt from review
under E.O. 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 17, 1999.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-21668 Filed 8-17-99; 4:09 pm]
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