Rule2021-16737
RTID 0648-XB180
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 5, 2021
Effective
August 2, 2021
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 148 (Thursday, August 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42746-42747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16737]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 210210-0018]
RTID 0648-XB180
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific
Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of 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 Pacific ocean perch
in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch of
Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 2,
2021, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 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 parts 600 and 679.
The 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the
West Yakutat District of the GOA is 1,705 metric tons (mt) as
established by the final 2021 and 2022 harvest specifications for
groundfish of the GOA (86 FR 10184, February 19, 2021).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2021 TAC
of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District
[[Page 42747]]
of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator
is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 1,605 mt, and is
setting aside the remaining 100 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 Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District
of the GOA. While this closure is effective the maximum retainable
amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was
issued pursuant to section 304(b), and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice
and comment would be 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 of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat district 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 July
30, 2021.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA 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: August 2, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16737 Filed 8-2-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on August 5, 2021.
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