Rule2021-22853
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska
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
October 20, 2021
Effective
October 15, 2021
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2021 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 610 in the GOA.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 200 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58040-58041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22853]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 210210-0018; RTID 0648-XB284]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in
Statistical Area 610 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 610 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2021 total allowable catch of
pollock for Statistical Area 610 in the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15,
2021, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allyson Olds, 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 annual 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in
Statistical Area 610 of the GOA is 18,477 metric tons (mt) as
established by the final 2021 and 2022 harvest specifications for
groundfish in the GOA (86 FR 10184, February 19, 2021).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional
Administrator has determined that the annual 2021 TAC of pollock in
Statistical Area 610 of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of
18,377 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 pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the
GOA.
[[Page 58041]]
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 for pollock in Statistical Area 610 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 14, 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: October 15, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22853 Filed 10-15-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 20, 2021.
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