Rule2021-23102
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of 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 22, 2021
Effective
October 19, 2021
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 202 (Friday, October 22, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 202 (Friday, October 22, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23102]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 210201-0018; RTID 0648-XB183]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific
Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area 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 Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch of
Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1,200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 19,
2021, through 2,400 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 part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
The 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 1,643 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 Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will
soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing
a directed fishing allowance of 1,535 mt, and is setting aside the
remaining 108 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 Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
While this closure is in effect 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 Western Regulatory Area 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 18, 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 19, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-23102 Filed 10-19-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 22, 2021.
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