Rule2022-26904
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 30; 2023-24 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures
Primary source
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Published
December 16, 2022
Effective
January 1, 2023
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
This final rule establishes the 2023-24 harvest specifications for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. This final rule also revises management measures intended to keep the total annual catch of each groundfish stock or stock complex within the annual catch limits. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure management measures are based on the best scientific information available. This final rule also makes minor corrections to the regulations. This action also implements portions of Amendment 30 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which specifies a shortbelly rockfish catch threshold to initiate Council review; extends the length of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season; changes the use of Rockfish Conservation Area boundaries; expands the use of Block Area Closures to control catch of groundfish; and corrects the definition of Block Area Closures.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 241 (Friday, December 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77007-77036]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26904]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No. 221206-0261]
RIN 0648-BL48
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan; Amendment 30; 2023-24 Biennial Specifications and
Management Measures
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes the 2023-24 harvest specifications
for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of
Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. This final rule also revises
management measures intended to keep the total annual catch of each
groundfish stock or stock complex within the annual catch limits. These
measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished
stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure management measures are based
on the best scientific information available. This final rule also
makes minor corrections to the regulations. This action also implements
portions of Amendment 30 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Management Plan, which specifies a shortbelly rockfish catch threshold
to initiate Council review; extends the length of the limited entry
fixed gear sablefish primary season; changes the use of Rockfish
Conservation Area boundaries; expands the use of Block Area Closures to
control catch of groundfish; and corrects the definition of Block Area
Closures.
DATES: This final rule is effective January 1, 2023.
ADDRESSES: The Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) which addresses the National Environmental
Policy Act, Presidential Executive Order 12866, and the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, is accessible via the internet at the NMFS West Coast
Region website at <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast">https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast</a>.
Background information and documents including an analysis for this
action (Analysis), which addresses the statutory requirements of the
Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act) are available from the Pacific Fishery Management
Council's website at <a href="http://www.pcouncil.org">http://www.pcouncil.org</a>. The final 2022 Stock
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report for Pacific Coast
groundfish, as well as the SAFE reports for previous years, are
available from the Pacific Fishery Management Council's website at
<a href="http://www.pcouncil.org">http://www.pcouncil.org</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gretchen Hanshew, Fishery Management
Specialist, at 206-526-6147 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4d3c6d1c0d7dcd1da9adcd5dac7dcd1c3f4dadbd5d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ccabbea9b8afa4a9a2e2a4ada2bfa4a9bb8ca2a3adade2aba3ba">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Harvest Specifications
This final rule sets 2023-24 harvest specifications and management
measures for 127 of the 128 groundfish stocks or management units which
currently have ACLs or ACL contributions to stock complexes managed
under the PCGFMP, except for Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting harvest
specifications are established annually through a separate bilateral
process with Canada.
The OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs are based on the best available biological
and socioeconomic data, including projected biomass trends, information
on assumed distribution of stock biomass, and revised technical methods
used to calculate stock biomass. See Tables 1a and 2a to Part 660,
Subpart C in the regulatory text supporting this rule for the 2023-24
OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs for each stock or stock complex.
A detailed description of each stock and stock complex for which
the Council establishes harvest specifications set through this rule
can be found in the 2022 SAFE document posted on the Council's website
at https://www.pcouncil.org/stock-assessments-star-reports-stat-
reports-rebuilding-analyses-terms-of-reference/
[[Page 77008]]
safe-documents-4/. A summary of how the 2023-24 harvest specifications
were developed, including a description of off-the-top deductions for
tribal, research, incidental, and experimental fisheries, was provided
in the proposed rule (87 FR 62676, October 14, 2022) and is not
repeated here. Additional information on the development of these
harvest specifications is also provided in the Analysis.
For most stocks, the Council recommended harvest specifications
based on the default harvest control rule used in the prior biennium.
The Council recommended deviating from the default harvest control rule
for two stocks in 2023-2024. Table 1 presents a summary of the changes
to the harvest control rules for these stocks for the 2023-24 biennium.
Each of these changes was discussed in the proposed rule and that
discussion is not repeated here.
Table 1--Changes to Harvest Control Rules for 2023-24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACL contribution to stock
Stock complex component Alternative Harvest control rule complex \a\ \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Rockfish off of Oregon...... Default.............. ACL contribution = ABC (P* 477 mt (2023), 471 mt
= 0.45). (2024).
New Harvest Control ACL contribution = 2020 512 mt (2023), 512 mt
Rule. ABC. (2024).
Quillback Rockfish off of Default.............. ACL contribution < ABC 2023 statewide ACL
California. with the 40-10 adjustment contribution = 0.11 mt;
\c\ off California only 2024 statewide ACL
(P* = 0.45). contribution 0.42 mt.
New Harvest Control ACL contribution < ABC 2023 statewide ACL
Rule. (SPR 0.55; P* 0.45). contribution = 1.76 mt;
2024 statewide ACL
contribution = 1.93 mt.
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\a\ Default ACL is for 2023 and 2024 under the default harvest control rule, Proposed change ACL is for 2023 and
2024 under the alternative harvest specifications.
\b\ The ACL contribution for quillback rockfish off of California are apportioned to create the ACL
contributions to the nearshore rockfish complexes north and south of 40[deg]10' N lat. The apportionment was
determined by the proportion of catch between 2005 and 2020 north and south of 40[deg]10' N lat. in California
where 49.6 percent of the statewide ACL is apportioned to the area between 42[deg] and 40[deg]10' N lat. for
the California contribution to the northern complex, and 50.4 percent to the area south of 40[deg]10' N lat.
for the contribution to the southern complex.
\c\ The 40-10 adjustment is applied to only some component species when calculating the complex ACL, where a
precautionary reduction is warranted, per the PCGFMP at section 4.6.1. The 40-10 adjustment reduces the
harvest rate to help the stock return to the maximum sustainable yield level.
II. Management Measures
This final rule will revise management measures, which are used to
further allocate the ACLs to the various components of the fishery
(i.e., biennial fishery harvest guidelines and set-asides) and to
control fishing. Management measures for the commercial fishery modify
fishing behavior during the fishing year to ensure catch does not
exceed the ACL, and include trip and cumulative landing limits, time/
area closures, size limits, and gear restrictions. Management measures
for the recreational fisheries include bag limits, size limits, gear
restrictions, fish dressing requirements, and time/area closures. Each
of these changes was discussed in the proposed rule and that discussion
is not repeated here.
As described in the proposed rule, before making allocations to the
primary commercial and recreational components of groundfish fisheries,
the Council recommends ``off-the-top deductions,'' or deductions from
the ACLs to account for anticipated mortality for certain types of
activities: harvest in Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribal fisheries;
harvest in scientific research activities; harvest in non-groundfish
fisheries (incidental catch); and harvest that occurs under EFPs. These
off-the-top deductions are proposed for individual stocks or stock
complexes and can be found in the footnotes to Tables 1a and 2a to part
660, subpart C in the regulatory text of this final rule. The details
of the EFPs were discussed in Section III.H of the proposed rule. The
Tribal harvest set-asides and allocations proposed for the 2023-24
biennium for groundfish species other than Pacific whiting, were shown
in Table 5 of the proposed rule.
The Council routinely recommends 2-year trawl and non-trawl
allocations during the biennial specifications process for stocks
without formal allocations (as defined in Section 6.3.2 of the PCGFMP)
or stocks where the long-term allocation is suspended. Allocations are
detailed in the harvest specification tables appended to 50 CFR part
660, subpart C in the regulatory text of this final rule and described
in Section III.C. of the proposed rule. As proposed, allocations for
big skate, bocaccio South of 40[deg]10' N lat., canary rockfish,
cowcod, lingcod South of 40[deg]10' N lat., longnose skate, Shelf
Rockfish Complex, Slope Rockfish Complex, petrale sole, and widow
rockfish are revised with this final rule.
Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) are large area closures intended
to reduce the catch of a stock or stock complex by restricting fishing
activity at specific depths. The boundaries for RCAs are defined by
straight lines connecting a series of latitude and longitude
coordinates that approximate depth contours. This final rule makes
minor line modifications seaward of California around Eel Canyon (near
Eureka), Mendocino Canyon, Mattole Canyon, the Farallon Islands (near
San Francisco), the Channel Islands (near Santa Barbara and east of
Anacapa Island), Redondo Canyon, Santa Catalina Island, Lasuen Knoll,
and Santa Clemente Island, as well as in near Albion, Monterey Bay,
Point Sur, Morro Bay, Port Hueneme, Santa Monica Bay, Point Vincente,
Huntington Beach, and San Diego. These modifications would better align
existing RCA coordinates with chart-based depth contours, reduce
boundary line crossovers, and address enforcement concerns. See Section
III.D of the proposed rule or Section 2.1 of the Analysis for more
details on these changes.
A. Routine Measures for Commercial Limited Entry Trawl, Non-Trawl, and
Recreational Fisheries
The limited entry trawl fishery is made up of the shorebased IFQ
program, whiting and non-whiting, and the at-sea whiting sectors. For
some stocks and stock complexes with a trawl allocation, an amount is
first set-aside for the at-sea whiting sector with the remainder of the
trawl allocation going to the shorebased IFQ sector. Set-asides are not
managed by NMFS or the Council except in the case of a risk to the ACL.
This final rule adopts at-sea set asides as shown in Section III.E.,
Table 16 of the proposed rule. For vessels fishing in the Shorebased
IFQ Program, with either groundfish trawl gear or non-trawl
[[Page 77009]]
gears, the following incidentally-caught stocks are managed with trip
limits: Minor Nearshore Rockfish north and south, Washington black
rockfish, Oregon black/blue/deacon rockfish, cabezon (46[deg]16' to
40[deg]10' N lat. and south of 40[deg]10' N lat.), spiny dogfish,
longspine thornyhead south of 34[deg] N lat., big skate, California
scorpionfish, longnose skate, Pacific whiting, and the Other Fish
complex. As described in the proposed rule in Section III.E., this rule
maintains the same IFQ fishery trip limits for these stocks for the
start of the 2023-24 biennium as those in place in 2022. Trip limits
for the IFQ fishery can be found in Table 1 North and Table 1 South to
part 660, subpart D of this final rule. Changes to trip limits would be
considered a routine measure under Sec. 660.60(c), and may be
implemented or adjusted, if determined necessary, through inseason
action.
Management measures for the LEFG and OA non-trawl fisheries tend to
be similar because the majority of participants in these fisheries use
hook-and-line gear. Management measures, including area restrictions
(e.g., non-trawl RCA) and trip limits in these non-trawl fisheries, are
generally designed to allow harvest of target stocks while keeping
catch of overfished stocks low. LEFG trip limits are specified in Table
2 (North) and Table 2 (South) to subpart E. OA trip limits are
specified in Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) to subpart F in the
regulatory text of this final rule. As described in Section III.F. of
the proposed rule, sablefish trip limits are being modified and the
sablefish annual tier limits are being updated. Sablefish annual tier
limits for 2023 and 2024 can be found at Sec. 660.231(b)(3)(i) in the
regulatory text of this final rule.
The Council primarily recommends depth restrictions and bag limit
changes to constrain catch within the recreational harvest guidelines
for each stock. Washington, Oregon, and California each proposed, and
the Council recommended, different combinations of seasons, bag limits,
area closures, and size limits for stocks targeted in recreational
fisheries, as described in Section III.G of the proposed rule. These
measures are designed to limit catch of overfished stocks found in the
waters adjacent to each state while allowing target fishing
opportunities in their particular recreational fisheries. Changes to
management measures for recreational fisheries off the coasts of
Washington, Oregon and California can be found in Sec. 660.360 of the
regulatory text of this final rule.
B. New Management Measures
Shortbelly rockfish is one of the most abundant rockfish species in
the California Current Ecosystem and is a key forage species for many
fish, birds, and marine mammals. Amendment 30 adds language to the
PCGFMP stating that if shortbelly rockfish mortalities exceed, or are
projected to exceed, 2,000 mt in a calendar year, the Council would
review relevant fishery information and consider if management changes
were warranted, including, but not limited to reconsideration of its
current classification as an ecosystem component (EC) species. To
estimate mortality and provide for catch accounting, this final rule
adds a sorting requirement for shortbelly rockfish in the LEFG and OA
fisheries. For more information on this measure, see the NOA for
Amendment 30, the Analysis, and Section III.I of the proposed rule.
NMFS notes that routine management measures as laid out in 50 CFR
660.60(c) are not currently available for shortbelly rockfish
management because shortbelly rockfish is an EC species. Shortbelly
rockfish would need to be redesignated as ``in the fishery'' prior to
routine management measures being available for inseason use. However,
the Council could recommend, consistent with the points of concern
framework (FMP Section 6.2.2), management measures to minimize bycatch
or bycatch mortality of EC species as laid out in 50 CFR 600.305(c)(5).
Depending on the issue triggering the need for management measures,
this pathway might require revisiting the EC designation.
This final rule also allows non-trawl vessels to use select hook-
and-line gear configurations within the NT-RCA to provide additional
opportunity to commercial non-trawl fisheries to target healthy stocks,
relieve pressure on overfished or constraining nearshore stocks, and
limit impacts to sensitive habitats, as described in Section III.J of
the proposed rule.
This final rule allows vessels in the directed open access fishery
targeting groundfish to operate inside the NT-RCA from 46[deg]16' N
lat. to the U.S./Mexico border with non-bottom contact hook-and-line
gear only, subject to the specifications described in Section III.J of
the proposed rule, including but not limited to the vessel declaring
into the directed open access fishery, and the vessel would not be
permitted to declare into any other fishery if fishing inside the NT-
RCA.
This final rule permanently extends the LEFG sablefish primary tier
fishery (hereinafter referred to as primary fishery) season end date
from October 31 to December 31. The primary fishery would close on
December 31, or close for an individual vessel owner when the tier
limit for the sablefish endorsed permit(s) registered to the vessel has
been reached, whichever is earlier. This action also extends the
incidental Pacific halibut retention allowance provision for the
primary fishery north of Point Chehalis, Washington from October 31 to
the date/time specified by the International Pacific Halibut Commission
(IPHC) annually for the closure of Pacific halibut commercial fisheries
coastwide, or until the quota is taken, whichever comes first. For more
information on this measure, see the Analysis and in Section III.K of
the proposed rule.
Amendment 30 makes a minor change to the PCGFMP to resolve a
mismatch between the FMP and current regulatory text. The PCGFMP will
be revised to match the Council's intent to manage incidental salmon
bycatch by vessels using groundfish midwater trawl gear in the EEZ off
of Washington, Oregon, and California with Block Area Closures (BACs),
as currently described in regulations. For more information on this
measure, see the NOA for Amendment 30, the Analysis, and Section III.L
of the proposed rule.
This final rule sets Annual Catch Targets (ACTs) for copper
rockfish and quillback rockfish, for the reasons described in Section
III.M of the proposed rule. For copper rockfish, the ACT would be set
equal to its ACL contribution for the portion of the stock found off of
California and would be set at 91.54 mt in 2023, and 94.72 mt in 2024.
For quillback rockfish, an ACT would be set for the portion of the
stock found off of California and would be set at 1.86 mt in 2023, and
1.97 mt in 2024.
This final rule allows for novel utilization of the previously
established Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) boundary lines for the
recreational fishery seaward of California (Sec. 660.360(c)(3)) by
allowing fishing seaward of a specified RCA boundary line and
prohibiting fishing shoreward of that line. This measure is taken in
addition to the regulatory management measures to reduce mortality of
copper and quillback rockfish in 2022 (and continued for 2023-2024) and
voluntary measures taken by industry, to reduce mortality of copper and
quillback rockfishes. If mortality is lower than expected through the
regular inseason monitoring and reporting, the Council and NMFS would
consider relieving restrictions during the biennium in order to reduce
socioeconomic impacts, while keeping mortality within the
[[Page 77010]]
recommended ACTs for these species. For more information on this
measure, see the NOA for Amendment 30, the Analysis, and Section III.N
of the proposed rule.
This final rule makes Block Area Closures (BACs) available as a
routine management measure to control catch of groundfish by midwater
trawl and bottom trawl non-tribal vessels. BACs could be implemented in
the EEZ seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California. For more
information on this measure, see the Analysis and Section III.O of the
proposed rule.
C. Corrections
This rule makes minor corrections to the regulations at 50 CFR 600.
These regulations are associated with Amendment 29 (85 FR 79880,
December 11, 2020), Amendment 21-4 to the PCGFMP (84 FR 68799, December
17, 2019), and the 2019-2020 biennial harvest specifications (83 FR
63970, December 12, 2018). These minor corrections are necessary to
reduce confusion and inconsistencies in the regulatory text and ensure
the regulations accurately implement the Council's intent.
This rule updates the definition of ``Ecosystem component species''
at Sec. 660.11 to add shortbelly rockfish in the list of species
designated as ecosystem component and removes the shortbelly rockfish
trip limit from Table 2 (North) and Table 2 (South) to Part 660,
Subpart E, as well as Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) to Part 660,
Subpart F.
This rule amends Sec. 660.55(c)(1) Table 1 by removing the
allocations for canary rockfish, as well as petrale sole, widow
rockfish, lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat., and the slope rockfish
complex south of 40[deg]10' N lat., consistent with Amendment 29.
This rule amends Sec. 660.140 to remove darkblotched rockfish,
Pacific ocean perch, and widow rockfish from paragraph (c)(3)(iii) and
add them to paragraph (c)(3)(iv), consistent with Amendment 21-4.
This rule removes cross references to at-sea set-asides at Table 1d
to Subpart C of part 660, in Sec. 660.150 and Sec. 660.160 and
clarifies that the at-sea set-asides are described in the biennial
specifications, consistent with Amendment 29.
This final rule amends the regulations regarding depth restrictions
for recreational vessels operating within the Western Cowcod
Conservation Area at Sec. 660.360(c)(3)(i)(B), to note that a
coordinate list describing the 40 fm (73 m) depth contour can be found
in Sec. 660.71.
For more information on each of these changes, see Section III.P.
of the proposed rule.
IV. Comments and Responses
The notice of availability was published on September 6, 2022 (87
FR 54445) and received 5 public comments. Of those public comments, one
commenter agreed with the proposed measures. A comment letter from
California Department of Fish and Wildlife supported the measures to
extend the length of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary
season, supported changing the use of RCA boundaries, and supported
expanding the use of BACs and correcting its definition. The other 4
comments pertained to measures in the proposed rule for implementing
regulations. The proposed rule was published on October 14, 2022 (87 FR
62676) and received 6 public comments. All comments pertaining to the
measures in the proposed rule are addressed below.
Comment: Five commenters disagreed with new, more restrictive,
management measures for certain groundfish. Reasons for disagreement
included the perception that the fishery is thriving, and that the
surveys and stock assessments were inaccurate.
Response: The 2023-2024 groundfish harvest specifications and
management measures are informed by the best scientific information
available, including surveys and new stock assessments. As discussed in
the proposed rule (87 FR 62676), new stock assessments for certain
rockfish species indicate these species are depleted, and more
restrictive management measures are necessary to keep catch within
lower catch limits.
Comment: One commenter disagreed with the trip limits for sablefish
north of 36[deg] N latitude between the limited entry and open access
sectors and thinks the open access limits should be proportionally
lower than the limited entry limits to increase the value of limited
entry permits and recognize the difference in investment between the
two sectors.
Response: The Council recommended, and NMFS is implementing with
this rule, the sablefish trip limits north of 36[deg] N latitude.
Typically, the trip limits in the open access sector are lower than the
limited entry sector; however, the proportionality fluctuates across
years and across species. This fluctuation is caused mostly by
differences in fishing effort and market changes. Sector specific trip
limits are designed to increase the likelihood of each sector attaining
its annual sector-specific sablefish allocation. Trip limits for each
sector are a policy recommendation from the Council based on fishery
information and the fixed proportion of harvest privilege for each
sector.
Comment: Two commenters pointed out discrepancies between the
proposed rule preamble and regulatory text and recommended corrections
to the proposed rule to bring consistency with Council recommendations.
Response: NMFS appreciates the attention to these details, agrees
that those corrections are warranted for consistency with the Council
recommendations, and has therefore made corrections and changes in this
final rule, as described in the corrections to the proposed rule
section below.
Comment: One fisherman commented that the open access north trip
limits for the shelf rockfish complex are too low and are likely to
result in regulatory discards as fishermen catch increased trip limits
for co-occurring species. They request that NMFS consider inseason
changes to increase those limits to reduce potential regulatory
discards.
Response: NMFS acknowledges the difference in trip limits for these
co-occurring species and notes that differences in the scale of the
trip limits does not necessarily mean that regulatory discards will
occur, or that higher trip limits can be accommodated while keeping
total catch within applicable harvest specifications. In the future the
Council may, based on updated fishery information, recommend an
inseason increase to the subject shelf rockfish limits, at which point
NMFS will consider such regulation changes.
Comment: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
commented to express uncertainty whether current and proposed new
sorting requirements for shortbelly rockfish are sufficient to allow
the agency and the Council to monitor whether shortbelly rockfish catch
exceeds the review trigger established as part of Amendment 30 or
whether additional measures would be needed.
Response: This final rule implements new scientific sorting
requirements for shortbelly rockfish consistent with Sec.
660.12(a)(8), removes management measures that are no longer necessary,
and otherwise allows the continued tracking of shortbelly rockfish
catch to allow the agency and the Council to determine if and when the
review trigger is met. Scientific sorting requirements allow for
sorting requirements that are not otherwise necessary due to management
measures such as trip limits. The trawl sector is
[[Page 77011]]
already subject to a sorting requirement for shortbelly rockfish (see
50 CFR 660.130(d)(1)(i)). This final rule implements a scientific
sorting requirement for the limited entry fixed gear (Sec.
660.230(c)(2)(i)) and open access sectors (Sec. 660.330(c)(2)(1)).
Collectively, these new scientific sorting requirements, in conjunction
with the sorting requirements already in place, provide the agency and
the Council the ability to track shortbelly rockfish catch inseason and
evaluate if and when the review trigger is met.
Comment: CDFW questioned the removal of management measures for
shortbelly rockfish. CDFW also expressed concern that under the new
shortbelly rockfish review trigger provisions, there may not be
inseason management responses available to the agency or Council.
Response: As noted in the proposed rule (87 FR 62676; October 14,
2022), we proposed removing trip limits for shortbelly rockfish because
under Amendment 29 to the FMP, shortbelly rockfish was designated as an
ecosystem component (EC) species. NMFS notes that routine management
measures as laid out in 50 CFR 660.60(c) are not currently available
for EC species. EC species are designated as such because they are not
in need of conservation and management (see Amendment 29 final rule; 85
FR 79880, December 11, 2020). As we noted in Council deliberations on
this action and again in the proposed rule, if the review trigger were
met and if the Council was considering taking action in response,
shortbelly rockfish would need to be redesignated as ``in the fishery''
prior to routine management measures being available for inseason use.
However, the Council could recommend, consistent with the points of
concern framework (FMP Section 6.2.2), management measures to minimize
bycatch or bycatch mortality of EC species as laid out in 50 CFR
600.305(c)(5). Depending on the issue triggering the need for
management measures, this pathway might require revisiting the EC
designation.
Comment: CDFW suggested an addition to the recreational management
measures off California to implement new provisions for ``other
groundfish'' consistent with California state regulations.
Response: This suggested change is outside the scope of this action
and would require additional consideration through the Pacific Fishery
Management Council process.
Comment: CDFW suggests there is an error in the example of what is
allowed under the recreational management measures at Sec.
660.330(c)(3)(i)(A). For example, if a vessel fishes in the
recreational salmon fishery within the RCA, the vessel cannot be in
possession of rockfish while in the RCA. The vessel may, however, on
the same trip fish for and retain rockfish shoreward of the RCA on the
return trip to port. If the season is closed for a species or species
group, fishing for that species or species group is prohibited both
within the recreational RCA and shoreward of the recreational RCA,
unless otherwise authorized in this section.
Response: The recreational management measures are found at Sec.
660.360(c)(3)(i)(A) rather than in Sec. 660.330. The example in this
paragraph is already in place and was not being proposed for
modification through this rulemaking. The example relates to what is
allowed when the recreational RCA is used in its traditional structure,
i.e., fishing is prohibited seaward of the line. Further down in the
same paragraph, there is new explanation of the additional possible
usage of the RCA line, e.g., prohibiting fishing shoreward of the line.
Both uses will be available in the future, and therefore the example is
still relevant for one of the uses of the RCA lines.
Comment: The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) comment letter
expressed concern about the risk of entanglements for humpback whales
and Southern Resident killer whales in fishing gear due to the
extension of the sablefish primary fishery from the current October 31
closure to December 31.
Response: As noted in the proposed rule and Analysis, the sablefish
primary fishery is managed with quotas (tiers) that are restricted to a
finite number of permits, and thus effort is also finite, which
constrains any potential for spill-over from other fisheries. The
quotas in this fishery are highly attained under the status quo and,
therefore, the season extension is expected to spread effort out across
the year, but not increase effort overall. Additionally, based on non-
transferable gear endorsements, the fishery is comprised of more
vessels using bottom longline gear than vessels using pot gear.
Numerous surveys, sightings, models, and tracking efforts on humpback
whale migrations and behavioral patterns have found that the presence
of humpback whales along the West Coast is likely to be higher during
the late spring through the fall, particularly in the northern areas of
the coast where the Sablefish primary fishery is primarily prosecuted.
This reflects a general migration pattern of humpback whales heading
south to breeding areas by December each year, and subsequently
starting to return to feeding areas by April (see Section 4.2 of the
Analysis). Because the overall number of permits is restricted in this
fishery, we would expect this season extension would allow a temporal
distribution of effort so that some fishing effort that normally occurs
earlier in the shorter season would shift to later in the extended
season. Because the densities of humpback whales are generally
decreasing later in the season, this action will not cause an effect to
listed humpback whales or their critical habitat that was not
considered in the 2020 Biological Opinion.
There have been no documented entanglements of any killer whales in
the Pacific coast groundfish fishery (see List of Fisheries, 87 FR
55376, September 9, 2022). Killer whale entanglement with fishing gear
is rare; there has never been a documented entanglement of a southern
resident killer whale in gear associated with the primary sablefish
fishery, and the known total fishery mortality and serious injury for
SRKWs is zero (Carretta et al. 2022).
The probability of such an event is extremely small and this action
would not increase that probability. As described in the Analysis, this
action is not expected to change the location or level of fishing
effort of the primary sablefish fishery, which is composed of both
longline gear and, to a lesser extent, pot gear. Based on timing and
distribution of the fishery, including the sablefish season extending
to December 31 annually, and seasonal movement patterns of southern
resident killer whales, direct overlap of Southern Resident killer
whales and fishing vessels or gear in open coastal waters is unlikely
and fishing vessel activities are not expected to affect Southern
Resident killer whale passage. Therefore, we expect extension of the
season to have little to no effect on southern resident killer whales
or their designated critical habitat.
Comment: CBD also expressed concern that the extension of the
sablefish primary fishery could affect Southern Resident killer whales
by catching salmon, a prey species, in their critical habitat.
Response: The sablefish primary fishery is only prosecuted with
bottom longlines and pot gear. These gear types have very low bycatch
of salmon, particularly Chinook salmon. In the most recent salmon
bycatch report for the groundfish fishery developed by the Northwest
Fisheries Science Center covering 2002-2021, no salmon bycatch were
documented in the pot gear sectors, and a maximum yearly count of
[[Page 77012]]
25 coho and 4 unspecified salmon were estimated in the limited entry
sablefish hook and line fishery. As described in the Analysis, this
season extension action is unlikely to change the location or level of
fishing effort in the sablefish primary fishery. Therefore, we do not
expect any changes in salmon bycatch in the fixed gear sectors from
this action.
V. Corrections to the Proposed Rule
NMFS received comment letters from ODFW and CDFW noting
inconsistencies in information presented in the preamble to the
proposed rule and the regulatory text in the proposed rule. NMFS offers
the following corrections in this final rule. These clarifications and
corrections to the information in the proposed rule do not change the
substance or intent of this action.
At 87 FR 62680 of the preamble of the proposed rule in the section
Quillback Rockfish Off California two of the ACL contributions for the
portion of the quillback rockfish off of California to the Nearshore
Rockfish complex were transposed and so mislabeled. The ACL
contribution for the portion of quillback rockfish off of California to
the Nearshore Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. is 0.96 mt in
2024. The ACL contribution for the portion of quillback rockfish off of
California to the Nearshore Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N lat.
is 0.89 mt in 2023.
At 87 FR 62684 of the preamble of the proposed rule in section
III.C. Biennial Fishery Allocations all of the metric tonnage values
for canary rockfish in 2023 and 2024 were slightly miscalculated in the
preamble text and Table 8 but correct in the regulatory text. The
following are the correct canary rockfish allocation numbers. In 2023,
the trawl sector would receive 878.5 mt of canary rockfish, of which 36
mt would be deducted to account for bycatch in the at-sea sectors, and
the remaining 842.5 mt would be distributed to the shorebased
individual fishing quota (IFQ) sector. In 2023, the non-trawl sector
would receive 336.6 mt which is distributed to the commercial non-trawl
(121.2 mt), WA recreational (41.4 mt), OR recreational (62.3 mt), and
CA recreational (111.7 mt) fisheries. In 2024, the trawl sector would
receive 866.2 mt of canary rockfish, of which 36 mt would be deducted
to account for bycatch in the at-sea sectors, and the remaining 830.2
mt would be distributed to the shorebased IFQ sector. The non-trawl
sector would receive 331.9 mt, which is distributed to the commercial
non-trawl sector (119.4 mt), WA recreational (40.8 mt), OR recreational
(61.4 mt), and CA recreational (110.2 mt) fisheries.
Table 8--2023 and 2024 Allocations of Canary Rockfish, Corrected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023 Allocation 2024 Allocation
(mt) (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shorebased IFQ Program.................................................... 842.5 830.2
At-sea Sectors............................................................ 36 36
Nearshore/Non-nearshore................................................... 121.2 119.4
Washington recreational................................................... 41.4 40.8
Oregon recreational....................................................... 62.3 61.4
California recreational................................................... 111.7 110.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 87 FR 62684 of the proposed rule, the description in the
preamble text of the cowcod non-trawl allocation in 2023 should have
been 44.1 mt and not 44.0 mt. The 44.1 mt non-trawl allocation in 2023
was correctly listed in Table 9 of the preamble and in the applicable
regulatory text.
At 87 FR 62685 of the preamble of the proposed rule, all of the
metric tonnage values for lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat. in 2023
and 2024 were slightly miscalculated in the preamble text and Table 8
but correct in the regulatory text and used the correct percentage
distribution. The following are the correct lingcod south of 40[deg]10'
N lat. allocation numbers. In 2023, the distribution results in 284.2
mt to the trawl sector and 426.3 mt to the non-trawl sectors. In 2024,
the distribution results in 282.6 mt to the trawl sectors and 423.9 mt
to the non-trawl sectors. No further allocations or distributions are
made.
Table 10--2023 and 2024 Trawl/Non-Trawl Allocations of Lingcod South of 40[deg]10' N lat., Corrected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023 Allocation 2024 Allocation
Percentage (mt) (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trawl..................................................... 40 284.2 282.6
Non-trawl................................................. 60 426.3 423.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Tables 1a and 2a to Part 660 Subpart C of the regulatory text in
the proposed rule, the OFLs, ABCs, ACLs and Fishery HGs for longspine
thornyhead, sablefish, and shortspine thornyhead were mistakenly
mislabeled when published due to a formatting error. The table
published in the proposed rule showed that OFLs were only for the
northern portion of the species and in Table 1a to part 660 subpart C
it showed southern ACLs and HGs in the OFL and ABC columns for all
three species. In this final rule the tables properly label the
coastwide OFLs and ABCs and area-specific ACLs and Fishery HGs for each
of those three species. Also in Table 2a to Part 660 Subpart C,
footnote ``x'' mistakenly referenced that annual 2024 Pacific whiting
harvest specifications would be announced in 2023. In this final rule
footnote ``x'' is revised to reference the setting of 2024 annual
Pacific whiting harvest specifications being announced in 2024.
In Table 1b. to Part 660 Subpart C of the regulatory text in the
proposed rule, the trawl allocation percentage for bocaccio and canary
rockfish was mistakenly carried to multiple decimal places. This
resulted in rounding error in the published metric tonnage of the trawl
and non-trawl allocations for canary rockfish. Table1b. to Part 660
Subpart C is revised to show 2023
[[Page 77013]]
bocaccio allocations as 39 percent to trawl and 61 percent to non-trawl
and the canary rockfish trawl allocation percentage as 72.3 percent and
allocation as 878.5 mt and to show the canary rockfish non-trawl
allocation percentage as 27.7 percent and allocation as 336.6 mt. These
percentages are consistent with those described in the preamble of the
proposed rule in section III.C. Biennial Fishery Allocations.
At 87 FR 62690 of the proposed rule, in some places, Table 19 only
provides the depth in fathoms, rather than also in meters. At 87 FR
62695, cowcod is included in a list of nearshore rockfish species of
concern, however, cowcod is a shelf rockfish, nor a nearshore rockfish.
At 87 FR 62719 in the proposed regulatory text for Sec.
660.360(c)(3)(i)(A)(3), there is a typographical error of the word
`is'.
VI. Changes From the Proposed Rule
As a result of comments received on the proposed rule, in this
final rule NMFS is making the following changes from the proposed rule.
In addition, a clarifying cross reference is being added from what was
published in the proposed rule, revising the definition of the directed
open access fishery as described below.
The proposed rule did not revise any of the southernmost boundary
lines that approximate the 40 fm depth contour, found at Sec.
660.71(o), or the 250 fm depth contour around San Diego Rise, found at
Sec. 660.74(q), aside from redesignating the order of some
coordinates. In CDFW's thorough review of all of the coordinates in
regulations, including the changes in the proposed rule, they
discovered that one point on each of these boundary lines lay outside
of the U.S. EEZ. NMFS does not have jurisdiction to establish or
enforce fishing restrictions outside the EEZ. Therefore, CDFW
recommended that one waypoint of each of these lines be revised in the
following way: along the line that was formed by the existing points in
regulation, where that line intersects the EEZ, add a revised waypoint
and remove the old waypoint outside the EEZ. Therefore, NMFS is
including a revision to newly redesignated paragraph Sec.
660.71(o)(219) and a revision to Sec. 660.74(q)(4) in this final rule
as a technical correction to remove waypoints outside the EEZ while
maintaining the size and shape of any closed areas bounded by the
subject lines.
The proposed rule included regulatory revisions for a new
management measure to allow vessels fishing as part of the directed
open access fishery to fish within the NT-RCA with specified hook and
line gear types and following certain provisions (e.g., declarations,
etc.). For more information on this new measure, see the proposed rule
at Section III.J. Separately, NMFS published a final rule implementing
a logbook requirement for the same group of vessels (87 FR 59724;
October 3, 2022), and that final rule added a definition of the
directed open access fishery to Sec. 660.11. That added definition is
pertinent to the fishery participants that are allowed to fish under
the new management measure in this final rule that allows them to fish
with non-bottom contact gear in the NT-RCA. This final rule adds text
in paragraph (1) in the definition of ``open access fishery'' to cross
reference the new measure at Sec. 660.330(b)(3) that was published in
the proposed rule and this final rule. This addition of the cross-
reference is both administrative in nature and a logical extension of
the proposed rule provisions, and does not change the function of the
regulations described in the proposed rule or the logbook final rule.
V. Classification
Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) and section 305(d) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined
that this final rule is consistent with the PCGFMP, other provisions of
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law.
Regulations governing the U.S. fisheries for Pacific halibut are
developed by the IPHC, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the Secretary of
Commerce. Section 5 of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982
(Halibut Act, 16 U.S.C. 773c) allows the Regional Council, having
authority for a particular geographical area, to develop regulations
governing the allocation and catch of Pacific halibut in U.S.
Convention waters as long as those regulations do not conflict with
IPHC regulations. This final rule is consistent with the Council's
authority to allocate Pacific halibut catches among fishery
participants in the waters in and off the United States.
NMFS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), so that this final rule may become
effective on January 1, 2023. This action establishes the final
specifications (i.e., annual catch limits) for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fisheries for the 2023 fishing year, which begins on January
1, 2023. If this final rule is not effective on January 1, 2023, then
the fishing year begins using the catch limits and management measures
from 2022.
Because this final rule changes the catch limits for several
species for 2023, leaving 2022 harvest specifications in place could
create a conservation risk for species that have decreasing catch
limits and for species with increasing catch limits, could
unnecessarily delay fishing opportunities until later in the year,
potentially reducing the total catch for these species in 2023. Thus, a
delay in effectiveness could ultimately cause conservation issues and
economic harm to the fishing industry and associated fishing
communities or result in harvest levels inconsistent with the best
available scientific information.
This final rule is not unexpected or controversial. The groundfish
harvest specifications are published biennially and are intended to be
effective on January 1 of odd numbered years. This action establishes
final specifications (i.e., annual catch limits) and management
measures for the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries for the 2023
fishing year, which begins on January 1, 2023. If this final rule is
not effective on January 1, 2023, then the fishing year begins using
the catch limits and management measures from 2022.
Because this final rule increases the catch limits for several
species for 2023, leaving 2022 harvest specifications in and management
measures in place could unnecessarily delay fishing opportunities until
later in the year, potentially reducing the total catch for these
species in 2019. Thus, a delay in effectiveness could ultimately cause
economic harm to the fishing industry and associated fishing
communities or result in harvest levels inconsistent with the best
available scientific information. For example, due to the improved
status of sablefish, the Council recommended changes in catch limits
and management measures for a number of commercial sectors of the
fishery, including higher trip limits for open access fisheries,
increased tier limits for the limited entry fixed gear sablefish
primary fishery, and more quota pounds for the Shorebased IFQ fishery.
Because this final rule decreases catch limits for some species for
2023, leaving 2022 harvest specifications and management measures in
place could allow harvest at the beginning of the year to be too high.
Thus, a delay in effectiveness could ultimately cause further
restrictions or even closures to be necessary later in the year,
preventing one of the objectives of the FMP for year-round fishing
opportunities to not be met. For example, due to needs to reduce
harvest of copper and quillback rockfish, California recreational
seasons are
[[Page 77014]]
shorter and depth restrictions are more restrictive. Because of the
potential conservation risk and potential harm to fishing communities
that could be caused by delaying the effectiveness of this final rule,
NMFS finds there is good cause to waive the 30-day delay in
effectiveness.
Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, this rule was developed after
meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials from
the area covered by the PCGFMP. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16
U.S.C. 1852(b)(5), one of the voting members of the Pacific Council
must be a representative of an Indian tribe with federally recognized
fishing rights from the area of the Council's jurisdiction. In
addition, regulations implementing the PCGFMP establish a procedure by
which the tribes with treaty fishing rights in the area covered by the
PCGFMP request new allocations or regulations specific to the tribes,
in writing, before the first of the two meetings at which the Council
considers groundfish management measures. The regulations at 50 CFR
660.50 further direct NMFS to develop tribal allocations and
regulations in consultation with the affected tribes. The tribal
management measures in this rule have been developed following these
procedures. The tribal representative on the Council made a motion to
adopt the non-whiting tribal management measures, which was passed by
the Council. Those management measures, which were developed and
proposed by the tribes, are included in this final rule.
The Council prepared an environmental assessment for Amendment 30
to the PCGFMP and the 2023-24 harvest specifications and management
measures, and concluded that there will be no significant impact on the
human environment as a result of this rule. A copy of the analysis is
available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of
Executive Order 12866.
The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the
proposed rule, and is not repeated here. No comments were received
regarding this certification. As a result, a final regulatory
flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660
Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: December 6, 2022.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended
as follows:
PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES
0
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16
U.S.C. 7001 et seq.
0
2. Amend Sec. 660.11 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (1)(vi)(c) under the definition of ``Conservation
areas(s)'';
0
b. Revising paragraph (1) under the definition of ``Fishing gear'' and
adding paragraph (12);
0
c. Revising paragraph (10) under the definition of ``Groundfish'';
0
d. Revising paragraph (1) under the definition of ``Open access
fishery''.
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 660.11 General definitions.
* * * * *
Conservation area(s) * * *
(1) * * *
(vi) * * *
(C) Recreational RCAs. Recreational RCAs are closed areas intended
to protect overfished rockfish species. In the EEZ seaward of
California, recreational RCAs are also intended to limit catch of non-
overfished groundfish species. Recreational RCAs may either have
boundaries defined by general depth contours or boundaries defined by
specific latitude and longitude coordinates approximating depth
contours. Boundaries for the recreational RCAs throughout the year are
provided in the text in subpart G of this part under each state
(Washington, Oregon and California) and may be modified by NMFS
inseason pursuant to Sec. 660.60(c).
* * * * *
Fishing gear includes the following types of gear and equipment:
(1) Bottom contact gear means fishing gear designed or modified to
make contact with the bottom. This includes, but is not limited to,
beam trawl, bottom trawl, dredge, fixed gear, set net, demersal seine,
dinglebar gear, and other gear (including experimental gear) designed
or modified to make contact with the bottom. Gear used to harvest
bottom dwelling organisms (e.g. by hand, rakes, and knives) are also
considered bottom contact gear for purposes of this subpart. Non-bottom
contact gear is defined in paragraph (12) of this definition.
* * * * *
(12) Non-bottom contact gear means fishing gear designed or
modified to not make contact with the bottom. This includes, but is not
limited to, commercial vertical hook-and-line gear not anchored to the
bottom (e.g., vertical jig gear or rod-and-reel gear with weights
suspended off the bottom) and troll gear.
* * * * *
Groundfish * * *
* * * * *
(10) ``Ecosystem component species'' means species that are
included in the PCGFMP but are not ``in the fishery'' and therefore not
actively managed and do not require harvest specifications. Ecosystem
component species are not targeted in any fishery, not generally
retained for sale or personal use, and are not determined to be subject
to overfishing, approaching an overfished condition, or overfished, nor
are they likely to become subject to overfishing or overfished in the
absence of conservation and management measures. Ecosystem component
species include: All skates listed here in paragraph (2), except
longnose skate and big skate; all grenadiers listed here in paragraph
(5); soupfin shark; ratfish; finescale codling; and shortbelly rockfish
as listed here in paragraph (7)(ii).
* * * * *
Open access fishery * * *
(1) For the purpose of the non-trawl logbook requirements at Sec.
660.13 and the provision to fish inside the nontrawl RCA at Sec.
660.330(b)(3), directed open access fishery means that a fishing vessel
is target fishing for groundfish under the requirements of 50 CFR 660
subpart F, is only declared into an open access groundfish gear type or
sector as defined in Sec. 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), and has not declared
into any other gear type or sector.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 660.25, revise paragraphs (b)(4)(v)(C) and (b)(4)(vi)(D) to
read as follows:
Sec. 660.25 Permits.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(4) * * *
(v) * * *
(C) Sablefish-endorsed permits. If a permit owner submits an
application to register a sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit to a
new permit owner or
[[Page 77015]]
vessel owner during the primary sablefish season described at Sec.
660.231 (generally April 1 through December 31), the initial permit
owner must certify on the application form the cumulative quantity, in
round weight, of primary season sablefish landed against that permit as
of the application signature date for the then current primary season.
The new permit owner or vessel owner must sign the application form
acknowledging the amount of landings to date given by the initial
permit owner. This certified amount should match the total amount of
primary season sablefish landings reported on state landing receipts.
As required at Sec. 660.12(b), any person landing sablefish must
retain on board the vessel from which sablefish is landed, and provide
to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any and all reports of
sablefish landings from the primary season containing all data, and in
the exact manner, required by the applicable state law throughout the
primary sablefish season during which a landing occurred and for 15
days thereafter.
* * * * *
(vi) * * *
(D) Sablefish-endorsed permits. If a permit owner submits an
application to register a sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit to a
new vessel during the primary sablefish season described at Sec.
660.231 (generally April 1 through December 31), the initial permit
owner must certify on the application form the cumulative quantity, in
round weight, of primary season sablefish landed against that permit as
of the application signature date for the then current primary season.
The new permit owner or vessel owner associated with the new vessel
must sign the application form acknowledging the amount of landings to
date given by the initial permit owner. This certified amount should
match the total amount of primary season sablefish landings reported on
state landing receipts. As required at Sec. 660.12(b), any person
landing sablefish must retain on board the vessel from which sablefish
is landed, and provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of
any and all reports of sablefish landings from the primary season
containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the
applicable state law throughout the primary sablefish season during
which a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec. 660.50, revise paragraph (f)(2)(ii) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.50 Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) The Tribal allocation is 849 mt in 2023 and 778 mt in 2024 per
year. This allocation is, for each year, 10 percent of the Monterey
through Vancouver area (North of 36[deg] N lat.) ACL. The Tribal
allocation is reduced by 1.7 percent for estimated discard mortality.
* * * * *
0
5. In Sec. 660.55, revise Table 1 to paragraph (c)(1) to read as
follows:
Sec. 660.55 Allocations.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)(1)--Allocation Amounts and Percentages for
Limited Entry Trawl and Non-Trawl Sectors Specified for FMP Groundfish
Stocks and Stock Complexes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All non-treaty LE All non-treaty
Stock or complex trawl sectors non-trawl sectors
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrowtooth Flounder............... 95% 5%
Chilipepper Rockfish S of 75% 25%
40[deg]10' N lat.................
Darkblotched Rockfish............. 95% 5%
Dover Sole........................ 95% 5%
English Sole...................... 95% 5%
Lingcod N of 40[deg]10' N lat..... 45% 55%
Longspine Thornyhead N of 95% 5%
34[deg]27' N lat.................
Pacific Cod....................... 95% 5%
Pacific Ocean Perch............... 95% 5%
Sablefish S of 36[deg] N lat...... 42% 58%
Shortspine Thornyhead N of 95% 5%
34[deg]27' N lat.................
Shortspine Thornyhead S of 50 mt Remaining Yield
34[deg]27' N lat.................
Splitnose Rockfish S of 40[deg]10' 95% 5%
N lat............................
Starry Flounder................... 50% 50%
Yellowtail Rockfish N of 88% 12%
40[deg]10' N lat.................
Minor Slope Rockfish North of 81% 19%
40[deg]10' N lat.................
Other Flatfish.................... 90% 10%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec. 660.71 by:
0
a. Removing paragraphs (e)(193) and (e)(277);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(194) through (276) as (e)(193) through
(275), and (e)(278) through (336) as (e)(276) through (334);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (e)(144) and (e)(192), and newly redesignated
paragraphs (e)(263), (e)(274), (e)(280), (e)(287), and (e)(307);
0
d. Revising paragraphs (h)(13), (i)(1), (i)(9), (i)(14), (i)(20),
(i)(34), (j)(27), (j)(30), and (j)(40);
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs (o)(113) through (218) as (o)(114) through
(219) and adding new parargraph (o)(113);
0
f. Revising paragraphs (o)(95), (o)(97), (o)(112), and newly
redesignated paragraphs (o)(181), (o)(193), (o)(215), (o)(216) and
(o)(219);
0
g. Revising paragraphs (q)(8), (q)(14), (q)(19), and (q)(24);
0
h. Redesignating paragraph (q)(25) as (q)(26), and adding a new
paragraph (q)(25);
0
i. Removing paragraph (r)(20);
0
j. Redesignating paragraphs (r)(21) through (r)(23) as (r)(20) through
(r)(22);
0
k. Revising paragraphs (r)(8), (r)(15).
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 660.71 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 10-fm (18-m)
through 40-fm (73-m) depth contours.
* * * * *
[[Page 77016]]
(e) * * *
* * * * *
(144) 39[deg]16.88' N lat., 123[deg]49.29' W long.;
* * * * *
(192) 36[deg]33.20' N lat., 121[deg]57.50' W long.;
* * * * *
(263) 34[deg]06.13' N lat., 119[deg]15.26' W long.;
* * * * *
(274) 34[deg]04.66' N lat., 119[deg]04.51' W long.;
* * * * *
(280) 33[deg]59.78' N lat., 118[deg]47.26' W long.;
* * * * *
(287) 33[deg]50.29' N lat., 118[deg]24.58' W long.;
* * * * *
(307) 33[deg]35.26' N lat., 118[deg]02.55' W long.;
* * * * *
(h) * * *
* * * * *
(13) 33 [deg]56.75' N lat., 119[deg]49.13' W long.;
* * * * *
(i) * * *
* * * * *
(1) 33[deg]02.98' N lat., 118[deg]37.64' W long.;
* * * * *
(9) 32[deg]54.79' N lat., 118[deg]33.34' W long.;
* * * * *
(14) 32[deg]48.05' N lat., 118[deg]26.81' W long.;
* * * * *
(20) 32[deg]49.04' N lat., 118[deg]20.71' W long.;
* * * * *
(34) 33[deg]02.98' N lat., 118[deg]37.64' W long.;
* * * * *
(j) * * *
* * * * *
(27) 33[deg]28.77' N lat., 118[deg]32.95' W long.;
* * * * *
(30) 33[deg]27.58' N lat., 118[deg]29.51' W long.;
* * * * *
(40) 33[deg]20.21' N lat., 118[deg]18.50' W long.;
* * * * *
(o) * * *
* * * * *
(95) 40 [deg]22.41' N lat., 124[deg]24.19' W long.;
* * * * *
(97) 40[deg]18.71' N lat., 124[deg]22.63' W long.;
* * * * *
(112) 39[deg]22.63' N lat., 123[deg]51.03' W long.;
(113) 39[deg]11.86' N lat., 123[deg]48.83' W long.;
* * * * *
(181) 34[deg]08.23' N lat., 119[deg]13.21' W long.;
* * * * *
(193) 33[deg]49.87' N lat., 118[deg] 24.15' W long.;
* * * * *
(215) 32[deg]51.90' N lat., 117[deg]16.32' W long.;
(216) 32[deg]52.11' N lat., 117[deg]19.33' W long.;
* * * * *
(219) 32[deg]33.00' N lat., 117[deg]16.39' W long.;
* * * * *
(q) * * *
* * * * *
(8) 32[deg] 54.78' N lat., 118[deg]33.44' W long.;
* * * * *
(14) 32[deg]45.53' N lat., 118[deg]24.82' W long.;
* * * * *
(19) 32[deg]49.70' N lat., 118[deg]21.04' W long.;
* * * * *
(24) 33[deg]02.98' N lat., 118[deg]35.40' W long.;
(25) 33[deg]03.36' N lat., 118[deg]37.57' W long.; and
* * * * *
(r) * * *
* * * * *
(8) 33[deg]20.88' N lat., 118[deg]30.54' W long.;
* * * * *
(15) 33[deg]22.24' N lat., 118[deg]19.99' W long.;
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 660.72 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(74) and (75), (a)(106) and (107), (a)(130),
(a)(132) and (133),
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(134) through (200) as (a)(135) through
(201);
0
c. Adding new paragraph (a)(134);
0
d. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (a)(147) and (148), (a)(162),
(a)(169), (a)(171), (a)(173), (a)(174)
0
e. Revising paragraphs (c)(18), (c)(33), (d)(2) through (4), (f)(89),
(f)(96), (f)(129), (f)(143) and (144), (f)(146), (f)(155), (f)(159),
(f)(169), (f)(175) and (176), (f)(208), (g)(17), (h)(2), (h)(4) through
(6), (i)(6);
0
f. Removing paragraph (j)(140);
0
g. Redesignating paragraphs (j)(99) through (139) as (j)(100) through
(140);
0
h. Adding new paragraph (j)(99);
0
i. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (j)(100), and (j)(109) and
paragraphs (j)(154), (j)(157), (j)(166), (j)(186) and (187), (j)(189)
and (190), (j)(206), (j)(208) through (210), (j)(215), (j)(220) through
(222), (j)(227), (k)(29), (l)(3), (m)(1), (m)(3) and (4), (m)(6),
(m)(15), and (m)(18).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 660.72 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m)
through 75 fm (137 m) depth contours.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
* * * * *
(74) 40[deg]23.71' N lat., 124[deg]28.32' W long.;
(75) 40[deg]22.53' N lat., 124[deg]24.67' W long.;
* * * * *
(106) 37[deg]49.84' N lat., 123[deg]16.05' W long.;
(107) 37[deg]35.67' N lat., 122[deg]55.43' W long.;
* * * * *
(130) 36[deg]00.00' N lat., 121[deg]34.95' W long.;
* * * * *
(132) 35[deg]40.44' N lat., 121[deg] 22.43' W long.;
(133) 35[deg]27.11' N lat., 121[deg]03.55' W long.;
(134) 35[deg]14.91' N lat., 120[deg]56.67' W long.;
* * * * *
(147) 34[deg]07.83' N lat., 119[deg]13.48' W long.;
(148) 34[deg]07.71' N lat., 119[deg]13.29' W long.;
* * * * *
(162) 33[deg]51.33' N lat., 118[deg]36.00' W long.;
* * * * *
(169) 33[deg]48.25' N lat., 118[deg]26.97' W long.;
* * * * *
(171) 33[deg]44.11' N lat., 118[deg]25.23' W long.;
* * * * *
(173) 33[deg]38.16' N lat., 118[deg]15.65' W long.;
(174) 33[deg]37.47' N lat., 118[deg] 16.62' W long.;
* * * * *
(c) * * *
* * * * *
(18) 33[deg]58.76' N lat., 119[deg]32.27' W long.;
* * * * *
(33) 34[deg]02.47' N lat., 120[deg]30.00' W long.;
* * * * *
(d) * * *
* * * * *
(2) 33[deg]02.53' N lat., 118[deg]34.25' W long.;
(3) 32[deg]55.51' N lat., 118[deg]28.92' W long.;
[[Page 77017]]
(4) 32[deg]54.99' N lat., 118[deg]27.72' W long.;
* * * * *
(f) * * *
* * * * *
(89) 40[deg]34.26' N lat., 124[deg]29.52' W long.;
* * * * *
(96) 40[deg]21.58' N lat., 124[deg]24.87' W long.;
* * * * *
(129) 36[deg]51.42' N lat., 121[deg]57.62' W long.;
* * * * *
(143) 36[deg]10.30' N lat., 121[deg]43.00' W long.;
(144) 36[deg]02.54' N lat., 121[deg]36.43' W long.;
* * * * *
(146) 35[deg]58.21' N lat., 121[deg]32.88' W long.;
* * * * *
(155) 34[deg]23.05' N lat., 119[deg]56.25' W long.;
* * * * *
(159) 34[deg]03.80' N lat., 119[deg]12.70' W long.;
* * * * *
(169) 33[deg]55.20' N lat., 118[deg]33.18' W long.;
* * * * *
(175) 33[deg]49.93' N lat., 118[deg]26.36' W long.;
(176) 33[deg]50.68' N lat., 118[deg]26.15' W long.;
* * * * *
(208) 32[deg]43.03' N lat., 117[deg]20.43' W long.;
* * * * *
(g) * * *
* * * * *
(17) 33[deg]59.22' N lat., 119[deg]55.49' W long.;
* * * * *
(h) * * *
* * * * *
(2) 33[deg]02.56' N lat., 118[deg]34.19' W long.;
* * * * *
(4) 32[deg]55.01' N lat., 118[deg]27.70' W long.;
(5) 32[deg]49.77' N lat., 118[deg]20.92' W long.;
(6) 32[deg]48.38' N lat., 118[deg]20.02' W long.;
* * * * *
(i) * * *
* * * * *
(6) 33[deg]25.39' N lat., 118[deg]22.80' W long.;
* * * * *
(j) * * *
* * * * *
(99) 40[deg]39.40' N lat., 124[deg]28.90' W long.;
(100) 40[deg]36.96' N lat., 124[deg]28.02' W long.;
* * * * *
(109) 40[deg]21.65' N lat., 124[deg]24.89' W long.;
* * * * *
(154) 37[deg]04.49' N lat., 122[deg]38.50' W long.;
* * * * *
(157) 37[deg]01.16' N lat., 122[deg]24.50' W long.;
* * * * *
(166) 36[deg]49.80' N lat., 121[deg]57.93' W long.;
* * * * *
(186) 36[deg]10.35' N lat., 121[deg]43.03' W long.;
(187) 36[deg]02.50' N lat., 121[deg]36.47' W long.;
* * * * *
(189) 36[deg]00.00' N lat., 121[deg]35.32' W long.;
(190) 35[deg]58.20' N lat., 121[deg]32.97' W long.;
* * * * *
(206) 34[deg]03.70' N lat., 119[deg]12.77' W long.;
* * * * *
(208) 34[deg]04.44' N lat., 119[deg]04.90' W long.;
(209) 34[deg]02.94' N lat., 119[deg]02.89' W long.;
(210) 34[deg]01.30' N lat., 119[deg]00.48' W long.;
* * * * *
(215) 33[deg]58.99' N lat., 118[deg]47.33' W long.;
* * * * *
(220) 33[deg]49.85' N lat., 118[deg]32.31' W long.;
(221) 33[deg]49.61' N lat., 118[deg]28.07' W long.;
(222) 33[deg]49.77' N lat., 118[deg]26.34' W long.;
* * * * *
(227) 33[deg]44.07' N lat., 118[deg]25.28' W long.;
* * * * *
(k) * * *
* * * * *
(29) 33[deg]51.69' N lat., 120[deg]07.98' W long.;
* * * * *
(l) * * *
* * * * *
(3) 32[deg]55.57' N lat., 118[deg]28.84' W long.;
* * * * *
(m) * * *
(1) 33[deg]28.13' N lat., 118[deg]38.25' W long.;
* * * * *
(3) 33[deg]28.94' N lat., 118[deg]30.81' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]26.73' N lat., 118[deg]27.35' W long.;
* * * * *
(6) 33[deg]25.42' N lat., 118[deg]22.76' W long.;
* * * * *
(15) 33[deg]24.94' N lat., 118[deg]32.29' W long.;
* * * * *
(18) 33[deg]28.13' N lat., 118[deg]38.25' W long.;
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec. 660.73 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(159) through (322);
0
b. Adding new paragraphs (a)(323) through (329);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (d)(10), (e)(188) and (189), (e)(264), (e)(272),
(e)(274) through (276), (e)(284) through (286), (e)(290), (e)(318)
through (323), (e)(350) through (363);
0
d. Adding new paragraphs (e)(364) through (371); and
0
e. Revising paragraphs (f), (g)(12) and (13), (h) and (l).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 660.73 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 100 fm (183
m) through 150 fm (274 m) depth contours.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(159) 40[deg]39.44' N lat., 124[deg]29.08' W long.;
(160) 40[deg]37.08' N lat., 124[deg]28.29' W long.;
(161) 40[deg]34.76' N lat., 124[deg]29.82' W long.;
(162) 40[deg]36.78' N lat., 124[deg]37.06' W long.;
(163) 40[deg]32.44' N lat., 124[deg]39.58' W long.;
(164) 40[deg]30.37' N lat., 124[deg]37.30' W long.;
(165) 40[deg]28.48' N lat., 124[deg]36.95' W long.;
(166) 40[deg]24.82' N lat., 124[deg]35.12' W long.;
(167) 40[deg]23.30' N lat., 124[deg]31.60' W long.;
(168) 40[deg]23.52' N lat., 124[deg]28.78' W long.;
(169) 40[deg]22.43' N lat., 124[deg]25.00' W long.;
(170) 40[deg]21.72' N lat., 124[deg]24.94' W long.;
(171) 40[deg]21.87' N lat., 124[deg]27.96' W long.;
(172) 40[deg]21.40' N lat., 124[deg]28.74' W long.;
(173) 40[deg]19.68' N lat., 124[deg]28.49' W long.;
(174) 40[deg]17.73' N lat., 124[deg]25.43' W long.;
(175) 40[deg]18.37' N lat., 124[deg]23.35' W long.;
(176) 40[deg]15.75' N lat., 124[deg]26.05' W long.;
(177) 40[deg]16.75' N lat., 124[deg]33.71' W long.;
[[Page 77018]]
(178) 40[deg]16.29' N lat., 124[deg]34.36' W long.;
(179) 40[deg]10.13' N lat., 124[deg]21.92' W long.;
(180) 40[deg]07.70' N lat., 124[deg]18.44' W long.;
(181) 40[deg]08.84' N lat., 124[deg]15.86' W long.;
(182) 40[deg]06.39' N lat., 124[deg]17.26' W long.;
(183) 40[deg]03.15' N lat., 124[deg]14.43' W long.;
(184) 40[deg]02.19' N lat., 124[deg]12.85' W long.;
(185) 40[deg]02.89' N lat., 124[deg]11.78' W long.;
(186) 40[deg]02.78' N lat., 124[deg]10.70' W long.;
(187) 40[deg]04.57' N lat., 124[deg]10.08' W long.;
(188) 40[deg]06.06' N lat., 124[deg]08.30' W long.;
(189) 40[deg]04.05' N lat., 124[deg]08.93' W long.;
(190) 40[deg]01.17' N lat., 124[deg]08.80' W long.;
(191) 40[deg]01.00' N lat., 124[deg]09.96' W long.;
(192) 39[deg]58.07' N lat., 124[deg]11.81' W long.;
(193) 39[deg]56.39' N lat., 124[deg]08.69' W long.;
(194) 39[deg]54.64' N lat., 124[deg]07.30' W long.;
(195) 39[deg]53.86' N lat., 124[deg]07.95' W long.;
(196) 39[deg]51.95' N lat., 124[deg]07.63' W long.;
(197) 39[deg]48.78' N lat., 124[deg]03.29' W long.;
(198) 39[deg]47.36' N lat., 124[deg]03.31' W long.;
(199) 39[deg]40.08' N lat., 123[deg]58.37' W long.;
(200) 39[deg]36.16' N lat., 123[deg]56.90' W long.;
(201) 39[deg]30.75' N lat., 123[deg]55.86' W long.;
(202) 39[deg]31.62' N lat., 123[deg]57.33' W long.;
(203) 39[deg]30.91' N lat., 123[deg]57.88' W long.;
(204) 39[deg]01.79' N lat., 123[deg]56.59' W long.;
(205) 38[deg]59.42' N lat., 123[deg]55.67' W long.;
(206) 38[deg]58.89' N lat., 123[deg]56.28' W long.;
(207) 38[deg]57.50' N lat., 123[deg]56.28' W long.;
(208) 38[deg]54.72' N lat., 123[deg]55.68' W long.;
(209) 38[deg]48.95' N lat., 123[deg]51.85' W long.;
(210) 38[deg]36.67' N lat., 123[deg]40.20' W long.;
(211) 38[deg]33.82' N lat., 123[deg]39.23' W long.;
(212) 38[deg]29.02' N lat., 123[deg]33.52' W long.;
(213) 38[deg]18.88' N lat., 123[deg]25.93' W long.;
(214) 38[deg]14.12' N lat., 123[deg]23.26' W long.;
(215) 38[deg]11.07' N lat., 123[deg]22.07' W long.;
(216) 38[deg]03.18' N lat., 123[deg]20.77' W long.;
(217) 38[deg]00.00' N lat., 123[deg]23.08' W long.;
(218) 37[deg]55.07' N lat., 123[deg]26.81' W long.;
(219) 37[deg]50.66' N lat., 123[deg]23.06' W long.;
(220) 37[deg]45.18' N lat., 123[deg]11.88' W long.;
(221) 37[deg]35.67' N lat., 123[deg]01.20' W long.;
(222) 37[deg]26.81' N lat., 122[deg]55.57' W long.;
(223) 37[deg]26.78' N lat., 122[deg]53.91' W long.;
(224) 37[deg]25.74' N lat., 122[deg]54.13' W long.;
(225) 37[deg]25.33' N lat., 122[deg]53.59' W long.;
(226) 37[deg]25.29' N lat., 122[deg]52.57' W long.;
(227) 37[deg]24.50' N lat., 122[deg]52.09' W long.;
(228) 37[deg]23.25' N lat., 122[deg]53.12' W long.;
(229) 37[deg]15.58' N lat., 122[deg]48.36' W long.;
(230) 37[deg]11.00' N lat., 122[deg]44.50' W long.;
(231) 37[deg]07.00' N lat., 122[deg]41.25' W long.;
(232) 37[deg]03.18' N lat., 122[deg]38.15' W long.;
(233) 37[deg]00.48' N lat., 122[deg]33.93' W long.;
(234) 36[deg]58.70' N lat., 122[deg]27.22' W long.;
(235) 37[deg]00.85' N lat., 122[deg]24.70' W long.;
(236) 36[deg]58.00' N lat., 122[deg]24.14' W long.;
(237) 36[deg]58.74' N lat., 122[deg]21.51' W long.;
(238) 36[deg]56.97' N lat., 122[deg]21.32' W long.;
(239) 36[deg]51.52' N lat., 122[deg]10.68' W long.;
(240) 36[deg]48.39' N lat., 122[deg]07.60' W long.;
(241) 36[deg]47.43' N lat., 122[deg]03.22' W long.;
(242) 36[deg]50.95' N lat., 121[deg]58.03' W long.;
(243) 36[deg]49.92' N lat., 121[deg]58.01' W long.;
(244) 36[deg]48.86' N lat., 121[deg]58.80' W long.;
(245) 36[deg]47.76' N lat., 121[deg]58.68' W long.;
(246) 36[deg]48.39' N lat., 121[deg]51.10' W long.;
(247) 36[deg]45.74' N lat., 121[deg]54.17' W long.;
(248) 36[deg]45.51' N lat., 121[deg]57.72' W long.;
(249) 36[deg]38.84' N lat., 122[deg]01.32' W long.;
(250) 36[deg]35.62' N lat., 122[deg]00.98' W long.;
(251) 36[deg]32.46' N lat., 121[deg]59.15' W long.;
(252) 36[deg]32.79' N lat., 121[deg]57.67' W long.;
(253) 36[deg]31.98' N lat., 121[deg]56.55' W long.;
(254) 36[deg]31.79' N lat., 121[deg]58.40' W long.;
(255) 36[deg]30.73' N lat., 121[deg]59.70' W long.;
(256) 36[deg]30.31' N lat., 122[deg]00.22' W long.;
(257) 36[deg]29.35' N lat., 122[deg]00.28' W long.;
(258) 36[deg]27.66' N lat., 121[deg]59.80' W long.;
(259) 36[deg]26.22' N lat., 121[deg]58.35' W long.;
(260) 36[deg]21.20' N lat., 122[deg]00.72' W long.;
(261) 36[deg]20.47' N lat., 122[deg]02.92' W long.;
(262) 36[deg]18.46' N lat., 122[deg]04.51' W long.;
(263) 36[deg]15.92' N lat., 122[deg]01.33' W long.;
(264) 36[deg]13.81' N lat., 121[deg]57.40' W long.;
(265) 36[deg]14.43' N lat., 121[deg]55.43' W long.;
(266) 36[deg]10.24' N lat., 121[deg]43.08' W long.;
(267) 36[deg]07.66' N lat., 121[deg]40.91' W long.;
(268) 36[deg]02.49' N lat., 121[deg]36.51' W long.;
(269) 36[deg]01.08' N lat., 121[deg]36.63' W long.;
(270) 36[deg]00.00' N lat., 121[deg]35.41' W long.;
(271) 35[deg]57.84' N lat., 121[deg]32.81' W long.;
(272) 35[deg]50.36' N lat., 121[deg]29.32' W long.;
(273) 35[deg]39.03' N lat., 121[deg]22.86' W long.;
(274) 35[deg]24.27' N lat., 121[deg]02.74' W long.;
(275) 35[deg]16.53' N lat., 121[deg]00.39' W long.;
(276) 35[deg]04.82' N lat., 120[deg]53.96' W long.;
(277) 34[deg]52.51' N lat., 120[deg]51.62' W long.;
(278) 34[deg]43.36' N lat., 120[deg]52.12' W long.;
(279) 34[deg]38.06' N lat., 120[deg]49.65' W long.;
(280) 34[deg]30.85' N lat., 120[deg]44.76' W long.;
(281) 34[deg]27.00' N lat., 120[deg]39.00' W long.;
(282) 34[deg]21.90' N lat., 120[deg]25.25' W long.;
[[Page 77019]]
(283) 34[deg]24.86' N lat., 120[deg]16.81' W long.;
(284) 34[deg]22.80' N lat., 119[deg]57.06' W long.;
(285) 34[deg]18.59' N lat., 119[deg]44.84' W long.;
(286) 34[deg]15.04' N lat., 119[deg]40.34' W long.;
(287) 34[deg]14.40' N lat., 119[deg]45.39' W long.;
(288) 34[deg]12.32' N lat., 119[deg]42.41' W long.;
(289) 34[deg]09.71' N lat., 119[deg]28.85' W long.;
(290) 34[deg]04.70' N lat., 119[deg]15.38' W long.;
(291) 34[deg]03.33' N lat., 119[deg]12.93' W long.;
(292) 34[deg]02.72' N lat., 119[deg]07.01' W long.;
(293) 34[deg]03.90' N lat., 119[deg]04.64' W long.;
(294) 34[deg]02.75' N lat., 119[deg]02.88' W long.;
(295) 33[deg]59.44' N lat., 119[deg]03.43' W long.;
(296) 33[deg]59.12' N lat., 118[deg]59.59' W long.;
(297) 33[deg]59.84' N lat., 118[deg]57.29' W long.;
(298) 33[deg]58.83' N lat., 118[deg]46.69' W long.;
(299) 33[deg]58.73' N lat., 118[deg]41.76' W long.;
(300) 33[deg]55.09' N lat., 118[deg]34.11' W long.;
(301) 33[deg]54.09' N lat., 118[deg]38.42' W long.;
(302) 33[deg]51.00' N lat., 118[deg]36.66' W long.;
(303) 33[deg]49.06' N lat., 118[deg]31.86' W long.;
(304) 33[deg]49.69' N lat., 118[deg]26.49' W long.;
(305) 33[deg]49.35' N lat., 118[deg]26.04' W long.;
(306) 33[deg]47.60' N lat., 118[deg]31.13' W long.;
(307) 33[deg]39.82' N lat., 118[deg]18.31' W long.;
(308) 33[deg]35.68' N lat., 118[deg]16.81' W long.;
(309) 33[deg]32.85' N lat., 118[deg]09.41' W long.;
(310) 33[deg]35.14' N lat., 118[deg]04.95' W long.;
(311) 33[deg]33.56' N lat., 118[deg]00.63' W long.;
(312) 33[deg]34.25' N lat., 117[deg]53.44' W long.;
(313) 33[deg]31.65' N lat., 117[deg]49.21' W long.;
(314) 33[deg]16.07' N lat., 117[deg]34.74' W long.;
(315) 33[deg]07.06' N lat., 117[deg]22.71' W long.;
(316) 33[deg]02.81' N lat., 117[deg]21.17' W long.;
(317) 33[deg]01.76' N lat., 117[deg]20.51' W long.;
(318) 32[deg]59.90' N lat., 117[deg]19.38' W long.;
(319) 32[deg]57.29' N lat., 117[deg]18.94' W long.;
(320) 32[deg]56.15' N lat., 117[deg]19.54' W long.;
(321) 32[deg]55.30' N lat., 117[deg]19.38' W long.;
(322) 32[deg]54.27' N lat., 117[deg]17.17' W long.;
(323) 32[deg]52.94' N lat., 117[deg]17.11' W long.;
(324) 32[deg]52.66' N lat., 117[deg]19.67' W long.;
(325) 32[deg]50.95' N lat., 117[deg]21.17' W long.;
(326) 32[deg]47.11' N lat., 117[deg]22.98' W long.;
(327) 32[deg]45.60' N lat., 117[deg]22.64' W long.;
(328) 32[deg]42.79' N lat., 117[deg]21.16' W long.; and
(329) 32[deg]34.22' N lat., 117[deg]21.20' W long.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
* * * * *
(10) 34[deg]02.97' N lat., 119[deg]16.89' W long.;
* * * * *
(e) * * *
* * * * *
(188) 40[deg]22.32' N lat., 124[deg]25.15' W long.;
(189) 40[deg]21.85' N lat., 124[deg]25.09' W long.;
* * * * *
(264) 36[deg]51.44' N lat., 122[deg]10.79' W long.;
* * * * *
(272) 36[deg]45.52' N lat., 121[deg]57.74' W long.;
* * * * *
(274) 36[deg]38.84' N lat., 122[deg]01.44' W long.;
(275) 36[deg]35.62' N lat., 122[deg]01.06' W long.;
(276) 36[deg]32.41' N lat., 121[deg]59.18' W long.;
* * * * *
(284) 36[deg]13.66' N lat., 121[deg]57.17' W long.;
(285) 36[deg]14.35' N lat., 121[deg]55.38' W long.;
(286) 36[deg]10.18' N lat., 121[deg]43.26' W long.;
* * * * *
(290) 35[deg]59.96' N lat., 121[deg]35.39' W long.;
* * * * *
(318) 34[deg]07.06' N lat., 120[deg]10.42' W long.;
(319) 34[deg]08.93' N lat., 120[deg]18.34' W long.;
(320) 34[deg]11.04' N lat., 120[deg]25.20' W long.;
(321) 34[deg]13.01' N lat., 120[deg]29.29' W long.;
(322) 34[deg]09.41' N lat., 120[deg]37.69' W long.;
(323) 34[deg]03.20' N lat., 120[deg]34.52' W long.;
* * * * *
(350) 33[deg]48.70' N lat., 118[deg]31.99' W long.;
(351) 33[deg]48.87' N lat., 118[deg]29.47' W long.;
(352) 33[deg]48.37' N lat., 118[deg]29.40' W long.;
(353) 33[deg]47.63' N lat., 118[deg]31.57' W long.;
(354) 33[deg]39.78' N lat., 118[deg]18.40' W long.;
(355) 33[deg]35.50' N lat., 118[deg]16.85' W long.;
(356) 33[deg]32.46' N lat., 118[deg]10.90' W long.;
(357) 33[deg]32.81' N lat., 118[deg]07.30' W long.;
(358) 33[deg]34.38' N lat., 118[deg]05.94' W long.;
(359) 33[deg]34.42' N lat., 118[deg]03.95' W long.;
(360) 33[deg]33.40' N lat., 118[deg]01.26' W long.;
(361) 33[deg]34.11' N lat., 117[deg]54.07' W long.;
(362) 33[deg]31.61' N lat., 117[deg]49.30' W long.;
(363) 33[deg]16.36' N lat., 117[deg]35.48' W long.;
(364) 33[deg]06.81' N lat., 117[deg]22.93' W long.;
(365) 32[deg]59.28' N lat., 117[deg]19.69' W long.;
(366) 32[deg]55.37' N lat., 117[deg]19.55' W long.;
(367) 32[deg]53.12' N lat., 117[deg]17.49' W long.;
(368) 32[deg]52.56' N lat., 117[deg]20.75' W long.;
(369) 32[deg]46.42' N lat., 117[deg]23.45' W long.;
(370) 32[deg]42.71' N lat., 117[deg]21.45' W long.; and
(371) 32[deg]34.54' N lat., 117[deg]23.04' W long.
* * * * *
(f) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off
the state of California is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33[deg]04.86' N lat., 118[deg]37.89' W long.;
(2) 33[deg]02.67' N lat., 118[deg]34.07' W long.;
(3) 32[deg]55.97' N lat., 118[deg]28.95' W long.;
(4) 32[deg]55.06' N lat., 118[deg]27.66' W long.;
(5) 32[deg]49.79' N lat., 118[deg]20.84' W long.;
(6) 32[deg]48.02' N lat., 118[deg]19.49' W long.;
(7) 32[deg]47.37' N lat., 118[deg]21.72' W long.;
[[Page 77020]]
(8) 32[deg]43.58' N lat., 118[deg]24.54' W long.;
(9) 32[deg]47.74' N lat., 118[deg]30.39' W long.;
(10) 32[deg]49.74' N lat., 118[deg]32.11' W long.;
(11) 32[deg]53.36' N lat., 118[deg]33.44' W long.;
(12) 32[deg]54.89' N lat., 118[deg]35.37' W long.;
(13) 33[deg]00.20' N lat., 118[deg]38.72' W long.;
(14) 33[deg]03.15' N lat., 118[deg]39.80' W long.; and
(15) 33[deg]04.86' N lat., 118[deg]37.89' W long.;
* * * * *
(g) * * *
* * * * *
(12) 33[deg]19.85' N lat., 118[deg]32.25' W long.;
(13) 33[deg]20.82' N lat., 118[deg]32.98' W long.;
* * * * *
(h) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around Lasuen Knoll off the
state of California is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 33[deg]24.50' N lat., 118[deg]01.08' W long.;
(2) 33[deg]23.35' N lat., 117[deg]59.83' W long.;
(3) 33[deg]23.69' N lat., 117[deg]58.47' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]24.76' N lat., 117[deg]59.33' W long.; and
(5) 33[deg]24.50' N lat., 118[deg]01.08' W long.
* * * * *
(l) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off
the state of California is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33[deg]25.07' N lat., 117[deg]59.26' W long.;
(2) 33[deg]23.69' N lat., 117[deg]58.13' W long.;
(3) 33[deg]23.18' N lat., 117[deg]59.87' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]24.61' N lat., 118[deg]01.31' W long.; and
(5) 33[deg]25.07' N lat., 117[deg]59.26' W long.
* * * * *
0
9. In Sec. 660.74, revise paragraphs (d), (j), (p)(3) through (7), and
(q)(4) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.74 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 180 fm (329
m) through 250 fm (457 m) depth contours.
* * * * *
(d) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off
the state of California is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33[deg]25.05' N lat., 118[deg]01.70' W long.;
(2) 33[deg]25.41' N lat., 117[deg]59.36' W long.;
(3) 33[deg]23.49' N lat., 117[deg]57.47' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]23.02' N lat., 117[deg]59.78' W long.;
(5) 33[deg]23.85' N lat., 118[deg]00.88' W long.; and
(6) 33[deg]25.05' N lat., 118[deg]01.70' W long.
* * * * *
(j) The 200 fm (366 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off
the state of California is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33[deg]25.91' N lat., 117[deg]59.44' W long.;
(2) 33[deg]23.37' N lat., 117[deg]56.97' W long.;
(3) 33[deg]22.88' N lat., 117[deg]59.72' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]23.85' N lat., 118[deg]01.03' W long.;
(5) 33[deg]25.20' N lat., 118[deg]01.89' W long.; and
(6) 33[deg]25.91' N lat., 117[deg]59.44' W long.
* * * * *
(p) * * *
* * * * *
(3) 33[deg]23.83' N lat., 117[deg]56.19' W long.;
(4) 33[deg]22.24' N lat., 117[deg]57.20' W long.;
(5) 33[deg]22.78' N lat., 117[deg]59.68' W long.;
(6) 33[deg]23.79' N lat., 118[deg]01.32' W long.;
(7) 33[deg]25.79' N lat., 118[deg]02.25' W long.;
* * * * *
(q) * * *
(4) 32[deg]36.07' N lat., 117[deg]44.29' W long.;
* * * * *
0
10. Revise Tables 1a through 1c to part 660, subpart C, to read as
follows:
* * * * *
Table 1a. to Part 660, Subpart C--2023, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT and Fishery HG
[(Weights in metric tons). Capitalized stocks are rebuilding.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stocks Area OFL ABC ACL \a\ Fishery HG \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \c\........ Coastwide....... 123 103 66 55.3
Arrowtooth Flounder \d\....... Coastwide....... 26,391 18,632 18,632 16,537
Big Skate \e\................. Coastwide....... 1,541 1,320 1,320 1,260.2
Black Rockfish \f\............ California (S of 368 334 334 332.1
42[deg] N lat.).
Black Rockfish \g\............ Washington (N of 319 290 290 271.8
46[deg]16' N
lat.).
Bocaccio \h\.................. S of 40[deg]10' 2,009 1,842 1,842 1,793.9
N lat.
Cabezon \i\................... California (S of 197 182 182 180.4
42[deg] N lat.).
California Scorpionfish \j\... S of 34[deg]27' 290 262 262 258.4
N lat.
Canary Rockfish \k\........... Coastwide....... 1,413 1,284 1,284 1,215.1
Chilipepper \l\............... S of 40[deg]10' 2,401 2,183 2,183 2,085
N lat.
Cowcod \m\.................... S of 40[deg]10' 113 80 80 68.8
N lat.
Cowcod.................... (Conception).... 94 69 NA NA
Cowcod.................... (Monterey)...... 19 11 NA NA
Darkblotched Rockfish \n\..... Coastwide....... 856 785 785 761.2
Dover Sole \o\................ Coastwide....... 63,834 59,685 50,000 48,402.9
English Sole \p\.............. Coastwide....... 11,133 9,018 9,018 8,758.5
Lingcod \q\................... N of 40[deg]10' 5,010 4,378 4,378 4,098.4
N lat.
Lingcod \r\................... S of 40[deg]10' 846 739 726 710.5
N lat.
Longnose Skate \s\............ Coastwide....... 1,993 1,708 1,708 1,456.7
Longspine Thornyhead.......... Coastwide....... 4,616 3,019 .............. ..............
Longspine Thornyhead \t\...... N of 34[deg]27' .............. .............. 2,295 2,241.3
N lat.
Longspine Thornyhead \u\...... S of 34[deg]27' .............. .............. 725 722.8
N lat.
Pacific Cod \v\............... Coastwide....... 3,200 1,926 1,600 1,094
Pacific Ocean Perch \w\....... N of 40[deg]10' 4,248 3,573 3,573 3,427.5
N lat.
Pacific Whiting \x\........... Coastwide....... (\x\) (\x\) (\x\) (\x\)
Petrale Sole \y\.............. Coastwide....... 3,763 3,485 3,485 3,098.8
Sablefish..................... Coastwide....... 11,577 10,825 .............. ..............
Sablefish \z\................. N of 36[deg] N .............. .............. 8,486 See Table 1c
lat.
[[Page 77021]]
Sablefish \aa\................ S of 36[deg] N .............. .............. 2,338 2,310.6
lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead......... Coastwide....... 3,177 2,078 .............. ..............
Shortspine Thornyhead \bb\.... N of 34[deg]27' .............. .............. 1,359 1,280.7
N lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead \cc\.... S of 34[deg]27' .............. .............. 719 712.3
N lat.
Spiny Dogfish \dd\............ Coastwide....... 1,911 1,456 1,456 1,104.5
Splitnose \ee\................ S of 40[deg]10' 1,803 1,592 1,592 1,573.4
N lat.
Starry Flounder \ff\.......... Coastwide....... 652 392 392 343.7
Widow Rockfish \gg\........... Coastwide....... 13,633 12,624 12,624 12,385.7
Yellowtail Rockfish \hh\...... N of 40[deg]10' 6,178 5,666 5,666 4,638.5
N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Complexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish Oregon.......... 679 597 597 595.2
\ii\.
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling \jj\... Oregon.......... 202 185 185 184.2
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling \kk\... Washington...... 25 20 20 18.0
Nearshore Rockfish North \ll\. N of 40[deg]10' 110 93 93 89.7
N lat.
Nearshore Rockfish South \mm\. S of 40[deg]10' 1,089 897 887 882.5
N lat.
Other Fish \nn\............... Coastwide....... 286 223 223 201.8
Other Flatfish \oo\........... Coastwide....... 7,887 4,862 4,862 4,641
Shelf Rockfish North \pp\..... N of 40[deg]10' 1,614 1,283 1,283 1,212.1
N lat.
Shelf Rockfish South \qq\..... S of 40[deg]10' 1,835 1,469 1,469 1,336.2
N lat.
Slope Rockfish North \rr\..... N of 40[deg]10' 1,819 1,540 1,540 1,474.6
N lat.
Slope Rockfish South \ss\..... S of 40[deg]10' 870 701 701 662.1
N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total
catch values.
b Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes allocations and
projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
c Yelloweye rockfish. The 66 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of
2029 and an SPR harvest rate of 65 percent. 10.7 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery
(5 mt), EFP fishing (0.12 mt), research catch (2.92 mt), and incidental open access mortality (2.66 mt)
resulting in a fishery HG of 55.3 mt. The non-trawl HG is 50.9 mt. The combined non-nearshore/nearshore HG is
10.7 mt. Recreational HGs are: 13.2 mt (Washington); 11.7 mt (Oregon); and 15.3 mt (California). In addition,
the non-trawl ACT is 39.9 mt, and the combined non-nearshore/nearshore ACT is 8.4 mt. Recreational ACTs are:
10.4 mt (Washington), 9.2 mt (Oregon), and 12.0 mt (California).
d Arrowtooth flounder. 2,094.98 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt),
research catch (12.98 mt) and incidental open access mortality (41 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 16,537
mt.
e Big skate. 59.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (15 mt), research catch (5.49
mt), and incidental open access mortality (39.31 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,260.2 mt.
f Black rockfish (California). 2.26 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1.0 mt), research
catch (0.08 mt), and incidental open access mortality (1.18 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 332.1 mt.
g Black rockfish (Washington). 18.1 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (18 mt) and
research catch (0.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 271.8 mt.
h Bocaccio south of 40[deg]10' N lat Bocaccio are managed with stock-specific harvest specifications south of
40[deg]10' N lat and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 48.12 mt is deducted
from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (40 mt), research catch (5.6 mt), and incidental open access mortality
(2.52 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,793.9 mt. The California recreational fishery south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. has an HG of 755.6 mt.
i Cabezon (California). 1.63 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1 mt), research catch (0.02
mt), and incidental open access fishery mortality (0.61 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 180.4 mt.
j California scorpionfish south of 34[deg]27' N lat. 3.89 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research
(0.18 mt) and the incidental open access fishery (3.71 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 258.4 mt.
k Canary rockfish. 68.91 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (50 mt), EFP fishing (6
mt), and research catch (10.08 mt), and incidental open access mortality (2.83 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 1,215.1 mt. The combined nearshore/non-nearshore HG is 121.2 mt. Recreational HGs are: 41.4 mt
(Washington); 62.3 mt (Oregon); and 111.7 mt (California).
l Chilipepper rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 97.7 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (70 mt), research catch (14.04 mt),
incidental open access fishery mortality (13.66 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,085 mt.
m Cowcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Cowcod are managed with stock-specific harvest specifications south of
40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 11.17 mt is deducted
from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1 mt), research catch (10 mt), and incidental open access mortality
(0.17 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 68.8 mt.
n Darkblotched rockfish. 23.76 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (5 mt), EFP fishing
(0.5 mt), research catch (8.46 mt), and incidental open access mortality (9.8 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of
761.2 mt.
o Dover sole. 1,597.11 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,497 mt), research catch
(50.84 mt), and incidental open access mortality (49.27 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 48,402.9 mt.
p English sole. 259.52 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), research catch
(17 mt), and incidental open access mortality (42.52 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 8,758.5 mt.
q Lingcod north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 279.63 mt is deducted from the ACL for the Tribal fishery (250 mt),
research catch (17.71 mt), and incidental open access mortality (11.92 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of
4,098.4 mt.
r Lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 15.5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (4 mt),
research catch (3.19 mt), and incidental open access mortality (8.31 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 710.5
mt.
s Longnose skate. 251.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 mt), research catch
(12.46 mt), and incidental open access mortality (18.84 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,456.7 mt.
t Longspine thornyhead north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 53.71 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (30 mt), research catch (17.49 mt), and incidental open access mortality (6.22 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 2,241.3 mt.
u Longspine thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N lat. 2.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch
(1.41 mt) and incidental open access mortality (0.83 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 722.8 mt.
v Pacific cod. 506 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch (5.47
mt), and incidental open access mortality (0.53 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,094 mt.
w Pacific ocean perch north of 40[deg]10' N lat. Pacific ocean perch are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications north of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Slope Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 145.48 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (130 mt), research catch (5.39 mt),
and incidental open access mortality (10.09 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 3,427.5 mt.
x Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent
with the U.S-Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the Council's April 2023 meeting.
y Petrale sole. 386.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (350 mt), EFP fishing (1
mt), research catch (24.14 mt), and incidental open access mortality (11.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
3,098.8 mt.
z Sablefish north of 36[deg] N lat. The sablefish coastwide ACL value is not specified in regulations. The
coastwide sablefish ACL value is apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N lat., using the rolling 5-year
average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey, with 78.4 percent apportioned north of
36[deg] N lat. and 21.6 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N lat. The northern ACL is 8,486 mt and is
reduced by 849 mt for the Tribal allocation (10 percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N lat.). The 849 mt Tribal
allocation is reduced by 1.7 percent to account for discard mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are
shown in Table 1c.
aa Sablefish south of 36[deg] N lat. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N lat. is 2,338 mt (21.6 percent of
the calculated coastwide ACL value). 27.4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (2.40 mt)
and incidental open access mortality (25 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,310.6 mt.
bb Shortspine thornyhead north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 78.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (50 mt), research catch (10.48 mt), and incidental open access mortality (17.82 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 1,280.7 mt for the area north of 34[deg]27' N lat.
[[Page 77022]]
cc Shortspine thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N lat. 6.71 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research
catch (0.71 mt) and incidental open access mortality (6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 712.3 mt for the
area south of 34[deg]27' N lat.
dd Spiny dogfish. 351.48 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (275 mt), EFP fishing (1
mt), research catch (41.85 mt), and incidental open access mortality (33.63 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
1,104.5 mt.
ee Splitnose rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 18.42 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing
(1.5 mt), research catch (11.17 mt), and incidental open access mortality (5.75 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 1,573.4 mt.
ff Starry flounder. 48.28 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2 mt), research catch
(0.57 mt), and incidental open access mortality (45.71 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 343.7 mt.
gg Widow rockfish. 238.32 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), EFP fishing
(18 mt), research catch (17.27 mt), and incidental open access mortality (3.05 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 12,385.7 mt.
hh Yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. Yellowtail rockfish are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications north of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 1,027.55 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), research catch (20.55
mt), and incidental open access mortality (7 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 4,638.5 mt.
ii Black rockfish/Blue rockfish/Deacon rockfish (Oregon). 1.82 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate
research catch (0.08 mt) and incidental open access mortality (1.74 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 595.2
mt.
jj Cabezon/kelp greenling (Oregon). 0.79 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (0.05 mt),
and incidental open access mortality (0.74 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 184.2 mt.
kk Cabezon/kelp greenling (Washington). 2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery,
resulting in a fishery HG is 18 mt.
ll Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 3.27 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (1.5 mt), research catch (0.47 mt), and incidental open access mortality (1.3 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 89.7 mt. State specific HGs are Washington (17.7 mt), Oregon (32.0 mt), and California (39.6
mt). The ACT for copper rockfish (California) is 6.93 mt. The ACT for quillback rockfish (California) is 0.87
mt.
mm Nearshore Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 4.54 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch
(2.68 mt) and incidental open access mortality (1.86 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 882.5 mt. The ACT for
copper rockfish is 84.61 mt. The ACT for quillback rockfish is 0.89 mt.
nn Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp greenling off California and leopard shark coastwide.
21.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (6.29 mt) and incidental open access mortality
(14.95 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 201.8 mt.
oo Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are
not managed with stock-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other Flatfish complex are
unassessed and include: butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rock sole, sand sole, and
rex sole. 220.79 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 mt), research catch (23.63
mt), and incidental open access mortality (137.16 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 4,641.2 mt.
pp Shelf Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 70.94 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery
(30 mt), research catch (15.32 mt), and incidental open access mortality (25.62 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 1,212.1 mt.
qq Shelf Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 132.77 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (50
mt), research catch (15.1 mt), and incidental open access mortality (67.67 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of
1,336.2 mt.
rr Slope Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 65.39 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery
(36 mt), and research catch (10.51 mt), and incidental open access mortality (18.88 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 1,474.6 mt.
ss Slope Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 38.94 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1
mt), research catch (18.21 mt), and incidental open access mortality (19.73 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
662.1 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a stock-specific HG for the entire groundfish fishery south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. set equal to the species' contribution to the ACL. Harvest of blackgill rockfish in all groundfish
fisheries south of 40[deg]10' N lat. counts against this HG of 172.4 mt.
Table 1b. to Part 660, Subpart C--2023, Allocations by Species or Species Group
[Weight in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trawl Non-trawl
Stocks/stock complexes Area Fishery HG or ---------------------------------------------------------------
ACT % Mt % Mt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \a\.................... Coastwide................... 55.3 8 4.4 92 50.9
Arrowtooth flounder....................... Coastwide................... 16,537 95 15,710.2 5 826.9
Big skate \a\............................. Coastwide................... 1,260.2 95 1,197.2 5 63
Bocaccio \a\.............................. S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,793.9 39 700.3 61 1,093.5
Canary rockfish \a\....................... Coastwide................... 1,215.1 72.3 878.5 27.7 336.6
Chilipepper rockfish...................... S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 2,085 75 1,563.8 25 521.3
Cowcod \a\ \b\............................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 68.8 36 24.8 64 44.1
Darkblotched rockfish..................... Coastwide................... 761.2 95 723.2 5 38.1
Dover sole................................ Coastwide................... 48,402.8 95 45,982.7 5 2,420.1
English sole.............................. Coastwide................... 8,758.5 95 8,320.6 5 437.9
Lingcod................................... N of 40'10[deg] N lat....... 4,098.4 45 1,844.3 55 2,254.1
Lingcod \a\............................... S of 40'10[deg] N lat....... 710.5 40 284.2 60 426.3
Longnose skate \a\........................ Coastwide................... 1,456.7 90 1,311 10 145.7
Longspine thornyhead...................... N of 34[ordm]27' N lat...... 2,241.3 95 2,129.2 5 112.1
Pacific cod............................... Coastwide................... 1,094 95 1,039.3 5 54.7
Pacific ocean perch....................... N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 3,427.5 95 3,256.1 5 171.4
Pacific whiting \c\....................... Coastwide................... TBD 100 TBD 0 0
Petrale sole \a\.......................... Coastwide................... 3,098.8 .............. 3,068.8 .............. 30
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish................................. N of 36[deg] N lat.......... NA See Table 1c
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish................................. S of 36[deg] N lat.......... 2,310.6 42 970.5 58 1,340.1
Shortspine thornyhead..................... N of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 1,280.7 95 1,216.7 5 64
Shortspine thornyhead..................... S of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 712.3 .............. 50 .............. 662.3
Splitnose rockfish........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,572.4 95 1,494.7 5 78.7
Starry flounder........................... Coastwide................... 343.7 50 171.9 50 171.9
Widow rockfish \a\........................ Coastwide................... 12,385.7 .............. 11,985.7 .............. 400
Yellowtail rockfish....................... N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 4,638.5 88 4,081.8 12 556.6
Other Flatfish............................ Coastwide................... 4,641.2 90 4,177.1 10 464.1
Shelf Rockfish \a\........................ N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,212.1 60.2 729.7 39.8 482.4
Shelf Rockfish \a\........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,336.2 12.2 163 87.8 1,173.2
Slope Rockfish............................ N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,474.6 81 1,194.4 19 280.2
Slope Rockfish \a\........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 662.1 63 417.1 37 245
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Allocations decided through the biennial specification process.
\b\ The cowcod non-trawl allocation is further split 50:50 between the commercial and recreational sectors. This results in a sector-specific ACT of 22
mt for the commercial sector and 22 mt for the recreational sector.
\c\ Consistent with regulations at Sec. 660.55(i)(2), the commercial harvest guideline for Pacific whiting is allocated as follows: 34 percent for the
C/P Coop Program; 24 percent for the MS Coop Program; and 42 percent for the Shorebased IFQ Program. No more than 5 percent of the Shorebased IFQ
Program allocation may be taken and retained south of 42[deg] N lat. before the start of the primary Pacific whiting season north of 42[deg] N lat.
[[Page 77023]]
Table 1c. to Part 660, Subpart C--Sablefish North of 36[deg] N Lat. Allocations, 2023
[Weight in metric tons]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set-asides Limited entry HG Open access HG
Year ACL ------------------------------- Recreational EFP Commercial ---------------------------------------------------
Tribal \a\ Research estimate HG Percent mt Percent mt \b\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023................................................. 8,486 849 30.7 6 1 7,600 90.6 6,885 9.4 714
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year LE all Limited entry trawl \c\
Limited entry fixed gear \d\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All trawl At-sea whiting Shorebased IFQ All FG Primary
DTL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023................................................. 6,885 3,994 100 3,893.5 2,892 2,458
434
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The tribal allocation is further reduced by 1.7 percent for discard mortality resulting in 834.6 mt in 2023.
\b\ The open access HG is taken by the incidental OA fishery and the directed OA fishery.
\c\ The trawl allocation is 58 percent of the limited entry HG.
\d\ The limited entry fixed gear allocation is 42 percent of the limited entry HG.
0
11. Revise Tables 2a through 2c to Part 660, Subpart C, to read as
follows:
Table 2a. to Part 660, Subpart C--2024, and Beyond, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT and Fishery Harvest
Guidelines
[(Weights in metric tons). Capitalized stocks are overfished.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stocks Area OFL ABC ACL \a\ Fishery HG \b\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \c\........ Coastwide....... 123 103 66 55.3
Arrowtooth Flounder \d\....... Coastwide....... 20,459 14,178 14,178 12,083
Big Skate \e\................. Coastwide....... 1,492 1,267 1,267 1,207.2
Black Rockfish \f\............ California (S of 364 329 329 326.6
42[deg] N lat.).
Black Rockfish\g\............. Washington (N of 319 289 289 270.5
46[deg]16' N
lat.).
Bocaccio \h\.................. S of 40[deg]10' 2,002 1,828 1,828 1,779.9
N lat.
Cabezon \i\................... California (S of 185 171 171 169.4
42[deg] N lat.).
California Scorpionfish \j\... S of 34[deg]27' 280 252 252 248
N lat.
Canary Rockfish \k\........... Coastwide....... 1,401 1,267 1,267 1,198.1
Chilipepper \l\............... S of 40[deg]10' 2,346 2,121 2,121 2,023.4
N lat.
Cowcod \m\................ S of 40[deg]10' 112 79 79 67.8
N lat.
Cowcod.................... (Conception).... 93 67 NA NA
Cowcod.................... (Monterey)...... 19 12 NA NA
Darkblotched Rockfish \n\..... Coastwide....... 822 750 750 726.2
Dover Sole \o\................ Coastwide....... 55,859 51,949 50,000 48,402.9
English Sole \p\.............. Coastwide....... 11,158 8,960 8,960 8,700.5
Lingcod \q\................... N of 40[deg]10' 4,455 3,854 3,854 3,574.4
N lat.
Lingcod \r\................... S of 40[deg]10' 855 740 722 706.5
N lat.
Longnose Skate \s\............ Coastwide....... 1,955 1,660 1,660 1,408.7
Longspine Thornyhead.......... Coastwide....... 4,433 2,846 n/a n/a
Longspine Thornyhead \t\...... N of 34[deg]27' n/a n/a 2,162 2,108.3
N lat.
Longspine Thornyhead \u\...... S of 34[deg]27' n/a n/a 683 680.8
N lat.
Pacific Cod \v\............... Coastwide....... 3,200 1,926 1,600 1,094
Pacific Ocean Perch \w\....... N of 40[deg]10' 4,133 3,443 3,443 3,297.5
N lat.
Pacific Whiting \x\........... Coastwide....... (\x\) (\x\) (\x\) (\x\)
Petrale Sole\y\............... Coastwide....... 3,563 3,285 3,285 2,898.8
Sablefish..................... Coastwide....... 10,670 9,923 n/a n/a
Sablefish \z\................. N of 36[deg] N n/a n/a 7,780 See Table 2c
lat.
Sablefish \aa\................ S of 36[deg] N n/a n/a 2,143 2,115.6
lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead......... Coastwide....... 3,162 2,030 .............. ..............
Shortspine Thornyhead \bb\.... N of 34[deg]27' n/a n/a 1,328 1,249.7
N lat.
Shortspine Thornyhead \cc\.... S of 34[deg]27' n/a n/a 702 695.3
N lat.
Spiny Dogfish \dd\............ Coastwide....... 1,883 1,407 1,407 1,055.5
Splitnose \ee\................ S of 40[deg]10' 1,766 1,553 1,553 1,534.3
N lat.
Starry Flounder \ff\.......... Coastwide....... 652 392 392 343.7
Widow Rockfish \gg\........... Coastwide....... 12,453 11,482 11,482 11,243.7
Yellowtail Rockfish \hh\...... N of 40[deg]10' 6,090 5,560 5,560 4,532.5
N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Complexes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish Oregon.......... 671 594 594 592.2
\ii\.
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling \jj\... Washington...... 22 17 17 15
Cabezon/Kelp Greenling \kk\... Oregon.......... 198 180 180 179.2
Nearshore Rockfish North \ll\. N of 40[deg]10' 109 91 91 87.7
N lat.
Nearshore Rockfish South \mm\. S of 40[deg]10' 1,097 902 891 886.5
N lat.
Other Fish \nn\............... Coastwide....... 286 223 223 201.8
Other Flatfish \oo\........... Coastwide....... 7,946 4,874 4,874 4,653.2
Shelf Rockfish North \pp\..... N of 40[deg]10' 1,610 1,278 1,278 1,207
N lat.
[[Page 77024]]
Shelf Rockfish South \qq\..... S of 40[deg]10' 1,838 1,469 1,469 1,336.2
N lat.
Slope Rockfish North \rr\..... N of 40[deg]10' 1,797 1,516 1,516 1,450.6
N lat.
Slope Rockfish South \ss\..... S of 40[deg]10' 868 697 697 658.1
N lat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total
catch values.
\b\ Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes allocations and
projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
\c\ Yelloweye rockfish. The 66 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of
2029 and an SPR harvest rate of 65 percent. 10.7 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery
(5 mt), EFP fishing (0.12 mt), research catch (2.92 mt), and incidental open access mortality (2.66 mt)
resulting in a fishery HG of 55.3 mt. The non-trawl HG is 50.9 mt. The combined non-nearshore/nearshore HG is
10.7 mt. Recreational HGs are: 13.2 mt (Washington); 11.7 mt (Oregon); and 15.3 mt (California). In addition,
the non-trawl ACT is 39.9, and the combined non-nearshore/nearshore ACT is 8.4 mt. Recreational ACTs are: 10.4
mt (Washington), 9.2 (Oregon), and 12.0 mt (California).
\d\ Arrowtooth flounder. 2,094.98 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt),
research catch (12.98 mt) and incidental open access mortality (41 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 12,083
mt.
\e\ Big skate. 59.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (15 mt), research catch (5.49
mt), and incidental open access mortality (39.31 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,207.2 mt.
\f\ Black rockfish (California). 2.26 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1.0 mt), research
catch (0.08 mt), and incidental open access mortality (1.18 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 326.6 mt.
\g\ Black rockfish (Washington). 18.1 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (18 mt) and
research catch (0.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 270.5 mt.
\h\ Bocaccio south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Bocaccio are managed with stock-specific harvest specifications south of
40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 48.12 mt is deducted
from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (40 mt), research catch (5.6 mt), and incidental open access mortality
(2.52 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,779.9 mt. The California recreational fishery south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. has an HG of 749.7 mt.
\i\ Cabezon (California). 1.63 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1 mt), research catch
(0.02 mt), and incidental open access mortality (0.61 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 169.4 mt.
\j\ California scorpionfish south of 34[deg]27prime; N lat. 3.89 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate
research catch (0.18 mt) and incidental open access mortality (3.71 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 248 mt.
\k\ Canary rockfish. 68.91 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (50 mt), EFP fishing (6
mt), research catch (10.08 mt), and incidental open access mortality (2.83 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
1,198.1 mt. The combined nearshore/non-nearshore HG is 119.4 mt. Recreational HGs are: 40.8 mt (Washington);
61.4 mt (Oregon); and 110.2 mt (California).
\l\ Chilipepper rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 97.7 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (70 mt), research catch (14.04 mt),
incidental open access mortality (13.66 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,023.4 mt.
\m\ Cowcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Cowcod are managed with stock-specific harvest specifications south of
40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 11.17 mt is deducted
from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1 mt), research catch (10 mt), and incidental open access mortality
(0.17 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 67.8 mt.
\n\ Darkblotched rockfish. 23.76 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (5 mt), EFP
fishing (0.5 mt), research catch (8.46 mt), and incidental open access mortality (9.8 mt) resulting in a
fishery HG of 726.2 mt.
\o\ Dover sole. 1,597.11 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,497 mt), research
catch (50.84 mt), and incidental open access mortality (49.27 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 48,402.9 mt.
\p\ English sole. 259.52 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), research catch
(17 mt), and incidental open access mortality (42.52 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 8,700.5 mt.
\q \Lingcod north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 279.63 mt is deducted from the ACL for the Tribal fishery (250 mt),
research catch (17.71 mt), and incidental open access mortality (11.92 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of
3,574.4 mt.
\r\ Lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 15.5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (4 mt),
research catch (3.19 mt), and incidental open access mortality (8.31 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 706.5
mt.
\s\ Longnose skate. 251.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 mt), and research
catch (12.46 mt), and incidental open access mortality (18.84 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,408.7 mt.
\t\ Longspine thornyhead north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 53.71 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (30 mt), research catch (17.49 mt), and incidental open access mortality (6.22 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 2,108.3 mt.
\u\ Longspine thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N lat. 2.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research
catch (1.41 mt) and incidental open access mortality (0.83 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 680.8 mt.
\v\ Pacific cod. 506 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch
(5.47 mt), and incidental open access mortality (0.53 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,094 mt.
\w\ Pacific ocean perch north of 40[deg]10' N lat. Pacific ocean perch are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications north of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Slope Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 145.48 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (130 mt), EFP fishing, research
catch (5.39 mt), and incidental open access mortality (10.09 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 3,297.5 mt.
\x\ Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined
consistent with the U.S.-Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the Council's April 2024
meeting.
\y\ Petrale sole. 386.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (350 mt), EFP fishing (1
mt), research catch (24.14 mt), and incidental open access mortality (11.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
2,898.8 mt.
\z\ Sablefish north of 36[deg] N lat. The sablefish coastwide ACL value is not specified in regulations. The
sablefish coastwide ACL value is apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N lat., using the rolling 5-year
average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey, with 78.4 percent apportioned north of
36[deg] N lat. and 21.6 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N lat. The northern ACL is 7,780 mt and is
reduced by 778 mt for the Tribal allocation (10 percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N lat.). The 778 mt Tribal
allocation is reduced by 1.7 percent to account for discard mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are
shown in Table 1c.
\aa\ Sablefish south of 36[deg] N lat. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N lat. is 2,143 mt (21.6 percent of
the calculated coastwide ACL value). 27.4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (2.40 mt)
and the incidental open access fishery (25 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,115.6 mt.
\bb\ Shortspine thornyhead north of 34[deg]27' N lat. 78.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (50 mt), research catch (10.48 mt), and incidental open access mortality (17.82 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 1,249.7 mt for the area north of 34[deg]27' N lat.
\cc\ Shortspine thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N lat. 6.71 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research
catch (0.71 mt) and incidental open access mortality (6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 695.3 mt for the
area south of 34[deg]27' N lat.
\dd\ Spiny dogfish. 351.48 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (275 mt), EFP fishing
(1 mt), research catch (41.85 mt), and incidental open access mortality (33.63 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 1,055.5 mt.
[[Page 77025]]
\ee\ Splitnose rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. Splitnose rockfish in the north is managed in the Slope
Rockfish complex and with stock-specific harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 18.42 mt is
deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1.5 mt), research catch (11.17 mt), and incidental open
access mortality (5.75 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,534.3 mt.
\ff\ Starry flounder. 48.28 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2 mt), research catch
(0.57 mt), and incidental open access mortality (45.71 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 343.7 mt.
\gg\ Widow rockfish. 238.32 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), EFP fishing
(18 mt), research catch (17.27 mt), and incidental open access mortality (3.05 mt), resulting in a fishery HG
of 11,243.7 mt.
\hh\ Yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. Yellowtail rockfish are managed with stock-specific harvest
specifications north of 40[deg]10' N lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. 1,027.55 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), research catch (20.55
mt), and incidental open access mortality (7 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 4,532.5 mt.
\ii\ Black rockfish/Blue rockfish/Deacon rockfish (Oregon). 1.82 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate
research catch (0.08 mt), and incidental open access mortality (1.74 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 592.2
mt.
\jj\ Cabezon/kelp greenling (Washington). 2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery,
resulting in a fishery HG is 15 mt.
\kk\ Cabezon/kelp greenling (Oregon). 0.79 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (0.05 mt)
and incidental open access mortality (0.74 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 179.2 mt.
\ll\ Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 3.27 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (1.5 mt), research catch (0.47 mt), and incidental open access mortality (1.31 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 87.7 mt. State-specific HGs are 17.2 mt (Washington), 30.9 mt (Oregon), and 39.9 mt
(California). The ACT for copper rockfish (California) is 6.99 mt. The ACT for quillback rockfish (California)
is 0.96 mt.
\mm\ Nearshore Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 4.54 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research
catch (2.68 mt) and incidental open access mortality (1.86 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 886.5 mt. The ACT
for copper rockfish is 87.73 mt. The ACT for quillback rockfish is 0.97 mt.
\nn\ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp greenling off California and leopard shark
coastwide. 21.24 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (6.29 mt) and incidental open
access mortality (14.95 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 201.8 mt.
\oo\ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are
not managed with stock-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other Flatfish complex are
unassessed and include: butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rock sole, sand sole, and
rex sole. 220.79 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 mt), research catch (23.63
mt), and incidental open access mortality (137.16 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 4,653.2 mt.
\pp\ Shelf Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 70.94 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (30 mt), research catch (15.32 mt), and incidental open access mortality (25.62 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 1,207.1 mt.
\qq\ Shelf Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 132.77 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (50
mt), research catch (15.1 mt), and incidental open access mortality (67.67 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of
1,336.2 mt.
\rr\ Slope Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N lat. 65.39 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal
fishery (36 mt), research catch (10.51 mt), and incidental open access mortality (18.88 mt), resulting in a
fishery HG of 1,450.6 mt.
\ss\ Slope Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N lat. 38.94 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing (1
mt), research catch (18.21 mt), and incidental open access mortality (19.73 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of
658.1 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a stock-specific HG for the entire groundfish fishery south of 40[deg]10' N
lat. set equal to the species' contribution to the 40-10-adjusted ACL. Harvest of blackgill rockfish in all
groundfish fisheries south of 40[deg]10' N lat. counts against this HG of 169.9 mt.
Table 2b. to Part 660, Subpart C--2024, and Beyond, Allocations by Species or Species Group
[Weight in metric tons]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trawl Non-trawl
Stocks/stock complexes Area Fishery HG or ---------------------------------------------------------------
ACT % Mt % Mt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH \a\.................... Coastwide................... 55.3 8 4.4 92 50.9
Arrowtooth flounder....................... Coastwide................... 12,083 95 11,478.9 5 604.2
Big skate \a\............................. Coastwide................... 1,207.2 95 1,146.8 5 60.4
Bocaccio \a\.............................. S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,779.9 39.04 694.9 60.96 1,085
Canary rockfish \a\....................... Coastwide................... 1,198.1 72.3 866.2 27.7 331.9
Chilipepper rockfish...................... S of 40[deg]' N lat......... 2,023.4 75 1,517.6 25 505.9
Cowcod \a\ \b\............................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 67.8 36 24.4 64 43.4
Darkblotched rockfish..................... Coastwide................... 726.2 95 689.9 5 36.3
Dover sole................................ Coastwide................... 48,402.9 95 45,982.7 5 2,420.1
English sole.............................. Coastwide................... 8,700.5 95 8,265.5 5 435
Lingcod................................... N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 3,574.4 45 1,608.5 55 1,965.9
Lingcod \ a\.............................. S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 706.5 40 282.6 60 423.9
Longnose skate \a\........................ Coastwide................... 1,408.7 90 1,267.8 10 140.9
Longspine thornyhead...................... N of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 2,108.3 95 2,002.9 5 105.4
Pacific cod............................... Coastwide................... 1,094 95 1,039.3 5 54.7
Pacific ocean perch....................... N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 3,297.5 95 3,132.6 5 164.9
Pacific whiting \c\....................... Coastwide................... TBD 100 TBD 0 0
Petrale sole \a\.......................... Coastwide................... 2,898.8 .............. 2,868.8 .............. 30
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish................................. N of 36[deg] N lat.......... NA See Table 2c
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sablefish................................. S of 36[deg] N lat.......... 2,115.6 42 888.6 58 1,227
Shortspine thornyhead..................... N of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 1,249.7 95 1,187.2 5 62.5
Shortspine thornyhead..................... S of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 695.3 .............. 50 .............. 645.3
Splitnose rockfish........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,534.3 95 1,457.6 5 76.7
Starry flounder........................... Coastwide................... 343.7 50 171.9 50 171.9
Widow rockfish \a\........................ Coastwide................... 11,243.7 .............. 10,843.7 .............. 400
Yellowtail rockfish....................... N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 4,532.5 88 3.988.6 12 543.9
Other Flatfish............................ Coastwide................... 4,653.2 90 4,187.9 10 465.3
Shelf Rockfish \a\........................ N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,207.1 60.2 726.7 39.8 480.4
Shelf Rockfish \a\........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,336.2 12.2 163 87.8 1,173.2
Slope Rockfish............................ N of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,450.6 81 1,175 19 275.6
Slope Rockfish \a\........................ S of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 658.1 63 414.6 37 243.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Allocations decided through the biennial specification process.
[[Page 77026]]
\b\ The cowcod non-trawl allocation is further split 50:50 between the commercial and recreational sectors. This results in a sector-specific ACT of
21.7 mt for the commercial sector and 21.7 mt for the recreational sector.
\c\ Consistent with regulations at Sec. 660.55(i)(2), the commercial harvest guideline for Pacific whiting is allocated as follows: 34 percent for the
C/P Coop Program; 24 percent for the MS Coop Program; and 42 percent for the Shorebased IFQ Program. No more than 5 percent of the Shorebased IFQ
Program allocation may be taken and retained south of 42[deg] N lat. before the start of the primary Pacific whiting season north of 42[deg] N lat.
Table 2c. to Part 660, Subpart C--Sablefish North of 36[deg] N Lat. Allocations, 2024 and Beyond
[Weights in metric tons]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set-asides Limited entry HG Open access HG
Year ACL ------------------------------- Recreational EFP Commercial ---------------------------------------------------
Tribal \a\ Research estimate HG Percent mt Percent mt \b\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024................................................. 7,780 778 30.7 6 1 6,964 90.6 6,309 9.4 665
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year LE all Limited entry trawl \c\
Limited entry fixed gear \d\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All trawl At-sea whiting Shorebased IFQ All FG Primary
DTL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024................................................. 6,309 3,659 100 3,559 2,650 2,252
397
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ The tribal allocation is further reduced by 1.7 percent for discard mortality resulting in 764.8 mt in 2024.
\b\ The open access HG is taken by the incidental OA fishery and the directed OA fishery.
\c\ The trawl allocation is 58 percent of the limited entry HG.
\d\ The limited entry fixed gear allocation is 42 percent of the limited entry HG.
* * * * *
0
12. In Sec. 660.111, revise the definition of ``Block area closures or
BACs'' to read as follows:
Sec. 660.111 Trawl fishery--definitions.
* * * * *
Block area closures or BACs are a type of groundfish conservation
area, defined at Sec. 660.11, bounded on the north and south by
commonly used geographic coordinates, defined at Sec. 660.11, and on
the east and west by the EEZ, and boundary lines approximating depth
contours, defined with latitude and longitude coordinates at Sec. Sec.
660.71 through 660.74 (10 fm through 250 fm), and Sec. 660.76 (700
fm). BACs may be implemented or modified as routine management
measures, per regulations at Sec. 660.60(c). BACs may be implemented
in the EEZ seaward of Washington, Oregon and California for vessels
using limited entry bottom trawl and/or midwater trawl gear. BACs may
be implemented within tribal Usual and Accustomed fishing areas but may
only apply to non-tribal vessels. BACs may close areas to specific
trawl gear types (e.g., closed for midwater trawl, bottom trawl, or
bottom trawl unless using selective flatfish trawl) and/or specific
programs within the trawl fishery (e.g., Pacific whiting fishery or MS
Coop Program). BACs may vary in their geographic boundaries and
duration. Their geographic boundaries, applicable gear type(s) and/or
specific trawl fishery program, and effective dates will be announced
in the Federal Register. BACs may have a specific termination date as
described in the Federal Register, or may be in effect until modified.
BACs that are in effect until modified by Council recommendation and
subsequent NMFS action are set out in Tables 1 (North) and 1 (South) of
this subpart.
* * * * *
0
13. In Sec. 660.140, revise paragraphs (c)(3)(iii) and (iv), and Table
1 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.140 Shorebased IFQ Program.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(3) * * *
(iii) For IFQ species listed in the trawl/non-trawl allocation
table, specified at Sec. 660.55(c), subpart C, allocations are
determined by applying the trawl column percent to the fishery harvest
guideline minus any set-asides for the mothership and C/P sectors for
that species.
(iv) The remaining IFQ species (canary rockfish, bocaccio, cowcod,
yelloweye rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, POP, widow rockfish, minor
shelf rockfish N of 40[deg]10' N lat., and minor shelf rockfish S of
40[deg]10' N lat., and minor slope rockfish S of 40[deg]10' N lat.) are
allocated through the biennial specifications and management measures
process minus any set-asides for the mothership and C/P sectors for
that species.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) * * *
(D) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D)--Shorebased Trawl Allocations for 2023 and 2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023 2024
Shorebased Shorebased
IFQ species Area trawl trawl
allocation allocation
(mt) (mt)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH............................ Coastwide....................... 4.42 4.42
Arrowtooth flounder........................... Coastwide....................... 15,640.17 11,408.87
Bocaccio...................................... South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 700.33 694.87
Canary rockfish............................... Coastwide....................... 842.50 830.22
Chilipepper................................... South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,563.80 1517.60
Cowcod........................................ South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 24.80 24.42
Darkblotched rockfish......................... Coastwide....................... 646.78 613.53
Dover sole.................................... Coastwide....................... 45,972.75 45,972.75
English sole.................................. Coastwide....................... 8,320.56 8,265.46
Lingcod....................................... North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,829.27 1,593.47
Lingcod....................................... South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 284.20 282.60
Longspine thornyhead.......................... North of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 2,129.23 2,002.88
[[Page 77027]]
Pacific cod................................... Coastwide....................... 1,039.30 1,039.30
Pacific halibut (IBQ) \a\..................... North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... TBD TBD
Pacific ocean perch........................... North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 2,956.14 2,832.64
Pacific whiting \a\........................... Coastwide....................... TBD TBD
Petrale sole.................................. Coastwide....................... 3,063.76 2,863.76
Sablefish..................................... North of 36[deg] N lat.......... 3,893.50 3,559.38
Sablefish..................................... South of 36[deg] N lat.......... 970.00 889.00
Shortspine thornyhead......................... North of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 1,146.67 1,117.22
Shortspine thornyhead......................... South of 34[deg]27' N lat....... 50 50
Splitnose rockfish............................ South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 1,494.70 1,457.60
Starry flounder............................... Coastwide....................... 171.86 171.86
Widow rockfish................................ Coastwide....................... 11,509.68 10,367.68
Yellowtail rockfish........................... North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 3,761.84 3,668.56
Other Flatfish complex........................ Coastwide....................... 4,142.09 4,152.89
Shelf Rockfish complex........................ North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 694.70 691.65
Shelf Rockfish complex........................ South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 163.02 163.02
Slope Rockfish complex........................ North of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 894.43 874.99
Slope Rockfish complex........................ South of 40[deg]10' N lat....... 417.1 414.58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Managed through an international process. These allocation will be updated when announced.
* * * * *
0
14. In Sec. 660.150, revise paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.150 Mothership (MS) Co-op Program.
* * * * *
(c) * * *--(1) MS Co-op Program species. All species other than
Pacific whiting are managed with set-asides for the MS and C/P Co-op
Programs, as described in the biennial specifications.
* * * * *
0
15. In Sec. 660.160, revise paragraph (c)(1)(ii) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.160 Catcher/processor (C/P) Co-op Program.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) Species with set-asides for the MS and C/P Programs, as
described in the biennial specifications.
* * * * *
0
16. In Sec. 660.213, revise paragraph (d)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.213 Fixed gear fishery--recordkeeping and reporting.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(2) For participants in the sablefish primary season, the
cumulative limit period to which this requirement applies is April 1
through December 31 or, for an individual vessel owner, when the tier
limit for the permit(s) registered to the vessel has been reached,
whichever is earlier.
* * * * *
0
17. In Sec. 660.230, revise (c)(2)(i) through (iii) and add paragraph
(d)(11)(v) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.230 Fixed gear fishery--management measures.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) Coastwide--arrowtooth flounder, big skate, black rockfish,
blue/deacon rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, Dover
sole, English sole, lingcod, longnose skate, longspine thornyhead,
petrale sole, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor
slope rockfish, other fish, other flatfish, Pacific cod, Pacific
whiting, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, sablefish, shortbelly
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, shortspine thornyhead, spiny dogfish,
starry flounder, widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish;
(ii) North of 40[deg]10' N lat.--cabezon (California), copper
rockfish (California), Oregon cabezon/kelp greenling complex, POP,
quillback rockfish (California), Washington cabezon/kelp greenling
complex, yellowtail rockfish; and
(iii) South of 40[deg]10' N lat.--blackgill rockfish, bocaccio,
bronzespotted rockfish, cabezon, California scorpionfish, chilipepper
rockfish, copper rockfish, cowcod, minor shallow nearshore rockfish,
minor deeper nearshore rockfish, Pacific sanddabs, quillback rockfish,
splitnose rockfish, and vermilion rockfish.
(d) * * *
(11) * * *
(v) It is lawful to fish within the non-trawl RCA seaward of Oregon
and California (between 46[deg]16' N lat. and the U.S./Mexico border)
with open access non-bottom contact hook-and-line gear configurations
as specified at Sec. 660.330(b)(3)(i) through (ii), subject to
applicable crossover provisions at Sec. 660.60(h)(7), and provided
that a valid declaration report as required at Sec. 660.13(d) has been
filed with NMFS OLE.
* * * * *
0
18. In Sec. 660.231, revise paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(3)(i), and
(b)(3)(iv) to read as follows:
Sec. 660.231 Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.
* * * * *
(b) * * *--(1) Season dates. North of 36[deg] N lat., the sablefish
primary season for the limited entry, fixed gear, sablefish-endorsed
vessels begins at 12 noon local time on April 1 and closes at 12 noon
local time on December 31, or closes for an individual vessel owner
when the tier limit for the sablefish endorsed permit(s) registered to
the vessel has been reached, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise
announced by the Regional Administrator through the routine management
measures process described at Sec. 660.60(c).
* * * * *
(3) * * *
(i) A vessel participating in the primary season will be
constrained by the sablefish cumulative limit associated with each of
the permits registered for use with that vessel. During the primary
season, each vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph
(a) of this section may take, retain, possess, and land sablefish, up
to the cumulative limits for each of the permits registered for use
with that vessel (i.e., stacked permits). If multiple
[[Page 77028]]
limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements are registered for
use with a single vessel, that vessel may land up to the total of all
cumulative limits announced in this paragraph for the tiers for those
permits, except as limited by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Up
to 3 permits may be registered for use with a single vessel during the
primary season; thus, a single vessel may not take and retain, possess
or land more than 3 primary season sablefish cumulative limits in any
one year. A vessel registered for use with multiple limited entry
permits is subject to per vessel limits for species other than
sablefish, and to per vessel limits when participating in the daily
trip limit fishery for sablefish under Sec. 660.232. In 2023, the
following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 72,904 lb (33,069 kg),
Tier 2 at 33,138 lb (15,031 kg), and Tier 3 at 18,936 lb (8,589 kg). In
2024 and beyond, the following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at
66,805 lb (30,302 kg), Tier 2 at 30,366 lb (13,774 kg), and Tier 3 at
17,352 lb (7,871 kg).
* * * * *
(iv) Incidental Pacific halibut retention north of Pt. Chehalis, WA
(46[deg]53.30' N lat.). From April 1 through the closure date set by
the International Pacific Halibut Commission for Pacific halibut in all
commercial fisheries, vessels authorized to participate in the
sablefish primary fishery, licensed by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission for commercial fishing in Area 2A (waters off
Washington, Oregon, California), and fishing with longline gear north
of Pt. Chehalis, WA (46[deg]53.30' N lat.) may possess and land up to
150 lb (68 kg) dressed weight of Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb
(454 kg) dressed weight of sablefish landed, and up to two additional
Pacific halibut in excess of the 150-lbs-per-1,000-pound limit per
landing. NMFS publishes the International Pacific Halibut Commission's
regulations setting forth annual management measures, including the
closure date for Pacific halibut in all commercial fisheries, in the
Federal Register by March 15 each year, 50 CFR 300.62. ``Dressed''
Pacific halibut in this area means halibut landed eviscerated with
their heads on. Pacific halibut taken and retained in the sablefish
primary fishery north of Pt. Chehalis may only be landed north of Pt.
Chehalis and may not be possessed or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.
* * * * *
0
19. Revise Table 2 (North) to part 660, subpart E, to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.037
[[Page 77029]]
0
20. Revise Table 2 (South) to part 660, subpart E, to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.038
0
22. In Sec. 660.330:
0
a. Add paragraph (b)(3);
0
b. Revise paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (iii); and
0
c. Add paragraph (d)(12)(v).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 660.330 Open access fishery--management measures.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(3) Non-trawl RCA gear. Inside the non-trawl RCA, only legal non-
bottom contact hook-and-line gear configurations may be used for target
fishing for groundfish by vessels that participate in the directed open
access sector as defined at Sec. 660.11. Legal non-bottom contact
hook-and-line gear means stationary vertical jig gear attached to the
vessel and not anchored to the bottom, and groundfish troll gear,
subject to the specifications below.
(i) Stationary vertical jig gear. The following requirements apply
to stationary vertical jig gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 50 feet between the bottom weight and the
lowest fishing hook;
(B) No more than 4 vertical mainlines may be used in the water at
one time with no more than 25 hooks on each mainline;
(C) No more than 100 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no
more than 25 extra hooks on board the vessel; and
(D) Natural bait or weighted hooks may not be used nor be on board
the
[[Page 77030]]
vessel. Artificial lures and flies are permitted.
(ii) Groundfish troll gear. The following requirements apply to
groundfish troll gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 50 feet between the bottom weight and the
troll wire's connection to the horizontal mainline;
(B) No more than 1 mainline may be used in the water at one time;
(C) No more than 500 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no
more than 25 extra hooks on board the vessel;
(D) Hooks must be spaced apart by a visible maker (e.g., floats,
line wraps, colored line splices), with no more than 25 hooks between
each marker and no more than 20 markers on the mainline; and
(E) Natural bait or weighted hooks may not be used nor be on board
the vessel. Artificial lures and flies are permitted.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) Coastwide--arrowtooth flounder, big skate, black rockfish,
blue/deacon rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, Dover
sole, English sole, lingcod, longnose skate, longspine thornyhead,
minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope rockfish,
other fish, other flatfish, Pacific cod, Pacific sanddabs, Pacific
whiting, petrale sole, shortbelly rockfish, shortraker rockfish,
rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, sablefish, shortspine thornyhead, spiny
dogfish, starry flounder, widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish;
(ii) North of 40[deg]10' N lat.--cabezon (California), copper
rockfish (California), Oregon cabezon/kelp greenling complex, POP,
quillback rockfish (California), Washington cabezon/kelp greenling
complex, yellowtail rockfish; and
(iii) South of 40[deg]10' N lat.--blackgill rockfish, bocaccio,
bronzespotted rockfish, cabezon, chilipepper rockfish, copper rockfish,
cowcod, minor shallow nearshore rockfish, minor deeper nearshore
rockfish, quillback rockfish, splitnose rockfish, and vermilion
rockfish.
(d) * * *
(12) * * *
(v) Target fishing for groundfish off Oregon and California
(between 46[deg]16' N lat. and the U.S./Mexico border) is allowed
within the non-trawl RCA for vessels participating in the directed open
access sector as defined at Sec. 660.11, subject to the gear
restrictions at Sec. 660.330(b)(3)(i-ii), and provided a valid
declaration report as required at Sec. 660.13(d) has been filed with
NMFS OLE.
* * * * *
[[Page 77031]]
0
23. Revise Table 3 (North) to part 660, subpart F, to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.039
[[Page 77032]]
0
24. Revise Table 3 (South) to part 660, subpart F, to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.040
[[Page 77033]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.041
* * * * *
0
25. Amend Sec. 660.360 by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs (c)(3)(iv)(A) through (D);
0
b. Revising Table 1 to paragraph (c)(1)(i)(D), paragraphs (c)(1)(ii),
(c)(2)(i)(B), (c)(2)(iii)(D), (c)(3) introductory text, (c)(3)(i)(A),
(c)(3)(i)(B), (c)(3)(ii), (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1) through (5),
(c)(3)(iii)(A)(1) through (5), (c)(3)(iv), and (c)(3)(v)(A).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 660.360 Recreational fishery--management measures.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) * * *
(D) * * *
[[Page 77034]]
Table 1 To Paragraph (C)(1)(i)(d)--Washington Recreational Fishing
Season Structure
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16DE22.042
(ii) Rockfish. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington
(Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are open to recreational groundfish
fishing, there is a 7 rockfish per day bag limit. Taking and retaining
yelloweye rockfish is prohibited in all Marine Areas. Taking and
retaining copper rockfish, quillback rockfish, and vermilion rockfish
is prohibited in all Marine Areas during May, June and July.
* * * * *
(2) * * *
(i) * * *
(B) Recreational rockfish conservation area (RCA). Fishing for
groundfish with recreational gear is prohibited within the recreational
RCA, a type of closed area or groundfish conservation area, except with
long-leader gear (as defined at Sec. 660.351). It is unlawful to take
and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear
within the recreational RCA, except with long-leader gear (as defined
at Sec. 660.351). A vessel fishing in the recreational RCA may not be
in possession of any groundfish unless otherwise stated. [For example,
if a vessel fishes in the recreational salmon fishery within the
recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of groundfish
while within the recreational RCA. The vessel may, however, on the same
trip fish for and retain groundfish shoreward of the recreational RCA
on the return trip to port.] Off Oregon, from January 1 through
December 31, recreational fishing for groundfish is allowed in all
depths. Coordinates approximating boundary lines at the 10-fm (18-m)
through 100-fm (183-m) depth contours can be found at Sec. 660.71
through Sec. 660.73.
* * * * *
(iii) * * *
(D) In the Pacific halibut fisheries. Retention of groundfish is
governed in part by annual management measures for Pacific halibut
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register. Between the
Columbia River and Humbug Mountain, during days open to the ``all-
depth'' sport halibut fisheries, when Pacific halibut are onboard the
vessel, no groundfish, except sablefish, Pacific cod, and other species
of flatfish (sole, flounder, sanddab), may be taken and retained,
possessed or landed, except with long-leader gear (as defined at Sec.
660.351). ``All-depth'' season days are established in the annual
management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published
in the Federal Register and are announced on the NMFS Pacific halibut
hotline, 1-800-662-9825.
* * * * *
(3) California. Seaward of California, for groundfish species not
specifically mentioned in this paragraph, fishers are subject to the
overall 20-fish bag limit for all species of finfish, of which no more
than 10 fish of any one species may be taken or possessed by any one
person. Petrale sole, Pacific sanddab, and starry flounder are not
subject to a bag limit. Recreational spearfishing for all federally-
managed groundfish, is exempt from closed areas and seasons, consistent
with Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. This exemption
applies only to recreational vessels and divers provided no other
fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, is on board the vessel.
California state law may provide regulations similar to Federal
regulations for kelp greenlings. Retention of cowcod, yelloweye
rockfish, and bronzespotted rockfish, is
[[Page 77035]]
prohibited in the recreational fishery seaward of California all year
in all areas. Retention of species or species groups for which the
season is closed is prohibited in the recreational fishery seaward of
California all year in all areas, unless otherwise authorized in this
section. For each person engaged in recreational fishing in the EEZ
seaward of California, the following closed areas, seasons, bag limits,
and size limits apply:
(i) * * *
(A) Recreational rockfish conservation areas. The recreational RCAs
are areas that are closed to recreational fishing for certain
groundfish. Fishing for the California rockfish, cabezon, greenling
complex (RCG Complex), as defined in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this
section, and lingcod with recreational gear is prohibited within the
recreational RCA. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
the RCG Complex and lingcod taken with recreational gear within the
recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. A vessel
fishing in the recreational RCA may not be in possession of any species
prohibited by the restrictions that apply within the recreational RCA.
For example, if a vessel fishes in the recreational salmon fishery
within the recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of the
RCG Complex and lingcod while in the recreational RCA. The vessel may,
however, on the same trip fish for and retain rockfish shoreward of the
recreational RCA on the return trip to port. If the season is closed
for a species or species group, fishing for that species or species
group is prohibited both within the recreational RCA and outside of the
recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. In times
and areas where a recreational RCA is closed shoreward of a
recreational RCA line (i.e., when an ``off-shore only'' fishery is
active in that management area) possession or retention of nearshore
rockfish (defined as black rockfish, blue rockfish, black and yellow
rockfish, brown rockfish, China rockfish, copper rockfish, calico
rockfish, gopher rockfish, kelp rockfish, grass rockfish, olive
rockfish, quillback rockfish, and treefish), cabezon, and greenlings is
prohibited in all depths throughout the area; and possession and
retention of all rockfish, cabezon, greenlings, and lingcod is
prohibited shoreward of the recreational RCA boundary line, except that
vessels may transit through waters shoreward of the recreational RCA
line with no fishing gear in the water. Coordinates approximating
boundary lines at the 30 fm (55 m) through 100 fm (183 m) depth
contours can be found at Sec. 660.71 through Sec. 660.73. The
recreational fishing season structure and RCA depth boundaries seaward
of California by management area and month are as follows:
(1) Between 42[deg] N lat. (California/Oregon border) and
40[deg]10' N lat. (Northern Management Area), recreational fishing for
the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through May 14, is
open at all depths from May 15 through October 15, and is closed
October 16 through December 31.
(2) Between 40[deg]10' N lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N lat. (Mendocino
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod
is closed from January 1 through May 14; prohibited in the EEZ
shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts from May 15 through July 15 (seaward of 50 fm is open), and
is open at all depths from July 16 through December 31.
(3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N lat. and 37[deg]11' N lat. (San
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex
and lingcod is closed from January 1 through May 14; is prohibited in
the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m)
depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts from May 15 through July 15 (seaward of 50 fm is open), and
is open at all depths from July 16 through December 31. Closures around
Cordell Bank (see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this section) also apply in
this area.
(4) Between 37[deg]11' N lat. and 34[deg]27' N lat. (Central
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod
is closed from January 1 through April 30, is open at all depths from
May 1 through September 30; and is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of a
boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the
mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from October 1
through December 31 (seaward of 50 fm is open).
(5) South of 34[deg]27' N lat. (Southern Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from
January 1 through March 31, open at all depths from April 1 through
September 15; and is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour from September 16 through
December 31 along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts (seaward of 50 fm is open), except in the CCAs where fishing
is prohibited seaward of the 40 fm (73 m) depth contour when the
fishing season is open (see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B) of this section).
(B) Cowcod conservation areas. The latitude and longitude
coordinates of the Cowcod Conservation Areas (CCAs) boundaries are
specified at Sec. 660.70. Recreational fishing for all groundfish is
prohibited within the CCAs, except as specified in this paragraph.
Fishing for California scorpionfish, petrale sole, starry flounder, and
``Other Flatfish'' is permitted within the CCAs as specified in
paragraphs (c)(3)(iv) and (c)(3)(v) of this section. Recreational
fishing for the following species is permitted shoreward of the
boundary line approximating the 40 fm (37 m) depth contour when the
season, as specified in paragraphs (c)(3)(ii)(A)(5) and
(c)(3)(iii)(A)(5) of this section, for those species is open south of
34[deg]27' N lat.: Minor nearshore rockfish, cabezon, kelp greenling,
lingcod, and shelf rockfish. Retention of all groundfish except
California scorpionfish, petrale sole, starry flounder, and ``Other
Flatfish'', is prohibited within the CCA. Coordinates for the boundary
line approximating the 40 fm (73 m) depth contour are listed in Sec.
660.71. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish
taken within the CCAs, except for species authorized in this section.
* * * * *
(ii) RCG complex. The California rockfish, cabezon, greenling
complex (RCG Complex) includes all rockfish, kelp greenling, rock
greenling, and cabezon. This category does not include California
scorpionfish, also known as ``sculpin''.
(A) * * *
(1) Between 42[deg] N lat. (California/Oregon border) and
40[deg]10' N lat. (North Management Area), recreational fishing for the
RCG complex is open from May 15 through October 15 (i.e., recreational
fishing for the RCG complex is closed from January 1 through May 14,
and October 16 through December 31).
(2) Between 40[deg]10' N lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N lat. (Mendocino
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is open from
May 15 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for the RCG
complex is closed from January 1 through May 14).
(3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N lat. and 37[deg]11' N lat. (San
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is
open from May 15 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for
the RCG complex is closed from January 1 through May 14).
[[Page 77036]]
(4) Between 37[deg]11' N lat. and 34[deg]27' N lat. (Central
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is open from
May 1 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for the RCG
complex is closed from January 1 through April 30).
(5) South of 34[deg]27' N lat. (Southern Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is open from April 1 through
December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for the RCG complex is closed
from January 1 through the March 31).
* * * * *
(iii) * * *
(A) * * *
(1) Between 42[deg] N lat. (California/Oregon border) and
40[deg]10' N lat. (Northern Management Area), recreational fishing for
lingcod is open from May 15 through October 15 (i.e., recreational
fishing for lingcod is closed from January 1 through May 14, and
October 16 through December 31).
(2) Between 40[deg]10' N lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N lat. (Mendocino
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from May 15
through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod is closed
from January 1 through May 14).
(3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N lat. and 37[deg]11' N lat. (San
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open
from May 15 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod
is closed from January 1 through May 14).
(4) Between 37[deg]11' N lat. and 34[deg]27' N lat. (Central
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from May 1
through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod is closed
from January 1 through April 30).
(5) South of 34[deg]27' N lat. (Southern Management Area),
recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 through December
31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod is closed from January 1
through March 31)
* * * * *
(iv) ``Other Flatfish,'' petrale sole, and starry flounder. ``Other
Flatfish'' are defined at Sec. 660.11, and include butter sole,
curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and
sand sole.
(A) Seasons. Recreational fishing for ``Other Flatfish,'' petrale
sole, and starry flounder is open from January 1 through December 31.
When recreational fishing for ``Other Flatfish,'' petrale sole, and
starry flounder is open, it is permitted both outside and within the
recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section and
the CCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B) of this section.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas where the
recreational season for ``Other Flatfish,'' petrale sole, and starry
flounder is open, ``Other Flatfish'' are subject to the overall 20-fish
bag limit for all species of finfish, of which there may be no more
than 10 fish of any one species; there is no daily bag limit for
petrale sole, starry flounder and Pacific sanddab.
(C) Size limits. There are no size limits for ``Other Flatfish,''
petrale sole, and starry flounder.
(D) Dressing/Filleting. ``Other Flatfish,'' petrale sole, and
starry flounder may be filleted at sea. Fillets may be of any size, but
must bear intact a one-inch (2.6 cm) square patch of skin.
(v) * * *
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for California scorpionfish
is open, it is permitted both outside of and within the recreational
RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section. Recreational
fishing for California scorpionfish is open from January 1 through
December 31.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2022-26904 Filed 12-14-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 16, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.