Rule2023-18910
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Trawl Catcher Vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 1, 2023
Effective
September 1, 2023
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 169 (Friday, September 1, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 169 (Friday, September 1, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60383]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18910]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 230224-0053; RTID 0648-XD251]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
by Trawl Catcher Vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of
Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by
catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the
Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the
2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to trawl catcher
vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 1,
2023, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Krista Milani, 907-581-2062.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the
FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
Regulations governing sideboard protections for GOA groundfish
fisheries appear at subpart B of 50 CFR part 680.
The 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to
trawl catcher vessels in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is
1,956 metric tons (mt), as established by the final 2023 and 2024
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (88 FR 13238, March 2,
2023).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has determined that the 2023
Pacific cod TAC apportioned to trawl catcher vessels in the Western
Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of
1,356 mt and is setting aside the remaining 600 mt as bycatch to
support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with
Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this
directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is
prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using
trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA. While this
closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e)
and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was
issued pursuant to section 304(b), and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice
and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest,
as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries
data in a timely fashion and would delay the directed fishing closure
of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Western
Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant
data only became available as of August 28, 2023.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA also finds good
cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons
provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public
comment.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 28, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-18910 Filed 8-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 1, 2023.
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