Rule2023-26660
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central 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
December 5, 2023
Effective
December 1, 2023
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 84248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26660]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 230224-0053; RTID 0648-XD343]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod
by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central
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/processors using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary
to prevent exceeding the 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC)
apportioned to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central
Regulatory Area of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), December 1,
2023, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Jahn, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the
FMP appear at subparts H of 50 CFR parts 600 and 679.
The 2023 Pacific cod TAC apportioned to catcher/processors using
HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA is 562 metric tons
(mt) as established by the final 2023 and 2024 harvest specifications
for groundfish in the GOA (88 FR 13238, March 2, 2023).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional
Administrator has determined that the 2023 Pacific cod TAC apportioned
to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of
the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is
establishing a directed fishing allowance of 552 mt and is setting
aside the remaining 10 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/processors using HAL gear in the Central
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 closure of Pacific cod by
catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the
GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notification providing time for
public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became
available as of November 29, 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: November 30, 2023.
Michael P. Ruccio,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26660 Filed 11-30-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 5, 2023.
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