Rule2024-11946
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recreational Fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone Area
Primary source
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Published
May 31, 2024
Effective
May 30, 2024
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is prohibiting recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Area. This action is necessary for the conservation of all Cook Inlet Chinook stocks due to the uncertainty of run strength and to protect stocks of concern.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 106 (Friday, May 31, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 106 (Friday, May 31, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11946]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 240417-0111]
RTID 0648-XE003
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recreational
Fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone
Area
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 recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in
the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Area. This action is
necessary for the conservation of all Cook Inlet Chinook stocks due to
the uncertainty of run strength and to protect stocks of concern.
DATES: Effective 0001 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), May 30, 2024,
through 2400 hours, A.l.t., August 15, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zaleski, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the Cook Inlet EEZ Area
according to the Fishery Management Plan for Salmon Fisheries in the
EEZ off Alaska (Salmon FMP). The intended effect of this action is to
conserve and manage the salmon resources in Cook Inlet EEZ Area in
accordance with 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
parts 600 and 679.
In accordance with Sec. 679.118(c)(1)(ii), the Regional
Administrator has determined it is necessary to close Chinook salmon
recreational fishing for conservation and management purposes and is
prohibiting recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the Cook Inlet
EEZ Area. In making this determination, the Regional Administrator has
considered the following factors: the low proposed Chinook salmon
acceptable biological catch in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area (270),
anticipated harvest rates, expected mortality, and the potential number
of participants.
Classification
NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is authorized by 50 CFR 679.118(c)(1)(ii),
which was issued pursuant to section 304(c), and is necessary to carry
out the Salmon FMP. This action 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. Notice and
comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, as
it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent information
regarding the status of Cook Inlet Chinook salmon stocks in a timely
fashion. This action is being taken pursuant to regulations
implementing amendment 16 to the Salmon FMP (April 30, 2024, 89 FR
34718). These Federal salmon management measures--which generally allow
for recreational harvest of all salmon stocks in the Cook Inlet EEZ
year-round--become effective May 30, 2024. Therefore, publishing a
notification providing time for public comment would delay the closure
of the Cook Inlet EEZ to recreational Chinook salmon fishing until
after the regulations that otherwise authorize such fishing become
effective. A delay of this closure would prevent the accomplishment of
the conservation and management objectives for the Cook Inlet EEZ Area
salmon fishery, resulting in recreational harvest of Chinook salmon
that is not supported by current stock levels.
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: May 24, 2024.
Karen H. Abrams,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-11946 Filed 5-30-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 31, 2024.
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