Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Issuing agencies

Abstract

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 191 (Monday, October 5, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 191 (Monday, October 5, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63166-63167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20338]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 260305-0067; RTID 0648-XF879]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific 
Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action 
is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch of 
Pacific ocean perch

[[Page 63167]]

in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 1, 
2026, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zaleski, 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 and recommended 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.
    The 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the 
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA is 1,688 metric tons (mt) as 
established by the final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications for 
groundfish of the GOA (91 FR 11902, March 11, 2026).
    The Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator) has determined that the 2026 TAC of Pacific ocean perch 
in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will be or has been reached. 
Therefore, in accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i) and 
679.20(d)(1)(ii)(B), the Regional Administrator is establishing a 
directed fishing allowance of 1,508 mt, and is setting aside the 
remaining 180 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated 
groundfish fisheries. The Regional Administrator finds that this 
directed fishing allowance will be or has been reached. Consequently, 
in accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting 
directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area 
of the GOA to prevent exceeding the Pacific ocean perch TAC in the 
Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
    While this closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at 
Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was 
issued pursuant to section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice 
and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, 
as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries 
data in a timely fashion, and would delay the closure of directed 
fishing of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the 
GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public 
comment because the most recent, relevant data on catch of Pacific 
ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA only became 
available as of September 28, 2026.
    There is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to establish an 
effective date less than 30 days after date of publication. This 
finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: October 1, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-20338 Filed 10-1-26; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


</pre></body>
</html>