Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska

Issuing agencies

Abstract

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 209 (Friday, October 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 209 (Friday, October 30, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 68485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22218]



[[Page 68485]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 260305-0067; RTID 0648-XG003]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in 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 pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2026 total allowable catch 
(TAC) of pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 28, 
2026, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2026.

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 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 annual 2026 TAC of pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA 
is 37,936 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2026 and 2027 
harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (91 FR 11902, March 
11, 2026).
    The Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator) has determined that the annual 2026 TAC of pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in the GOA has been or will be 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 
37,436 mt and is setting aside the remaining 500 mt as incidental catch 
because it is necessary to support other anticipated groundfish 
fisheries. The Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing 
allowance has been or will be reached. Consequently, in accordance with 
Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for 
pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA to prevent exceeding the 
annual apportionment of pollock TAC for this area.
    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) 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 on pollock catch in a timely fashion and would delay the closure 
of directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA. 
NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment 
because the most recent, relevant data on pollock catch in Statistical 
Area 630 in the GOA only became available as of October 27, 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 28, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22218 Filed 10-28-26; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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