87 FR 213 pgs. 66611-66612 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch Western Aleutian District in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Type: RULEVolume: 87Number: 213Pages: 66611 - 66612
Pages: 66611, 66612Docket number: [Docket No. 220223-0054; RTID 0648-XC379]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2022-24245 Filed 11-2-22; 4:15 pm]
Agency: Commerce Department
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 220223-0054; RTID 0648-XC379]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch Western Aleutian District in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
AGENCY:
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION:
Temporary rule; closure.
SUMMARY:
[top] NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the
DATES:
Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), November 2, 2022, through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Whitney, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (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.
The 2022 TAC of Pacific ocean perch, in the WAI, allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery was established as a directed fishing allowance of 196 metric tons by the final 2022 and 2023 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (87 FR 11626, March 2, 2022).
In accordance with §?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 ocean perch in the WAI by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access section fishery. While this closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at §?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 directed fishing of Pacific ocean perch in the WAI of the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of November 2, 2022.
Authority:
16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: November 2, 2022.
Kelly Denit,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24245 Filed 11-2-22; 4:15 pm]
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