[Federal Register: October 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 196)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60566]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12oc04-16]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 100504B]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in
Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Closure.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in
Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the 2004 pollock total allowable catch
(TAC) for Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 6, 2004,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2004.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 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. 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 2004 allowance of the pollock TAC in Statistical Area 610 of
the GOA is 22,930 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2004
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (69 FR 9261, February
27, 2004).
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska
Region, NMFS, has determined that the 2004 allowance of the pollock TAC
in Statistical Area 610 will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional
Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 22,850
mt, and is setting aside the remaining 80 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 pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.
After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable
amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Classification
This action responds to the best available information recently
obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
NOAA, (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior
notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set
forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and
contrary to the public interest. This requirement is 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 the 2004 pollock TAC in Statistical Area
610.
The AA 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.
This action is required by Sec. 679.20 and is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: October 6, 2004.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22840 Filed 10-6-04; 2:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S