[Federal Register: February 17, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 31)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 7815] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr17fe99-20] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 981222313-8320-02; I.D. 021199A] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Vessels Greater Than 99 feet (30.2 m) LOA Catching Pollock for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Bering Sea AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock by vessels greater than 99 feet (30.2 m) length over all (LOA) catching pollock for processing by the inshore component in the critical habitat/catcher vessel operation area (CH/CVOA) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the A1 season limit of pollock total allowable catch (TAC) specified for the inshore component within the CH/CVOA will be reached. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), February 11, 1999, until 1200 hrs, A.l.t., February 20, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Smoker, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI according to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (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. In accordance with Sec. 679.20(a)(5)(i)(C)(1), and the revised interim 1999 TAC amounts for pollock in the Bering Sea subarea (64 FR 3437, January 22, 1999) the A1 season limit of pollock TAC specified to the inshore component for harvest within the CH/CVOA is 80,776 metric tons (mt). In accordance with Sec. 679.22(a)(11)(iv)(A)&(C)(2) the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the A1 season limit of pollock TAC specified to the inshore component for harvest within the CH/CVOA will be reached. The Regional Administrator has estimated that 1,000 mt is likely to be harvested by catcher vessels less than or equal to 99 feet (30.2 m) LOA during the remainder of the A1 season and is reserving that amount to accommodate fishing by such vessels after the closure of the CH/CVOA to vessels greater than 99 feet (30.2 m) LOA. NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock by vessels greater than 99 feet (30.2 m) LOA catching pollock for processing by the inshore component within the CH/CVOA conservation zone, as defined at Sec. 679.22(a)(11)(iv)(B). Maximum retainable bycatch amounts may be found in the regulations at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f). Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. It must be implemented immediately in order to prevent exceeding the A1 season limit of pollock TAC specified to the inshore component for harvest within the CH/CVOA. A delay in the effective date is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. Further delay would result in noncompliance with reasonable and prudent management measures implemented to promote the recovery of the endangered Steller sea lion. NMFS finds for good cause that the implementation of this action can not be delayed for 30 days. Accordingly, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d), a delay in the effective date is hereby waived. This action is required by Sec. 679.22 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 11, 1999. Gary C. Matlock, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 99-3827 Filed 2-11-99; 2:16 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F