[Federal Register: July 28, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 144)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44973-44974]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28jy04-18]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 031125292-4061-02; I.D. 072204F]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern
Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Closure.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish in
the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is
necessary to prevent exceeding the 2004 total allowable catch (TAC) of
northern rockfish in this area.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), July 24, 2004,
through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2004.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907-586-2778.
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 TAC specified for northern rockfish in the Western
Regulatory Area of the GOA is 770 metric tons (mt) as established by
the 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 (Regional Administrator), has determined that the 2004 TAC
for northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area will soon be
reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a
directed fishing allowance of 630 mt, and is setting aside the
remaining 140 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
northern rockfish in
[[Page 44974]]
the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
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 a 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 directed fishery for northern rockfish
in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
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: July 22, 2004.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17178 Filed 7-23-04; 3:57 pm]
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