[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26072]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 679
[Docket No. 021212306-2306-01; I.D. 100703E]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in
Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Modification of a closure.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical
Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 24 hours. This action is
necessary to fully use the total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock
specified for Statistical Area 630.
DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 9, 2003,
through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 10, 2003.
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.
NMFS closed the directed fishery for pollock in Statistical Area
630 of the GOA under Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii) on October 2, 2003 (68 FR
57381, October 3, 2003).
NMFS has determined that, approximately 1,900 mt of pollock remain
in the directed fishing allowance. Therefore, in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 679.25(a)(2)(i)(C) and (a)(2)(iii)(D), and to fully utilize
the pollock TAC specified for Statistical Area 630, NMFS is terminating
the previous closure and is reopening directed fishing for pollock in
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time
(A.l.t.), October 9, 2003, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October 10, 2003.
In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator
finds that this directed fishing allowance will be reached after 24
hours. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock
in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA effective 1200 hrs, A.l.t., October
10, 2003.
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. Notice and comment are impracticable
because the data were recently obtained. Moreover, delaying this action
is contrary to the public interest as it would delay the opening of the
fishery, not allow the full utilization of the pollock TAC in
Statistical Area 630, and therefore reduce the public's ability to use
and enjoy the fishery resource.
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 8, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26072 Filed 10-9-03; 2:59 pm]
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