[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 151 (Monday, August 7, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6736]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 060216044-6044-01; I.D. 080206A]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern 
Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; prohibition of retention.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting retention of northern rockfish in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring 
that catch of northern rockfish in this area be treated in the same 
manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of 
injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch 
(TAC) of northern rockfish in this area has been reached.

DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), August 3, 2006, 
until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Hogan, 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 2006 TAC of northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of 
the GOA is 3,608 metric tons as established by the 2006 and 2007 
harvest specifications for groundfish of the GOA (71 FR 10870, March 3, 
2006).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(2), the Administrator, Alaska 
Region, NMFS, has determined that the northern rockfish TAC in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. Therefore, NMFS is 
requiring that further catches of northern rockfish in the Central 
Regulatory Area of the GOA be treated as prohibited species in 
accordance with Sec.  679.21(b).

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 prohibition of retention of northern rockfish in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data only became available as of July 27, 2006.
    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: August 2, 2006.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 06-6736 Filed 8-2-06; 12:58 pm]
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