[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 18, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71775-71776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22961]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 230224-0053; RTID 0648-XD331]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska

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

[[Page 71776]]


ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is 
necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2023 total allowable catch of 
pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 15, 
2023, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Jahn, 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 parts 600 and 679.
    The annual 2023 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA is 33,729 metric tons (mt) as 
established by the final 2023 and 2024 harvest specifications for 
groundfish in the GOA (88 FR 13238, March 2, 2023).
    In accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional 
Administrator has determined that the annual 2023 TAC of pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 of the GOA will soon be reached. Therefore, the 
Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 
33,229 mt and is setting aside the remaining 500 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 630 of the 
GOA.
    While this closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at 
Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.

Classification

    NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was 
issued pursuant to section 304(b), and is exempt from review under 
Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice 
and comment would be 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 pollock in 
Statistical Area 630 in the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data only became available as of October 12, 2023.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA 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.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: October 13, 2023.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-22961 Filed 10-13-23; 4:15 pm]
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