[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 678-743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30114]



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Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 3

January 6, 2015

Part III





Department of Commerce





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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration





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40 CFR Part 660





Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and 
Management Measures; Amendment 24; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 3 / Tuesday, January 6, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 660

[Docket No. 140904754-4999-01]
RIN 0648-BE27


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; 
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2015-2016 Biennial Specifications and 
Management Measures; Amendment 24

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would establish the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. 
exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and 
California, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (MSA) and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan (PCGFMP). This proposed rule would also revise the 
management measures that are intended to keep the total catch of each 
groundfish species or species complex within the harvest 
specifications. This action also includes regulations to implement 
Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP, which establishes default harvest control 
rules for setting harvest specifications after 2015-2016.

DATES: Comments must be received no later than January 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2014-0138, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0138, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
    <bullet> Mail: Submit written comments to William W. Stelle, Jr., 
Regional Administrator, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115.
    <bullet> Fax: 206-525-4736; Attn: Sarah Williams.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in 
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
    Information relevant to this proposed rule, which includes a draft 
environmental impact statement (EIS), a regulatory impact review (RIR), 
and an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) are available for 
public review during business hours at the office of the Pacific 
Fishery Management Council (Council), at 7700 NE Ambassador Place, 
Portland, OR 97220, phone: 503-820-2280. Copies of additional reports 
referred to in this document may also be obtained from the Council.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Williams, phone: 206-526-4646, 
fax: 206-526-6736, or email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1b2a0b3a0a9efb6a8adada8a0acb281afaea0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="74071506151c5a031d18181d151907341a1b15155a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    This rule is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the 
Federal Register Web site at https://www.federalregister.gov. 
Background information and documents are available at the NMFS West 
Coast Region Web site at http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/groundfish/index.html and at the Council's Web site at http://www.pcouncil.org.

Executive Summary

Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    This proposed rule would implement the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications and management measures for groundfish species taken in 
the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, 
and California, and establish default harvest control rules consistent 
with Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP. The purpose of the proposed action is 
to conserve and manage Pacific Coast groundfish fishery resources to 
prevent overfishing, to rebuild overfished stocks, to ensure 
conservation, to facilitate long-term protection of essential fish 
habitats (EFH), and to realize the full potential of the Nation's 
fishery resources. This proposed action would set catch limit 
specifications for 2015-2016 consistent with existing or revised 
harvest control rules for all stocks, and establish management measures 
designed to keep catch within the appropriate limits. The harvest 
specifications are set consistent with the optimum yield (OY) harvest 
management framework described in Chapter 4 of the PCGFMP. The proposed 
rule would also implement Amendment 24 to PCGFMP. Amendment 24 
establishes default harvest control rules that would be used to 
determine harvest specifications after 2015-2016. This rule is 
authorized by 16 U.S.C. 1854-55 and by the PCGFMP.

Major Provisions

    This proposed rule contains two types of major provisions. The 
first are the harvest specifications (overfishing limits (OFLs), 
acceptable biological catches (ABCs), and annual catch limits (ACLs)), 
and the second are management measures designed to keep fishing 
mortality within the ACLs. The harvest specifications (OFLs, ABCs, and 
ACLs) in this rule have been developed through a rigorous scientific 
review and decision-making process, which is described in detail later 
in this proposed rule.
    In summary, the OFL is the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) harvest 
level and is an estimate of the catch level above which overfishing is 
occurring. OFLs are based on recommendations by the Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) as the best scientific 
information available. The ABC is an annual catch specification that is 
the stock or stock complex's OFL reduced by an amount associated with 
scientific uncertainty. The SSC-recommended method for incorporating 
scientific uncertainty is referred to as the P star-sigma approach and 
is discussed in detail in the proposed and final rules for the 2011-
2012 (75 FR 67810, November 3, 2010 and 76 FR 27508, May 11, 2011) and 
2013-2014 (77 FR 67974, November 12, 2012, and 78 FR 580, January 3, 
2013) biennial harvest specifications and management measures. The ACL 
is a harvest specification set equal to or below the ABC. The ACLs are 
decided in a manner to achieve OY from the fishery, which is the amount 
of fish that will provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, 
particularly with respect to food production and recreational 
opportunities and taking into account the protection of marine 
ecosystems. The ACLs are based on consideration of conservation 
objectives, socio-economic concerns, management uncertainty, and other 
factors. All known sources of fishing and scientific research catch are 
counted against the ACL.

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    This proposed rule includes ACLs for the seven overfished species 
managed under the PCGFMP. For the 2015-2016 biennium only one species, 
cowcod, requires rebuilding plan changes to its T<INF>MAX</INF> and 
T<INF>TARGET</INF> rebuilding parameters. T<INF>MAX</INF> is the 
maximum permissible time period for rebuilding the stock its target 
biomass. T<INF>TARGET</INF> is the year by which the stock can be 
rebuilt as soon as possible, taking into account the status and biology 
of the stock, the needs of fishing communities, and the interaction of 
the stock of fish within the marine ecosystem. The changes are 
necessary because the rebuilding analyses prepared showed that the 
current T<INF>TARGET</INF> is 9 years longer than the new 
T<INF>MAX</INF>. Accordingly, for cowcod, the T<INF>TARGET</INF> would 
be revised from 2068 to 2020, which is the median time to rebuild based 
on the existing harvest control rule. The remaining overfished species 
are making adequate progress towards rebuilding or are estimated to be 
rebuilt in 2015. Therefore, this rule proposes to establish harvest 
specifications consistent with the existing rebuilding plan provisions 
for those species.
    This rule also proposes to implement Amendment 24 to the PCGFMP. 
Amendment 24 consists of three components: (1) Default harvest control 
rules; (2) a suite of minor changes, including clarification of routine 
management measures and adjustments to those measures, clarification to 
the harvest specifications decision making schedule, changes to the 
description of biennial management cycle process, updates to make the 
FMP consistent with SSC guidance on the F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy for 
elasmobranchs, and clarifications to definitions; and (3) addition of 
two rockfish species to the PCGFMP and the designation of ecosystem 
component (EC) species.
    In order to keep mortality of the species managed under the PCGFMP 
within the ACLs the Council also recommended management measures. 
Generally speaking, management measures are intended to rebuild 
overfished species, prevent ACLs from being exceeded, and allow for the 
harvest of healthy stocks. Management measures include time and area 
restrictions, gear restrictions, trip or bag limits, size limits, and 
other management tools. Management measures may vary by fishing sector 
because different fishing sectors require different types of management 
to control catch. Most of the management measures the Council 
recommended for 2015-2016 were slight variations to existing management 
measures and do not represent a change from current management 
practices. These types of changes include changes to trip limits, bag 
limits, closed areas, etc. Additionally, several new management 
measures were recommended by the Council including: Changes to lingcod 
retention in previously closed cumulative limit periods and canary 
rockfish retention in the Oregon recreational fishery, along with a few 
others.

Table of Contents

I. Background
    A. Specification and Management Measure Development Process
II. Harvest Specifications
    A. Proposed OFLs for 2015 and 2016
    1. Overfished Species OFLs
    2. Non-Overfished Species OFLs for Individually Managed Stocks
    3. Stock Complex OFLs
    B. Proposed ABCs for 2015 and 2016
    1. Overfished Species ABCs
    2. Non-Overfished Species ABCs for Individually Managed Stocks
    3. Stock Complex ABCs
    C. Proposed ACLs for 2015 and 2016
    1. Overfished Species ACLs
    2. Non-Overfished Species ACLs for Individually Managed Stocks
    3. Stock Complex ACLs
    D. Stock Complexes
    1. Minor Nearshore Rockfish Complex North and South of 
40[deg]10' N. lat.
    2. Minor Shelf Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat.
    3. Minor Slope Rockfish Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat.
    4. Other Flatfish Complex
    5. Other Fish Complex
    E. Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan
    1. Default Harvest Control Rules, Clarifications, and Adding 
Species
    2. Designation of Ecosystem Component Species
    F. Management Measures
    1. Management Measures and Ecosystem Component Species
    2. Deductions From the ACLs
    3. Biennial Fishery Allocations
    4. Modifications to the Boundaries Defining RCAs
    5. Sorting Requirements
    6. Limited Entry Trawl
    7. Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access Non-Trawl Fishery 
Management Measures
    8. Recreational Fishery Management Measures
    9. Tribal Fishery Management Measures
    10. Housekeeping Measures
III. Classification

I. Background

    The Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery is managed under the PCGFMP. 
The PCGFMP was prepared by the Council, approved on July 30, 1984, and 
has been amended numerous times. Regulations at 50 CFR part 660, 
subparts C through G, implement the provisions of the PCGFMP.
    The PCGFMP requires the harvest specifications and management 
measures for groundfish to be set at least biennially. This proposed 
rule is based on the Council's final recommendations that were made at 
its June 2014 meeting with updated harvest specifications for some 
stocks adopted at its November 2014 meeting.

A. Specification and Management Measure Development Process

    The process for setting the 2015-2016 harvest specifications began 
in 2012 with the preparation of stock assessments. A stock assessment 
is the scientific and statistical process where the status of a fish 
population or subpopulation (stock) is assessed in terms of population 
size, reproductive status, fishing mortality, and sustainability. In 
the terms of the PCGFMP, stock assessments generally provide: (1) An 
estimate of the current biomass (reproductive potential); (2) an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> or proxy (a default harvest rate for the fishing 
mortality rate that is expected to achieve the maximum sustainable 
yield), translated into exploitation rate; (3) an estimate of the 
biomass that produces the maximum sustainable yield (B<INF>MSY</INF>); 
and, (4) a precision estimate (e.g., confidence interval) for current 
biomass. Stock assessments, including data moderate assessments, are 
reviewed by the Council's stock assessment review panel (STAR panel). 
The STAR panel is designed to review the technical merits of stock 
assessments and is responsible for determining if a stock assessment 
document is sufficiently complete. Finally, the SSC reviews the stock 
assessment and STAR panel reports and makes recommendations to the 
Council. In addition to full stock assessments, stock assessment 
updates that run new data through existing models without changing the 
model are also prepared.
    When spawning stock biomass falls below the minimum stock size 
threshold (MSST), a stock is declared overfished and a rebuilding plan 
must be developed that determines the strategy for rebuilding the stock 
to B<INF>MSY</INF> in the shortest time possible while considering 
needs of fishing communities and other factors (16 U.S.C. 1854(e)). The 
current MSST reference point for assessed flatfish stocks is 12.5 
percent of initial biomass or B<INF>12.5</INF><INF>%</INF>. For all 
other assessed groundfish stocks, the current MSST reference point is 
25 percent of initial biomass or B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. The 
following overfished groundfish stocks would be managed under 
rebuilding plans in 2015-2016: Bocaccio south of 40[deg]10' N. lat.; 
canary rockfish; cowcod south of

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40[deg]10' N. lat.; darkblotched rockfish; Pacific Ocean Perch (POP); 
petrale sole; and yelloweye rockfish.
    For overfished stocks, in addition to any stock assessments or 
stock assessment updates, rebuilding analyses may also be prepared. The 
rebuilding analysis is used to project the future status of the 
overfished resource under a variety of alternative harvest strategies 
and to determine the probability of recovering to B<INF>MSY</INF> or 
its proxy within a specified time-frame.
    The Council considered new stock assessments, stock assessment 
updates, a new rebuilding analysis for cowcod, public comment, and 
advice from its advisory bodies over the course of six Council meetings 
during development of its recommendations for the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications and management measures. At each Council meeting between 
June 2013 and June 2014, the Council made a series of decisions and 
recommendations that were in some cases refined after further analysis 
and discussion. Detailed information, including the supporting 
documentation the Council considered at each meeting is available at 
the Council's Web site, www.pcouncil.org.
    A draft EIS identifying the preferred alternative for each decision 
point published on October 24, 2014 (79 FR 63622). A preliminary 
version of the draft EIS was made available to the public, the Council, 
and the Council's advisory bodies at the Council's June 2014 meeting. 
At that meeting, following public comment and Council consideration, 
the Council made its final recommendations for the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications and management measures as well as Amendment 24 to the 
PCGFMP.
    Information regarding the OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs being proposed for 
groundfish stocks and stock complexes in 2015-2016 is presented below, 
followed by a discussion of the species assemblages and use of stock 
complexes, concluding with descriptions of the proposed management 
measures for commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries.

II. Harvest Specifications

    The PCGFMP requires the Council to set harvest specifications and 
management measures for groundfish at least biennially. This proposed 
rule would set 2015-2016 harvest specifications and management measures 
for all of the 90 plus groundfish species or species groups managed 
under the PCGFMP, except for Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting harvest 
specifications are established annually through a separate bilateral 
process with Canada. The Council received notification at its November 
2014 meeting that the OFLs adopted in June 2014 for English sole, 
yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat.; sharpchin rockfish, 
and rex sole were incorrect. The OFLs from June were based on maximum 
likelihood estimates, however, the SSC recommended that the 2015-2016 
OFLs from the Bayesian data-moderate assessment be based on the median 
of the posterior distribution of the estimated OFLs. The SSC reviewed 
and endorsed the updated harvest specifications at the November 2014 
Council meeting and the Council recommended those changes. Therefore, 
this rule proposes the updated OFLs, ABCs, ACLs, and HGs for English 
sole, yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., as well as the 
Minor Slope Rockfish north and south complexes and the Other Flatfish 
Complex coastwide because sharpchin rockfish contributes to the Minor 
Slope Rockfish complex harvest specifications and rex sole contributes 
to the harvest specifications for the Other Flatfish complex.

A. Proposed OFLs for 2015 and 2016

    This section describes the proposed OFLs for overfished species 
managed under rebuilding plans, non-overfished species managed with 
individual species-specific harvest specifications, and species managed 
within stock complexes. The stock complex section below also discusses 
data moderate assessments.
    The OFL is the MSY harvest level associated with the current stock 
abundance and is an estimate of the level of total catch of a stock or 
stock complex above which overfishing is occurring. The OFLs for 
groundfish species with stock assessments are derived by applying the 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy to the current estimated biomass. 
F<INF>x</INF><INF>%</INF> harvest rates are the rates of fishing 
mortality that will reduce the female spawning biomass per recruit 
(SPR) to X percent of its unfished level. A rate of 
F<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> is a more aggressive harvest rate than 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF> or F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>.
    For 2015-2016, the Council maintained a policy of using a default 
harvest rate as a proxy for the fishing mortality rate that is expected 
to achieve the maximum sustainable yield (F<INF>MSY</INF>). A proxy is 
used because there is insufficient information for most Pacific Coast 
groundfish stocks to estimate species-specific F<INF>MSY</INF> values. 
Taxon-specific proxy fishing mortality rates are used due to perceived 
differences in the productivity among different taxa of groundfish. A 
lower value is used for stocks with relatively high resilience to 
fishing while higher values are used for less resilient stocks with low 
productivity. In 2015-2016, the following default harvest rate proxies, 
based on the SSC's recommendations, were used: F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> 
for flatfish, F<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> for whiting, 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> for rockfish (including longspine and 
shortspine thornyheads), F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> for elasmobranchs, 
and F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF> for other groundfish such as sablefish 
and lingcod.
    For the 2015-2016 biennial specification process, eight full stock 
assessments and four stock assessment updates were prepared. Full stock 
assessments, those that consider the appropriateness of the assessment 
model and that revise the model as necessary, were prepared for the 
following stocks: Darkblotched rockfish, petrale sole, shortspine 
thornyhead, longspine thornyhead, aurora rockfish, rougheye/
blackspotted rockfish, Pacific sanddab, and cowcod. A stock assessment 
update, which runs new data through an existing model, was prepared for 
bocaccio. Catch reports, which evaluate whether recent mortality has 
remained at or below the appropriate limits, were also prepared for 
canary rockfish, POP, and yelloweye rockfish.
    Each new stock assessment includes a base model and two alternative 
models. The alternative models are developed from the base model by 
bracketing the dominant dimension of uncertainty (e.g., stock-
recruitment steepness, natural mortality rate, survey catchability, 
recent year-class strength, weights on conflicting catch per unit 
effort series, etc.) and are intended to be a means of expressing 
uncertainty within the model by showing the contrast in management 
implications. Once a base model has been bracketed on either side by 
alternative model scenarios, capturing the overall degree of 
uncertainty in the assessment, a two-way decision table analysis 
(states-of-nature versus management action) is used to present the 
repercussions of uncertainty to decision makers. As noted above, the 
SSC makes recommendations to the Council on the appropriateness of 
using the different stock assessments for management purposes, after 
which the Council considers adoption of the stock assessments, use of 
the stock assessments for the development of rebuilding analyses, and 
the OFLs resulting from the base model runs of the stock assessments.
1. Overfished Species OFLs
    This section describes the OFLs for overfished species managed 
under rebuilding plans in 2015-2016.

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Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) S. of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    A stock assessment update was prepared for bocaccio between the 
U.S.-Mexico border and Cape Blanco, OR. The bocaccio OFLs of 1,444 mt 
for 2015 and 1,351 mt for 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest 
rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated 
exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment update. For setting 
harvest specifications, six percent of the assessed biomass was 
estimated to occur north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The projected OFLs from 
the assessment were adjusted accordingly.
Canary Rockfish (Sebastes pinniger)
    A catch report was prepared for canary rockfish off Washington, 
Oregon, and California. The canary rockfish OFLs of 733 mt for 2015 and 
729 mt for 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2011 rebuilding analysis.
Cowcod (Sebastes levis) S. of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    A full stock assessment was prepared for cowcod in the area south 
of 34[deg]27' N. lat. The cowcod OFLs of 67 mt for 2015 and 68 mt for 
2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2013 stock assessment added to the revised 2011 
Depletion-Based Stock Reduction Analysis OFL estimate for the Monterey 
area.
Darkblotched Rockfish (Sebastes crameri)
    A full stock assessment was prepared for darkblotched rockfish off 
Washington, Oregon, and California. The darkblotched rockfish OFLs of 
574 mt for 2015 and 580 mt for 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> 
harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the 
estimated exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Petrale Sole (Eopsetta jordani)
    A full stock assessment was prepared for petrale sole off 
Washington, Oregon, and California. The assessment treats the U.S. 
petrale sole resource from the Mexican border to the Canadian border as 
a single coastwide stock. The petrale sole OFLs of 2,946 mt for 2015 
and 3,044 mt for 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate 
proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated 
exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Pacific Ocean Perch (Sebastes alutus)
    A catch report was prepared for Pacific Ocean perch (POP) off 
Washington, Oregon, and California. The POP OFLs of 842 mt for 2015 and 
850 mt for 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2011 rebuilding analysis.
Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus)
    A catch report was prepared for yelloweye rockfish off Washington, 
Oregon, and California. The yelloweye rockfish OFLs of 52 mt for 2015 
and 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2011 rebuilding analysis.
2. Non-Overfished Species OFLs for Individually Managed Stocks
    This section describes the OFLs for non-overfished species managed 
with individual species-specific harvest specifications in 2015-2016.
English Sole (Parophrys vetulus)
    A new data-moderate coastwide stock assessment was prepared for 
English sole in 2013. For a discussion of data-moderate assessments see 
the ``Stock Complex OFL'' section below. The English sole OFLs of 
10,792 mt in 2015 and 7,890 mt in 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> 
harvest rate proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> applied to the 
estimated exploitable biomass from the 2013 data-moderate stock 
assessment.
Longspine Thornyhead (Sebastolobus Altivelis)
    A new coastwide full stock assessment was prepared for longspine 
thornyhead. The longspine thornyhead OFLs of 5,007 mt in 2015 and 4,763 
mt in 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Shortspine Thornyhead (Sebastolobus Alascanus)
    A new coastwide full stock assessment was prepared for shortspine 
thornyhead. The shortspine thornyhead OFLs of 3,203 mt in 2015 and 
3,169 mt in 2016 are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated exploitable 
biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Spiny Dogfish (Squalus Acanthias)
    For 2015-2016, spiny dogfish is proposed to be removed from the 
Other Fish complex and managed with species-specific harvest 
specifications. A coastwide stock assessment was prepared for spiny 
dogfish in 2011. In 2013-2014 the spiny dogfish OFLs were based on the 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF> 
applied to the estimated exploitable biomass from the 2011 stock 
assessment and contributed to the Other Fish complex OFLs. The SSC has 
endorsed a new F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy for elasmobranchs of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> to better represent the life-history 
characteristics and reproductive biology of elasmobranchs. In 2015-2016 
the spiny dogfish OFLs of 2,523 mt in 2015 and 2,503 mt in 2016 are 
derived from the 2011 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate 
proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>.
Yellowtail Rockfish (Sebastes Flavidus) N. of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    A full assessment of northern yellowtail rockfish was conducted in 
2004. In 2013, a new data moderate stock assessment was prepared for 
the portion of the yellowtail rockfish population north of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat. Yellowtail is managed as a single species with a stock-specific 
OFL north and within the Minor Slope Complex south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. The yellowtail rockfish north OFLs are 7,218 mt in 2015 and 6,949 
mt in 2016. These estimates are based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest 
rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> as applied to the estimated 
exploitable biomass from the 2013 data-moderate stock assessment. 
Additional information on data-moderate assessments and the OFL 
contribution of yellowtail rockfish to the Minor Slope Rockfish complex 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. can be found below in the discussion of 
``Stock Complex OFLs.''
    For individually managed species that did not have new stock 
assessments or updates prepared, the Council recommended OFLs derived 
from applying the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy to the estimated 
exploitable biomass from the most recent stock assessment or update, 
the results of rudimentary stock assessments, or the historical 
landings data approved by the Council for use in setting harvest 
specifications. These stocks include: Arrowtooth flounder, black 
rockfish south, black rockfish north, cabezon (off California), cabezon 
(off Oregon), California scorpionfish, chilipepper, Dover sole, lingcod 
north and south of 42[deg] N. lat., longnose skate (using the revised 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy for elasmobranchs), Pacific cod, 
sablefish north and south of 36[deg] N. lat., shortbelly rockfish, 
spiny dogfish (as described above), splitnose rockfish, starry 
flounder, and widow rockfish. Proposed OFLs for these species can be 
found in Tables 1a and 2a to Subpart C.
3. Stock Complex OFLs
    There are currently eight stock complexes used to manage groundfish 
stocks pursuant to the PCGFMP. These stock complexes are: (1) Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish north; (2) Minor

[[Page 682]]

Nearshore Rockfish south; (3) Minor Shelf Rockfish north; (4) Minor 
Shelf Rockfish south (5) Minor Slope rockfish north; (6) Minor Slope 
Rockfish south; (7) Other Flatfish; and (8) Other Fish. Stock complexes 
are used to manage the harvest of many of the unassessed groundfish 
stocks.
    The proposed OFLs for stock complexes are the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component stocks, when known. For the 2015-2016 
biennial specification process, similar to 2011-2012 and 2013-2014, 
Depletion-Corrected Average Catch (DCAC), Depletion-Based Stock 
Reduction Analysis (DB-SRA), or other SSC-endorsed methodologies were 
used to determine the OFL contributions made by category three species 
(data limited species). In general, OFL contribution estimates should 
not vary from year to year for the category three stocks; the OFL 
contributions for unassessed component stocks that remain in the eight 
stock complexes are the same in 2015-2016 as in 2013-2014.
    The proposed OFLs for each complex can also be found in tables 1a 
and 2a of this proposed rule. In addition to OFL contributions derived 
by DCAC, DB-SRA, or other SSC approved estimates, OFL contributions for 
the following stocks were determined by applying the F<INF>MSY</INF> 
harvest rate proxy to the estimated exploitable biomass from the most 
recent stock assessments: Brown rockfish, China rockfish, copper 
rockfish, aurora rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, sharpchin 
rockfish, and rex sole. Pacific sanddab was assessed in 2013, but the 
OFL contribution will continue to be derived by DB-SRA in 2015-2016 
because the SSC determined the assessment results were too uncertain 
for determining harvest specifications. As summarized below, nine of 
the stocks with OFL contributions to stock complexes had new or updated 
assessments that resulted in their OFL contributions being determined 
by applying the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy to the estimated 
exploitable biomass.
    The following section discusses the OFL contributions from the data 
moderate assessments for brown rockfish, China rockfish, copper 
rockfish, rex sole, shapchin rockfish, stripetail rockfish, yellowtail 
rockfish, and the full assessments for aurora rockfish and 
blackspotted/rougheye rockfish. Two data-moderate assessment methods, 
XDB-SRA (Extended Depletion-Based Stock Reduction Analysis) and exSSS 
(Extended Simple Stock Synthesis), were endorsed by the STAR panel for 
use in the assessment cycle that is informing the 2015-2016 harvest 
specifications. Results from data-moderate assessments are an 
improvement over data-poor approaches because they incorporate 
abundance indices. Due to a lack of time, the STAR panel was unable to 
review the draft assessments of vermillion rockfish and yellowtail 
rockfish south of Cape Mendocino, and was unable to make 
recommendations regarding their use for Council decision-making. 
However, the STAR panel was able to conclude that the base model was 
adequate for management of yellowtail rockfish north of Cape Mendocino. 
Overall, the SSC viewed the data-moderate assessment methods as being 
useful tools for assisting the Council's groundfish management process 
and a substantial improvement over the Council's data-poor methods. The 
SSC concluded that: (1) The assessments represent the best available 
science; (2) they should be accepted as valid data-moderate stock 
assessments, and; (3) they should be used as the basis for management 
decisions in 2015-2016. Stocks managed within stock complexes that had 
new data-moderate assessments or new full assessments for use in 2015-
2016 are discussed below.
Nearshore Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
Minor Nearshore Rockfish (North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex is 
88 mt in 2015 and in 2016, which is a 20 percent reduction from the 
2014 OFL of 94 mt. The decrease is due to new data-moderate assessments 
for brown, China, and copper rockfish conducted in 2013. In 2015-2016, 
stocks composing the Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex will remain 
the same as in 2013-2014. The Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex is 
comprised of: Black rockfish (Sebastes melanops), Black and yellow 
rockfish (S. chrysomelas), blue rockfish (S. mystinus), brown rockfish 
(S. auriculatus), calico rockfish (S. dalli), China rockfish (S. 
nebulosus), copper rockfish (S. caurinus), gopher rockfish (S. 
carnatus), grass rockfish (S. rastrelliger), kelp rockfish (S. 
atrovirens), olive rockfish (S. serranoides), quillback rockfish (S. 
maliger), and treefish (S. serriceps). These stocks are all unassessed 
with the exception of blue rockfish in California, brown rockfish, 
China rockfish, copper rockfish, and gopher rockfish in California.
Minor Nearshore Rockfish (South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Nearshore Rockfish south complex is 
1,313 mt in 2015, and is 1,291 mt in 2016 which in 2015 is a 31 percent 
increase, and in 2016 is a 29 percent increase from the 2014 complex 
OFL of 1,001 mt. The increase is due to new data-moderate assessments 
for brown, China, and copper rockfish conducted in 2013. In 2015-2016, 
stocks composing the Minor Nearshore Rockfish south complex will remain 
the same as in 2013-2014. The Minor Nearshore south complex is 
comprised of black and yellow rockfish (S. chrysomelas), China rockfish 
(S. nebulosus), gopher rockfish, (S. carnatus), grass rockfish (S. 
rastrelliger), kelp rockfish (S. atrovirens), black rockfish (S. 
melanops), blue rockfish (S. mystinus), brown rockfish (S. 
auriculatus), calico rockfish (S. dalli), copper rockfish (S. 
caurinus), olive rockfish (S. serranoides), quillback rockfish (S. 
maliger), and treefish (S. serriceps).
Minor Nearshore Rockfish Complex Stocks Assessed in 2013
    New coastwide data-moderate assessments were performed for brown, 
China, and copper rockfish in 2013.
Brown Rockfish
    A coastwide data-moderate stock assessment utilizing a XDB-SRA 
model run was prepared for brown rockfish in 2013. The coastwide brown 
rockfish stock was estimated to be at 42 percent of unfished spawning 
biomass. The estimated brown rockfish OFL contribution to the Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish complex north is 1.9 mt in 2015 and 2016, which is a 
65.5 percent decrease from the 2014 contribution OFL of 5.5 mt. The 
estimated brown rockfish OFL contribution to the Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish complex south is 163.8 mt in 2015 and 160.2 mt in 2016, which 
is a 20 percent decrease in 2015, and is a 22 percent decrease in 2016 
from the 2014 contribution OFL of 204.6 mt. These estimates are based 
on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
applied to the exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
China Rockfish
    An area-specific, data-moderate stock assessment was prepared for 
China rockfish in 2013. The STAR Panel focused on the XDB-SRA model for 
China rockfish. The model estimated China rockfish north of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat. to be at 37 percent of unfished spawning biomass, which is 
below the management target, but above the

[[Page 683]]

MSST. The China rockfish estimate south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. was 
estimated to be at 66 percent depletion of unfished spawning biomass, 
which is above management target. The estimated China rockfish OFL 
contribution to the Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex is 7.2 mt in 
2015 and 7.4 mt in 2016, which is a decrease of 26.5 percent in 2015 
and 24.5 percent in 2016 from the 2014 OFL contribution of 9.8 mt. The 
estimated China rockfish OFL contribution to the Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish south complex is 55.2 mt in 2015 and 52.7 mt in 2016, which is 
a 232.5 percent increase in 2015 and a 217.5 percent increase in 2016 
from the 2014 OFL contribution of 16.6 mt. These estimates are based on 
the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
applied to the exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Copper Rockfish
    An area-specific, data-moderate stock assessment was prepared for 
copper rockfish in 2013. The STAR Panel focused on the XDB-SRA model 
for copper rockfish. The model estimated copper rockfish north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. to be at 48 percent of unfished spawning biomass, 
which is above management target. The copper rockfish estimate south of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. was estimated to be 76 percent depletion of unfished 
spawning biomass, which is above management target. The estimated 
copper rockfish contribution OFL to the Minor Nearshore Rockfish north 
complex is 10.6 mt in 2015 and 10.3 mt in 2016, which is a 59 percent 
decrease in 2015 and a 60 percent decrease in 2016 from the 2014 
contribution OFL of 26 mt. The estimated OFL contribution to the south 
complex is 301.1 mt in 2015 and 284.3 mt in 2016, which is a 112.7 
percent increase in 2015 and a 100.9 percent increase in 2016 from the 
2014 OFL contribution of 141.5 mt. These estimates are based on the 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
applied to the exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Shelf Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
Minor Shelf Rockfish (North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Shelf Rockfish north complex is 
2,209 mt in 2015, and is 2,218 mt in 2016 which is a negligible 
increase in both years from the 2014 complex OFL of 2,195 mt. In 2015-
2016, stocks composing the Minor Shelf Rockfish north complex will 
remain the same as in 2013-2014. The Minor Shelf Rockfish north complex 
is comprised of: Bronzespotted rockfish (S. gilli), bocaccio (S. 
paucispinis), chameleon rockfish (S. phillipsi), chilipepper (S. 
goodie), cowcod (S. levis), dusky rockfish (S. ciliates), dwarf-red (S. 
rufianus), flag rockfish (S. rubrivinctus), freckled rockfish (S. 
lentiginosus), greenblotched rockfish (S. rosenblatti), greenspotted 
rockfish (S. chlorostictus), greenstriped rockfish (S. elongates), 
halfbanded rockfish (S. semicinctus), harlequin rockfish (S. 
variegatus), honeycomb rockfish (S. umbrosus), Mexican rockfish (S. 
macdonaldi), pink rockfish (S. eos), pinkrose rockfish (S. simulator), 
pygmy rockfish (S. wilsoni), redstripe rockfish (S. proriger), 
rosethorn rockfish (S. helvomaculatus), rosy rockfish (S. rosaceus), 
silvergray rockfish (S. brevispinis), speckled rockfish (S. ovalis), 
squarespot rockfish (S. hopkinsi), starry rockfish (S. constellatus), 
stripetail rockfish (S. saxicola), swordspine rockfish (S. ensifer), 
tiger rockfish (S. nigrocinctus), and vermilion rockfish (S. miniatus).
Minor Shelf Rockfish (South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Shelf Rockfish south complex is 
1,917.9 mt in 2015, and is 1,918.9 mt in 2016, which is a negligible 
increase in both years from the 2014 complex OFL of 1,912.9 mt. In 
2015-2016, stocks composing the Minor Shelf Rockfish south complex will 
remain the same as in 2013-2014. The Minor Shelf Rockfish south complex 
is comprised of: Bronzespotted rockfish (S. gilli), chameleon rockfish 
(S. phillipsi), dusky rockfish (S. ciliates), dwarf-red rockfish (S. 
rufianus), flag rockfish (S. rubrivinctus), freckled (S. lentiginosus), 
greenblotched rockfish (S. rosenblatti), greenspotted rockfish (S. 
chlorostictus), greenstriped rockfish (S. elongates), halfbanded 
rockfish (S. semicinctus), harlequin rockfish (S. variegatus), 
honeycomb rockfish (S. umbrosus), Mexican rockfish (S. macdonaldi), 
pink rockfish (S. eos), pinkrose rockfish (S. simulator), pygmy 
rockfish (S. wilsoni), redstripe rockfish (S. proriger), rosethorn 
rockfish (S. helvomaculatus), rosy rockfish (S. rosaceus), silvergray 
rockfish (S. brevispinis), speckled rockfish (S. ovalis), squarespot 
rockfish (S. hopkinsi), starry rockfish (S. constellatus), stripetail 
rockfish (S. saxicola), swordspine rockfish (S. ensifer), tiger 
rockfish (S. nigrocinctus), vermilion rockfish (S. miniatus), and 
yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus).
Minor Shelf Rockfish Complex Stocks Assessed in 2013
    A new coastwide data-moderate assessment was performed for 
stripetail rockfish in 2013.
Stripetail Rockfish
    Stripetail rockfish was assessed as a coastwide stock. Catches of 
stripetail rockfish have been negligible since 2000, and the stock has 
not been previously assessed. The XDB-SRA model was used in a 
sensitivity analysis to evaluate probable levels of stock status for 
stripetail rockfish. The STAR Panel noted that stripetail rockfish is 
rarely caught and appears to be in an essentially unfished state, as 
indicated by the trawl survey abundance estimates. There is little 
information in the trawl survey data to estimate catchability, so 
abundance estimates are extremely uncertain. However, over a broad 
range of plausible values for trawl survey catchability, stock 
depletion estimates were relatively consistent, ranging from 75 percent 
to 95 percent. The STAR Panel recommended that status of stripetail 
rockfish can be estimated, but that the extreme uncertainty in 
abundance estimates precludes using assessment results for setting the 
OFL. With these model limitations considered, stripetail rockfish 
(coastwide) was estimated to be at 77.5 percent of unfished spawning 
biomass, which is well above management target. The OFL contribution of 
stripetail rockfish to the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex OFLSs (north 
and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat.) was not able to be estimated using 
data moderate methods. Therefore, utilizing data-poor DB-SRA methods, 
the stripetail contribution OFL to the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex 
north is the same as the 2014 contribution OFL estimates: 40.1 mt in 
2015 and 2016. The stripetail contribution OFL to the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south is the same as the 2014 contribution OFL 
estimates: 23.6 mt in 2015 and 2016.
Minor Slope Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
Minor Slope Rockfish (North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Slope Rockfish north complex is 
1,831 mt in 2015, and is 1,844 mt in 2016, which is roughly a 17 
percent increase in 2015 and a 18 percent increase in 2016 from the 
2014 northern complex OFL of 1,553 mt. The increase is due to new full 
assessments for aurora and rougheye/blackspotted rockfish and a data-
moderate assessment for sharpchin rockfish conducted in 2013. The Minor

[[Page 684]]

Slope Rockfish north complex is comprised of: Aurora rockfish (Sebastes 
aurora), bank rockfish (S. rufus), blackgill rockfish (S. 
melanostomus), blackspotted rockfish (S. melanostictus), redbanded 
rockfish (S. babcocki), rougheye rockfish (S. aleutianus), sharpchin 
rockfish (S. zacentrus), shortraker rockfish (S. borealis), splitnose 
rockfish (S. diploproa), sunset rockfish (S. crocotulus) which is a 
species proposed to be added to the PCGFMP, and yellowmouth rockfish 
(S. reedi).
Minor Slope Rockfish (South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.)
    The proposed OFL for the Minor Slope Rockfish south complex is 813 
mt in 2015, and is 814 mt in 2016, which is roughly an 18 percent 
increase in 2015 and 2016 from the 2014 southern complex OFL of 685 mt. 
The increase is due to new full assessments for aurora and rougheye/
blackspotted rockfish and a data-moderate assessment for sharpchin 
rockfish conducted in 2013. The Minor Slope Rockfish south complex is 
comprised of: Aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora), bank rockfish (S. 
rufus), blackgill rockfish (S. melanostomus), blackspotted rockfish (S. 
melanostictus), Pacific ocean perch (S. alutus), redbanded rockfish (S. 
babcocki), rougheye rockfish (S. aleutianus), sharpchin rockfish (S. 
zacentrus), shortraker rockfish (S. borealis), sunset rockfish (S. 
crocotulus) which is a species proposed to be added to the PCGFMP, and 
yellowmouth rockfish (S. reedi).
Minor Slope Rockfish Complex Stocks Assessed in 2013
    As mentioned above, a new coastwide data-moderate assessment was 
performed for sharpchin rockfish, and new full coastwide stock 
assessments for aurora and rougheye/blackspotted rockfish were 
performed in 2013.
Sharpchin Rockfish
    Sharpchin rockfish was assessed as a data-moderate coastwide stock 
utilizing exSSS in 2013. The coastwide sharpchin rockfish stock was 
estimated to be 89 percent of unfished spawning biomass, which is well 
above management target. The proposed sharpchin rockfish OFL 
contribution to the Minor Slope Rockfish complex north is 332.8 mt in 
2015 and 323.2 mt in 2016, which is a 55 percent increase in 2015 and a 
50 percent increase in 2016 from the 2014 contribution OFL of 214.5 mt. 
The proposed sharpchin rockfish OFL contribution to the Minor Slope 
Rockfish south complex OFL is 83.2 mt in 2015 and 80.8 mt in 2016, 
which is a roughly 8 percent increase in 2015 and a 5 percent increase 
in 2016 from the 2014 contribution OFL of 76.4 mt. These estimates are 
based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
applied to the exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock assessment.
Aurora Rockfish
    A full coastwide stock assessment was prepared in 2013 for aurora 
rockfish. The coastwide OFL contributions were apportioned north and 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the average swept area biomass 
estimates from the triennial survey. The assessment estimated that the 
spawning stock biomass at the start of 2013 was 1,673 mt, which is 64 
percent of its unfished biomass. The proposed OFL contribution to the 
Minor Slope Rockfish north complex is 17.4 mt for 2015 and 17.5 mt for 
2016, which is a 13 percent increase in 2015, and a 13.6 percent 
increase in 2016 from the 2014 northern contribution OFL of 15.4 mt. 
The proposed OFL contribution to the Minor Slope Rockfish south complex 
is 74.3 mt for 2015 and 2016, which is a 184.6 percent increase from 
the 2014 contribution OFL of 26.1 mt. These OFL contributions are based 
on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
as applied to the estimated exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock 
assessment.
Rougheye/Blackspotted Rockfish
    A full coastwide stock assessment was prepared in 2013 for 
rougheye/blackspotted rockfish off Washington, Oregon, and California. 
The assessment estimated that the spawning stock biomass at the start 
of 2013 was 2,552 mt and 47 percent of its unfished biomass. The 
proposed OFL contribution to the Minor Slope Rockfish north complex is 
201.9 mt in 2015 and 206.8 in 2016, which is an increase of 184 percent 
in 2015 and an increase of 191 percent in 2016 from the 2014 
contribution OFL of 71.1 mt. The proposed OFL contribution to the Minor 
Slope Rockfish south complex is 4.1 mt in 2015 and 4.2 in 2016, which 
is an increase of 925 percent in 2015, and an increase of 950 percent 
in 2016 from the 2014 contribution OFL of 0.4 mt. These estimates are 
based on the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
as applied to the estimated exploitable biomass from the 2013 stock 
assessment.
Other Flatfish Complex
    The Other Flatfish complex contains most of the flatfish species 
managed in the PCGFMP (with the exception of arrowtooth flounder, Dover 
sole, English sole, petrale sole, and starry founder). These species 
include butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys 
decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), Pacific sanddab 
(Citharichthys sordidus), rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole 
(Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus). 
The proposed OFL for the Other Flatfish complex is 11,453 mt in 2015 
and is 9,645 mt in 2016, an increase of 13 percent in 2015 and a 
decrease of 4 percent in 2016 from the 2014 OFL of 10,060 mt.
Other Flatfish Complex Stocks Assessed in 2013
    A new coastwide data-moderate assessment was performed for rex 
sole, and a full coastwide stock assessment for Pacific sanddab was 
performed in 2013.
Rex Sole
    Rex sole was assessed as a coastwide resource in 2013. The data-
moderate exSSS model was selected for the rex sole stock assessment. 
The STAR Panel concluded that the base model provides an adequate basis 
for management, but noted that the inability to fit the NWFSC survey 
index (as one time series) implies some model mis-specification. There 
is considerably more confidence in stock status estimates than in the 
biomass scale. With these model limitations considered, rex sole 
(coastwide) was estimated to be at 79 percent of unfished spawning 
biomass, which is well above management target. The proposed OFL 
contribution to the other flatfish complex of 5,764 mt in 2015 and 
3,956 mt in 2016 is a 31 percent increase in 2015 and is a 9.5 percent 
decrease in 2016 from the 2014 OFL contribution of 4,371.5 mt.
Pacific Sanddab
    A full coastwide assessment for Pacific sanddab was conducted in 
2013, although it did not result in an estimate of depletion as a 
measure of stock status. Therefore, utilizing data-poor DB-SRA methods, 
the Pacific sanddab OFL contribution to the Other Flatfish complex is 
4,801 mt in 2015 and 2016, which is from the same as the 2014 OFL 
contribution.
Other Fish Complex
    The Other Fish complex contains other species managed in the PCGFMP 
and changes to this complex are proposed for the 2015-2016 biennium. 
The Other Fish complex species are proposed to include cabezon 
(Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) off Washington, kelp greenling 
(Hexagrammos decagrammus) off Washington, Oregon, and California (as 
three state-specific stocks), and leopard

[[Page 685]]

shark (Triakis semifasciata). Of these five stocks, only kelp greenling 
off California, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark have OFL 
contributions to the Other Fish complex. Spiny dogfish, which were 
managed within the Other Fish complex in 2013-2014, are proposed for 
management with species-specific specifications in 2015-2016. The other 
species managed in the Other Fish complex in 2013-2014 are proposed for 
designation as EC species. No full or data-moderate stock assessments 
were performed for any of these stocks in 2013. Only Kelp greenling in 
California, cabezon in Washington, and leopard shark contribute to the 
Other Fish complex harvest specifications, while kelp greenling in 
Oregon and Washington do not, though they are still part of the Other 
Fish complex. The proposed OFL for the Other Fish complex is 286 mt, 
which is a 4,104 percent reduction from the 2014 OFL of 6,802 mt due to 
the proposed reorganization of the complex. The kelp greenling OFL 
contribution (off California) to the Other Fish complex is proposed to 
be 118.0 mt, which is the same as in 2014. The leopard shark OFL 
contribution to the Other Fish complex is proposed to be 167.1 mt, 
which is the same as in 2014. For more information on the designation 
of ecosystem component species see the ``Amendment 24 to the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan'' section below.

B. Proposed ABCs for 2015 and 2016

    The ABC is the stock or stock complex's OFL reduced by an amount 
associated with scientific uncertainty. The SSC-recommended P star-
Sigma approach determines the amount by which the OFL is reduced to 
establish the ABC. Under this approach, the SSC recommends a sigma 
([sigma]) value. The [sigma] value is generally based on the scientific 
uncertainty in the biomass estimates generated from stock assessments. 
After the SSC determines the appropriate [sigma] value the Council 
chooses a P star (P*) based on its chosen level of risk aversion 
considering the scientific uncertainties. As the P* value is reduced, 
the probability of the ABC being greater than the ``true'' OFL becomes 
lower. In combination, the P* and [sigma] values determine the amount 
by which the OFL will be reduced to establish the SSC-endorsed ABC.
    Since 2011, the SSC has quantified major sources of scientific 
uncertainty in the estimate of OFL and recommended a [sigma] value of 
0.36 for category one stocks, a [sigma] value of 0.72 for category two 
stocks, and a [sigma] value of 1.44 for category three stocks. For 
category two and three stocks there is typically greater scientific 
uncertainty in the estimate of OFL because the stock assessments have 
less data to inform them. Therefore, the scientific uncertainty buffer 
is generally greater than that recommended for stocks with quantitative 
stock assessments. Assuming the same P* is applied, a larger [sigma] 
value results in a larger reduction from the OFL. For 2015-2016, the 
Council continued the general policy of using the SSC-recommended 
[sigma] values for each species category. However, an exception to the 
general [sigma] values assigned to each category was made for aurora 
rockfish and widow rockfish, as described below.
    The PCGFMP specifies that the upper limit of P* will be 0.45. A P* 
of 0.5 equates to no additional reduction for scientific uncertainty 
beyond the sigma value reduction. A lower P* is more risk averse than a 
higher value, meaning that the probability of the ABC being greater 
than the ``true'' OFL is lower. For 2015-2016, the Council largely 
maintained the P* policies it established for the 2011-2012 and 2013-
2014 bienniums. The Council recommended using P* values of 0.45 for all 
category one species, except sablefish, as described below. Combining 
the category one [sigma] value of 0.36 the P* value of 0.45 results in 
a reduction of 4.4 percent from the OFL when deriving the ABC. For 
individually managed category two and three stocks, the Council's 
general policy was to use a P* of 0.4, although the Council recommended 
a P* of 0.45 for all of the stocks managed in complexes (except stocks 
in the Other Flatfish complex). When combined with the [sigma] values 
of 0.72 and 1.44 for category two and three stocks, a P* value of 0.40 
corresponds to 16.7 percent and 30.6 percent reductions, respectively. 
Specifically, the Council recommended using P* values of 0.40 for all 
individually managed category two and three species, except cowcod, 
English sole, lingcod between 42[deg] and 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 
yellowtail rockfish 40[deg]10' N. lat., as described below.
    Additional information about the [sigma] values used for different 
species categories as well as the P* - [sigma] approach can be found in 
the proposed and final rules from the 2011-2012 biennium (75 FR 67810, 
November 3, 2010; 76 FR 27508, May 11, 2011) and the 2013-2014 biennium 
(77 FR 67974, November 14, 2012; 78 FR 580, January 3, 2013). A 
discussion of the P* values used in combination with the [sigma] values 
follows. Tables 1a and 2a of this proposed rule present the harvest 
specifications for each stock and stock complex, including the proposed 
ABCs, while the footnotes to these tables describe how the proposed 
specifications where derived. Details can also be found in Chapter 
2.1.2 of the DEIS (see Supplementary Information section above).
1. Overfished Species ABCs
Cowcod
    The Council recommended revising the P* values in 2015-2016 for 
cowcod south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. from those that have been used since 
2011. Cowcod is a category 2 stock in the Conception Area and a 
category 3 stock in the Monterey Area and has had a P* value lower than 
or equal to 0.40 since 2011 (0.35 in Conception an 0.40 in Monterey for 
2011-2012 and 0.40 in both areas in 2013-2014). A new stock assessment 
was conducted for cowcod in 2013, however the SSC recommended that 
cowcod remain a category 2 stock in the Conception Area and a category 
3 stock in the Monterey Area. Cowcod ACLs are not based on the ABC, but 
rather on the rebuilding plan; therefore, the change in P* to 0.45 for 
cowcod will not impact the ACL or rebuilding but will reduce the 
reduction from the OFL for scientific uncertainty (from an 16.7 percent 
reduction to an 8.7 percent reduction in the Conception Area and from a 
30.6 percent reduction to a 16.6 percent reduction in the Monterey 
Area). The proposed cowcod ABCs are 59.9 mt and 61.5 mt in 2015 and 
2016, respectively.
2. Non-Overfished Species ABCs for Individually Managed Stocks
    Several species changed categories in 2015-2016 as a result of 
updated stock assessments or due to a new assessment or being assessed 
for the first time. The [sigma] value and P* for these species was 
updated accordingly when determining the proposed ABCs for 2015-2016, 
as described below.
English Sole
    The species category for English sole was revised for 2015-2016 
from a category one to a category two stock. The previous full 
assessment for English sole (2007) was a category 1 assessment. The SSC 
recommended the 2013 data-moderate assessments for English sole for use 
in management as the best available science, and recommended that it be 
considered a category two stock based on the data-moderate assessment; 
therefore, the [sigma] value of 0.72 was used. The Council recommended 
using the same P* value in 2015-2016 for English sole as was used since 
2011. Though the stock was downgraded from category one to category two 
for 2015-2016, the Council recommended a P* of 0.45 because the

[[Page 686]]

stock is healthy (88 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013) and is 
underutilized (maximum annual catch of English sole from 2009-2012 has 
been less than 10 percent of the proposed 2015-2016 ABCs). A P* of 0.45 
for English sole results in an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL. The 
proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs for English sole are 9,853 mt and 7,204 mt, 
respectively.
Lingcod
    The Council recommended revising the P* values in 2015-2016 for 
lingcod between 42[deg] and 40[deg]10' N. lat. from those that have 
been used since 2011. Lingcod was assessed in 2009 and the SSC 
recommended that lingcod north of 42[deg] N. lat. be considered a 
category one stock ([sigma]=0.36) and that lingcod south of 42[deg] N. 
lat. be considered a category two stock ([sigma]=0.72). Since 2011, the 
Council recommended P* values corresponding to the category for these 
two areas: 0.45 north of 42[deg] N. lat. and 0.40 south of 42[deg] N. 
lat. Since the 2009 assessment, the management line for lingcod shifted 
from 42[deg] to 40[deg]10' N. lat. and the harvest specifications were 
re-apportioned to match the new management line. For 2015-2016, the 
Council's recommended ABC for lingcod north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. was 
calculated using a P* of 0.45 and the ABC south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
was calculated using a P* of 0.40. Increasing the P* from 0.40 to 0.45 
between 42[deg] to 40[deg]10' N. lat. means a smaller reduction from 
the OFL for scientific uncertainty. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs for 
lingcod north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. are 2,830 mt and 2,719 mt, 
respectively. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs for lingcod south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. are 1,004 mt and 946 mt, respectively.
Longspine Thornyhead
    The species category for longspine thornyhead was revised for 2015-
2016 from a category one to a category two stock. The longspine 
thornyhead assessment lacks age data and cannot discern year class 
strength, therefore the SSC recommended longspine thornyhead be 
considered a category two stock, and the [sigma] value of 0.72 was 
used. The Council recommended a P* of 0.40 for longspine thornyhead, 
which results in a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL for this 
category two stock. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs for longspine 
thornyhead are 4,171 mt and 3,968 mt, respectively.
Shortspine Thornyhead
    The species category for shortspine thornyhead was revised for 
2015-2016 from a category one to a category two stock. The shortspine 
thornyhead assessment lacks age data and cannot discern year class 
strength, therefore the SSC recommended shortspine thornyhead be 
considered a category two stock, and the [sigma] value of 0.72 was 
used. The Council recommended a P* of 0.40 for shortspine thornyhead, 
which results in a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL for this 
category two stock. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs for shortspine 
thornyhead are 2,668 mt and 2,640 mt, respectively.
Sablefish
    The SSC recommended that sablefish be considered a category 1 stock 
and recommended the corresponding [sigma] of 0.36. The Council 
recommended using P* values of 0.45 for all category one species, 
except sablefish, where the Council recommended continuing use of a 
more precautionary P* value of 0.40 due to uncertainty in the 2011 
assessment. A P* of 0.40 and [sigma] of 0.36 results in an 8.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL for this category one stock. The proposed 2015 
and 2016 ABCs for sablefish, coastwide, are 7,173 mt and 7,784 mt, 
respectively.
Spiny Dogfish
    Spiny dogfish are proposed to be managed with species-specific 
harvest specifications for the first time in 2015-2016. The Council 
recommended revising the P* value in 2015-2016 for spiny dogfish from 
0.30 to 0.40. For 2013-2014 the Council recommended a precautionary 
reduction in the P* value greater than for other category 2 stocks 
because of uncertain catch history of the stock, which are largely 
discarded in west coast fisheries, and due to the indication in the 
stock assessment that the F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF> may be too aggressive; the more conservative 
P* value of 0.30 was used to calculate the ABC contribution of spiny 
dogfish to the other fish complex ABC (77 FR 67974, November 14, 2012). 
There has been no new assessment or assessment update for 2015-2016 and 
spiny dogfish remains a healthy category two stock. However, since the 
2011 assessment and decisions on the 2013-2014 harvest specifications, 
the SSC has completed a meta-analysis of elasmobranch F<INF>MSY</INF> 
harvest rates. Given this work, the Council recommended a P* of 0.40 to 
reflect the improvements in understanding of F<INF>MSY</INF>, but did 
not recommend a P* of 0.45 as the stock is considered a category two 
stock. The P* of 0.40 and [sigma] of 0.72 results in a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL. The 2015 and 2016 ABCs for spiny dogfish are 
2,101 mt and 2,085 mt, respectively.
Widow Rockfish
    As in 2013 and 2014 for widow rockfish, the SSC recommended a 
larger [sigma] value of 0.41 rather than the 0.36 that would typically 
be used for category one stocks to better represent uncertainty in 
stock-recruit steepness, which is considered the major source of 
uncertainty in the widow rockfish assessment. The Council recommended a 
P* of 0.45, resulting in a 5 percent reduction from the OFL for this 
category one stock. The 2015 and 2016 ABCs for widow rockfish are 3,929 
mt and 3,790 mt, respectively.
Yellowtail Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    The species category for yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. was revised for 2015-2016 from a category one to a category two 
stock. The previous full assessment for yellowtail rockfish (2004) was 
a category 1 assessment. The SSC recommended use of the 2013 data-
moderate assessments for yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. for use in management as the best available science, and 
recommended that it be considered a category two stock based on the 
data-moderate assessments; therefore, the [sigma] value of 0.72 was 
used. The Council recommended using the same P* value in 2015-2016 for 
yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. as was used since 2011. 
Though the stock was downgraded from category one to category two for 
2015-2016, the Council recommended a P* of 0.45 because the stock is 
healthy (69 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013) and is 
underutilized (maximum annual catch of yellowtail rockfish from 2009-
2012 has been less than 20 percent of the proposed 2015-2016 ABC). A P* 
of 0.45 for yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. results in 
an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ABCs 
for yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. are 6,590 mt and 
6,344 mt, respectively.
3. Stock Complex ABCs
    Similar to the past two biennial cycles, the Council applied the 
two-step [sigma] and P* approach for stocks managed in stock complexes. 
For each of the stock complexes, the component species ABC 
contributions were calculated and summed to derive the complex ABC. The 
Council's SSC categorized and applied the appropriate [sigma] value for 
individual stocks managed in stock complexes. For all stocks managed in 
complexes, except aurora rockfish, the SSC-recommended sigma values are 
assigned to species category. The

[[Page 687]]

Council recommended a P* of 0.45 for all of the stocks managed in 
complexes, except stocks in the Other Flatfish complex, as described 
below.
Minor Rockfish Complexes
    For the six minor rockfish complexes, which are comprised of a mix 
of all three categories of stocks, the Council recommended a P* of 
0.45. ABCs for the six minor rockfish complexes can be found in Table 
1a and 2a to Subpart C.
Minor Nearshore Rockfish Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. 
Lat.
    For all stocks managed in the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex the 
SSC-recommended sigma values by species category. Because of new stock 
assessments the species categories for brown rockfish, China rockfish, 
and copper rockfish were revised for 2015-2016 from category three 
stocks to category two stocks. Accordingly, the [sigma] values of 0.72 
were used for those species.
    For the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., a complex ABC of 77 mt is proposed for each year in 2015 and 
2016. The proposed ABC for the Minor Nearshore Rockfish south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. in 2015, is 1,169 mt, while in 2016 the ABC is 
proposed to be 1,148 mt. The 2015 and 2016 complex ABCs are the summed 
contributions of the component stocks' ABCs.
Minor Shelf Rockfish Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    For all stocks managed in the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex the SSC-
recommended sigma values by species category.
    For Minor Shelf Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 
2015 ABC is 1,944 mt, and the proposed 2016 ABC is 1,953 mt. For Minor 
Shelf Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed ABC is 1,625 
mt, and the proposed 2016 ABC is 1,626 mt. As with the other stock 
complexes the 2015 and 2016 ABCs are the summed contributions of the 
component stocks' ABCs.
Minor Slope Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    For all stocks managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex, except 
aurora rockfish, the SSC-recommended sigma values are assigned by 
species category. As a result of a new stock assessment the species 
category for aurora rockfish was revised for 2015-2016 from category 
three to category one. For aurora rockfish, the SSC recommended a 
larger [sigma] value of 0.39, rather than the 0.36 that would typically 
be used for category one stocks, to better represent uncertainty in the 
estimated spawning biomass caused by sensitivity to the natural 
mortality rates, which are considered the major source of uncertainty 
in the aurora rockfish assessment. As a result of new stock 
assessments, the species categories for rougheye/blackspotted rockfish 
and sharpchin rockfish were revised for 2015-2016 from category three 
stocks to category two stocks. Accordingly, the [sigma] values of 0.72 
were used.
    For Minor slope rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 
2015 ABC is 1,693 mt and the proposed 2016 ABC is 1,706 mt. For Minor 
slope rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 2015 ABC is 
705 mt and the proposed 2016 ABC is 705 mt.
Other Flatfish Complex
    For the Other Flatfish complex, which is comprised mostly of 
category three stocks (rex sole is category two), a more precautionary 
P* of 0.40 was recommended. A [sigma] of 0.72 was used for rex sole and 
a [sigma] of 1.44 was used for all other stocks. The 2015 and 2016 ABCs 
for the Other Flatfish complex are 8,749 mt and 7,243 mt, respectively.
Other Fish Complex
    For the newly reconfigured Other Fish complex (as described in 
``Stock Complex OFLs'' for the ``Other Fish Complex'' above and in 
``Stock Complexes'' below), which is composed entirely of category 
three stocks, a P* value of 0.45 was recommended. With the proposed 
reconfiguration, the species that would remain in the Other Fish 
complex have more similar life history characteristics, depth 
distributions, and vulnerabilities to potential overfishing than the 
Other Fish complex as it was configured in 2014. This reduces the risk 
of overfishing for species that remain in the Other Fish complex, as 
some of the stocks that were removed would have inflated the complex-
level harvest specifications. While a higher P* was chosen than is 
usual for category three stocks, the ABC for the newly reconfigured 
complex was further reduced by the Council's recommendation to only 
include the contributing OFL/ABC for some of the species for 
calculating the harvest specifications for the Other Fish complex. Kelp 
greenling in California, cabezon in Washington, and leopard shark 
contribute to the complex harvest specifications, while kelp greenling 
in Oregon and Washington do not, though they are still part of the 
Other Fish complex. A P* of 0.45 for these category three stocks 
results in a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL. The 2015 and 2016 
ABCs for the Other Fish complex are 242 mt and 243 mt, respectively.

C. Proposed ACLs for 2015 and 2016

    ACLs are specified for each stock and stock complex that is ``in 
the fishery''. An ACL is a harvest specification set equal to or below 
the ABC to address conservation objectives, socioeconomic concerns, 
management uncertainty, or other factors necessary to meet management 
objectives. All sources of fishing related mortality (tribal, 
commercial groundfish and non groundfish, recreational, and exempted 
fishing permits (EFPs)), including retained and discard mortality, plus 
research catch are counted against an ACL. The ACL serves as the basis 
for invoking accountability measures (AMs). If ACLs are exceeded more 
than one time in four years, then improvements to or additional AMs, 
for example catch monitoring and inseason adjustments to fisheries, may 
need to be implemented.
    Under the PCGFMP harvest policies, when a stock's depletion level 
falls below B<INF>MSY</INF> or the proxy for B<INF>MSY</INF>, which is 
the biomass level that produces MSY (B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF> for 
assessed flatfish, B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> for all other groundfish 
stocks), but is above the overfished level (MSST- 
B<INF>12.5</INF><INF>%</INF> for assessed flatfish, 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF> for all other groundfish stocks), the stock 
is said to be in the ``precautionary zone'' or below the precautionary 
threshold. In general, when recommending ACLs, the Council follows a 
risk-averse policy by recommending an ACL that is below the ABC when 
there is a perception the stock is below its B<INF>MSY</INF>, or to 
accommodate management uncertainty, socioeconomic concerns, or other 
considerations. When a stock is below the precautionary threshold the 
harvest policies reduce the fishing mortality rate. The further the 
stock biomass is below the precautionary threshold, the greater the 
reduction in ACL relative to the ABC, until at B<INF>10</INF><INF>%</INF> 
for a stock with a B<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> 
or B<INF>5</INF><INF>%</INF> for a stock with a B<INF>MSY</INF> proxy 
of B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>, the ACL would be set at zero. These 
policies, known as the 40-10 and 25-5 harvest control rules, 
respectively, are designed to prevent stocks from becoming overfished 
and serve as an interim rebuilding policy for stocks that are below the 
overfished threshold. For stock complexes, the ACL is set for the 
complex in its entirety and is less than or equal to the sum of the 
individual component ABCs. The ACL may be adjusted below the sum of 
component ABCs to address the factors described above. Under the 
PCGFMP, the Council may recommend setting the ACL at a

[[Page 688]]

different level than what the these harvest control rules specify as 
long as the ACL does not exceed the ABC and complies with the 
requirements of the MSA. For many of the species or stock complexes 
``in the fishery'', there is no new information to inform changes to 
harvest policies, or the Council did not identify a need for a change 
in policy from updated information. Therefore, for those species or 
stock complexes the Council chose to maintain the ACL policies from the 
previous biennial cycle. A summary table of the proposed ACL policies 
for 2015-2016 is presented below. The following sections discuss 
proposed ACLs for overfished species, healthy and precautionary zone 
species, and stock complexes.
1. Overfished Species ACLs
    When a stock has been declared overfished a rebuilding plan must be 
developed and the ACLs for these stocks are therefore set according to 
the rebuilding plans. The following seven overfished groundfish stocks 
would be managed under rebuilding plans in 2015-2016: bocaccio south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat.; canary rockfish; cowcod south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat.; darkblotched rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch (POP), petrale sole, 
and yelloweye rockfish. The proposed rules for the 2011-2012 (75 FR 
67810), 2013-2014 (77 FR 67974) harvest specifications, and management 
measures contain extensive discussions on the management approach used 
for overfished species, which are not repeated here. Further, the SAFE 
document posted on the Council's Web site at http://www.pcouncil.org/groundfish/safe-documents/ contains a detailed description of each 
overfished species, its status and management as well how rebuilding 
analyses are conducted. Finally, appendix F to the FMP contains the 
most recent rebuilding plan parameters as well as a history of each 
overfished species and can be found at http://www.pcouncil.org/groundfish/fishery-management-plan/.
    The proposed SPR or harvest control rule for each stock managed 
under a rebuilding plan, the resulting ACLs, and summarized information 
about rebuilding progress are presented below. Detailed information is 
also available in the relevant stock assessments, stock assessment 
updates, rebuilding analyses, and the draft EIS for this action, which 
are all available from NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
Bocaccio
    The 2011 rebuilding analysis indicated that bocaccio is showing 
steady progress towards a rebuilt status under the current rebuilding 
plan described in 50 CFR 660.40(a). This progress was confirmed by the 
2011 update to the rebuilding analysis and the 2013 update. The updated 
assessment predicted the stock would be rebuilt in 2015. However, the 
SSC recommended maintaining the rebuilding plan for the 2015-2016 
biennium until a full stock assessment can confirm that the stock is 
rebuilt.
    When an SPR harvest rate of 77.7 percent from the current 
rebuilding plan is applied to the biomass estimate from the 2013 
assessment update, it results in the proposed ACLs of 349 mt in 2015 
and 362 mt in 2016. Because rebuilding progress is considered adequate, 
and the 2011 assessment update supports our fundamental understanding 
of the stock, the Council's recommendation was to maintain the 
rebuilding plan currently in the FMP and 50 CFR 660.40(a) (i.e., no 
modifications to T<INF>TARGET</INF> or SPR harvest rate).
Canary Rockfish
    Due to progress on rebuilding and no changes in our understanding 
of the biology of the stock, the SSC did not recommended preparing a 
new canary rockfish rebuilding analysis in 2013. A catch report was 
drafted for canary that showed the 2010-2012 total catches were below 
the canary rockfish ACL. The Council recommended maintaining the canary 
rockfish rebuilding plan.
    The Council's recommended ACLs are 122 mt in 2015 and 125 mt in 
2016, which maintains the current SPR harvest rate of 88.7. The 
preferred ACLs are intended to provide a level of harvest that rebuilds 
quickly, yet takes into account the needs of fishing communities. Also, 
the proposed management measures and catch allocations are projected to 
result in canary rockfish total catch mortality less than the annual 
ACLs. Managing the fishery to a level that is less than the annual ACLs 
is intended to ensure total mortality stays below the ACL, to allow the 
stock to rebuild faster, and to reduce the likelihood that inseason 
management changes will be needed to ensure that ACLs are not exceeded. 
Because the rebuilding progress was considered adequate, no changes to 
the rebuilding plan are proposed.
Cowcod
    Modifications are necessary to the cowcod rebuilding plan because 
the 2013 rebuilding analysis showed that the estimated T<INF>MAX</INF> 
is nine years earlier than the current T<INF>TARGET</INF>. The 
Council's recommendation was to maintain the current harvest rate but 
modify the T<INF>TARGET</INF> as well as implement an Annual Catch 
Target (ACT) below the ACL. A full assessment and rebuilding analysis 
was conducted for cowcod. Because the model used in the assessment 
(XDB-SRA) is incompatible with spawning potential ratios, harvest 
control rules were translated into exploitation rates. The 10 mt ACLs 
proposed for 2015 and 2016 are based on an exploitation rate (catch 
over age 11+ biomass of 0.007) translated into an equivalent SPR 
harvest rate of 82.7 percent which results in a median time to rebuild 
and proposed new T<INF>TARGET</INF> of 2020. No other rebuilding plan 
parameter changes were recommended. The 4 mt ACTs proposed for 2015 and 
2016 were recommended to accommodate extra mortality in research, which 
is a large source of uncertainty for cowcod because of the lack of data 
from the core habitat areas. The ACL contribution for the area north of 
Point Conception was calculated by using the fishing mortality rate 
from south of Point Conception applied to the biomass estimate for 
north of Point Conception from DB-SRA. The SSC recommended this method 
over the previous method of simply doubling the ACL from south of Pt 
Conception to calculate the ACL for the entire area because it is more 
scientifically justified.
Darkblotched Rockfish
    The 2013 assessment indicates that darkblotched rockfish is showing 
steady progress towards rebuilding under the current rebuilding plan 
(50 CFR 660.40(d)) and is estimated to be rebuilt by the start of 2015. 
The SSC recommended maintaining the rebuilding plan for the 2015-2016 
biennium until a full assessment can be done in 2015 to confirm this 
result. Because the stock is estimated to be rebuilt in 2015 no new 
rebuilding analysis was conducted. The proposed ACLs of 338 mt in 2015 
and 346 mt in 2016 result from application of the SPR harvest rate of 
64.9 percent to information from the 2013 stock assessment, and have a 
median time to rebuild of 2017, which is one year longer than 
T<INF>F=0</INF>. Because the rebuilding progress indicated in the 2011 
assessment and rebuilding analysis was considered adequate, and 
supports our fundamental understanding of the stock, the Council 
recommendation was to maintain the rebuilding plan currently in the FMP 
and regulation (i.e., no

[[Page 689]]

modifications to T<INF>TARGET</INF> or SPR harvest rate).
Petrale Sole
    The 2013 stock assessment and rebuilding analysis projected the 
petrale sole biomass to be at 22 percent of its unfished biomass and 
showing strong progress towards rebuilt status. The stock is predicted 
to be rebuilt by the start of 2014. The ACLs, derived by applying the 
25-5 harvest control rule, proposed in this rule are 2,816 mt and 2,910 
mt in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The ACLs derived from the 25-5 
harvest control rule are projected to rebuild the stock by 2014, the 
same year as T<INF>F=0</INF>. Because the rebuilding progress was 
considered adequate, and the 2013 assessment supports our fundamental 
understanding of the stock, the Council recommendation was to maintain 
the rebuilding plan currently in the PCGFMP and at Sec.  660.40(f) 
(i.e., no modifications to T<INF>TARGET</INF> or harvest control rule).
POP
    No new rebuilding analysis was conducted for POP. A catch reported 
was provided in 2013 that indicated 2010-2012 catches were below the 
ACL.
    The Council has recommended maintaining the rebuilding strategy in 
the current rebuilding plan, with an SPR harvest rate of 86.4 percent, 
resulting in ACLs of 158 mt in 2015 and 164 mt in 2015. The proposed 
management measures and catch allocations for 2015-2016 are projected 
to result in POP total catch mortality less than the annual ACLs. 
Managing the fishery to a level that is less than the annual ACLs is 
intended to help ensure total mortality stays below the ACL, to allow 
the stock to rebuild faster, and to reduce the likelihood that inseason 
management changes will be needed to keep mortality within the ACL. The 
ACL for POP has the greatest effect on the northern trawl fishery (both 
the at-sea Pacific whiting sectors and the Shorebased IFQ Program).
Yelloweye Rockfish
    No new rebuilding analysis was conducted for yelloweye rockfish. 
The 2011 rebuilding analysis was used to inform the rebuilding 
projections for the 2015-2016 biennium. The 2011 rebuilding analysis 
indicated that yelloweye rockfish is showing steady progress towards 
rebuilt status under the current rebuilding plan. The rebuilding 
analysis estimates that yelloweye rockfish will rebuild to 
B<INF>MSY</INF> seven years earlier than the T<INF>TARGET</INF> of 2074 
specified in the current rebuilding plan if the existing harvest 
control rule (SPR=76.0 percent) remains in place. The proposed ACLs of 
18 mt in 2015 and 19 mt in 2016 results from applying an SPR harvest 
rate of 76.0 percent to current biomass. Because rebuilding progress 
was considered adequate, and the 2011 assessment supports our 
fundamental understanding of the stock, the Council recommended 
maintaining the rebuilding plan currently in the PCGFMP and specified 
at Sec.  660.40 (i.e., no modifications to T<INF>TARGET</INF> or SPR 
harvest rate).
2. Non-Overfished Species ACLs for Individually Managed Stocks
    For the following individually managed species the Council 
maintained the ACL policy from the last biennium to establish the 2015-
2016 ACLs: arrowtooth flounder, black rockfish (WA, and OR-CA), cabezon 
(OR, CA), California scorpionfish, chilipepper south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., longnose skate, Pacific cod, 
sablefish, splitnose south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and starry flounder.
    The Council considered new policies or information relative to the 
ACLs for the following healthy and precautionary zone species: Dover 
sole, English sole, lingcod south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. (specifically 
between 42[deg] N. lat. and 40[deg]10' N. lat.), longspine thornyhead, 
shortbelly, shortspine thornyhead, spiny dogfish, widow rockfish, and 
yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
Dover Sole
    A Dover sole assessment was done in 2011, which indicated the stock 
was healthy with a 2011 spawning stock biomass depletion of 83.7 
percent of unfished biomass. Rather than set the ACLs equal to the ABCs 
of 63,929 mt in 2015 and 56,615 mt in 2016, the proposed 2015 and 2016 
ACLs maintain a strategy of setting a constant catch level below the 
ABC. Two ACL alternatives were considered for 2015-2016: 25,000 mt and 
50,000 mt. The Council recommended ACLs of 50,000 mt for 2015 and 2016. 
The stock is projected to remain healthy while accommodating the 
current level of catch. Higher sablefish ACLs are proposed for 2015 and 
2016 and, given that the trawl sablefish allocation can dictate the 
amount of Dover sole that can be accessed in the IFQ fishery, the 
Council recommended higher Dover sole ACLs. Additionally, the Council 
noted that most of the Dover sole catch is from the IFQ fishery, where 
stringent monitoring is in place to prevent exceeding the ACL.
English Sole
    A new data-moderate English sole assessment was done in 2013, which 
indicated the stock was healthy with a 2013 spawning stock at 88 
percent of its unfished biomass. The Council recommended the ACL be set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ACLs are 9,853 
mt and 7,204 mt, respectively. Since the ACL is set equal to the ABC, 
proposed changes to how the English sole ABC is calculated, affect a 
change to the ACL policy. Proposed ABC calculations for English sole 
are describe above in ``Non-overfished species ABCs for individually 
managed stocks''.
Lingcod
    Lingcod are distributed coastwide with harvest specifications based 
on two area stock assessments that were conducted in 2009 for the areas 
north and south of the California-Oregon border at 42[deg] N. lat. The 
stock assessments indicate west coast lingcod stocks are healthy with 
the stock depletion estimated for lingcod off Washington and Oregon to 
be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass, and lingcod off California 
estimated to be at 74 percent of its unfished biomass at the start of 
2009. As in 2013-2014, the lingcod ACLs for 2015-2016 are being 
proposed for the areas north and south of the current 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. management line rather than north and south of the California-
Oregon border (42[deg] N. lat.), which is where the stock assessment 
splits the stocks. The adjusted specifications for lingcod were based 
on the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center trawl survey. The swept 
area biomass estimates calculated annually (2003-2010) in the NMFS 
Northwest Fisheries Science Center trawl survey indicated that 48 
percent of the lingcod biomass for the stock south of 42[deg] N. lat. 
occurred between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat., and the 
specifications were adjusted accordingly. Because the stock in both 
areas is above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> the 
proposed 2015 and 2016 lingcod ACLs are set equal to the ABCs of 2,830 
mt in 2015 and 2,719 mt in 2016 for the stock north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. and 1,004 mt in 2015 and 946 mt in 2016 for the stock south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. Since the ACLs are set equal to the ABCs, proposed 
changes to how the lingcod ABCs are calculated affect a change to the 
ACL policy. Proposed ABC calculations for lingcod are describe above in 
``Non-overfished species ABCs for individually managed stocks''.

[[Page 690]]

Longspine Thornyhead
    A new, full longspine thornyhead assessment was done in 2013 that 
indicated the stock was healthy with a 2013 spawning stock at 75 
percent of its unfished biomass. The Council revised its ACL policy for 
longspine thornyhead and recommended the ACL be set equal to the ABC, 
but is recommending maintaining the Conception area management line at 
34[deg]27' N. lat. because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> and because ten more years of survey data 
were used to inform the new 2013 assessment.
    Until 2013, the most recent stock assessment for longspine 
thornyhead was conducted in 2005. The ACL policy for longspine 
thornyhead in the last cycle took an additional precautionary 
adjustment (25 percent reduction north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. and 50 
percent reduction south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.) to reduce the ACLs from 
the OFLs. This reduction was intended to address concerns that there 
was a limited amount of fishery independent data used to inform the 
2005 assessment, particularly in the Conception area. For the 2005 
assessment, the NWFSC combination shelf-slope survey had just begun in 
its current configuration, so the data from 2003-2004 were used. The 
NWFSC combination shelf-slope survey now has ten years of observations 
(2003-2012) incorporated into the 2013 assessments for longspine 
thornyhead.
    As in previous cycles, the Council recommended apportioning the 
coastwide longspine thornyhead ACLs north and south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. based on the portion of the biomass estimated to occur north of 
Point Conception. Apportionment was based on the relative swept-area 
biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. The 
Council recommended longspine thornyhead ACLs of 3,170 mt north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. and 1,001 mt south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. for 2015 
and 3,015 mt north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. and 952 mt south of 34[deg]27' 
N. lat. for 2016. These ACLs are set equal to the ABC and then 
apportioned north and south of south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.; 76 percent 
to the north and 24 percent to the south.
Shortspine Thornyhead
    A new, full shortspine thornyhead assessment was done in 2013 that 
indicated the stock was healthy with a 2013 spawning stock at 74 
percent of its unfished biomass. The Council revised its ACL policy for 
shortspine thornyhead and recommended the ACL be set equal to the ABC, 
but is recommending maintaining the Conception area management line at 
34[deg]27' N. lat. because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> and because ten more years of survey data 
were used to inform the new 2013 assessment (see longspine thornyhead 
discussion above).
    Until 2013, the most recent stock assessment for these two stocks 
was conducted in 2005. The ACL policy for shortspine thornyhead in the 
last cycle took an additional precautionary adjustment (50 percent 
reduction south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.) to reduce the ACL from the OFL 
to address concerns that there was a limited amount of fishery 
independent data used to inform the 2005 assessment, particularly in 
the Conception area.
    As in previous cycles, the Council recommended apportioning the 
coastwide ACL north and south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. based on the 
portion of the biomass estimated to occur north of Point Conception. 
Apportionment was based on the relative swept-area biomass estimates 
(2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. The Council recommended 
shortspine thornyhead ACLs of 1,745 mt north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. and 
923 mt south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. for 2015 and 1,726 mt north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat. and 913 mt south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. for 2016. 
These ACLs are set equal to the ABC and then apportioned north and 
south of south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.; 65 percent to the north and 35 
percent to the south.
Shortbelly
    A non-quantitative assessment was done in 2007 for shortbelly. 
Although the assessment does not fully satisfy the Council's terms of 
reference for groundfish stock assessments, the SSC endorsed the 
assessment for management purposes. A full discussion of the 2007 
assessment and its results is available in the proposed rule for the 
2009-2010 biennium (73 FR 80516, December 31, 2008). Beginning in 2009 
and continuing in 2015-2016, the Council recommended a constant catch 
strategy for shortbelly rockfish where the ACL is set well below the 
ABC since the stock is unexploited and to protect the stock's 
importance as a forage species in the California current ecosystem. The 
Council considered two alternative ACLs for 2015-2016: The first 
alternative maintains the 2014 ACL of 50 mt; and the second increases 
the ACL to 500 mt. The shortbelly rockfish stock would be expected to 
increase in abundance under both alternative ACLs. Due to ACL increases 
for widow rockfish and yellowtail rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., 
the Council recommended a shortbelly ACL of 500 mt to accommodate 
incidental catch when fishing for these co-occurring healthy stocks, 
while maintaining the large precautionary reduction in the ACL from the 
ABC for shortbelly.
Spiny Dogfish
    Spiny dogfish was assessed for the first time in 2011. The 2011 
assessment indicated that the spiny dogfish stock was healthy with an 
estimated spawning biomass at 63 percent of its unfished biomass. In 
2013-2014 spiny dogfish was managed within the Other Fish complex and 
did not have species-specific harvest specifications; the 2011 
assessment was used to calculate the contribution of spiny dogfish 
biomass to the Other Fish complex and the sum of the contributing ABCs 
for stocks in the complex was equal to the ACL for the Other Fish 
complex. Beginning in 2015, the Council recommended revising the 
species composition of the Other Fish complex and recommended removing 
spiny dogfish from the complex to manage it with species-specific 
harvest specifications. The Council recommended setting the ACL equal 
to the ABC, as the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. The proposed spiny dogfish ACLs are 2,101 
mt in 2015 and 2,085 mt in 2016.
Widow Rockfish
    Widow rockfish was assessed in 2011 and indicated the spawning 
stock biomass was at 51 percent of its unfished biomass at the start of 
2011. As the stock status was above the rebuilding threshold, beginning 
in 2013 and 2014, widow rockfish was managed as a healthy stock. 
Although the base model is considered to be the best available science, 
there was considerable uncertainty regarding the new stock assessment's 
findings. As in 2013-2014, the Council took this into consideration 
when making the ACL recommendations for 2015-2016. Three ACL 
alternatives were considered for widow rockfish, all of which 
maintained a constant catch strategy where the ACL is set below the 
ABC: 1,500 mt, 2,000 mt, 3,000 mt. For 2015-2016, the Council 
recommended ACLs of 2,000 mt to accommodate increased opportunity in 
the Shorebased IFQ Program and the at-sea Pacific whiting fisheries 
while keeping the spawning stock biomass above the target 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF> level for the next 10 years according to the 
base model. The ACL of 2,000 mt maintains the strategy for more 
precautionary ACLs for widow rockfish, compared to the general policy 
of setting the ACL equal to the ABC for healthy stocks (ABC of 3,929 mt 
in 2015 and 3,790 mt in 2016). The Council

[[Page 691]]

recommended a precautionary ACL given the uncertainty in the stock's 
estimated biomass, relative productivity, and other aspects of the 
stock's dynamics.
Yellowtail Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    A new data-moderate yellowtail rockfish assessment was done in 2013 
for the portion of the stock north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The new 
assessment indicated the stock was healthy with a 2013 spawning stock 
at 69 percent of its unfished biomass. The Council recommended the ACL 
be set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass 
of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ACLs are 
6,590 mt and 6,344 mt, respectively. Since the ACL is set equal to the 
ABC, proposed changes to how the yellowtail rockfish north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. ABC is calculated, affect a change to the ACL 
policy. Proposed ABC calculations for yellowtail rockfish north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. are described above in ``Non-Overfished Species ABCs 
for Individually Managed Stocks''.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JA15.000


[[Page 692]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JA15.001

3. Stock Complex ACLs
    Stocks may be grouped into complexes for various reasons including 
where stocks in a multispecies fishery cannot be targeted independent 
of one another and MSY cannot be defined on a stock-by-stock basis, 
where there is insufficient data to measure their stock status, or when 
it is not feasible for fishermen to distinguish individual stocks among 
their catch. Most groundfish species managed in a stock complex are 
data-poor stocks without full stock assessments.
    All of the ACLs for stock complexes are less than or equal to the 
summed ABC contributions of each component stock in each complex as 
described in the following paragraphs.
Minor Nearshore Rockfish North and South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    Minor Nearshore Rockfish are caught predominantly in the non-trawl 
fisheries (both commercial and recreational). Nearshore rockfish are 
primarily managed by each state. Annual state harvest guidelines (HGs) 
for Minor Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. are proposed 
for 2015 and 2016 and discussed in ``Management Measures'' below. Under 
the proposed action the Minor Nearshore Rockfish North ACL is a 22 
percent reduction from the OFL.
    For Minor nearshore rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the 
preferred 2015 and 2016 complex ACLs of 69 mt are set below the 77 mt 
ABCs each year. The ACLs are lower than the ABCs because the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for blue rockfish in 
California and China rockfish. Then the ACLs were set equal to the 40-
10 adjusted ABCs. The 2015 and 2016 complex ABC is the summed 
contribution of the component stocks' ABCs. For Minor nearshore 
rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the preferred 2015 and 2016 
complex ACLs are less than the ABCs for the complex. In 2015 the Minor 
nearshore rockfish complex ABC is 1,169 mt, with an ACL of 1,114 mt, 
while in 2016 the ABC is 1,148 mt and the ACL is 1,006 mt. The ACLs are 
lower than the ABCs because the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contributions for blue rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. Then the 
ACLs were set equal to the 40-10 adjusted ABCs.
Minor Shelf Rockfish North and South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    For Minor shelf rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 
2015 ACL of 1,944 mt is same as the ABC, while the 2016 ACL of 1,952 is 
lower than the ABC of 1,953. The ACL is set equal to the ABC after the 
40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for greenspotted 
rockfish in California (the 2015 ACL is slightly less than the 2015 ABC 
but rounds to the ABC value). For Minor shelf rockfish south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 2015 ACL of 1,624 mt is less than the 
ABC of 1,625 mt and the 2016 complex ACL of 1,625 mt is less than the 
ABC of 1,626 mt. The ACLs are lower than the ABCs because the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for greenspotted 
rockfish. Then the ACLs were set equal to the 40-10 adjusted ABCs.
Minor Slope Rockfish North and South of 40[deg]10' N. Lat.
    For Minor Slope Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 
2015 ACL of 1,693 mt is set equal to the ABC and the 2016 proposed ACL 
of 1,706 mt is set equal to the ABC, as none of the component stocks 
are in the precautionary zone. For Minor Slope Rockfish south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat., the proposed 2015 ACL of 693 mt is lower than the 
ABC of 705 mt and the 2016 ACL of 695 mt is lower than the ABC of 705 
mt. The ACLs are lower than the ABCs because the 40-10 adjustment was

[[Page 693]]

applied to the ABC contributions for blackgill rockfish. Then the ACLs 
were set equal to the 40-10 adjusted ABCs.
Other Flatfish
    The proposed 2015 and 2016 ACLs of 8,749 mt and 7,243 mt, 
respectively, are equal to the 2015 and 2016 ABCs since all of the 
assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific sanddabs and rex sole) were above their 
target biomass of B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>.
Other Fish Complex
    The Other Fish complex historically contained non-target species 
that occurred as bycatch (not retained, landed, sold, or kept for 
personal use) while targeting other species. For 2015-2016 the Council 
recommended reorganizing this complex, removing several species and 
designating them as EC species, and removing spiny dogfish and managing 
it with species-specific harvest specifications. For a discussion of EC 
species see ``Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan'' section.
    The Other Fish complex is restructured to include the Washington, 
Oregon, and California kelp greenling stocks; the Washington cabezon 
stock; and leopard sharks. The proposed 2015 and 2016 ACLs of 242 mt 
and 243 mt are set equal to the complex ABCs.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JA15.053

D. Stock Complexes

    In preparation for the 2015-2016 biennium, the Council's Groundfish 
Management Team, with guidance from the Council's SSC, performed an 
analysis to assess whether any stocks were potentially at risk of 
experiencing catch in excess of their contribution OFLs within the 
current stock complexes. Informed by the work of its advisory bodies, 
staff, and the public, the Council considered whether to recommend any 
changes to the current stock complex configurations. Ultimately, as 
discussed further below, the Council recommended reorganizing the Other 
Fish complex because it contained species of dissimilar life history 
characteristics and varying vulnerabilities to the fishery. For 
rougheye/blackspotted and shortraker rockfish, which are managed within 
the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes, the Council recommended 
implementing a sorting requirement to improve data collection rather 
than restructuring the complexes at this time.

[[Page 694]]

1. Minor Nearshore Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat.
    China rockfish are included in the Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complexes and are an important species in the nearshore recreational 
and nearshore commercial fisheries. China rockfish (south of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat.) is a healthy stock. In 2015 and 2016, when calculating the 
Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex harvest specifications, the 40-
10 precautionary adjustment is applied to the China rockfish ABC 
contribution to determine the China rockfish contribution to the stock 
complex ACL. Based on the results of the data moderate assessment and 
concerns about the potential for catch to exceed China rockfish's OFL 
contribution to the Minor Nearshore Rockfish north OFL, the Council 
initially considered an analysis of state-specific or regional HGs of 
China rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. However, given the 
constraints posed on the fisheries from management at the species level 
and the availability of data to allow a full stock assessment to 
confirm trends identified in the data-moderate assessment, the Council 
recommended keeping China rockfish within the Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex until a better understanding of the status of the stock can be 
determined through a full stock assessment (scheduled to occur in 
2015). The reduction in the 2105-2016 Minor Nearshore Rockfish ACLs 
could result in a corresponding reduction to China rockfish mortality 
if measures taken to reduce catch of the complex level result in 
reduced targeting of China rockfish.
2. Minor Shelf Rockfish Complex North and South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    No changes to the Minor Shelf Rockfish complexes (north and south 
of 40[deg]10' N. lat.) are proposed in 2015-2016. The Council 
considered reorganization of the Minor Shelf Rockfish complexes, and 
found no compelling reason to reorganize these complexes, as the 
species within the complex are similar in life history and 
distribution, and none are currently at a risk of exceeding 
contribution OFLs (when combining north and south contributions for a 
given stock, per SSC guidance).
3. Minor Slope Rockfish Complexes North and South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.
    The Council considered restructuring the Minor Slope Rockfish 
complexes by removing rougheye/blackspotted and shortraker rockfish and 
managing these stocks as a new rougheye/blackspotted/shortraker 
coastwide complex. Doing so might help to reduce any potential risk of 
exceeding contribution OFLs in the future, but extensive concern was 
expressed by industry and the Council that restructuring the Minor 
Slope Rockfish could disrupt limited entry trawl and fixed gear 
fisheries. Realizing the need to reduce rougheye/blackspotted catch, 
the Catcher/Processor sector of the Pacific whiting fishery began to 
pay heightened attention to rougheye/blackspotted catches by their 
fleet and move away from areas where higher rougheye/blackspotted 
bycatch was occurring in 2013. Total catch of rougheye/blackspotted in 
2013 by the Catcher/Processor sector was 11.2 mt, down significantly 
from the high 2011 catch of 74.4 mt. Vessels targeting Pacific whiting 
with midwater trawl gear in the Mothership sector and the Shorebased 
IFQ Program may be able to enact similar strategies to reduce their 
impacts. Shortraker rockfish have exceeded their contribution OFLs in 
recent years, although the stock is on the southern outskirts of its 
predominant range. However, bottom trawl surveys have not produced 
sufficient samples of shortraker rockfish for a data moderate 
assessment, let alone a full stock assessment. Furthermore, NWFSC stock 
assessment staff are currently working to improve assessment methods 
for situations where the assessed area covers only a small portion of 
the stocks' predominant range (i.e., shortraker rockfish).
    Industry has also conducted extensive outreach among the various 
sectors (including bottom trawl and fixed gear sectors) to inform them 
of the need to reduce rougheye/blackspotted, and shortraker rockfish 
catch within their sectors. Industry representatives provided a report 
detailing ongoing voluntary measures to reduce catch of these species 
at the June 2014 Council meeting.
    For 2015-2016 the Council recommended a sorting requirement for 
rougheye/blackspotted and shortraker for all commercial fisheries. The 
STAR panel recommended that the 2013 rougheye assessment treat 
rougheye/blackspotted as one stock due to limitations in available data 
sets, despite the fact that they are actually two different species. 
Therefore, fish of these stocks found off the U.S. west coast are 
assessed as a single ``rougheye'' unit. In 2015-2016, a sorting 
requirement is proposed to be implemented for rougheye/blackspotted 
rockfish (treated as a single unit) and for shortraker rockfish 
(treated as a separate unit). NMFS anticipates that the sorting 
requirements for rougheye/blackspotted, and shortraker rockfish will: 
Reduce ambiguity and species-specific assumptions of catch; aid in 
annual mortality tracking; aid in inseason catch monitoring; and, 
improve data available for future stock assessments.
    Blackgill rockfish is managed within the Minor slope rockfish 
complexes. The 2011 assessment for the stock south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. indicated the stock was in the precautionary zone with spawning 
biomass depletion estimated to be 30 percent of its unfished biomass at 
the start of 2011. NMFS established 2013 and 2014 HGs equal to the ACLs 
calculated for the southern blackgill rockfish stock after the 40-10 
adjustment was made. Species specific trip limits were implemented for 
commercial non-trawl fisheries, and current indications are that this 
action appears to have had the intended effect of reducing catch of 
blackgill rockfish. However, there is a limited ability in the current 
management structure to reduce targeting of blackgill rockfish in the 
IFQ fishery. The Council has begun considering removing blackgill 
rockfish from the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and re-evaluating the 
allocation structure for this species.
    Prior to the 2013 full assessment for aurora rockfish, previous 
biomass estimates were lower than the current, improved understanding 
of the stock. Under the previous biomass estimates, aurora rockfish 
harvests were in excess of the OFL contribution estimates. The full 
aurora rockfish assessment in 2013 found the stock to be in a healthy 
state outside of the precautionary zone, with recent mortality below 
the aurora rockfish OFL contribution to the complex.
4. Other Flatfish Complex
    The Council considered reorganization of the Other Flatfish 
complex, and found no compelling reason to reorganize this complex, as 
species within the complex are similar in life history, and none are 
currently at a risk of overfishing.
5. Other Fish Complex
    The Other Fish complex historically contained non-target species 
that occurred as bycatch (not retained, landed, sold, or kept for 
personal use) while targeting other species. Spiny dogfish were managed 
within the Other Fish complex in 2013 and 2014. For 2015 and 2016, 
spiny dogfish is proposed to be removed from the Other Fish complex and 
managed as a single coastwide management unit. Skates (Aleutian skate, 
Bering/sandpaper skate, roughtail/black skate, and all other

[[Page 695]]

skates), Grenadiers (Pacific grenadier, giant grenadier, all other 
grenadiers), soupfin shark, spotted ratfish, and finescale codling, 
formerly managed within the Other Fish complex, are proposed for 
designation as Ecosystem Component (EC) species in 2015-2016. As 
proposed, the Other Fish complex is restructured to include the 
Washington, Oregon and California kelp greenling stocks; the Washington 
Cabezon stock; and leopard sharks. For further discussion regarding 
rationale for new EC designations of stocks previously managed within 
the Other Fish complex, see the ``Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan'' section below. Not all the stocks 
in the proposed complex contribute to the OFL calculations (See ``Other 
Fish Complex'' in the ``Proposed OFLs for 2015 and 2016'' section for 
more discussion on the OFL calculation). NMFS acknowledges that keeping 
leopard sharks in the Other Fish complex keeps a stock in the proposed 
complex with different life history characteristics than the other 
stocks. However, leopard shark is consistently at a low risk of 
overfishing, and catch is consistently below their contribution OFL to 
the Other Fish complex. NMFS notes that the proposed definition of 
``Other Fish'' at Sec.  660.11 removes Sebastes species not explicitly 
listed in the PCGFMP from the Other Fish complex and those species 
would not count towards the landings limits, when specified, for the 
Other Fish complex.

E. Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan

    Amendment 24 consists of three components: (1) Default harvest 
control rules; (2) a suite of minor changes, including clarification of 
routine management measures and adjustments to those measures, 
clarification to the harvest specifications decision making schedule, 
changes to the description of the biennial management cycle process, 
updates to make the FMP consistent with SSC guidance on the 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy for elasmobranchs, and clarifications to 
definitions; and (3) addition of two rockfish species to the PCGFMP and 
the designation of EC species.
1. Default Harvest Control Rules, Clarifications, and Adding Species
    Over the past three years, the Council has been examining the 
harvest specifications and management measures decision-making process, 
and related analytical requirements in an effort to simplify these 
processes. Several biennial harvest specifications cycles have not met 
their intended January 1st start date and it was thought that 
efficiencies could be gained by adjusting Council decision making and 
the analysis undertaken each biennial cycle. Therefore, the Council 
undertook Amendment 24 to examine ways to streamline the Council 
decision-making in each biennium to implement the harvest 
specifications and management measures. This resulted in several 
changes being proposed to how the Council will address harvest 
specifications beginning in the 2017-2018 biennium.
    The use of default harvest control rules and their addition to the 
FMP is intended to simplify the Council's harvest specifications 
process and acknowledge that the Council generally maintains the policy 
choices from the previous biennium to annual catch limits for the next 
biennium. Under Amendment 24, the harvest control rules used to 
determine the previous biennium's harvest specifications (i.e., OFLs, 
ABCs, and ACLs), would automatically be applied to the best scientific 
information available to determine the future biennium's harvest 
specifications. NMFS would implement harvest specifications based on 
the default harvest control rules unless the Council makes a different 
recommendation. Proposed regulations implementing the provisions 
related to the use of default harvest specifications at Sec.  660.60(b) 
would not apply to ecosystem component species because they do not have 
OFLs, ABCs, or ACLs specified, or Pacific whiting because the harvest 
specifications for Pacific whiting are established annually through a 
bilateral treaty process with Canada. In addition to the use of 
defaults to simplify the harvest specifications process, Amendment 24 
makes changes to the description of the type of management measures 
that may be addressed through the biennial process. Clarifying that the 
management measures should be (1) management measures to be classified 
as routine the first time these measures are used; (2) adjustments to 
current management measures that are classified as routine; and (3) new 
management measures, not previously analyzed. This clarifies the focus 
of management measures and is intended to simplify the management 
measures proposed through each biennial cycle.
    The PCGFMP includes all species in the genera Sebastes, and 
specifically lists many of those species individually. Amendment 24 
adds two Sebastes species to the list of PCGFMP species. The two 
species proposed to be added are sunset rockfish (S. crocotulus) and 
blackspotted rockfish (S. melanostictus). Sunset rockfish is added 
because best available scientific information indicates that vermillion 
rockfish (a species currently listed in the PCGFMP) is a stock actually 
made up of two species: Vermillion rockfish and sunset rockfish. Since 
these stocks are almost indistinguishable without very detailed 
examination, the 2013 draft vermillion rockfish stock assessment 
recommended treating them as a single stock, consisting of two distinct 
species. Adding sunset rockfish to the PCGFMP recognizes this new 
information. Blackspotted rockfish are being added to the PCGFMP 
because a sorting requirement is proposed for blackspotted/rougheye 
rockfish (See ``Minor Slope Rockfish'' under the section ``Stock 
Complexes'' for more discussion of blackspotted/rougheye rockfish).
2. Designation of Ecosystem Component Species
    Finally, Amendment 24 designates several species and species groups 
as Ecosystem Component (EC) species. The concept of EC species was 
added to the PCGFMP under Amendment 23, which revised the PCGFMP to 
comply with the revised MSA National Standard 1 Guidelines. However, no 
species were designated as EC species at that time. The EC species 
designation is described in National Standard 1 Guidelines at 50 CFR 
600.310(d)(5). Generally, EC species should be a non-target stock, not 
be subject to overfishing or determined to be overfished, or 
approaching an overfished condition and not likely to become so in the 
absence of management measures; and not generally retained for sale or 
personal use. Amendment 24 proposes to designate the following species, 
which were already in the PCGFMP, as EC species: big skate, California 
skate, Pacific grenadier, soupfin shark, spotted ratfish, and finescale 
codling. Additionally, the following species or species groups are 
proposed to be added to the PCGFMP as EC species: Aleutian skate, 
Bering/sandpaper skate, roughtail/black skate, all other skates, giant 
grenadier, and all other grenadiers. EC species are not considered ``in 
the fishery'', and do not require harvest specifications (e.g. OFLs, 
ABCs and ACLs).
    During development of the 2015-2016 harvest specifications and 
management measures, the Council considered reorganizing the eight 
groundfish stock complexes (see ``Stock Complex ACL'' section). The SSC 
recommended that the Council prioritize the Other Fish complex for 
reorganization and an analysis was completed to look at

[[Page 696]]

potential ways of restructuring that complex, including consideration 
of designating some of its species as EC species. That analysis 
concluded that many of the species that were in the Other Fish complex 
were good candidates for designation as EC species because they have an 
extremely low risk of catch exceeding contribution OFLs. The revised 
Other Fish complex would be composed of shallow-water species often 
caught within three miles of shore, in state waters. Removing the other 
species within the Other Fish complex and classifying them as an EC 
species reduces the risks to the species left in the complex (Cabezon 
off Washington, kelp greenling and leopard shark). The risk of 
overfishing is reduced for the remaining stocks because some of the 
recommended EC species were effectively inflator stocks to the Other 
Fish complex, with relatively larger OFL contributions. Removing 
inflator stocks reduces the risk of mortality exceeding contribution 
OFLs for the stocks managed in the reorganized Other Fish complex.
    Species proposed for EC species designation are at a low risk of 
overfishing for various reasons, including: Best estimates of harvest 
are relatively low; best estimates of catch do not have an increasing 
trend; and geographic distribution of some of the species has only a 
small overlap with the geographic areas of the Pacific coast groundfish 
fisheries. The goal of designating EC species is to more appropriately 
categorize them based on their lack of fishing pressure, while 
acknowledging the limited interaction of these species with the 
groundfish fisheries and their role in the ecosystem. Catch of EC 
species will be monitored for increasing trends in landings, primarily 
through state landings in market categories. This monitoring may aid in 
identifying emerging fisheries that require evaluation for possible 
management or may identify potential conservation concerns.
    NMFS acknowledges that reclassification of Pacific grenadier from a 
stock ``in the fishery'' to an EC species is arguably inconsistent with 
the NS 1 Guidelines, which state that EC species should not be a target 
stock and should generally not be retained. Recent Pacific grenadier 
landings average about 130 mt per year, and Pacific grenadier is 
landed, marketed, and possibly targeted in some regions, mainly in 
central California. However, despite relatively high amounts of catch 
when compared to catch of other proposed EC species, only about 10 
percent of the estimated OFL contribution for Pacific grenadier was 
caught annually between 2009-2011. In addition, because the stocks that 
are currently in the PCGFMP and are proposed to be reclassified as EC 
species were previously managed as part of the Other Fish complex 
rather than as individual species, the EC classification results in 
very limited changes from existing management practices (e.g., there 
are no trip limits that appear to affect catches of Pacific grenadier 
currently). Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Pacific 
grenadier, and the other stocks proposed for EC classification, are not 
stocks in need of conservation and management. Rather than removing 
them from the PCGFMP entirely, designation as EC species ensures 
continued monitoring and evaluation of the stocks' classifications.
    For a discussion of how existing fishery management measures do or 
do not apply to EC species see the ``Management Measures'' section 
below. The Notice of Availability for the FMP was published on November 
26, 2014 (79 FR 70497).

F. Management Measures

    New management measures being proposed for the 2015-2016 biennial 
cycle would work in combination with current management measures to 
control fishing. This management structure should ensure that the catch 
of overfished groundfish species does not exceed the rebuilding ACLs 
while allowing harvest of healthier groundfish stocks to occur to the 
extent possible. Routine management measures are used to modify fishing 
behavior during the fishing year. Routine management measures for the 
commercial fisheries include trip and cumulative landing limits, time/
area closures, size limits, and gear restrictions. Routine management 
measures for the recreational fisheries include bag limits, size 
limits, gear restrictions, fish dressing requirements, and time/area 
closures. The groundfish fishery is managed with a variety of other 
regulatory requirements that are not routinely adjusted, many of which 
are not changed through this rulemaking, and are found at 50 CFR 660, 
subparts C through G. The regulations at 50 CFR 660, subparts C through 
G, include, but are not limited to, long-term harvest allocations, 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements, monitoring requirements, 
license limitation programs, and essential fish habitat (EFH) 
protection measures. The routine management measures, specified at 50 
CFR 660.60 (c), in combination with the entire collection of groundfish 
regulations, are used to manage the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery 
during the biennium to achieve harvest guidelines, quotas, or 
allocations, that result from the harvest specifications identified in 
this proposed rule, while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
    In addition to changes to routine management measures, this section 
describes biennial fishery allocations and set-asides, and new 
management measures proposed for 2015-2016 including: Changes to 
latitude and longitude coordinates that define the boundaries of the 
Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs); new sorting requirements; and 
changes to canary sub bag limits in the Oregon recreational fisheries, 
among others.
    The management measures being proposed reflect the Council's 
recommendations from its June 2014 meeting, as transmitted to NMFS. At 
its November 2014 meeting, the Council recommended three changes that 
may be included in the final rule for this action and therefore NMFS is 
specifically seeking public comment on these items.
    First, the Council took final action on the Pacific halibut Catch 
Sharing Plan (CSP) for the 2015 halibut fisheries. Included in the 
recommendations was a modification to the CSP that would allow 
retention of flatfish species (other than halibut) in certain 
recreational fisheries when halibut are onboard. This change was 
recommended for the sport fishery in the Columbia River subarea and the 
Oregon Central Coast subarea. Because this change effects groundfish 
retention, regulations would be modified to add flatfish, in addition 
to sablefish and Pacific cod, to the list of species at 
660.360(c)(2)(iii)(D) for Washington and at 660.360(c)(1)(i)(D)(3) for 
Oregon.
    Additionally, the Council received reports from the California 
Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding higher than expected catches 
of black rockfish and California scorpionfish and recommended two 
changes to the 2015 California recreational regulations. First, the 
Council recommended adding a five fish black rockfish sub-bag limit 
within the ten fish rockfish, cabezon and greenling limit, which would 
modify regulations at 660.360(c)(3)(v)(A). Second, the Council 
recommended prohibiting the retention of California scorpionfish in the 
California recreational fishery from September through December 2015, 
which would modify regulations at 660.360(c)(3)(ii)(B). NMFS is 
considering the Council's recommendations and welcomes public comment 
on the potential changes that may be incorporated in the final rule.

[[Page 697]]

1. Management Measures and Ecosystem Component Species
    As described above at ``Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan'', the Council recommended and NMFS 
is proposing to designate EC species in the PCGFMP. Proposed 
regulations at Sec.  660.11 define the species and species groups that 
are being designated as EC species as ``Groundfish''. By defining EC 
species as ``Groundfish'', Federal regulations that apply to groundfish 
in general would apply to EC species. In this section, we discuss in 
more detail how the existing fishery management structure may, or may 
not, apply to these species and species groups that are not considered 
to be ``in the fishery'' but are still defined as a ``groundfish'' 
species.
    Many regulations at 50 CFR 660, subparts C through G, including, 
but not limited to, time/area closures, recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements, monitoring requirements, license limitation programs, and 
essential fish habitat (EFH) protection measures would apply to vessels 
taking and retaining any EC species or species groups, even if that is 
the only groundfish species on board. This is because they are proposed 
to be defined as a group of species within the more general definition 
of ``groundfish''. Since most of the species proposed to be designated 
as EC species are largely discarded (i.e. low levels of retention and 
landing) and are currently in the PCGFMP (i.e. already subject to 
groundfish regulations as part of the Other Fish complex), retaining 
the application of most management measures to EC species is not 
anticipated to impose many, if any, new restrictions to vessels fishing 
in groundfish fisheries. The following are some specific examples of 
general fishery regulations that apply to groundfish, and would, 
therefore, also apply to species and species groups proposed to be 
designated as EC species: Fishing must occur with legal gear types and 
in areas where fishing for groundfish with that gear type is not 
prohibited; fishing for EC species that occurs when the vessel is 
registered to a permit, including limited entry permits and exempted 
fishing permits, must be done in compliance with the regulations that 
apply to that vessel's fishing activities because it is registered to a 
Federal permit; Federal regulations applying to groundfish, including 
EC species, would not supersede more restrictive state regulations; 
vessel must provide departure or cease fishing reports, when required 
to do so; vessel must carry an observer, when required to do so.
    The only instance in which regulations would become applicable to 
additional fishing vessels is if those vessels are taking and retaining 
species or species groups that are being brought more explicitly into 
the PCGFMP for the first time with their designation as EC species 
(e.g. all grenadiers besides Pacific grenadier, and all skates besides 
longnose skate, big skate and California skate), and those vessels that 
are not otherwise fishing groundfish species currently in the PCGFMP. 
For example, if a vessel wants to retain giant grenadier in Federal 
waters, it is required to have an active vessel monitoring system 
mobile transceiver until (VMS MTU) on board the vessel prior to 
departing on a fishing trip where groundfish would be retained. The 
requirement for a VMS MTU when retaining giant grenadier in Federal 
waters would not have applied to this vessel in 2013-2014 unless they 
were retaining other groundfish species.
    No new management measures are proposed specifically for EC species 
because these species are not at risk of overfishing. Some groundfish 
regulations apply to specific sectors, gear types, species, or species 
groups. In those cases where regulations do not generally apply to 
`groundfish' but apply to specific species, gear types, species groups, 
or fisheries, it is not anticipated that taking and retaining EC 
species, alone, would trigger those types of regulations. For example, 
EC species are not required to be sorted because they do not meet any 
of the requirements described at Sec.  660.12(a)(8), EC species do not 
count toward any cumulative or trip limit because no cumulative or trip 
limits are being established for EC species or species groups at this 
time. If ever a cumulative limit were established for EC species or 
species groups, the requirement for sorting of that species or species 
group would be triggered.
    At the start of the Shorebased IFQ Program and during development 
of the 2011-2012 harvest specifications and management measures, NMFS 
added the ability to implement trip limits, sub-limits, or aggregate 
limits for species in the Other Fish complex, some of which are now 
proposed to be designated as EC species, as a routine measure for the 
Shorebased IFQ Program. The proposed EC species designations are not 
intended to change the ability to routinely implement trip limits, sub-
limits, or aggregate limits to these EC species for the Shorebased IFQ 
Program, as described at Sec.  660.60(c)(1)(i). The proposed EC species 
designations are not intended to require those species be discarded by 
fishing vessels participating in otherwise legal groundfish fisheries.
    As described in the ``Amendment 24 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish 
Fishery Management Plan'' section, no harvest specifications or 
management reference points are required for EC species; however, there 
is a monitoring requirement to determine changes in their status or 
their vulnerability to the fishery. If new information shows that an EC 
species' vulnerability to overfishing has increased, the stock should 
be reclassified as ``in the fishery'' through an FMP amendment. As 
described above, catch of EC species would be subject to the same 
monitoring requirements as are generally applicable to all groundfish 
species or species groups. Those monitoring requirements include but 
are not limited to: Landing receipts and documentation of discards by 
observers in maximized retention fisheries, among other state 
requirements.
2. Deductions From the ACLs
    Before allocations are made to groundfish fisheries, deductions are 
made from ACLs to set fish aside fish for certain types of activities. 
The deductions from the ACL are associated with four distinct sources 
of groundfish mortality: Harvest in Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribal 
fisheries; harvest in scientific research activities; harvest in non-
groundfish fisheries; and harvest that occurs under exempted fishing 
permits (EFPs). These deductions from the ACL are described at Sec.  
660.55(b) and specified in the footnotes to Tables 1a and 2a to subpart 
C.
    The Council's recommended ACL for cowcod in 2015-2016 is discussed 
above in ``Overfished Species ACLs'' section. The Council decided to 
set an ACT for cowcod in 2015-2016. An Annual Catch Target (ACT) is an 
accountability measure that is set below the annual catch limit in 
cases where there is uncertainty in inseason catch monitoring. The goal 
of using an ACT is to ensure against exceeding an annual catch limit. 
Since the annual catch target is a target and not a limit it can be 
used in lieu of harvest guidelines or strategically to accomplish other 
management objectives. Sector-specific annual catch targets can also be 
specified to accomplish management objectives.
    The Council acknowledged a need for scientific research to inform 
future stock assessments and management strategies for cowcod and 
recommended that groundfish fisheries be subject to a lower harvest 
target set well-below the

[[Page 698]]

ACL. To accomplish this management objective, the Council recommended 
that the deductions for harvest in Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribal 
fisheries, non-groundfish fisheries, harvest that occurs under EFPs, 
and mortality from scientific research activities, be deducted from the 
10 mt cowcod ACL. The Council then set an ACT of 4 mt for 2015-5016 to 
use it in a similar way as the fishery harvest guideline; the ACT would 
be the amount that would be allocated across the groundfish fisheries. 
If additional harvest of cowcod occurs in scientific research 
activities, NMFS and the Council have the flexibility to account for 
that mortality with little risk of exceeding the ACL, because the ACT 
is set below the ACL. This accounting scheme also mitigates adverse 
impacts to groundfish fisheries if higher than expected cowcod catch 
occurs in 2015-2016 scientific research activities.
3. Biennial Fishery Allocations
    Two-year trawl and nontrawl allocations are decided during the 
biennial process for those species without long-term allocations or 
species where the long-term allocation is suspended because the species 
was declared overfished. For all species, except sablefish north of 
36[deg] N. lat., allocations for the trawl and nontrawl sectors are 
calculated from the fishery harvest guideline. The fishery harvest 
guideline is the tonnage that remains after subtracting from the ACL 
harvest in Tribal fisheries, scientific research activities, non-
groundfish fisheries and some activities conducted under exempted 
fishing permits. The two-year allocations and recreational harvest 
guidelines are designed to accommodate anticipated mortality in each 
sector as well as to accommodate variability and uncertainty in those 
estimates of mortality. Allocations described below are specified in 
the harvest specification tables appended to part 660, subpart C.
Bocaccio
    The following are the Council's recommended allocations for 
bocaccio in 2015: Limited entry trawl, 81.9 mt; limited entry and open 
access non-nearshore fixed gears, 79.1 mt; limited entry and open 
access nearshore fixed gear, 1.0 mt; and California recreational 178.8 
mt. The following are the Council's recommended allocations for 
bocaccio in 2016: Limited entry trawl, 85.0 mt; limited entry and open 
access non-nearshore fixed gears, 82.1 mt; limited entry and open 
access nearshore fixed gear, 1.0 mt; California recreational 185.6 mt. 
These allocations are anticipated to accommodate estimates of mortality 
of bocaccio, by sector, in 2015-2016 and maintain a similar allocation 
scheme as in 2014.
Canary Rockfish
    The following are the Council's recommended allocations for canary 
rockfish in 2015: Shorebased IFQ Program, 43.3 mt; at-sea sectors of 
the Pacific whiting fishery, 13.7 mt (catcher/processor 8.0 mt and 
mothership 5.7 mt); limited entry and open access non-nearshore fixed 
gears, 3.8 mt; limited entry and open access nearshore fixed gear, 6.7 
mt; Washington recreational, 3.4 mt; Oregon recreational 11.7 mt; and 
California recreational 24.3 mt. The following are the Council's 
recommended allocations for canary rockfish in 2016: Shorebased IFQ 
Program, 44.5 mt; at-sea sectors of the Pacific whiting fishery, 14.0 
mt (catcher/processor 8.2 mt and mothership 5.8 mt); limited entry and 
open access non-nearshore fixed gears, 3.9 mt; limited entry and open 
access nearshore fixed gear, 6.9 mt; Washington recreational, 3.5 mt; 
Oregon recreational 12.0 mt; and California recreational 25.0 mt. These 
allocations are anticipated to accommodate estimates of mortality of 
canary rockfish, by sector, in 2015-2016 and maintain a similar 
allocation scheme as in 2014.
Cowcod
    For 2015-2016, the Council recommended setting a cowcod ACT at 4 mt 
and having it function in a similar way as the fishery harvest 
guideline; it is the amount that would be allocated across groundfish 
fisheries. The cowcod allocation is proposed to be 34 percent (1.4 mt) 
trawl and 66 percent (2.6 mt) non-trawl for 2015-2016. NMFS anticipates 
the proposed allocation structure will keep catch below the 2015-2016 
cowcod ACTs without having to make changes to fishery management 
measures and maintains the same allocation scheme as in 2014.
Petrale Sole
    For petrale sole, 35 mt is allocated to the nontrawl fishery and 
the remainder of the fishery HG is allocated to the trawl fishery. This 
maintains the same allocation scheme that was in place for petrale sole 
since 2011.
Yelloweye Rockfish
    The following are the Council's recommended allocations for 
yelloweye rockfish in 2015: Limited entry trawl, 1 mt; limited entry 
and open access non-nearshore fixed gears, 0.6; limited entry and open 
access nearshore fixed gear, 1.7; Washington recreational, 2.9; Oregon 
recreational 2.6 mt; and California recreational 3.4 mt. The following 
are the Council's recommended allocations for yelloweye rockfish in 
2015: Limited entry trawl, 1.1 mt; limited entry and open access non-
nearshore fixed gears, 0.7; limited entry and open access nearshore 
fixed gear, 1.8; Washington recreational, 3.1; Oregon recreational 2.8 
mt; and California recreational 3.7 mt. These allocations are 
anticipated to accommodate estimates of mortality of yelloweye by 
sector in 2015-2016 and maintain the same allocation scheme that was in 
place for yelloweye rockfish in 2014.
Black Rockfish off Oregon and California
    Oregon and California will continue to have state-specific HGs for 
black rockfish in 2015-2016. Oregon has a harvest guideline equal to 58 
percent of the fishery harvest guideline (579 mt) and California has a 
harvest guideline equal to 42 percent of the fishery harvest guideline 
(420 mt), and is apportioned based on black rockfish landings in each 
state for years leading up to the 2003 black rockfish assessment. This 
is the same allocation scheme that was in place for black rockfish in 
Oregon and California since 2004.
Longnose Skate
    The Council recommended a two-year trawl and nontrawl HG for 
longnose skate of 90 percent to the trawl fishery and 10 percent to the 
nontrawl fishery. The allocation percentages reflect historical catch 
of longnose skate between the two sectors. This maintains the same 
allocation scheme that was in place for longnose skate in 2014.
Minor Nearshore Rockfish
    California will continue to have a state-specific harvest guideline 
for blue rockfish. The blue rockfish harvest guideline for the area 
south of 42[deg] N. lat. is equivalent to: (1) The ABC contribution for 
the portion of the stock north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., reduced by the 
40-10 adjustment because the stock is in the precautionary zone, plus 
(2) the ABC contribution for the unassessed portion of the stock south 
of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    Beginning in 2015, the states will be monitoring and managing 
catches of Minor Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
according to newly established HGs. Harvest specifications for Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. are approximately 27 
percent lower in 2015-2016 (69 mt) than in 2014 (94 mt). The states 
intend

[[Page 699]]

to manage catch using state-specific harvest guidelines: 10.5 mt for 
Washington; 48.4 mt for Oregon, and 23.7 mt for California north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. However, instead of implementing state specific 
harvest guidelines in Federal regulations, the state Council 
representatives from Oregon and Washington committed to heightened 
inseason communication regarding catches of species managed in the 
complex relative to the harvest guidelines. Upon attainment of 75 
percent of their respective harvest guidelines, the states of 
Washington and Oregon would consult and decide whether inseason action 
was needed. In the event inseason action is needed, the states of 
Washington and Oregon would take action through state regulation. The 
states of Washington and Oregon can take inseason expeditiously, 
regardless of whether the harvest guideline is specified in Federal 
regulations. California will have a Federal harvest guideline for this 
complex from 42[deg] N. lat. to 40[deg]10' N. lat. to facilitate 
inseason action if needed, and has committed to increased catch 
reporting at Council meetings. In California, the HG of 23.7 mt would 
be specified in Federal regulation and apply only in the area between 
40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat. California, through the Council, 
could propose changes through Federal regulations. Under state 
management, landed component species within the Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish complex must be sorted to species. Because the states may also 
take inseason action independent of NMFS, the proposed action is not 
anticipated to result in exceeding the complex ACL in 2015-2016.
    Although the Minor Nearshore Rockfish North ACL attainment has been 
high in recent years, reaching 100 percent in 2011, management measures 
have prevented the ACL from being exceeded. State nearshore management 
plans and policies mitigate the risk of overfishing. State HGs and a 
federal HG for Minor Nearshore Rockfish in the area between 40[deg]10' 
and 42[deg] N. lat. under the proposed action will reduce the risk of 
exceeding the complex ACL.
Minor Shelf Rockfish
    Allocations for Minor Shelf Rockfish are recommended by the Council 
each biennial cycle. For Minor Shelf Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., 1,127 mt (60.2 percent of the fishery harvest guideline) is 
allocated to the trawl fishery and 745 mt (39.8 percent of the fishery 
harvest guideline) is allocated to the nontrawl fishery for 2015. For 
Minor Shelf Rockfish south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., 192 mt (12.2 percent 
of the fishery harvest guideline) is allocated to the trawl fishery and 
1,383 mt (87.8 percent of the fishery harvest guideline) is allocated 
to the nontrawl fishery for 2015. For 2016, the same percentages are 
applied resulting in allocations of 1,132 mt to the trawl fishery and 
748 mt to the nontrawl fishery north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 192 mt 
to the trawl fishery and 1,384 mt to the nontrawl fishery south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. This maintains the same allocation percentages as 
were in place for the Minor Shelf Rockfish complexes since 2011.
Minor Slope Rockfish
    Minor Slope Rockfish were allocated between the trawl and nontrawl 
fisheries in PCGFMP Amendment 21. This action applies those Amendment 
21 allocation percentages to the updated 2015-2016 fishery harvest 
guidelines. Blackgill rockfish in California was assessed in 2011 and 
has continued to be managed within the Minor Slope Rockfish complex, 
but with a species-specific HG south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. beginning in 
2013. For 2015-2016 the Council recommended a blackgill rockfish 
harvest guideline equal to the ABC contribution for the portion of the 
stock south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., reduced by the 40-10 adjustment 
because the stock is in the precautionary zone. South of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat., the blackgill rockfish harvest guideline is 114 mt in 2015 and 
117 mt in 2016.
4. Modifications to the Boundaries Defining RCAs
    RCAs are large area closures intended to reduce the catch of a 
species or species complex by restricting fishing activity at specific 
depths. The boundaries for RCAs are defined by straight lines 
connecting a series of latitude and longitude coordinates that 
approximate depth contours. A set of coordinates define lines that 
approximate various depth contours. These sets of coordinates, or 
lines, in and of themselves, are not gear or fishery specific, but are 
used in combination to define an area. That area may then be described 
with fishing restrictions implemented for a specific gear and/or 
fishery.
    For the 2015-2016 cycle, changes to refine selected coordinates are 
being proposed for: The 200 fm line, modified with areas to allow 
fishing for petrale sole, off Oregon; the 60 fm line off San Diego 
California, and the 50 fm line in the Northern Channel Islands. Changes 
to the 200 fm line, modified with areas to allow fishing for petrale 
sole, are intended to bring the coordinates for this line in the area 
off Heceta and Stonewall Bank into alignment with the un-modified 200 
fm line in the same area.
    Changes to the 50 fm line in the Northern Channel Islands were 
requested by industry and further refined during development of the 
2015-2016 harvest specifications and management measures. The Council-
recommended changes to the 50 fm line in the Northern Channel Islands 
are intended to open a small amount of additional fishing area when 
this line is used as the seaward boundary of the recreational RCA (e.g. 
no recreational fishing for groundfish deeper than the 50 fm line when 
fishing around the Northern Channel Islands) and to more closely 
approximate the 50-fm isobath surrounding the Northern Channel Islands. 
Changes to the 60 fm line west of San Diego, California were requested 
by industry to allow better access to the tip of a reef that lies 
shallower than the 60 fm isobath. The Council-recommended changes to 
the 60 fm line west of San Diego are intended to open additional 
fishing area when this line is used as the shoreward boundary of the 
non-trawl RCA (e.g. no fishing for groundfish with non-trawl gear 
deeper than the 60 fm line) and to more closely approximate the 60 fm 
isobath in that area. While the proposed changes to the 50 fm line and 
the 60 fm line would open additional fishing area, the proposed changes 
would maintain a boundary line that approximates the 50-fm and 60 fm 
isobath, respectively. These changes would not allow an extension of 
fishing effort into deeper habitat where overfished groundfish species 
encounters might be higher. Opening additional fishing areas where 
there is little information to inform area-specific bycatch rates poses 
a risk of increased bycatch of overfished species, however, it is 
unlikely that catch would be much higher because the proposed changes 
to the latitude/longitude coordinates that define the 50 fm line in the 
Northern Channel Islands or the 60 fm line west of San Diego are not 
opening large areas and are not opening depths deeper than the 50-fm 
isobath or the 60 fm isobath, respectively. The proposed changes to 
latitude/longitude coordinates that define these three boundary lines 
approximating depth contours makes no regulatory changes to how, or for 
which fisheries, those lines may be used.
5. Sorting Requirements
    In the non-whiting groundfish fishery, catch is sorted to species 
or species group in order to account for catch against the various 
harvest specifications and management measures that are specific to 
those

[[Page 700]]

species or species groups. Except for vessels participating in the 
Pacific whiting fishery (see Sec.  660.130(d)(2)(ii) and (d)(3)), 
groundfish regulations require that species or species groups with a 
trip limit, size limit, scientific sorting designation, quota, harvest 
guideline, ACT, or ACL, be sorted (see Sec.  660.12(a)(8)). Except for 
a new scientific sorting requirement for shortraker rockfish and 
rougheye/blackspotted rockfish (described in ``Stock Complexes'' 
above), the sorting requirements applicable to the groundfish fisheries 
are unchanged from 2014.
6. Limited Entry Trawl
Limited Entry Trawl Fishery Management Measures
    Since the start of 2011, the limited entry trawl fishery has been 
divided into three distinct sectors (shoreside, mothership, and 
catcher/processor). An individual fishing quota (IFQ) program was 
created for the shoreside sector and cooperatives were created for the 
catcher/processor and mothership sectors. The Council recommended 
several changes to trawl management measures for the 2015-2016 
biennium. In 2013-2014 spiny dogfish did not have species-specific 
harvest specifications and was managed within the Other Fish complex; 
at that time, the at-sea set-aside for Other Fish was specified to 
control catch of spiny dogfish in the at-sea fishery in the absence of 
species-specific harvest specifications. The Other Fish complex is 
proposed to be reorganized through this action and no longer includes 
spiny dogfish. The proposed Other Fish complex for 2015-2016 is 
comprised of nearshore species that are not caught by the at-sea 
sector, and so no longer requires a set-aside. Given the low risk of 
exceeding the spiny dogfish ACL, the Council did not recommend spiny 
dogfish set-asides nor did they recommend spiny dogfish GCAs for the 
at-sea sectors. Species being managed under trip limits and without 
trawl and non-trawl allocations are: Shortbelly rockfish, longspine 
thornyhead south of 34[deg]27' N. lat., black rockfish (Washington-
Oregon), California scorpionfish, cabezon (California only), spiny 
dogfish, and the Other Fish complex.
Incidental Trip Limits for IFQ Vessels
    For vessels fishing IFQ, with either groundfish trawl gear or non-
trawl gears, the following incidentally caught species are managed with 
trip limits: Minor nearshore rockfish north and south, black rockfish, 
cabezon (46[deg]16' to 40[deg]10' N. lat. and south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat.), spiny dogfish, shortbelly rockfish, Pacific whiting, and the 
Other Fish complex. No changes to trip limits in the IFQ fishery are 
proposed for the start of the 2015-2016 biennium; however, changes to 
trip limits are considered a routine measure under Sec.  660.60(c) and 
may be implemented or adjusted, if determined necessary, through 
inseason action.
RCA Configurations for Vessels Using Groundfish Trawl Gear
    Based on analysis of West Coast Groundfish Observer Data and vessel 
logbook data, the boundaries of the RCAs were developed to prohibit 
groundfish fishing within a range of depths where encounters with 
overfished species were most likely to occur. The lines that 
approximate depth contours are defined by latitude and longitude 
coordinates and may be used to define any of the depth-based area 
closures, primarily RCAs. The choice of which depth-based line(s) to 
use to define the RCA boundaries varies by season, latitude, and gear 
group. Boundaries for limited entry trawl vessels are different from 
those for the limited entry fixed-gear and open access gears. The trawl 
RCAs apply to vessels fishing with groundfish trawl gear. The non-trawl 
RCAs apply to the limited entry fixed-gear and open access gears other 
than non-groundfish trawl. The non-groundfish trawl RCAs are fishery-
specific.
    Under Amendment 20 to the PCGFMP, quota pounds associated with a 
limited entry trawl permit may be harvested with either trawl gear or 
legal fixed gear. Groundfish regulations specify both trawl and non-
trawl RCAs. The type of gear employed determines the applicable gear-
specific RCA. As such, vessels that harvest IFQ species with groundfish 
trawl gear would continue to be regulated by the trawl RCA requirements 
while vessels that harvest IFQ species with fixed gear would continue 
to be regulated by the non-trawl RCA requirements.
    For 2015-2016 the Council recommended the trawl RCA boundaries that 
were in place in May 2014 be continued through the biennium except for 
a modification to the seaward boundary of the trawl RCA between 
40[deg]10' N. lat. and 45[deg]46' N. lat. from 200 fathoms to the 200 
``modified (with petrale cutouts)'' year-round. Currently, these areas 
are intermittently open throughout the year. The goal of this change is 
to allow greater access to petrale. Because this area is currently open 
to the trawl fishery intermittently, impacts to benthic habitat 
associated with allowing year round access are anticipated to be 
minimal. As the IFQ fishery proceeds and if catch data supports 
reconsideration of the RCAs, the Council could revise the RCA 
boundaries through inseason measures.
7. Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access Non-Trawl Fishery 
Management Measures
    Management measures for the limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) and 
open access (OA) non-trawl fisheries tend to be similar because the 
majority of participants in both fisheries use hook-and-line gear. 
Management measures, including area restrictions and trip limits in 
these non-trawl fisheries, are generally designed to allow harvest of 
target species while keeping catch of overfished species low. For 2015-
2016, changes to management measures include increased sablefish trip 
limits due to the higher sablefish ACL for the area north of 36[deg] N. 
lat., opening of lingcod retention in the winter months which have 
previously been closed, increases in lingcod trip limits, increases in 
Minor Shelf and bocaccio trip limits in the area south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., and a change to the shoreward boundary of the non-trawl RCA. The 
Council also considered the tradeoffs in area restrictions compared to 
trip limit restrictions for the non-trawl fishery that is prosecuted 
shoreward of the non-trawl RCA.
Non-Trawl RCAs
    The non-trawl RCA applies to vessels that take, retain, possess, or 
land groundfish using non-trawl gears, unless they are incidental 
fisheries that are exempt from the non-trawl RCA (e.g. the pink shrimp 
non-groundfish trawl fishery). The seaward and shoreward boundaries of 
the non-trawl RCAs vary along the coast, and are divided at various 
commonly used geographic coordinates, defined in Sec.  660.11, subpart 
C. In 2009, the shoreward boundary of the non-trawl RCA was established 
based on fishery information indicating that fishing in some areas in 
the non-trawl fishery have higher yelloweye rockfish bycatch than in 
others, and the RCA boundaries were adjusted to reduce mortality of 
yelloweye rockfish in these areas.
    The non-trawl RCA boundaries proposed for 2015-2016 are the same as 
those in place for the non-trawl fisheries in 2013-2014, except for the 
shoreward boundary of the non-trawl RCA off northern California. The 
shoreward boundary of the non-trawl RCA, between 42[deg] N. lat. 
(Oregon/California border) and 40[deg]10' N. lat. (North/South 
Management line), is proposed to be

[[Page 701]]

shifted seaward from 20 fm to 30 fm, to open some additional areas to 
fishing close to shore and make the shoreward boundary of the non-trawl 
RCA consistent along Oregon and through California to 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. These changes allow for some additional fishing opportunity while 
keeping the mortality of canary and yelloweye rockfish within their 
nearshore fishery contributions. Opening this area may also increase 
catch of Minor Nearshore Rockfish north complex which has a decreasing 
ACL from 2014 to 2015. However, the projected catch of the complex with 
the increased fishing area is projected to be less than the complex 
ACL. Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is proposing to shift 
the shoreward boundary of the non-trawl RCA, between 42[deg] N. lat. 
and 40[deg]10 N. lat., from the line approximating the 20 fm (37 m) 
depth contour to the line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour. 
These boundary lines are defined by latitude and longitude coordinates 
found at Sec.  660.71, subpart C. The change to the non-trawl RCA 
boundary in this area opens areas that have been closed since 2009, and 
may increase fishing efficiency and reduce gear conflicts by spreading 
the nearshore fleet over a larger fishing area. Opening this area is 
anticipated to increase overall landings of both target and bycatch 
species, but mortality is anticipated to be below the allocations or 
harvest limits for all species.
Non-Trawl Fishery Trip Limits
    Trip limits proposed for the non-trawl fisheries in 2015-2016 are 
similar to those that applied to these fisheries in since 2011. To help 
achieve but not exceed the allocations of sablefish in the limited 
entry fixed gear and open access fisheries, proposed trip limits for 
sablefish in these fisheries are different between 2015 and 2016, with 
slightly higher limits in 2016 because of the higher sablefish ACL. 
Changes are also proposed in the limited entry and open access fixed 
gear fisheries for lingcod, Minor Shelf Rockfish south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., and bocaccio south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. Proposed 2015-2016 trip 
limits for these changes are specified in Table 2 (North), Table 2 
(South) to subpart E and in Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) to 
subpart F.
Primary Sablefish Fishery Tier Limits
    Some limited entry fixed gear permits are endorsed to receive 
annual sablefish quota, or ``tier limits,'' and vessels registered with 
one, two, or up to three of these permits may participate in the 
primary sablefish fishery, described at Sec.  660.231. Tier limits 
proposed for the limited entry fixed gear primary sablefish fleet are 
higher than in 2013-2014, reflecting the higher sablefish harvest 
specifications for 2015-2016. The proposed tier limits are as follows: 
In 2015, Tier 1 at 41,175lb (18,676 kg), Tier 2 at 18,716 lb (8,489 
kg), and Tier 3 at 10,695 lb (4,851 kg). For 2016, Tier 1 at 45,053 lb 
(20,435 kg), Tier 2 at 20,479 lb (9,289 kg), and Tier 3 at 11,702 lb 
(5,307 kg). These tier limits are found in groundfish regulations at 
Sec.  660.231.
Lingcod Trip Limits and Retention in Periods 1, 2, and 6
    This rule proposes to allow lingcod retention in the limited entry 
and open access fixed gear fisheries during the previously closed 
months from December to April (cumulative limit Periods 1, 2, and 6). 
The original intent of the closure was to minimize impacts on lingcod 
when it was overfished because lingcod spawn from December to April. 
Lingcod has been declared rebuilt and removing the closure will allow 
greater access to the stock.
    For the limited entry fishery in the area north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. this rule proposes several changes. First, periods 1 and 2 
(January-April) and the month of December are proposed to be opened; 
periods 1 and 2 are proposed with a 200 lb per 2 month limit; December 
is proposed to have a 200 lb per month limit. Second, the trip limit in 
periods 3, 4 and 5 (May-October), is proposed to be increased from 800 
lb per 2 months to 1,200 lb per 2 months. Finally this rule proposes to 
increase the November trip limit from 400 lb a month of 600 lb a month. 
For the limited entry fishery in the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., 
period 1 (January-February) and the month of December are proposed to 
be opened; period 1 is proposed to have a 200 lb per 2 month limit; and 
December is proposed with a 200 lb per month limit. For the open access 
fishery in the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat., periods 1 and 2 
(January-April) and the month of December are proposed to be open with 
a 100 lb per month limit. The trip limit in period 3, 4, and 5 (May-
October) and the month of November are proposed to be increased from 
400 lb per month to 600 lb per month. For the open access fishery south 
of 40[deg]10' N. lat. period 1 and the month of December are proposed 
to be open with 100 lb per month limits. Trip limit increases in 
combination with newly open periods are anticipated to more fully 
utilize the lingcod ACL, which has not been fully utilized in recent 
years. Total mortality of lingcod in the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. 
was 25 percent of the 2011 ACL, 34 percent of the 2012 ACL, and 28 
percent of the 2013 ACL. In the area south of 42[deg] N. lat. total 
mortality was 13 percent of the 2011 ACL, 16 percent of the 2012 ACL, 
and 39 percent of the 2013 ACL. While the lingcod ACL is decreasing 
from 2014 to 2015, the increase in catch is projected to remain under 
the proposed ACL. The new trip limits are proposed to minimize impacts 
to co-occurring overfished species and are designed to reduce 
discarding but not result in targeting.
Minor Shelf Rockfish South of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    Specifications for the complex are established for the area south 
of 40[deg]10' N. lat. however the changes proposed in this rule are 
only for the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. This increase is intended 
to provide greater access to a small number of commercial vessels in 
this area. This rule proposes increases to trip limits in both the 
limited entry and open access fixed gear fisheries as a result of an 
increase in the non-trawl allocation from 587 mt in 2014 to 1,383 mt in 
2015.
Bocaccio South of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    This rule proposes increases to the bocaccio trip limits in both 
the limited entry and open access fixed gear fisheries resulting from 
an increase in the non-trawl harvest guideline from 249.6 mt in 2014 to 
258.8 mt in 2015. Most bocaccio landings in this area are from 
sablefish targeted trips. While increasing trip limits may increase 
impacts to bocaccio the impacts are not expected to delay rebuilding 
under the current rebuilding plan or come close to the harvest 
guideline. As this stock rebuilds encounters are likely to increase and 
increasing the trip limits may help to turn discards into retained 
fish, increasing landings. While the non-trawl allocation is for the 
area south of 40'10[deg] N. lat., trip limit increases are only for the 
area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. because bocaccio is managed within the 
trip limits for the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex in the area from 
40[deg]10' N. lat.-34[deg]27' N. lat.
8. Recreational Fisheries Management Measures
    This section describes the recreational fisheries management 
measures proposed for 2015-2016. Most of the changes to recreational 
management measures are modification to existing measures. Changes to 
recreational management measures are discussed below for each state and 
include: (1) Modifications of recreational season structures in all 
states; (2) new 1 canary

[[Page 702]]

rockfish sub-bag limit in Oregon; (3) removal of the cabezon seasonal 
sub-bag limit in Oregon, (4) modification of a lingcod closure area in 
Washington; (5) elimination of the lingcod retention prohibition in 
Washington; (6) allowance of retention of bottom fish during all depth 
recreational halibut seasons in Washington and Oregon; (7) changes in 
the California Southern Management Area seaward boundary line; and, (8) 
changes to the lingcod bag limit in California.
    Recreational fisheries management measures are designed to limit 
catch of overfished species and provide fishing opportunity for anglers 
targeting nearshore groundfish species. Overfished species that are 
taken in recreational fisheries include bocaccio, cowcod, canary, and 
yelloweye rockfish. Because sport fisheries are more concentrated in 
nearshore waters, the 2015-2016 recreational fishery management 
measures are intended to constrain catch of nearshore species such as 
Minor Nearshore Rockfish, black rockfish, blue rockfish, and cabezon. 
These protections are particularly important for fisheries off 
California, where the majority of West Coast recreational fishing 
occurs. Depth restrictions and GCAs are the primary tools used to keep 
overfished species impacts under the prescribed harvest levels for the 
California recreational fishery.
    Washington, Oregon, and California each proposed, and the Council 
recommended, different combinations of seasons, bag limits, area 
closures, and size limits, to best fit the requirements to rebuild 
overfished species found in their regions, and the needs and 
constraints of their particular recreational fisheries.
    Recreational fisheries management measures for Washington, Oregon, 
and California in 2015-2016 are proposed to be similar to the 
recreational fishery management measures that were in place during 
2013-2014. Recreational fisheries off Oregon, and Washington are 
limited by the need to reduce yelloweye rockfish impacts. Changes to 
recreational fishery management measures off Washington, Oregon, and 
California are in response to: Updated fishery and modeling information 
in a manner that allows increased harvest of underutilized healthy 
stocks while keeping impacts to overfished species within their 
rebuilding ACLs. The following sections describe the recreational 
management measures proposed in each state.
Washington
    Off Washington, recreational fishing for groundfish and Pacific 
halibut, as proposed, will continue to be prohibited inside the North 
Coast Recreational YRCA, a C-shaped closed area off the northern 
Washington coast, the South Coast Recreational YRCA, and the Westport 
Offshore YRCA. Coordinates for YRCAs are defined at Sec.  660.70. 
Similar to 2014, this proposed rule includes the Washington State 
lingcod recreational fishing closure area off Washington Marine Areas 1 
and 2, a portion of which are closed to lingcod fishing, except on days 
that the Pacific halibut fishery is open. However, for 2015-2016, 
refinement of the southern boundary of this lingcod area closure is 
shifted three miles north (from 46[deg]25' N. lat. to 46[deg]28' N. 
lat.) to continue reduced encounters with co-occurring yelloweye 
rockfish and canary rockfish (compared to before the lingcod closure 
area was enacted in December 2011, 76 FR 79122). The aggregate 
groundfish bag limits off Washington will continue to be 12 fish. The 
rockfish and lingcod sub-limits will remain the same as in 2013-2014: 
10 rockfish sub-limit with no retention of canary or yelloweye 
rockfish; two lingcod sub-limit, with the lingcod minimum size of 22 
inches (56 cm); cabezon sub-limits and size limits. As in 2013-2014, 
the Washington recreational fishery for groundfish is open year-round 
with seasonal depth restrictions for specific groundfish species. The 
RCA for recreational fishing off Washington is proposed to be the same 
as in 2014 with the following exceptions: In Marine Areas 3 and 4, 
where overfished species interactions are prevalent, the dates of the 
seasonal depth closure (closed deeper than 20 fm) are slightly shorter 
to reduce overfished species impacts; in Marine Area 2, the seasonal 
depth restriction for lingcod retention is removed, allowing lingcod to 
be retained in all depths year-round, except within the lingcod area 
closure.
    Changes to the restrictions on groundfish retention during the 
Pacific halibut season are proposed for 2015-2016, including 
modifications to the groundfish retention rules during the Pacific 
halibut openings, due to changes in the Council's 2014 Area 2A Pacific 
halibut Catch Sharing Plan. Proposed changes to allowance of retention 
of bottom fish during all depth recreational Pacific halibut seasons in 
Washington are as follows. Starting from Leadbetter point in Washington 
Marine Area 1, when the nearshore incidental halibut fishery is open, 
taking, retaining, possessing or landing incidental Pacific halibut on 
groundfish trips will be allowed only in the nearshore area on days not 
open to all-depth Pacific halibut fisheries in the area shoreward of 
the boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour 
extending from Leadbetter Point, WA to the Washington-Oregon border and 
from there, connecting to the boundary line approximating the 40 fm (73 
m) depth contour in Oregon. The nearshore incidental halibut fishery 
would be open Monday through Wednesday following the opening of the 
early season all-depth fishery, until the nearshore Pacific halibut 
allocation is taken.
Oregon
    Oregon recreational fisheries would operate under the same season 
structures and GCAs as 2013-2014. Aggregate bag limits and size limits 
in Oregon recreational fisheries remain the same as in 2013-2014: Three 
lingcod per day, with a minimum size of 22 inches (56 cm); 25 flatfish 
per day, excluding Pacific halibut; and a marine fish aggregate bag 
limit of 10 fish per day, where cabezon have a minimum size of 16 
inches (41 cm) and kelp greenling have a minimum size of 10 inches (25 
cm). However, the marine fish bag limit is modified for 2015-2016 to 
add a one fish sub-bag limit for canary rockfish and remove the one 
fish sub-bag limit for cabezon. Also, similar to the changes described 
above for Washington recreational fisheries, changes to the 
restrictions on groundfish retention during the Pacific halibut season 
are proposed for 2015-2016. Details of these changes to canary and 
cabezon sub-bag limits and Pacific halibut retention regulations are 
described below.
Canary Rockfish Sub-Bag Limit
    In recreational fisheries, due to its overfished status, canary 
rockfish retention has been prohibited to prevent non-trawl harvest 
guidelines from being exceeded. During development of the 2015-2016 
harvest specifications and management measures, the Council considered 
allowing limited retention of canary rockfish in recreational fisheries 
to gather additional information on abundance in rocky reef habitats, 
gather additional biological information to inform population structure 
and recruitment events, improve species identification and catch 
estimates, and reduce regulatory discards of incidentally caught canary 
rockfish. Initially, the Council considered allowing limited retention 
of canary rockfish in recreational fisheries off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, but

[[Page 703]]

ultimately recommended instituting a sub-bag limit for canary rockfish 
only in the Oregon recreational fishery to aid in the data used for 
future canary rockfish stock assessments.
    The 2009 canary rockfish assessment indicated that additional 
information on the relationship between canary rockfish distribution 
and habitat features could provide more precise estimates of abundance 
from existing survey data. Recreational fishery catch rates could be 
used to provide an index of relative abundance (catch per unit effort; 
CPUE) of canary rockfish in rocky reef habitat. Additionally, since 
recreational fishery gears catch smaller and younger canary rockfish 
than trawls, biological data from the recreational fishery could be 
used to better detect recruitment events. Canary rockfish retention may 
reduce confusion of canary rockfish with other rockfish species that 
have a similar appearance, such as vermillion rockfish. More accurate 
discard information reported by recreational fishing participants may 
improve canary rockfish (and other commonly confused species) discard 
mortality estimates.
    Allowing retention of canary rockfish is intended to turn canary 
rockfish that would otherwise be encountered and discarded into landed 
catch to help inform abundance and recruitment for canary rockfish. 
This will improve the accuracy of canary rockfish removal estimates 
because landed catch can be verified by dockside creel with a higher 
level of accuracy than angler reported discard information. This may 
reduce uncertainty in discard mortality estimates from angler reported 
data, potentially allowing for a recreational index of abundance to be 
incorporated into future canary rockfish assessments.
    The Council considered the risk that allowing canary rockfish 
retention may increase total mortality of canary rockfish in the Oregon 
recreational fishery. Limiting the recreational canary rockfish sub-bag 
limit in Oregon to one per angler per day, is intended to provide 
minimal incentive for anglers to target them. Allowing retention of 
those canary rockfish that are incidentally encountered could also aid 
anglers in filling their bag limit for marine fish with less time on 
the water. Even if total mortality estimates of canary rockfish in the 
Oregon recreational fishery were to increase, it is extremely unlikely 
that the canary rockfish rebuilding ACL would be exceeded when harvest 
in the Oregon recreational fishery is combined with mortality of canary 
rockfish in other fisheries, because the Oregon recreational fishery 
currently only obtains a fraction of their harvest guideline (e.g., 29 
percent of the Oregon recreational harvest guideline in 2013). 
Therefore, the Council recommended and NMFS is proposing adding a one-
fish sub-bag limit for canary rockfish within the 10 marine fish 
aggregate limit for 2015-2016.
Cabezon Sub-Bag Limit
    The seasonal one fish sub-bag limit for cabezon which was in place 
in 2013-2014 is proposed to be removed during 2015-2016 to allow ODFW 
increased flexibility for initiating inseason changes. Cabezon 
mortality will be limited via state regulations, which may be more 
restrictive than Federal regulations.
Pacific Halibut Retention
    As explained above (See ``Washington'' under ``Recreational 
Fisheries Management Measures''), changes to the restrictions on 
groundfish retention during the Pacific halibut season are proposed for 
2015-2016, including modifications to the groundfish retention rules 
during the Pacific halibut openings, due to changes to the Councils 
2014 Area 2A Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan. Taking, retaining, 
possessing or landing incidental halibut on groundfish trips will be 
allowed only in the Columbia River nearshore area on days not open to 
all-depth Pacific halibut fisheries in the area shoreward of the 
boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour extending 
from Leadbetter Point, WA to the Washington-Oregon border and from 
there, connecting to the boundary line approximating the 40 fm (73 m) 
depth contour in Oregon. The nearshore incidental halibut fishery would 
be open Monday through Wednesday following the opening of the early 
season all-depth fishery, until the nearshore Pacific halibut 
allocation is taken.
California
    For 2015-2016, recreational fisheries off California will continue 
to be managed as five separate areas, to reduce complexity while 
retaining flexibility in minimizing impacts on overfished stocks. 
Season and area closures differ between California regions to better 
prevent incidental catch of overfished species according to where those 
species occur and where fishing effort is greatest, while providing as 
much fishing opportunity as possible. California recreational fisheries 
would operate under the same GCAs as 2013-2014, with the following 
exceptions: due to lower yelloweye rockfish encounter rates in recent 
years, the dates of allowable fishing opportunities within the seasonal 
RCA closures described in Sec.  660.350(c)(3)(i)(A) would be extended 
to a moderate extent in the Mendocino, San Francisco, and Central 
Management Areas to allow for increased recreational opportunity and to 
provide more stable season structures between biennial specification 
cycles. In addition, the RCA boundary in the Southern Management Area 
would be modified from the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) 
contour to the boundary line approximating the 60 fm (110 m) contour. 
The change in the depth restriction will allow greater recreational 
anglers access to deeper depths in the Southern Management area, and 
inseason action will continue to be available to the Council if 
overfished species impacts begin to track higher than anticipated. 
Although bocaccio and cowcod encounters have increased in recent years, 
making it more difficult to model projected mortality, the mortality of 
cowcod and bocaccio in the Southern Management Area are projected to be 
far below the respective harvest guidelines. Submersible surveys at the 
northern end of the Southern California Bight indicate that juvenile 
cowcod are most common from 49 fm (90 m) to 82 fm (150 m), and adults 
were most common at depths of 66 fm (121 m) to 115 fm (210 m). 
Therefore, although some increase in overfished species impacts may 
occur, these impacts are still projected to stay well within their 
respective harvest guidelines and ACLs. The boundaries and season 
lengths for the recreational RCA in the Northern Management Area are 
unchanged from 2013-2014 to keep catch of Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex species within the harvest guideline for this management area.
    The bag limits and hook limits for the Rockfish-Cabezon-Greenling 
(RCG) Complex, the Other Flatfish complex, and California scorpionfish 
remain the same as in 2013-2014. For lingcod, the hook limits and size 
limits remain the same as in 2013-2014, but the lingcod bag limit is 
increased from two fish to three fish to more fully utilize the non-
trawl lingcod allocation, which has been far below the non-trawl 
allocation south of 42[deg] N. lat. When combined with projected 
mortality in other non-trawl fisheries, is not expected to exceed the 
lingcod non-trawl allocation or ACL south of 42[deg] N. lat. If anglers 
spend more time on the water fishing for an additional lingcod, the 
number of encounters with overfished species may increase. While some 
increase in overfished species mortality can be expected, sufficient 
buffer is available to accommodate the increased impacts (if

[[Page 704]]

realized) without exceeding the respective recreational HGs or the non-
trawl allocation for cowcod or other overfished species.
    Finally, a minor change is proposed to the California recreational 
regulations at Sec.  660.350(c)(3)(v)(A)(4) to make references to the 
``Southern Management Area'' consistent.
9. Tribal Fisheries Management Measures
    Tribes implement management measures for tribal fisheries both 
separately and cooperatively with those management measures that are 
described in the Federal regulations. The tribes may adjust their 
tribal fishery management measures, inseason, to stay within the 
overall harvest targets and estimated impacts to overfished species. 
Trip limits are the primary management measure that the tribes specify 
in Federal regulations at Sec.  660.50, subpart C.
    Continued from previous cycles, the tribes proposed trip limit 
management in tribal fisheries during 2015-2016 for several species 
including: spiny dogfish; several rockfish species and species groups, 
including thornyheads; and flatfish species and species groups. For 
spiny dogfish, tribal fisheries in 2015-2016 will continue to be 
restricted to a cumulative limit of ``60,000 lbs (27,216 kg) per two 
month period;'' the same trip limit that is in place for vessels 
fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program. For rockfish species, tribal 
regulations will continue to require the 2015-2016 tribal fisheries to 
fully retain all overfished rockfish species and marketable non-
overfished rockfish species. No changes to trip and cumulative limits 
are proposed for the Tribal fisheries from those that were in place in 
2014. The tribes will continue to develop management measures, 
including depth, area, and time restrictions, in the directed tribal 
Pacific halibut fishery in order to minimize incidental catch of 
yelloweye rockfish. Tribal fishing regulations, as recommended by the 
tribes and the Council, and adopted by NMFS, are in Federal regulations 
at Sec.  660.50, subpart C.
10. Housekeeping Measures
    Several non-substantive revisions are made to regulations to 
improve consistency, remove unnecessary redundancies, remove subpart 
references, group similar regulations, and to add clarifying cross-
references.
    At Sec.  660.11, paragraph (2)(v) of the definition for ``North-
South management area'' is revised to change the name of the 46[deg]16' 
N. lat. commonly used geographic coordinate from ``Washington/Oregon 
border'' to ``Columbia River.'' This revision resolves an inconsistency 
with Washington state regulations that define the Washington/Oregon 
border at 46[deg]15' N. lat. For consistency, this change was also made 
at Sec.  660.360 (c)(1)(i)(D)(3). The revision does not change how or 
why the geographic coordinate of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is used, fishing 
locations, etc. In the same section, the definition of the ``Office of 
Law Enforcement'' and ``Regional Administrator'' are updated to reflect 
recent changes to the organizational structure of NMFS.
    The term ``DTS complex'' is proposed to be removed in the three 
places that it occurs in Part 660, Subparts C through G. Before the 
groundfish bottom trawl fishery was rationalized in 2011, fishery 
managers sometimes referred to the group of species Dover sole, 
shortspine and longspine thornyheads and sablefish as the ``DTS 
complex'' because they were often caught together. In recent years the 
term has fallen out of use as a functional management unit, and became 
irrelevant once all four of these species transitioned to IFQ species 
in 2011. As described above, the Council and NMFS are making changes to 
stock complexes and this change removes antiquated regulations that are 
no longer relevant. Therefore, NMFS is proposing to remove the 
definition of ``DTS complex'' at Sec.  660.11, and references to the 
DTS complex where they are used as non-substantive regulatory examples 
at Sec.  660.130 (e)(4)(iv), and Sec.  660.330 (d)(13)(iii). These non-
substantive changes do not change how all other regulations in Part 
660, Subparts C through G apply to Dover sole, shortspine thornyhead, 
longspine thornyhead, or sablefish.
    Several housekeeping changes are proposed to Table 1 North, 2 North 
and South, and 3 North and South. A footnote is proposed to be added to 
Table 1, clarifying trip limits for the Pacific whiting fishery in the 
Eureka area. This regulation has been in place since 2011 at Sec.  
660.131(d), the proposed footnote allows the public to have one 
location in Table 1 for all of the trip limits that affect the Pacific 
whiting fishery. This non-substantive addition makes no changes to trip 
limits that currently apply to the Pacific whiting fishery, and is 
being made to improve consistency and transparency in the regulations.
    The changes proposed for Tables 2 and 3 North and South are to 
clarify how the combined flatfish trip limits are applied for the 
limited entry and open access fisheries. The format for how the 
flatfish species listed is proposed to be revised to combine all the 
species listed (dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole, English 
sole, starry flounder, Other flatfish). This change is necessary to 
more accurately reflect that this limit is for all the species 
combined, not for each species individually. Formatting showing each 
species in its own row even though they are subject to a combined trip 
limit has been in place since 2002. No changes are proposed to how the 
limit is applied; this change simply makes the limit clearer and makes 
the listing of species included under the combined trip limit 
consistent with other combined species trip limits in this table.
    As described above in ``Modifications to the Boundaries Defining 
RCAs,'' several sections of the groundfish regulations are composed of 
long lists of latitude and longitude coordinates that are used to 
define RCAs. In addition to the modifications described above for Sec.  
660.72 and Sec.  660.74, NMFS is proposing to revise one point on the 
boundary line approximating the 100 fm (183-m) contour at Sec.  
660.73(a)(123). NMFS has discovered that this point on the 100 fm line 
is farther westward than the modified 200 line. Therefore, the 
paragraph is re-designated so that the 100 fm line is eastward of the 
modified 200 fm line by a distance of approximately 420 meters. The new 
point is proposed to remove the cross-over and to give adequate width 
to the closed area between the 100 fm line and the modified 200 fm line 
for improved enforceability, given the level of error allowed in type-
approved vessel monitoring systems. This will reduce confusion that may 
be caused and improve enforceability of the 100 fm line designation 
that is currently in the CFR for paragraph (a)(123).

III. Classification

    At this time, NMFS has made a preliminary determination that the 
2015-2016 groundfish harvest specifications and management measures in 
this proposed rule are consistent with PCGFMP, the MSA, and other 
applicable law. In making its final determination, NMFS will take into 
account the complete record, including the data, views, and comments 
received during the comment period.
    A DEIS was prepared for the 2015-2016 groundfish harvest 
specifications and management measures. The DEIS includes socio-
economic information that was used to prepare the RIR and IRFA. The 
Environmental Protection Agency published a notice of availability for 
the draft EIS on October 24, 2014 (79 FR 63622). A copy of the

[[Page 705]]

DEIS is available online at http://www.pcouncil.org/.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 603 et seq., 
requires government agencies to assess the effects that regulatory 
alternatives would have on small entities, including small businesses, 
and to determine ways to minimize those effects. When an agency 
proposes regulations, the RFA requires the agency to prepare and make 
available for public comment an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 
(IRFA) that describes the impact on small businesses, non-profit 
enterprises, local governments, and other small entities. The IRFA is 
to aid the agency in considering all reasonable regulatory alternatives 
that would minimize the economic impact on affected small entities. 
After the public comment period, the agency prepares a Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) that takes into consideration any new 
information or public comments. A summary of the IRFA is provided 
below. The reasons why action by the agency is being considered, the 
objectives and legal basis for this rule are described above.
    As described above, this rule concerns the following major areas: 
Amend the PCGFMP to Describe Default Harvest Control Rules and 
Management Measures Considered during the Biennial Decision Cycle 
(Amendment 24): The major effects of using default harvest control 
rules is to make the process more efficient, possibly reduce 
administrative costs, and to aid business planning by minimizing 
potential disruption to the industry. Reorganizing the Other Fish and 
Minor Slope Rockfish Complexes and Designating Ecosystem Component 
Species: Changing the composition of the Minor Slope Rockfish and Other 
Fish complexes, creating a new stock complex for some component species 
of the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes, removing stocks from the Other 
Fish complex for single stock management or designation as EC species, 
and designating species not already in the PCGFMP as EC species. The 
major effects of the proposed alternative concern potential sorting 
requirements and the potential need for some vessels to carry VMS. The 
goal of reorganization of the complexes is to prevent overfishing. The 
slope rockfish complexes contain species with different relative 
vulnerabilities to overfishing, including two stocks with catches that 
have been in excess of OFL contributions--rougheye/blackspotted 
rockfish and shortraker rockfish. There are concerns about the data, 
particularly as it is very difficult to visually distinguish between 
the rougheye and blackspotted species in the field. A new sorting 
requirement to reduce the catch of shortraker and rougheye/blackspotted 
rockfish by all commercial sectors is proposed in this rule to prevent 
overfishing. Council deliberations focused on concerns with fishing 
mortality on rougheye/blackspotted rockfish; a new stock assessment 
(Hicks, et al. 2013) indicates that spawning biomass declined 
relatively steeply in the 1980s and 1990s while cumulative coastwide 
catch since 2008 has exceeded the rougheye/blackspotted OFL 
contribution to the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes. Concerns about 
associated costs of sorting were raised by the Council's Groundfish 
Advisory Panel and Groundfish Management Team. NMFS anticipates that 
these sorting requirements will reduce the ambiguity and species-
specific assumptions of catch, aid in annual mortality tracking, aid in 
inseason catch monitoring, and improve data available for future stock 
assessments. However, it is not clear if these sorting requirements, 
when added to the numerous numbers of species already sorted by state 
port samplers, processors, and fishing vessel crew, will add 
significant costs to the state agencies and industry. NMFS believes 
that there will be minimal impacts to the states and industry because 
we are adding a small number of species to the requirements. Therefore, 
NMFS is specifically requesting comments on whether the conservation 
benefits of these sorting requirements outweigh the costs.
    To analyze the effects of designating EC species, NMFS reviewed 
2013 and available 2014 data through September 2014 to assess whether 
there would be vessels affected by the designation of EC species. These 
would be vessels that landed proposed EC species and did not at any 
point participate in a fishery that requires VMS. Data for 2014 is 
incomplete, fish ticket data is about 90 percent complete through June, 
and less so for the following months. It is noted that the landings 
amounts of these species are uncertain as they may be landed in 
unspecified market categories and estimates based on compositional 
sampling of these landings. The chief effect on these vessels would be 
the need to carry a VMS MTU. For the new EC species, there were no 
reported landings of Alaska skate, Aleutian skate, black/roughtail 
skate, or giant grenadier. Data on ``unspecified'' grenadiers, 
``other'' skates, and ``unspecified'' skates were also reviewed. All of 
the unspecified grenadier landings were associated with vessels that at 
some time of the year, participated in the limited entry fishery, where 
VMS is required. These vessels did not harvest groundfish but harvested 
``unspecified'' skates, or because their groundfish landings were so 
small and that these landings could be made up of mostly ``other'' 
skates. Within these vessels there are six California registered 
vessels. These vessels were not U.S. Coast Guard documented. These same 
vessels typically also have very low total ex vessel revenues. Being 
state registered, not having a federal limited entry permit, not being 
U.S. Coast Guard documented, and having low revenues are all 
characteristics of vessels that typically do not fish beyond three 
miles and thus would not need to carry VMS. As a check on this 
analysis, NMFS also reviewed 2011 and 2012 data and expanded the 
analysis to other species. Based on these analyses, NMFS estimates 
there are about 10-20 vessels that potentially could be affected, 
largely vessels that fish for Highly Migratory Species (HMS). To land 
EC groundfish species, these vessels will have to acquire VMS MTUs. 
Until June 30, 2015, they can be reimbursed for up to $3,100 for the 
purchase, installation, and activation of a NOAA type-approved VMS MTU. 
Should vessels wish to avoid carrying VMS, these vessels will need to 
discard and not land EC groundfish species. For affected HMS vessels, 
NMFS has published two proposed rules concerning vessel monitoring 
requirements in the HMS fisheries. These vessels may have to obtain VMS 
MTUs if they participate in the the Drift Gillnet Fishery (79 FR 54950) 
or they target any fish of the genus Thunnus or of the species 
Euthynnus (Katsuwonus) pelamis (skipjack tuna) (79 FR 7152).

Harvest Specifications and Management Measures for the 2015-2016 
Biennial Period

Economic Effects
    Chapter 4 of the DEIS assesses the biological and socio-economic 
impacts of the alternatives. Chapter 4 also discusses the effects of 
the alternatives upon Essential Fish Habitat, the California Coastal 
Current Ecosystem, and protected species. Socio-economic effects were 
assessed by fishery, including shorebased IFQ, non-nearshore fixed 
gear, Pacific whiting, nearshore fixed gear, recreational fisheries, 
tribal fisheries, buyers and processors, and fishing communities. 
Effects on non-market/non-use values, vessel safety, and community 
social welfare were briefly summarized.

[[Page 706]]

    This analysis draws upon the major economic indicators used in 
Chapter 4 of the DEIS to assess the impacts of the alternatives: Ex-
vessel revenues, recreational trips, net accounting revenue (an 
indicator of profits), and personal income. Personal income impact 
captures earnings received by harvesters, processors, local input 
suppliers, and some retail businesses in the communities. Personal 
income impact results are also used to project the average change in 
employment and overall unemployment rates in each community under the 
alternatives.
    Four major alternatives were evaluated. They differ in terms of P*, 
and the ACLs associated with Dover sole, widow rockfish, and shortbelly 
rockfish. Most of the proposed ABCs are calculated using the sigma-P* 
process. The primary difference between the ABC under each alternatives 
is the use of different P* values to derive the ABC. Alternative 1 ABCs 
are based on a P* value of 0.45, Alternative 2 ABCs are based on a P* 
value of 0.25. The preferred alternative ABCs are based on a P* value 
of 0.45 with the exception of arrowtooth flounder, lingcod, longspine 
thornyhead, sablefish, shortspine thornyhead, spiny dogfish, starry 
flounder and Other Flatfish, which were based on a P* of 0.40. This is 
in contrast to no action where ABCs were based on a P* of 0.45 with the 
exception of arrowtooth, longspine thornyhead, sablefish, starry 
flounder, Other Flatfish, and Other Fish which were based on a P* of 
0.40, and spiny dogfish with a P* of 0.30. The ACLs for Dover sole 
change from 25,000 under no action to 50,000 mt under the preferred 
alternative; widow rockfish from 1,500 mt under the no action 
alternative to 2,000 mt under the preferred alternative, and shortbelly 
rockfish from 50 mt under the no action alternative to 500 mt under the 
preferred alternative.

No Action-P* Varied Among Species, Dover Sole (25,000 mt), Widow 
Rockfish (1,500 mt), and Shortbelly Rockfish (50 mt)

    The no action harvest specifications are those that were in place 
in 2014. When setting harvest specifications the Council generally 
proposes the same harvest control rules applied during the previous 
biennial period. Harvest control rules are the various rules and 
definitions used by the Council to establish ABCs and ACLs. For 
example, the ABC harvest control rule most consistently used by the 
Council is the application of P* and sigma values to an estimate of the 
overfishing level for a stock; the ``40-10'' and ``25-5'' precautionary 
adjustments are considered ACL harvest control rules. Default harvest 
control rules are not currently described in the PCGFMP. Under no 
action, total shoreside ex-vessel revenues from groundfish landings of 
$82.3 million are projected in 2014. This total includes the following 
projections for the shoreside groundfish sectors: Whiting trawl $22.5 
million; non-whiting trawl and non-trawl IFQ $28.9 million; limited 
entry fixed gear $11.8 million; nearshore open access $3.5 million; 
non-nearshore open access $4.9 million; tribal groundfish (including 
shoreside tribal whiting) $10.7 million; and incidental open access 
$0.1 million. In addition, $31.5 million ex-vessel revenue equivalent 
from at-sea non-tribal whiting (combined Motherships and Catcher 
Processors), and $9.1 million ex-vessel revenue equivalent from at-sea 
tribal whiting (Mothership) fisheries are projected under no action. 
These same amounts for the tribal and non-tribal at-sea whiting 
fisheries are also projected under all the action alternatives. There 
is no projected change from no action for groundfish landings by the 
incidental open access and at-sea whiting sectors under the action 
alternatives. Therefore, discussion of results for these sectors is 
omitted from the summary of impacts, below. Also, note that a small 
amount of revenue projected from groundfish landings by EFP and 
miscellaneous fisheries has been omitted from the tables and the 
relevant discussion of impacts.
    Total shoreside directed groundfish net accounting revenues 
(``profits'') for participating groundfish sectors are estimated to be 
$19.7 million under no action. Sectors with greatest estimated net 
revenues under no action are whiting ($10 million), non-whiting trawl 
($6.7 million), and limited entry fixed gear ($1.8 million). Projected 
angler effort levels under the no action alternative are derived from 
estimates developed independently by each state. No action for 
Washington's recreational fishery is based on total bottomfish plus 
Pacific halibut marine-area angler boat trips taken in 2012. For 
Oregon's fishery, the annual average of marine area bottomfish plus 
Pacific halibut angler boat trips recorded during 2010 to 2012 is used 
to quantify no action. California's angler effort level under no action 
is based on average annual bottomfish boat trips recorded during 2011-
2012. Under no action, 835,500 groundfish and Pacific halibut trips are 
projected coastwide. 62 percent of these are charter boat trips with 
the remainder taken on private boats. The breakdown by state is: 
Washington 33,600 trips (18,100 charter + 15,500 private), Oregon 
90,200 trips (38,500 charter + 51,600 private), and California 711,800 
(465,100 charter + 246,600 private).

Preferred Alternative: P* Value of 0.45 for Most Species. Dover Sole 
(50,000 mt), Widow Rockfish (2,000 mt), and Shortbelly Rockfish (500 
mt)

    The ACLs for most species are determined based on the ACLs being 
set equal to the ABCs with a P* value of 0.45. The ACLs for arrowtooth, 
lingcod south of 40[deg]10 N. lat., longspine thornyhead north and 
south of 34[deg]27' N. lat., sablefish north and south of 36[deg] N. 
lat., shortspine thornyhead north and south of 34[deg]27' N. lat., 
spiny dogfish, and starry flounder would be determined based on the 
ACLs being set equal to the ABCs with a P* value of 0.40. As described 
above for Alternative 1, ACLs may be set below the ABC, in which case 
the P* value does not necessarily determine the ACL. The impacts of 
adjusting and implementing new management measures (described in 
Section 2.1.2 of the DEIS) in response to the harvest specifications 
under preferred alternative are presented by fishery in Section 4.2 of 
the DEIS.
    The preferred alternative changes the ACLs for Dover sole, widow 
rockfish, and shortbelly rockfish; from the no action constant catch 
strategies of 25,000 mt, 1,500 mt, and 50 mt respectively for the three 
species to 50,000 mt, 2,000 mt, and 500 mt respectively. An additional 
ACL alternative of 3,000 mt for widow rockfish is analyzed in Chapter 
4. The status quo Minor Slope Rockfish complexes north and south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. are preferred; however, unlike status quo, a new 
management measure in the form of a sorting requirement would be 
specified for rougheye and blackspotted rockfish. An alternative 
structure for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes where rougheye/
blackspotted and shortraker rockfish are removed from the current 
complexes and managed in a new coastwide complex is analyzed in this 
EIS within Chapter 4.1.5. The preferred alternative for the Other Fish 
complex also differs from No Action. Spiny dogfish is removed from the 
status quo Other Fish complex and managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications. All the skates and Pacific grenadier currently managed 
under the Other Fish complex, along with all other endemic skates 
(other than longnose skate) and grenadiers are designated as EC 
species. Additionally, spotted ratfish, soupfin shark, and finescale 
codling are designated as EC species under the preferred alternative. 
The remaining stocks managed under the preferred

[[Page 707]]

Other Fish complex are the California, Oregon, and Washington stocks of 
kelp greenling; the Washington stock of cabezon; and leopard shark.
    The preferred alternative includes additional items resulting from 
actions taken at the June 2014 Council meeting including (1) increases 
in tribal set asides for English sole, Pacific cod, widow rockfish and 
yellowtail rockfish; (2) change in yelloweye rockfish allocations 
between non-nearshore and nearshore, addressed through RCA adjustments; 
(3) elimination of the winter spawning closure for lingcod north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. (reduction in length of closure time in California); 
(4) change in Minor Slope Rockfish trip limits for the non-nearshore 
sector; (5) the adopted harvest guideline (HG) and management scheme 
for Minor Nearshore Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat.; and (6) some 
adjustments and changes to RCA lines.
    Total shoreside sectors' ex-vessel revenue under the preferred 
alternative is projected to be the highest among the action 
alternatives. Compared with no action, total shoreside ex-vessel 
revenue under the preferred alternative is projected to increase by $16 
million (20 percent) in 2015. Projected revenues are higher than under 
no action for every shorebased groundfish sector. The greatest absolute 
and percentage increase in revenue is projected for the IFQ sector: 
$12.8 million (45 percent) in 2015. Total shoreside directed groundfish 
net accounting revenues (``profits'') for participating groundfish 
sectors are projected to be $8.8 million higher under the preferred 
alternative than under no action. The sector with greatest estimated 
absolute change in net revenues over no action is non-whiting trawl, 
which increases by $6.7 million (100 percent). The largest increase in 
percentage terms is open access nearshore, which increases by $0.5 
million (132 percent).
    Under the preferred alternative, an increase of 11,600 angler trips 
is projected from no action coastwide. All of the increase occurs in 
California. Trips increase by 1,600 (20 percent) in the Mendocino 
region, 5,600 (11 percent) in the San Francisco region and 4,400 (4 
percent) in the Central region. No change from no action is projected 
for California's Northern and Southern management areas or for 
recreational fisheries in Washington and Oregon.

Alternative 1--Use a P* Value of 0.45. Dover Sole (25,000 mt), Widow 
Rockfish (1,500 mt), and Shortbelly Rockfish (50 mt)

    Where applicable, ABCs are determined based on a P* value of 0.45, 
and the ACL is set equal to the ABC. The rightmost column in Table 2-4 
shows the ACL Harvest Control Rule (HCR) for each stock under 
Alternative 1. For several stocks, the ACL is set below the ABC and so 
the P* value does not necessarily determine the ACL. Instances where 
the ACL is below the ACL include specification of a fixed or constant 
catch level, precautionary adjustments using the 40-10 and 25-5 rules, 
and the use of the harvest rate specified in a rebuilding plan. The 
impacts of adjusting and implementing new management measures 
(described in Section 2.1.2) in response to the harvest specifications 
under Alternative 1 are presented by fishery in Section 4.2. The no 
action ACLs of 25,000 mt and 1,500 mt for Dover sole and widow rockfish 
respectively are analyzed under Alternative 1. The Minor Slope Rockfish 
and Other Fish complexes under Alternative 1 are structured the same as 
under the preferred alternative. Under this alternative projected 
revenues are higher than no action for every shorebased groundfish 
sector. The greatest absolute increase in revenue is projected for the 
IFQ sector: $4.9 million (17 percent) in 2015. The greatest percentage 
increase in revenue is projected for the nearshore open access sector: 
$0.8 million (24 percent) in 2015. Total shoreside directed groundfish 
net accounting revenues (``profits'') for participating groundfish 
sectors are projected to be $4.1 million higher under the Alternative 
than under no action. The sector with greatest estimated absolute 
change in net revenues over no action is non-whiting trawl, which 
increases by $2 million (29 percent). The largest increase in 
percentage terms is open access nearshore, which increases by $0.5 
million (132 percent).

Alternative 2--Use a P* Value of 0.25. Dover Sole (25,000 mt), Widow 
Rockfish (1,500 mt), and Shortbelly Rockfish (50 mt)

    Where applicable, ACLs are determined based on the ACLs being set 
equal to the ABCs with a P* value of 0.25. As described above for 
alternative 1, ACLs may be set below the ABC, in which case the P* 
value does not necessarily determine the ACL. Instances where the ACL 
is below the ABC include specification of a fixed or constant catch 
level, precautionary adjustments using the 40-10 and 25-5 rules, and 
the use of the harvest rate specified in a rebuilding plan. The impacts 
of adjusting and implementing new management measures (described in 
Section 2.1.2) in response to the harvest specifications under 
alternative 2 are presented by fishery in Section 4.2. The no action 
ACLs of 25,000 mt and 1,500 mt for Dover sole and widow rockfish 
respectively are analyzed under Alternative 2. The Minor Slope Rockfish 
and Other Fish complexes under alternative 2 are structured the same as 
under the preferred alternative, but the ACLs are based on setting the 
contribution ABCs of component stocks. Total aggregated shoreside 
sectors' ex-vessel revenue under alternative 2 is projected to be the 
lowest among the action alternatives. Compared with no action, under 
alternative 2 total shoreside ex-vessel revenue is projected to 
decrease by $0.4 million (-1 percent) in 2015, and increase by $1.8 
million (2 percent) in 2016. Projected revenue changes from no action 
under alternative 2 across groundfish sectors are mixed. The greatest 
absolute increase in revenue for 2015 is projected for the nearshore 
open access sector at $0.5 million (13 percent). In 2016, the largest 
increases are projected for the nearshore open access sector at $0.5 
million (13 percent) and limited entry fixed gear sector at $0.5 
million (4 percent). The greatest absolute decrease in revenue for 2015 
is projected for the limited entry fixed gear sector at -$0.6 million 
(-5 percent) in 2015, and the non-whiting IFQ sector at -$0.1 million 
(-0.2 percent) in 2016. The largest percentage increase in both 2015 
and 2016 is projected for the nearshore open access sector at 13 
percent ($0.5 million). The largest percentage decreases are for the 
non-nearshore open access sector in 2015 at -5 percent (-$0.3 million), 
and the non-whiting IFQ sector at -0.2 percent (-$0.1 million) in 2016.
    Total shoreside directed groundfish net accounting revenues 
(``profits'') for participating groundfish sectors are projected to be 
$0.1 million lower under the alternative in 2015 than under no action. 
The sector with greatest estimated absolute decline in net revenues 
over no action is non-whiting trawl, which decreases by $0.3 million (-
4 percent). The sector with greatest estimated increase in net revenues 
over no action in both absolute and percentage terms is open access 
nearshore, which increases by $0.3 million (70 percent). The sector 
with the largest decrease in percentage terms is open access non-
nearshore, which decreases by $0.1 million (-23 percent).
    Under the preferred alternative coastwide non-whiting ex-vessel 
revenue is projected to increase by $16 million in 2015 compared to no 
action 2014 ACLs and management measures. This represents a $19.3 
million increase from annual average inflation-adjusted

[[Page 708]]

ex-vessel revenue from 2003-2012. Recreational angler trips are 
expected to increase between 167,000 and 3.9 million marine angler 
trips depending on the management option chosen under the preferred 
alternative. Coastwide combined commercial plus recreational fishery 
income impacts under the preferred alternative are projected to 
increase over no action by $27.3 million (11 percent) under California 
recreational option 1 and by $26.3 million (10 percent) under 
California recreational option 2, but decrease by $49.2 million (-19 
percent) under California recreational option 3. The main differences 
between California options concern season lengths in the five 
recreational management areas (See Table 4-152 in the DEIS). Generally 
speaking, option 1 has greater season lengths than no action, extending 
all five areas to 10 month seasons. Option 2, slightly reduces these 
seasons, while option 3 reduces seasons to for all five areas to 3 
month periods.
    In summary, for commercial fisheries, alternatives were compared 
using ex-vessel revenues and net accounting revenues (``profits''). In 
comparison to the no action alternative, the preferred alternative 
increases ex-vessel revenues by $16 million and net accounting revenues 
by $9 million. Alternative 1 increases ex-vessels revenues by $5 
million and net accounting revenues by $4 million. Alternative 2 leads 
to a negligible decrease in ex-vessel revenues and net accounting 
benefits.
    For recreational fisheries, under the preferred alternative, a 
coastwide increase of 11,600 angler trips is projected compared to the 
no action alternative. All of the increase occurs in California. Trips 
increase by 1,600 (20 percent) in the Mendocino region, 5,600 (11 
percent) in the San Francisco region and 4,400 (4 percent) in the 
Central region. No change from no action is projected for California's 
Northern and Southern management areas or for recreational fisheries in 
Washington and Oregon. For Alternatives 1 and 2, three California 
recreational sub-options were analyzed. Generally speaking, option 1 
has greater season lengths. The season length for Mendocino, San 
Francisco, and Central regions are increased to 10 month seasons. 
Option 2, slightly reduces these seasons, while option 3 reduces 
seasons for all five areas to 3 month periods. Of these options, only 
alternative 1 combined with option 1 or option 2 led to higher levels 
of recreational trips than the preferred alternative. Under alternative 
1, an increase of 25,800 angler trips is projected from no action 
coastwide. All of the increase occurs in California. Trips increase by 
4,400 (22 percent) in the Northern region, 3,700 (47 percent) in the 
Mendocino region, 8,900 (18 percent) in the San Francisco region and 
8,800 (8 percent) in the Central region. No change from no action is 
projected for California's Southern region or for recreational 
fisheries in Washington and Oregon. Alternative 1 when combined with 
option 2 leads to a projected an increase of 16,700 angler trips is 
projected in comparison to no action, all in California. Trips increase 
by 2,700 (13 percent) in the Northern region, 2,900 (37 percent) in the 
Mendocino region, 6,700 (13 percent) in the San Francisco region and 
4,400 (4 percent) in the Central region. No change from no action is 
projected for California's Southern region or for recreational 
fisheries in Washington and Oregon. For both alternatives 1 and 2, 
option 3 led to a loss in about 400 trips compared to no action.
    Although the general intent is to provide increased recreational 
opportunities where possible, there are concerns about ensuring that 
recreational catch of overfished species remain within appropriate 
limits. The preferred alternative reflects a season structure that 
prioritizes increasing season lengths when possible, but maintains a 
precautionary approach, while, in particular, recognizing the 
constraints imposed from preventing the overfishing of canary and minor 
nearshore rockfish. Compared to the 2014 season structure, the proposal 
for 2015-2016 season structure would provide a modest increase in 
season length in the Mendocino management area (2 months), the San 
Francisco management area (6 weeks) and the Central management area 
(one month), while the Southern management area would maintain its 
season length but allow for an increase in allowable fishing depth to 
60 fathoms. The Northern area would remain at status-quo seasons and 
depths.
    The economic impact (commercial and recreational income and jobs) 
of the preferred alternative is about 11 percent higher than that of 
the no action alternative. The preferred alternative leads to $286 
million in coastal income and 5,700 jobs. Alternative 1 and option 1, 
leads to a 7 percent increase in economic impact compared to no action 
and alternative 2 and option 1 leads to no change in economic impact 
from no action. All community groups show an increase in income and 
jobs. Most communities, under the preferred alternative are projected 
to have a double-digit increase in income and jobs.
    To determine the number of small entities potentially affected by 
this rule, NMFS reviewed analyses of fish ticket data and limited entry 
permit data, the DEIS associated with this rulemaking, which includes 
information on charterboat, tribal, and open access fleets, and 
available cost-earnings data developed by the NMFS Northwest Fisheries 
Science Center, responses associated with the permitting process for 
the trawl rationalization program where applicants were asked if they 
considered themselves a small business based on SBA definitions. This 
rule will regulate businesses that harvest groundfish.
    NMFS makes the following conclusions based primarily on analyses 
associated with fish ticket data, limited entry permit data, previous 
analysis of the charterboat and tribal fleets, NMFS expertise, and the 
DEIS associated with this rule making. As part of the permitting 
process for Trawl rationalization program or to participate in non- 
trawl limited entry permit fisheries, applicants were asked if they 
considered themselves a small business. NMFS reviewed the ownership and 
affiliation relationships of quota share permit holders, vessel account 
holders, catcher processor permits, mothership processing, and first 
receiver/shore processor permits. Based on this review, there are an 
estimated 102 unique small businesses and 21 large businesses that 
participate in this Trawl Rationalization Program. In the non-trawl 
limited entry program, there are 222 small businesses. Open access 
vessels are not federally permitted so counts based on landings can 
provide an estimate of the affected. The DEIS analysis for the 2013-
2014 Pacific Groundfish Specifications and Management Measures 
contained the following assessment which are deemed reasonable 
estimates for this rule, as these fisheries have not changed 
significantly in recent years. In 2011, 682 directed open access 
vessels fished while 284 incidental open access vessels fished for a 
total of 966 vessels. Over the 2005-2010 period, 1,583 different 
directed open access vessels fished and 837 different incidental open 
access vessels fished for a total of 2,420 different vessels. According 
to the DEIS, over the 2008-2010 period, 447 to 470 charterboats 
participated in the groundfish fishery. The four tribal fleets sum to a 
total of 54 longline vessels, 5 whiting trawlers, and 5 non-whiting 
trawlers, for a grand total of 64 vessels. Available information on 
average revenue per vessel suggests that all the entities in these 
groups can be considered small.

[[Page 709]]

    The above analysis suggests that there are approximately 1,400 
small entities involved in the fishery. The economic impact (commercial 
and recreational income and jobs) of the preferred alternative is about 
11 percent higher than that of the no action alternative. Therefore, 
NMFS believes this rule will have a positive impact on both small and 
large entities. Through the rulemaking process associated with this 
action, we are requesting comments on this conclusion.
    There are no Federal reporting and recordkeeping requirements 
associated with this action. There are no relevant Federal rules that 
may duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this action.
    NMFS issued Biological Opinions under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) on August 10, 1990, November 26, 1991, August 28, 1992, September 
27, 1993, May 14, 1996, and December 15, 1999 pertaining to the effects 
of the PCGFMP fisheries on Chinook salmon (Puget Sound, Snake River 
spring/summer, Snake River fall, upper Columbia River spring, lower 
Columbia River, upper Willamette River, Sacramento River winter, 
Central Valley spring, California coastal), coho salmon (Central 
California coastal, southern Oregon/northern California coastal), chum 
salmon (Hood Canal summer, Columbia River), sockeye salmon (Snake 
River, Ozette Lake), and steelhead (upper, middle and lower Columbia 
River, Snake River Basin, upper Willamette River, central California 
coast, California Central Valley, south/central California, northern 
California, southern California). These biological opinions have 
concluded that implementation of the PCGFMP is not expected to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species under the jurisdiction of NMFS, or result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat.
    NMFS issued a Supplemental Biological Opinion on March 11, 2006 
concluding that neither the higher observed bycatch of Chinook in the 
2005 whiting fishery nor new data regarding salmon bycatch in the 
groundfish bottom trawl fishery required a reconsideration of its prior 
``no jeopardy'' conclusion. NMFS also reaffirmed its prior 
determination that implementation of the PCGFMP is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any of the affected ESUs. Lower 
Columbia River coho (70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005) and Oregon Coastal 
coho (73 FR 7816, February 11, 2008) were recently relisted as 
threatened under the ESA. The 1999 biological opinion concluded that 
the bycatch of salmonids in the Pacific whiting fishery were almost 
entirely Chinook salmon, with little or no bycatch of coho, chum, 
sockeye, and steelhead.
    NMFS has reinitiated section 7 consultation on the PCGFMP with 
respect to its effects on listed salmonids. In the event the 
consultation identifies either reasonable and prudent alternatives to 
address jeopardy concerns or reasonable and prudent measures to 
minimize incidental take, NMFS would exercise necessary authorities in 
coordination to the extent possible with the Council to put such 
additional alternatives or measures into place. After reviewing the 
available information, NMFS has concluded that, consistent with 
sections 7(a)(2) and 7(d) of the ESA, this action will not jeopardize 
any listed species, would not adversely modify any designated critical 
habitat, and will not result in any irreversible or irretrievable 
commitment of resources that would have the effect of foreclosing the 
formulation or implementation of any reasonable and prudent alternative 
measures.
    On December 7, 2012, NMFS completed a biological opinion concluding 
that the groundfish fishery is not likely to jeopardize non-salmonid 
marine species including listed eulachon, green sturgeon, humpback 
whales, Steller sea lions, and leatherback sea turtles. The opinion 
also concludes that the fishery is not likely to adversely modify 
critical habitat for green sturgeon and leatherback sea turtles. An 
analysis included in the same document as the opinion concludes that 
the fishery is not likely to adversely affect green sea turtles, olive 
ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, sei whales, North Pacific 
right whales, blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Southern Resident 
killer whales, Guadalupe fur seals, or the critical habitat for Steller 
sea lions.
    On November 21, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 
issued a biological opinion concluding that the groundfish fishery will 
not jeopardize the continued existence of the short-tailed albatross. 
The (FWS) also concurred that the fishery is not likely to adversely 
affect the marbled murrelet, California least tern, southern sea otter, 
bull trout, nor bull trout critical habitat.
    This proposed rule would not alter the effects on marine mammals 
over what has already been considered for the fishery. West Coast pot 
fisheries for sablefish are considered Category II fisheries under the 
MMPA's List of Fisheries, indicating occasional interactions. All other 
West Coast groundfish fisheries, including the trawl fishery, are 
considered Category III fisheries under the MMPA, indicating a remote 
likelihood of or no known serious injuries or mortalities to marine 
mammals. On February 27, 2012, NMFS published notice that the 
incidental taking of Steller sea lions in the West Coast groundfish 
fisheries is addressed in NMFS' December 29, 2010 Negligible Impact 
Determination (NID) and this fishery has been added to the list of 
fisheries authorized to take Steller sea lions (77 FR 11493, February 
27, 2012). On September 4, 2013, based on its negligible impact 
determination dated August 28, 2013, NMFS issued a permit for a period 
of three years to authorize the incidental taking of humpback whales by 
the sablefish pot fishery (78 FR 54553, September 4, 2013).
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, this proposed rule was developed 
after meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials 
from the area covered by the PCGFMP. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 
16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(5), one of the voting members of the Pacific Council 
must be a representative of an Indian tribe with federally recognized 
fishing rights from the area of the Council's jurisdiction. In 
addition, regulations implementing the PCGFMP establish a procedure by 
which the tribes with treaty fishing rights in the area covered by the 
PCGFMP request new allocations or regulations specific to the tribes, 
in writing, before the first of the two meetings at which the Council 
considers groundfish management measures. The regulations at 50 CFR 
660.324(d) further state ``the Secretary will develop tribal 
allocations and regulations under this paragraph in consultation with 
the affected tribe(s) and, insofar as possible, with tribal 
consensus''. The tribal management measures in this proposed rule have 
been developed following these procedures. The tribal representative on 
the Council made a motion to adopt the non-whiting tribal management 
measures, which was passed by the Council. Those management measures, 
which were developed and proposed by the tribes, are included in this 
proposed rule.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660

    Fisheries, Fishing, Indian Fisheries.


[[Page 710]]


    Dated: December 18, 2014.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  660.11 revise the definitions in alphabetical order for 
``Groundfish'' paragraphs (1), (2), (5), introductory (7), introductory 
(7)(i), and paragraphs (7)(ii), (7)(iii), (9) and (10), ``North-South 
management area'' definition paragraph (2)(v), and the definitions for 
``Office of Law Enforcement'', ``Regional Administrator'', and 
``Sustainable Fisheries Division'' to read as follows:


Sec.  660.11  General definitions.

* * * * *
    Groundfish means species in the PCGFMP, specifically:
    (1) Sharks: Leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata; soupfin shark, 
Galeorhinus zyopterus; spiny dogfish, Squalus suckleyi.
    (2) Skates: ``Skates'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and species 
in the family Arhynchobatidae that occur off Washington, Oregon, and 
California, including but not limited to Aleutian skate, Bathyraja 
aleutica; Bering/sandpaper skate, B. interrupta; big skate, Raja 
binoculata; California skate, R. inornata; longnose skate, R. rhina; 
roughtail/black skate, B. trachura.
* * * * *
    (5) Grenadiers: ``Grenadiers'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and 
species in the family Macrouridae that occur off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, including but not limited to Giant grenadier, 
Albatrossia pectoralis; Pacific grenadier, Coryphaenoides acrolepis.
* * * * *
    (7) Rockfish: ``Rockfish'' in the PCGFMP include all genera and 
species of the family Scorpaenidae that occur off Washington, Oregon, 
and California, even if not listed below, including longspine 
thornyhead, Sebastolobus altivelis, and shortspine thornyhead, S. 
alascanus. Where species below are listed both in a geographic category 
(nearshore, shelf, slope) and as an area-specific listing (north or 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat.) those species are managed within a 
``minor'' rockfish complex in that area-specific listing.
    (i) Nearshore rockfish includes black rockfish, Sebastes melanops 
and the following nearshore rockfish species managed in ``minor 
rockfish'' complexes:
* * * * *
    (ii) Shelf rockfish includes bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; canary 
rockfish, S. pinniger; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; 
shortbelly rockfish, S. jordani; widow rockfish, S. entomelas; 
yelloweye rockfish, S. ruberrimus; yellowtail rockfish, S. flavidus and 
the following shelf rockfish species managed in ``minor rockfish'' 
complexes:
    (A) Shelf Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Bronzespotted 
rockfish, S. gilli; bocaccio, S. paucispinis; chameleon rockfish, S. 
phillipsi; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; dusky rockfish, S. 
ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, S. 
rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched 
rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; 
greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. 
semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. 
umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; 
pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe 
rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy 
rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled 
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, 
S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. 
crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. 
nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus.
    (B) Shelf Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Bronzespotted 
rockfish, S. gilli; chameleon rockfish, S. phillipsi; dusky rockfish, 
S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, S. 
rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched 
rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; 
greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. 
semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. 
umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; 
pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe 
rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy 
rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled 
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, 
S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. 
crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. 
nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus; yellowtail rockfish, S. 
flavidus.
    (iii) Slope rockfish includes darkblotched rockfish, S. crameri; 
Pacific ocean perch, S. alutus; splitnose rockfish, S. diploproa; and 
the following slope rockfish species managed in ``minor rockfish'' 
complexes:
    (A) Slope Rockfish North of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Aurora rockfish, 
Sebastes aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; redbanded 
rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, S. aleutianus; sharpchin 
rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, S. borealis; splitnose 
rockfish, S. diploproa; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
    (B) Slope Rockfish South of 40[deg]10' N. lat.: Aurora rockfish, 
Sebastes aurora; bank rockfish, S. rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. 
melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; Pacific ocean 
perch, S. alutus; redbanded rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, 
S. aleutianus; sharpchin rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, 
S. borealis; yellowmouth rockfish, S. reedi.
* * * * *
    (9) ``Other fish'': kelp greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus), 
leopard shark (Trakis semifasciata), and cabezon (Scorpaenichthys 
marmoratus) in waters off Washington.
    (10) ``Ecosystem component species'' means species that are 
included in the PCGFMP but are not ``in the fishery'' and therefore not 
actively managed and do not require harvest specifications. Ecosystem 
component species are not targeted in any fishery, not generally 
retained for sale or personal use, and are not determined to be subject 
to overfishing, approaching an overfished condition, or overfished, nor 
are they likely to become subject to overfishing or overfished in the 
absence of conservation and management measures. Ecosystem component 
species include: All skates listed here in paragraph (2), except 
longnose skate; all grenadiers listed here in paragraph (5); soupfin 
shark; ratfish; and finescale codling.
* * * * *
    North-South management area
    (2) * * *
    (v) Columbia River--46[deg]16.00' N. lat.
* * * * *
    Office of Law Enforcement or OLE refers to the National Marine 
Fisheries Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Western Division.
* * * * *

[[Page 711]]

    Regional Administrator means the Administrator, West Coast Region, 
NMFS.
* * * * *
    Sustainable Fisheries Division or SFD means the Assistant Regional 
Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, West Coast Regional 
Office, NMFS, or a designee.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  660.40, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  660.40  Overfished species rebuilding plans.

* * * * *
    (c) Cowcod. Cowcod was declared overfished in 2000. The target year 
for rebuilding the cowcod stock south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. to 
B<INF>MSY</INF> is 2020. The harvest control rule to be used to rebuild 
the cowcod stock is an annual SPR harvest rate of 82.7 percent.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec.  660.50, revise paragraphs (f)(2)(ii), (f)(5), and (7) and 
add paragraph (f)(8) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.50  Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The Tribal allocation is 479 mt in 2015 and 524 mt in 2016 per 
year. This allocation is, for each year, 10 percent of the Monterey 
through Vancouver area (North of 36[deg] N. lat.) ACL. The Tribal 
allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent for estimated discard mortality.
* * * * *
    (5) Pacific cod. There is a tribal harvest guideline of 500 mt of 
Pacific cod per year. The tribes will manage their fisheries to stay 
within this harvest guideline.
* * * * *
    (7) Yellowtail rockfish. Yellowtail rockfish taken in the directed 
tribal mid-water trawl fisheries are subject to a catch limit of 1,000 
mt for the entire fleet, per year.
    (8) Spiny dogfish. Spiny dogfish taken in the treaty fisheries are 
subject to an overall expected total spiny dogfish catch of 275 mt per 
year.
* * * * *
0
5. In Sec.  660.60, add paragraphs (b)(i) and (ii) and revise paragraph 
(c)(1)(i) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.60  Specifications and management measures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (i) Except for Pacific whiting, every biennium, NMFS will implement 
OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable, for each species or species group 
based on the harvest controls used in the previous biennium (referred 
to as default harvest control rules) applied to the best available 
scientific information. The default harvest control rules for each 
species or species group are listed in Appendix F to the PCGFMP and the 
biennial SAFE document. NMFS may implement OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if 
applicable, that vary from the default harvest control rules based on a 
Council recommendation.
    (ii) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Trip landing and frequency limits, size limits, all gear. Trip 
landing and frequency limits have been designated as routine for the 
following species or species groups: widow rockfish, canary rockfish, 
yellowtail rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye rockfish, black 
rockfish, blue rockfish, splitnose rockfish, blackgill rockfish in the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., chilipepper, bocaccio, cowcod, minor 
nearshore rockfish or shallow and deeper minor nearshore rockfish, 
shelf or minor shelf rockfish, and minor slope rockfish; Dover sole, 
sablefish, shortspine thornyheads, and longspine thornyheads; petrale 
sole, rex sole, arrowtooth flounder, Pacific sanddabs, and the other 
flatfish complex, which is composed of those species plus any other 
flatfish species listed at Sec.  660.11; Pacific whiting; lingcod; 
Pacific cod; spiny dogfish; longnose skate; cabezon in Oregon and 
California and ``other fish'' as a complex described at Sec.  660.11. 
In addition to the species and species groups listed above, sub-limits 
or aggregate limits may be specified, specific to the Shorebased IFQ 
Program, for the following species: big skate, California skate, 
California scorpionfish, leopard shark, soupfin shark, finescale 
codling, Pacific rattail (grenadier), ratfish, kelp greenling, 
shortbelly, and cabezon in Washington. Size limits have been designated 
as routine for sablefish and lingcod. Trip landing and frequency limits 
and size limits for species with those limits designated as routine may 
be imposed or adjusted on a biennial or more frequent basis for the 
purpose of keeping landings within the harvest levels announced by 
NMFS, and for the other purposes given in paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A) and 
(B) of this section.
* * * * *
0
6. In Sec.  660.72:
0
a. Redesignate paragraphs (f)(199) through (f)(211) as paragraphs 
(f)(200) through (f)(212);
0
b. Revise paragraph (c) and newly redesignated paragraph (f)(207);
0
c. Add paragraph (f)(199) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.72  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m) 
through 75 fm (137 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) 34[deg]08.40' N. lat., 120[deg]33.78' W. long.;
    (2) 34[deg]07.80' N. lat., 120[deg]30.99' W. long.;
    (3) 34[deg]08.42' N. lat., 120[deg]27.92' W. long.;
    (4) 34[deg]09.31' N. lat., 120[deg]27.81' W. long.;
    (5) 34[deg]05.85' N. lat., 120[deg]17.13' W. long.;
    (6) 34[deg]05.73' N. lat., 120[deg]05.93' W. long.;
    (7) 34[deg]06.14' N. lat., 120[deg]04.86' W. long.;
    (8) 34[deg]05.70' N. lat., 120[deg]03.17' W. long.;
    (9) 34[deg]05.67' N. lat., 119[deg]58.98' W. long.;
    (10) 34[deg]06.34' N. lat., 119[deg]56.78' W. long.;
    (11) 34[deg]05.57' N. lat., 119[deg]51.35' W. long.;
    (12) 34[deg]07.08' N. lat., 119[deg]52.43' W. long.;
    (13) 34[deg]04.49' N. lat., 119[deg]35.55' W. long.;
    (14) 34[deg]04.73' N. lat., 119[deg]32.77' W. long.;
    (15) 34[deg]02.02' N. lat., 119[deg]19.18' W. long.;
    (16) 34[deg]01.03' N. lat., 119[deg]19.50' W. long.;
    (17) 33[deg]59.45' N. lat., 119[deg]22.38' W. long.;
    (18) 33[deg]58.68' N. lat., 119[deg]32.36' W. long.;
    (19) 33[deg]56.43' N. lat., 119[deg]41.13' W. long.;
    (20) 33[deg]56.04' N. lat., 119[deg]48.20' W. long.;
    (21) 33[deg]57.32' N. lat., 119[deg]51.96' W. long.;
    (22) 33[deg]59.32' N. lat., 119[deg]55.59' W. long.;
    (23) 33[deg]57.52' N. lat., 119[deg]55.19' W. long.;
    (24) 33[deg]56.26' N. lat., 119[deg]54.29' W. long.;
    (25) 33[deg]54.30' N. lat., 119[deg]54.83' W. long.;
    (26) 33[deg]50.97' N. lat., 119[deg]57.03' W. long.;
    (27) 33[deg]50.25' N. lat., 120[deg]00.00' W. long.;
    (28) 33[deg]50.03' N. lat., 120[deg]03.00' W. long.;
    (29) 33[deg]51.06' N. lat., 120[deg]03.73' W. long.;
    (30) 33[deg]54.49' N. lat., 120[deg]12.85' W. long.;

[[Page 712]]

    (31) 33[deg]58.90' N. lat., 120[deg]20.15' W. long.;
    (32) 34[deg]00.71' N. lat., 120[deg]28.21' W. long.;
    (33) 34[deg]02.20' N. lat., 120[deg]30.37' W. long.;
    (34) 34[deg]03.60' N. lat., 120[deg]30.60' W. long.;
    (35) 34[deg]06.96' N. lat., 120[deg]34.22' W. long.;
    (36) 34[deg]08.01' N. lat., 120[deg]35.24' W. long.; and
    (37) 34[deg]08.40' N. lat., 120[deg]33.78' W. long.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (199) 32[deg]56.00' N. lat., 117[deg]19.16' W. long.;
* * * * *
    (207) 32[deg]44.89' N. lat., 117[deg]21.89' W. long.;
* * * * *
0
7. In Sec.  660.73, paragraph (a)(123) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  660.73  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 100 fm (183 
m) through 150 fm (274 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (123) 43[deg] 56.07' N. lat., 124[deg] 55.41' W. long.;
* * * * *
0
8. In Sec.  660.74:
0
a. Remove paragraphs (l)(80) through (l)(82);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (l)(83) through (l)(245) as (l)(87) through 
(l)(249);
0
c. Add paragraphs (l)(80) through (l)(86) to read as follows:


Sec.  660.74  Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 180 fm (329 
m) through 250 fm (457 m) depth contours.

* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (80) 44[deg]48.25' N. lat., 124[deg]40.61' W. long.;
    (81) 44[deg]42.24' N. lat., 124[deg]48.05' W. long.;
    (82) 44[deg]41.35' N. lat., 124[deg]48.03' W. long.;
    (83) 44[deg]40.27' N. lat., 124[deg]49.11' W. long.;
    (84) 44[deg]38.52' N. lat., 124[deg]49.11' W. long.;
    (85) 44[deg]21.73' N. lat., 124[deg]49.82' W. long.;
    (86) 44[deg]17.57' N. lat., 124[deg]55.04' W. long.;
* * * * *
0
9. Tables 1a through 1d, Subpart C are revised to read as follows:

[[Page 713]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JA15.057

    a/ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and 
harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total catch values.
    b/ Fishery harvest guidelines means the harvest guideline or quota 
after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian

[[Page 714]]

tribes allocations and projected catch, projected research catch, 
deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and 
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
    c/ Bocaccio. A bocaccio stock assessment update was conducted in 
2013 for the bocaccio stock between the U.S.-Mexico border and Cape 
Blanco. The stock is managed with stock-specific harvest specifications 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex 
north of 40[deg]10 N. lat. A historical catch distribution of 
approximately 6 percent was used to apportion the assessed stock to the 
area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The bocaccio stock was estimated to be 
at 31.4 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 1,444 mt is 
projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy 
of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 1,380 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The 349 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2022 and an SPR harvest rate of 77.7 percent. 
8.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (0.7 mt), EFP catch (3.0 mt) and research catch (4.6 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 340.7 mt. The California recreational 
fishery has an HG of 178.8 mt.
    d/ Canary rockfish. A canary rockfish stock assessment update was 
conducted in 2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 23.2 percent of 
its unfished biomass coastwide in 2011. The coastwide OFL of 733 mt is 
projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 701 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL of 122 mt is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2030 and an SPR harvest rate of 88.7 percent. 
15.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (7.7 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), EFP catch (1.0 mt) and 
research catch (4.5 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 106.8 mt. 
Recreational HGs are: 3.4 mt (Washington); 11.7 mt (Oregon); and 24.3 
mt (California).
    e/ Cowcod. A stock assessment for the Conception Area was conducted 
in 2013 and the stock was estimated to be at 33.9 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. The Conception Area OFL of 55.0 mt is 
projected in the 2013 rebuilding analysis using an F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The OFL contribution of 11.6 mt 
for the unassessed portion of the stock in the Monterey area is based 
on depletion-based stock reduction analysis. The OFLs for the Monterey 
and Conception areas were summed to derive the south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. OFL of 66.6 mt. The ABC for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
is 59.9 mt. The assessed portion of the stock in the Conception Area is 
considered category 2, with a Conception area contribution to the ABC 
of 50.2 mt, which is an 8.7 percent reduction from the Conception area 
OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45). The unassessed portion of the stock in the 
Monterey area is considered a category 3 stock, with a contribution to 
the ABC of 9.7 mt, which is a 16.6 percent reduction from the Monterey 
area OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.45). A single ACL of 10.0 mt is being set 
for both areas combined. The ACL of 10.0 mt is based on the rebuilding 
plan with a target year to rebuild of 2020 and an SPR harvest rate of 
82.7 percent, which is equivalent to an exploitation rate (catch over 
age 11+ biomass) of 0.007. 2.0 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate EFP fishing (less than 0.02 mt) and research activity (2.0 
mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 8.0 mt. Any additional mortality in 
research activities will be deducted from the ACL. A single ACT of 4.0 
mt is being set for both areas combined.
    f/ Darkblotched rockfish. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the 
stock to be at 36 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 
574 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 549 mt 
is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's 
a category 1 stock. The ACL of 338 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2025 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 64.9 percent. 20.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (0.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (18.4 mt), EFP catch (0.1 mt) and research catch (2.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 317.2 mt.
    g/ Pacific Ocean Perch. A POP stock assessment was conducted in 
2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 19.1 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2011. The OFL of 842 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 805 mt is 
a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL of 158 mt is based on the current rebuilding 
plan with a target year to rebuild of 2051 and an SPR harvest rate of 
86.4 percent. 15 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (9.2 mt), the incidental open access fishery (0.6 mt), and 
research catch (5.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 143.0 mt.
    h/ Petrale sole. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the stock to be 
at 22.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 2,946 mt is 
projected in the 2013 assessment using an F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 2,816 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL 
is based on the 25-5 harvest control rule specified in the current 
rebuilding plan; since the stock is projected to be rebuilt at the 
start of 2014, the ACL is set equal to the ABC. 236.6 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 mt), the incidental 
open access fishery (2.4 mt), and research catch (14.2 mt), resulting 
in a fishery HG of 2,579.4 mt.
    i/ Yelloweye rockfish. A stock assessment update was conducted in 
2011. The stock was estimated to be at 21.4 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2011. The 52 mt coastwide OFL was projected in the 2011 
rebuilding analysis using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 43 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. The 18 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2074 and an SPR harvest rate of 76.0 percent. 
5.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2.3 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (0.2 mt), EFP catch (0.03 mt) 
and research catch (3.3 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 12.2 mt. 
Recreational HGs are: 2.9 mt (Washington); 2.6 mt (Oregon); and 3.4 mt 
(California).
    j/ Arrowtooth flounder. The arrowtooth flounder stock was last 
assessed in 2007 and was estimated to be at 79 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2007. The OFL of 6,599 mt is derived from the 2007 
assessment using an F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. 
The ABC of 5,497 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal 
to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 2,087 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (30 mt), and research catch (16.4 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 3,410 mt.
    k/ Black rockfish south (Oregon and California). A stock assessment 
was conducted for black rockfish south of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape 
Falcon, Oregon) to Central California (i.e., the southern-most extent 
of black rockfish, Love et al. 2002) in 2007. The biomass in the south 
was estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The 
OFL from the assessed area is derived from the 2007 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> plus 3 
percent of the OFL from the stock assessment conducted for black 
rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat., to cover the portion of the stock 
occurring off

[[Page 715]]

Oregon north of Cape Falcon (the 3% adjustment is based on historical 
catch distribution). The resulting OFL for the area south of 46[deg]16' 
N. lat. is 1,176 mt. The ABC of 1,124 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
2015 ACL is 1,000 mt, which maintains the constant catch strategy 
designed to keep the stock above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 1 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate EFP catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 999 mt. The black 
rockfish ACL, in the area south of 46[deg]16' N. lat. (Columbia River), 
is subdivided with separate HGs for waters off Oregon (579 mt/58 
percent) and for waters off California (420 mt/42 percent).
    l/ Black rockfish north (Washington). A stock assessment was 
conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape Falcon, 
Oregon) in 2007. The biomass in the north was estimated to be at 53 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the assessed area 
is derived from the 2007 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest 
rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The resulting OFL for the 
area north of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is 421 mt and is 97 percent of the OFL 
from the assessed area based on the area distribution of historical 
catch. The ABC of 402 mt for the north is a 4.4 percent reduction from 
the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is 
set equal to the ABC since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 14 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery, resulting in a fishery HG of 388 mt.
    m/ Cabezon (California). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted 
in 2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off California was 
estimated to be at 48.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL of 161 mt is calculated using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 154 mt is based on a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its 
target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 154 mt.
    n/ Cabezon (Oregon). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off Oregon was estimated 
to be at 52 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL of 49 mt 
is calculated using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 47 mt is based on a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its 
target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is also equal to the ACL of 47 mt.
    o/ California scorpionfish was assessed in 2005 and was estimated 
to be at 79.8 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The OFL of 119 
mt is projected in the 2005 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest 
rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 114 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is 
above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 2 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery, resulting in a fishery HG of 112 mt.
    p/ Chilipepper. The coastwide chilipepper stock was assessed in 
2007 and estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 2006. 
Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest specifications 
south of 40[deg]10 N. lat. and within the Minor Shelf Rockfish complex 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. Projected OFLs are stratified north and 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the average 1998-2008 assessed 
area catch, which is 93 percent for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. and 7 percent for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The OFL of 
1,703 mt for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 
2007 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 1,628 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its 
target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 24 mt is deducted from 
the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (5 mt), EFP 
fishing (10 mt), and research catch (9 mt), resulting in a fishery HG 
of 1,604 mt.
    q/ Dover sole. A 2011 Dover sole assessment estimated the stock to 
be at 83.7 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 66,871 
mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 63,929 mt is a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
However, the ACL of 50,000 mt is set at a level below the ABC and 
higher than the maximum historical landed catch. 1,594 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,497 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (55 mt), and research catch (41.9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 48,406 mt.
    r/ English sole. A 2013 stock assessment was conducted, which 
estimated the stock to be at 88 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 10,792 mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 9,853 
mt is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as 
it is a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 213 mt 
is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (7 mt) and research catch (5.8 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 9,640 mt.
    s/ Lingcod north. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 2009. 
The lingcod spawning biomass off Washington and Oregon was estimated to 
be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for 
Washington and Oregon of 1,898 mt is calculated using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The OFL is re-
apportioned by adding 48% of the OFL from California, resulting in an 
OFL of 3,010 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 
2,830 mt is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) for the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. as it's a 
category 1 stock, and an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) for the area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 
40[deg]10' N. lat. as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to 
the ABC. 278 mt is deducted from the ACL for the Tribal fishery (250 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (16 mt), EFP catch (0.5 mt) and 
research catch (11.7 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,552 mt.
    t/ Lingcod south. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 2009. 
The lingcod spawning biomass off California was estimated to be at 74 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for California of 
2,317 mt is projected in the assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy 
of F45%. The OFL is re-apportioned by subtracting 48% of the OFL, 
resulting in an OFL of 1,205 mt for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. The ABC of 1,004 mt is based on a 16.7 percent reduction from the 
OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 9 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (7 mt), EFP fishing (1 
mt), and research catch (1.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 995 mt.
    u/ Longnose skate. A stock assessment was conducted in 2007 and the 
stock was estimated to be at 66 percent of its unfished biomass. The 
OFL of 2,449 mt is derived from the 2007 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 2,341 
mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 2,000 mt is a fixed harvest level 
that provides greater access to the stock and is less than the

[[Page 716]]

ABC. 73 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery 
(56 mt), incidental open access fishery (3.8 mt), and research catch 
(13.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,927 mt.
    v/ Longspine thornyhead. A 2013 longspine thornyhead coastwide 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 75 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 5,007 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 4,171 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. For the 
portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., the ACL is 
3,170 mt, and is 76 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average 
swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl 
survey. 47 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access fishery (3 mt), and 
research catch (13.5 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 3,124 mt. For 
that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. the ACL is 1,001 
mt and is 24 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-
area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 3 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), and research catch (1 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 
998 mt.
    w/ Pacific cod. The 3,200 mt OFL is based on the maximum level of 
historic landings. The ABC of 2,221 mt is a 30.6 percent reduction from 
the OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.40) as it's a category 3 stock. The 1,600 mt 
ACL is the OFL reduced by 50 percent as a precautionary adjustment. 509 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), 
research catch (7 mt), and the incidental open access fishery (2.0 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,091 mt.
    x/ Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The 
final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-Canada 
Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the Council's 
April 2015 meeting.
    y/ Sablefish north. A coastwide sablefish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide sablefish biomass was estimated to be 
at 33 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL of 
7,857 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 7,173 
mt is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.40). The 
40-10 adjustment is applied to the ABC to derive a coastwide ACL value 
because the stock is in the precautionary zone. This coastwide ACL 
value is not specified in regulations. The coastwide ACL value is 
apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N. lat., using the 2003-2010 
average estimated swept area biomass from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey, 
with 73.6 percent apportioned north of 36[deg] N. lat. and 26.4 percent 
apportioned south of 36[deg] N. lat. The northern ACL is 4,793 mt and 
is reduced by 479 mt for the tribal allocation (10 percent of the ACL 
north of 36[deg] N. lat.). The 479 mt Tribal allocation is reduced by 
1.6 percent to account for discard mortality. Detailed sablefish 
allocations are shown in Table 1c.
    z/ Sablefish south. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N. lat. 
is 1,719 mt (26.4 percent of the calculated coastwide ACL value). 5 mt 
is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt) and research catch (3 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,714 mt.
    aa/ Shortbelly rockfish. A non-quantitative shortbelly rockfish 
assessment was conducted in 2007. The spawning stock biomass of 
shortbelly rockfish was estimated to be 67 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2005. The OFL of 6,950 mt is based on the estimated MSY in 
the 2007 stock assessment. The ABC of 5,789 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction of the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. 
The 500 mt ACL is set to accommodate incidental catch when fishing for 
co-occurring healthy stocks and in recognition of the stock's 
importance as a forage species in the California Current ecosystem. 2 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch, resulting in 
a fishery HG of 498 mt.
    bb/ Shortspine thornyhead. A 2013 coastwide shortspine thornyhead 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 74.2 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 3,203 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The coastwide ABC of 2,668 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., the ACL is 1,745 mt. The northern ACL is 65.4 percent of the 
coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-
2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 59 mt is deducted from the ACL 
to accommodate the Tribal fishery (50 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), and research catch (7 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,686 mt for the area north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. For that portion of 
the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. the ACL is 923 mt. The southern 
ACL is 35.6 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-
area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 42 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open access 
fishery (41 mt) and research catch (1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
881 mt for the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    cc/ Spiny dogfish. A coastwide spiny dogfish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide spiny dogfish biomass was estimated to 
be at 63 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL of 
2,523 mt is derived from the 2011 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The coastwide ABC of 2,101 mt is a 
16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a 
category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is 
above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 338 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (275 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (49.5 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and 
research catch (12.5 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,763 mt.
    dd/ Splitnose rockfish. A splitnose rockfish coastwide assessment 
was conducted in 2009 that estimated the stock to be at 66 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2009. Splitnose rockfish in the north is 
managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and with species-specific 
harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The coastwide OFL is 
projected in the 2009 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The coastwide OFL is apportioned north and 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the average 1916-2008 assessed 
area catch resulting in 64.2 percent of the coastwide OFL apportioned 
south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 35.8 percent apportioned for the 
contribution of splitnose rockfish to the northern Minor Slope Rockfish 
complex. The southern OFL of 1,794 mt results from the apportionment 
described above. The southern ABC of 1,715 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the southern OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is 
estimated to be above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
10.5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (9 mt) 
and EFP catch (1.5 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,705 mt.
    ee/ Starry Flounder. The stock was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be above 40 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005 (44 
percent in Washington and Oregon, and 62 percent in California). The 
coastwide OFL of 1,841 mt is derived from the 2005 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 1,534 
mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as 
it's a category 2 stock. The

[[Page 717]]

ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is estimated to be above 
its target biomass of B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 10.3 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (2 mt), and the 
incidental open access fishery (8.3 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,524 mt.
    ff/ Widow rockfish. The widow rockfish stock was assessed in 2011 
and was estimated to be at 51.1 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2011. The OFL of 4,137 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment 
using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 
3,929 mt is a 5 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.41/P*=0.45). 
A unique sigma of 0.41 was calculated for widow rockfish since the 
variance in estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy 
for other category 1 stocks. The ACL could be set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. However, the ACL of 2,000 mt is less than 
the ABC due to high uncertainty in estimated biomass, yet this level of 
allowable harvest will allow access to healthy co-occurring species, 
such as yellowtail rockfish. 120.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (100 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3.3 mt), EFP catch (9 mt), and research catch (7.9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    gg/ Yellowtail rockfish. A 2013 yellowtail rockfish stock 
assessment was conducted for the portion of the population north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The estimated stock depletion is 69 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 7,218 mt is projected in the 2013 
stock assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 6,590 mt is an 8.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 
stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its 
target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 1,029.6 mt is deducted 
from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (3 mt), EFP catch (10 mt), and research 
catch (16.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 5,560 mt.
    hh/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 88 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species managed in the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish in California, brown 
rockfish, China rockfish, and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 77 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the 
component species. The ACL of 69 mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of 
healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks plus the ACL 
contributions for blue rockfish in California and China rockfish where 
the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for these two 
stocks, because those stocks are in the precautionary zone. No 
deductions are made to the ACL, thus the fishery HG is equal to the 
ACL, which is 69 mt. Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat. the 
Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north has a harvest guideline of 23.7 
mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. has a species-specific HG, 
described in footnote kk/.
    ii/ Minor Shelf Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Shelf Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 2,209 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted rockfish between 40[deg]10' and 
42[deg] N. lat. and greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC 
of 1,944 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the component 
species. The ACL of 1,944 mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of healthy 
assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of 
greenspotted rockfish in California where the 40-10 adjustment was 
applied to the ABC contribution because the stock is in the 
precautionary zone (the ACL is slightly less than the ABC but rounds to 
the ABC value). 72 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access fishery (26 mt), EFP 
catch (3 mt), and research catch (13.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG 
of 1,872 mt.
    jj/ Minor Slope Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Slope Rockfish 
north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,831 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species within the complex. The ABCs 
for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.36 for other category 1 
stocks (i.e., splitnose rockfish), a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 
stocks (i.e., rougheye rockfish, blackspotted rockfish and sharpchin 
rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) 
with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 0.39 was calculated for aurora 
rockfish since the variance in estimated spawning biomass was greater 
than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. The 
resulting ABC of 1,693 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because all the 
assessed component stocks are above the target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 64 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (36 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (19 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (8.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,629 mt.
    kk/ Minor Nearshore Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,313 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. The 
ABC for the southern Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.36 for category 1 stocks (i.e., gopher rockfish north 
of 34[deg]27' N. lat.), a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks 
(i.e., blue rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., brown rockfish, China 
rockfish, and copper rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 
3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,169 mt 
is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The 
ACL of 1,114 mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed 
stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution for blue 
rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. where the 40-10 adjustment was 
applied to the ABC contribution for this stock because it is in the 
precautionary zone. 4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
incidental open access fishery (1.4 mt) and research catch (2.6 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,110 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] 
N. lat. has a species-specific HG set equal to the 40-10-adjusted ACL 
for the portion of the stock north of 34[deg]27' N lat. (133.6 mt) plus 
the ABC contribution for the unassessed portion of the stock south of 
34[deg]27' N lat. (60.8 mt). The California (i.e., south of 42[deg] N. 
lat.) blue rockfish HG is 194.4 mt.
    ll/ Minor Shelf Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,918 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. The 
ABCs for the southern Minor Shelf Rockfish complex is based on a sigma 
value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted and 
greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks 
(all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,625 mt is the 
summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 
1,624 mt is the sum of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and 
unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of greenspotted rockfish 
in California where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 49 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate

[[Page 718]]

the incidental open access fishery (9 mt), EFP catch (30 mt), and 
research catch (9.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,575 mt.
    mm/ Minor Slope Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Slope 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 813 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. The 
ABC for the southern Minor Slope Rockfish complex is based on a sigma 
value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 
stocks (i.e., blackgill rockfish, rougheye rockfish, blackspotted 
rockfish, and sharpchin rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for 
category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 
0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in estimated 
biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other category 1 
stocks. The resulting ABC of 705 mt is the summed contribution of the 
ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 693 mt is the sum of 
contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, 
plus the ACL contribution of blackgill rockfish where the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for this stock because 
it is in the precautionary zone. 20 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (17 mt), EFP catch (1 
mt), and research catch (2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 673 mt. 
Blackgill rockfish has a species-specific HG set equal to the species' 
contribution to 40-10-adjusted ACL. The blackgill rockfish HG is 114 
mt.
    nn/ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of 
flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are not managed with 
species-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other 
Flatfish complex are unassessed and include butter sole, curlfin sole, 
flathead sole, Pacific sanddab (assessed in 2013 but the assessment 
results were too uncertain to inform harvest specifications), rock 
sole, sand sole, and rex sole (assessed in 2013). The Other Flatfish 
OFL of 11,453 mt is based on the sum of the OFL contributions of the 
component stocks. The ABC of 8,749 mt is based on a sigma value of 0.72 
for category 2 stocks (i.e., rex sole) and a sigma value of 1.44 for 
category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.40. The ACL is set equal 
to the ABC since all of the assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific sanddabs and 
rex sole) were above their target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 204 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (125 mt), and research catch (19 mt), resulting in a fishery HG 
of 8,545 mt.
    oo/ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp 
greenling coastwide, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark 
coastwide. These species are unassessed. The OFL of 291 mt is the sum 
of the OFL contributions for kelp greenling off California (the SSC has 
not approved methods for calculating the OFL contributions for kelp 
greenling off Oregon and Washington), cabezon off Washington, and 
leopard shark coastwide. The ABC of 242 mt is the sum of ABC 
contributions for kelp greenling off California, cabezon off Washington 
and leopard shark coastwide calculated by applying a P* of 0.45 and a 
sigma of 1.44 to the OFL contributions for those stocks. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC. There are no deductions from the ACL so the fishery 
HG is equal to the ACL of 242 mt.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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10. Tables 2a through 2d, Subpart C, are revised to read as follows:

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BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

    \a\ Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and 
harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified as total catch values.
    \b\ Fishery harvest guidelines means the harvest guideline or 
quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes 
allocations and projected catch, projected research catch, 
deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and 
deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT.
    \c\ Bocaccio. A bocaccio stock assessment update was conducted 
in 2013 for the bocaccio stock between the U.S.-Mexico border and 
Cape Blanco. The stock is managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor 
Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. A historical 
catch distribution of approximately 6 percent was used to apportion 
the assessed stock to the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The 
bocaccio stock was estimated to be at 31.4 percent of its unfished 
biomass in 2013. The OFL of 1,351 mt is projected in the 2013 stock 
assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 1,291 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The 362 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2022 and an SPR harvest rate of 77.7 
percent. 8.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
incidental open access fishery (0.7 mt), EFP catch (3.0 mt) and 
research catch (4.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 353.7 mt. The 
California recreational fishery has an HG of 185.6 mt.
    \d\ Canary rockfish. A canary rockfish stock assessment update 
was conducted in 2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 23.2 
percent of its unfished biomass coastwide in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 729 mt is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 697 
mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 125 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2030 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 88.7 percent. 15.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (7.7 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (2 mt), EFP catch (1.0 mt) and research catch (4.5 mt) 
resulting in a fishery HG of 109.8 mt. Recreational HGs are: 3.5 mt 
(Washington); 12.0 mt (Oregon); and 25.0 mt (California).
    \e\ Cowcod. A stock assessment for the Conception Area was 
conducted in 2013 and the stock was estimated to be 33.9 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The Conception Area OFL of 56.4 mt is 
projected in the 2013 rebuilding analysis using an F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The OFL of 12.0 mt for the 
unassessed portion of the stock in the Monterey area is based on 
depletion-based stock reduction analysis. The OFLs for the Monterey 
and Conception areas were summed to derive the south of 40[deg]10' 
N. lat. OFL of 68.4 mt. The ABC for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. 
lat. is 61.5 mt. The assessed portion of the stock in the Conception 
Area is considered category 2, with a Conception Area contribution 
to the ABC of 51.5 mt, which is an 8.7 percent reduction from the 
Conception area OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45). The unassessed portion 
of the stock in the Monterey area is considered a category 3 stock, 
with a contribution to the ABC of 10.0 mt, which is a 17 percent 
reduction from the Monterey area OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.45). A 
single ACL of 10.0 mt is being set for both areas combined. The ACL 
of 10.0 mt is based on the rebuilding plan with a target year to 
rebuild of 2020 and an SPR harvest rate of 82.7 percent, which is 
equivalent to an exploitation rate (catch over age 11+ biomass) of 
0.007. 2.0 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate EFP fishing 
(less than 0.02 mt) and research activity (2.0 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 8.0 mt. Any additional mortality in research 
activities will be deducted from the ACL. A single ACT of 4.0 mt is 
being set for both areas combined.
    \f\ Darkblotched rockfish. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the 
stock to be at 36 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL 
of 580 mt is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>.The ABC of 554 
mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as 
it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 346 mt is based on the current 
rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2025 and an SPR 
harvest rate of 64.9 percent. 20.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (0.2 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (18.4 mt), EFP catch (0.1 mt) and research catch (2.1 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 325.2 mt.
    \g\ Pacific Ocean Perch. A POP stock assessment was conducted in 
2011 and the stock was estimated to be at 19.1 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 850 mt for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2011 rebuilding analysis 
using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC 
of 850 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 164 mt is based on 
the current rebuilding plan with a target year to rebuild of 2051 
and an SPR harvest rate of 86.4 percent. 15 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (9.2 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (0.6 mt), and research catch (5.2 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 149.0 mt.
    \h\ Petrale sole. A 2013 stock assessment estimated the stock to 
be at 22.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 3,044 
mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using an F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 2,910 mt is a 4.4 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 
stock. The ACL is based on the 25-5 harvest control rule specified 
in the current rebuilding plan; since the stock is projected to be 
rebuilt at the start of 2014, the ACL is set equal to the ABC. 236.6 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (220 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (2.4 mt), and research catch 
(14.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 2,673.4 mt.
    \i\ Yelloweye rockfish. A stock assessment update was conducted 
in 2011. The stock was estimated to be at 21.4 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2011. The 52 mt coastwide OFL was projected in 
the 2011 rebuilding analysis using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 43 mt is a 16.77 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. The 19 mt ACL is based on the current rebuilding plan with a 
target year to rebuild of 2074 and an SPR harvest rate of 76.0 
percent. 5.8 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (2.3 mt), the incidental open access fishery (0.2 mt), EFP 
catch (0.03 mt) and research catch (3.3 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 13.2 mt. Recreational HGs are being established: 3.1 mt 
(Washington); 2.8 mt (Oregon); and 3.7 mt (California).
    \j\ Arrowtooth flounder. The arrowtooth flounder stock was last 
assessed in 2007 and was estimated to be at 79 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL of 6,396 mt is derived from the 
2007 assessment using an F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy. The ABC of 5,328 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 2,087 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (2,041 mt), the incidental open 
access fishery (30 mt), and research catch (16.4 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 3,241 mt.
    \k\ Black rockfish south (Oregon and California). A stock 
assessment was conducted for black rockfish south of 45[deg]46' N. 
lat. (Cape Falcon, Oregon) to Central California (i.e., the 
southern-most extent of black rockfish, Love et al. 2002) in 2007. 
The biomass in the south was estimated to be at 70 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the assessed area is derived 
from the 2007 assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy 
of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> plus 3 percent of the OFL from the 
stock assessment conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. 
lat., to cover the portion of the stock occurring off Oregon north 
of Cape Falcon (the 3% adjustment is based on historical catch 
distribution). The resulting OFL for the area south of 46[deg]16' N. 
lat. is 1,183 mt. The ABC of 1,131 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction 
from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
2016 ACL is 1,000 mt, which maintains the constant catch strategy 
designed to keep the stock above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 1 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate EFP catch, resulting in a fishery HG of 999 mt. The 
black rockfish ACL, in the area south of 46[deg]16' N. lat. 
(Columbia River), is subdivided with separate HGs for waters off 
Oregon (579 mt/58 percent) and for waters off California (420 mt/42 
percent).
    \l\ Black rockfish north (Washington). A stock assessment was 
conducted for black rockfish north of 45[deg]46' N. lat. (Cape 
Falcon, Oregon) in 2007. The biomass in the north was estimated to 
be at 53 percent of its unfished biomass in 2007. The OFL from the 
assessed area is derived from the 2007 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
The resulting OFL for the area north of 46[deg]16' N. lat. is 423 mt 
and is 97 percent of the OFL from the assessed area based on the 
area distribution of historical catch. The ABC of 404 mt for the 
north is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) 
as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC since 
the stock is above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
14 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery, 
resulting in a fishery HG of 390 mt.
    \m\ Cabezon (California). A cabezon stock assessment was 
conducted in 2009. The

[[Page 724]]

cabezon spawning biomass in waters off California was estimated to 
be at 48.3 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL of 158 
mt is calculated using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 151 mt is based on a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock 
is above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. There are 
no deductions from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 
151 mt.
    \n\ Cabezon (Oregon). A cabezon stock assessment was conducted 
in 2009. The cabezon spawning biomass in waters off Oregon was 
estimated to be at 52 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL of 49 mt is calculated using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 47 mt is based on a 4.4 
percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a 
category 1 species. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the 
stock is above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
There are no deductions from the ACL so the fishery HG is also equal 
to the ACL of 47 mt.
    \o\ California scorpionfish was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be at 79.8 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The 
OFL of 117 mt is projected in the 2005 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> harvest rate proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. 
The ABC of 111 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery, resulting in a 
fishery HG of 109 mt.
    \p\ Chilipepper. The coastwide chilipepper stock was assessed in 
2007 and estimated to be at 70 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2006. Chilipepper are managed with stock-specific harvest 
specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and within the Minor 
Shelf Rockfish complex north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. Projected OFLs 
are stratified north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on the 
average 1998-2008 assessed area catch, which is 93 percent for the 
area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 7 percent for the area north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The OFL of 1,694 mt for the area south of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. is projected in the 2007 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
1,619 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 24 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (5 mt), EFP fishing 
(10 mt), and research catch (9 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
1,595 mt.
    \q\ Dover sole. A 2011 Dover sole assessment estimated the stock 
to be at 83.7 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The OFL of 
59,221 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
56,615 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL could be set equal to 
the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. However, the ACL of 50,000 mt is set at 
a level below the ABC and higher than the maximum historical landed 
catch. 1,594 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal 
fishery (1,497 mt), the incidental open access fishery (55 mt), and 
research catch (41.9 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 48,406 mt.
    \r\ English sole. A 2013 stock assessment was conducted, which 
estimated the stock to be at 88 percent of its unfished biomass in 
2013. The OFL of 7890 mt is projected in the 2013 assessment using 
an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
7,204 mt is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 stock. The ACL could be set equal to 
the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 213 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (200 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (7 mt) and research catch (5.8 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 6,991 mt.
    \s\ Lingcod north. A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off Washington and Oregon was 
estimated to be at 62 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The 
OFL for Washington and Oregon of 1,842 mt is calculated using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The OFL is re-
apportioned by adding 48% of the OFL from California, resulting in 
an OFL of 2,891 mt for the area north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC 
of 2,719 mt is based on a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) for the area north of 42[deg] N. lat. as it's 
a category 1 stock, and an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) for the area between 42[deg] N. lat. and 
40[deg]10' N. lat., as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal 
to the ABC since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 278 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (250 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (16 mt), EFP catch (0.5 mt) and research catch (11.7 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 2,441 mt.
    \t\ Lingcod south . A lingcod stock assessment was conducted in 
2009. The lingcod spawning biomass off California was estimated to 
be at 74 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. The OFL for 
California of 2,185 mt is projected in the assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The OFL is re-
apportioned by subtracting 48% of the OFL, resulting in an OFL of 
1,136 mt for the area south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. The ABC of 946 mt 
is based on a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
since the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 9 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (7 mt), EFP fishing 
(1 mt), and research catch (1.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 
937 mt.
    \u\ Longnose skate. A stock assessment was conducted in 2007 and 
the stock was estimated to be at 66 percent of its unfished biomass. 
The OFL of 2,405 mt is derived from the 2007 stock assessment using 
an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
2,299 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The ACL of 2,000 mt is a fixed 
harvest level that provides greater access to the stock and is less 
than the ABC. 73 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (56 mt), incidental open access fishery (3.8 mt), and 
research catch (13.2 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,927 mt.
    \v\ Longspine thornyhead. A 2013 longspine thornyhead coastwide 
stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 75 percent of its 
unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 4,763 mt is projected 
in the 2013 stock assessment using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The ABC of 3,968 mt is a 16.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 
stock. For the portion of the stock that is north of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat., the ACL is 3,015 mt, and is 76 percent of the coastwide ABC 
based on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 46 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3 mt), and research catch (13.5 mt) resulting in a fishery 
HG of 2,969 mt. For that portion of the stock south of 34[deg]27' N. 
lat. the ACL is 952 mt and is 24 percent of the coastwide ABC based 
on the average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the 
NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), and research 
catch (1 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 949 mt.
    \w\ Pacific cod. The 3,200 mt OFL is based on the maximum level 
of historic landings. The ABC of 2,221 mt is a 30.6 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=1.44/P*=0.40) as it's a category 3 
stock. The 1,600 mt ACL is the OFL reduced by 50 percent as a 
precautionary adjustment. 509 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (500 mt), research catch (7 mt), and 
the incidental open access fishery (2.0 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,091 mt.
    \x\ Pacific whiting. Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The 
final specifications will be determined consistent with the U.S.-
Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced after the 
Council's April 2016 meeting.
    \y\ Sablefish north. A coastwide sablefish stock assessment was 
conducted in 2011. The coastwide sablefish biomass was estimated to 
be at 33 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The coastwide OFL 
of 8,526 mt is projected in the 2011 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>45</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
7,784 mt is an 8.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.36/
P*=0.40). The 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC to derive a 
coastwide ACL value because the stock is in the precautionary zone. 
This coastwide ACL value is not specified in regulations. The 
coastwide ACL value is apportioned north and south of 36[deg] N. 
lat., using the 2003-2010 average estimated swept area biomass from 
the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey, with 73.6 percent apportioned north of 
36[deg] N. lat. and 26.4 percent apportioned south of 36[deg] N. 
lat. The northern ACL is 5,241 mt and is reduced by 524 mt for the 
tribal allocation (10 percent of the ACL north of 36[deg] N. lat.). 
The 524 mt Tribal allocation is reduced by 1.6 percent to account 
for discard mortality. Detailed sablefish allocations are shown in 
Table 1c.
    \z\ Sablefish south. The ACL for the area south of 36[deg] N. 
lat. is 1,880 mt (26.4 percent of the calculated coastwide ACL 
value). 5 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental 
open access fishery (2 mt) and research catch (3 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 1,875 mt.
    \aa\ Shortbelly rockfish. A non-quantitative shortbelly rockfish 
assessment was

[[Page 725]]

conducted in 2007. The spawning stock biomass of shortbelly rockfish 
was estimated to be 67 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005. The 
OFL of 6,950 mt is based on the estimated MSY in the 2007 stock 
assessment. The ABC of 5,789 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction of the 
OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The 500 mt 
ACL is set to accommodate for incidental catch when fishing for co-
occurring healthy stocks and in recognition of the stock's 
importance as a forage species in the California Current ecosystem. 
2 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch, 
resulting in a fishery HG of 498 mt.
    \bb\ Shortspine thornyhead. A 2013 coastwide shortspine 
thornyhead stock assessment estimated the stock to be at 74.2 
percent of its unfished biomass in 2013. A coastwide OFL of 3,169 mt 
is projected in the 2013 stock assessment using an 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy. The coastwide ABC 
of 2,640 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. For the portion of the stock 
that is north of 34[deg]27' N. lat., the ACL is 1,726 mt. The 
northern ACL is 65.4 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the 
average swept-area biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC 
trawl survey 59 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
Tribal fishery (50 mt), the incidental open access fishery (2 mt), 
and research catch (7 mt) resulting in a fishery HG of 1,667 mt for 
the area north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. For that portion of the stock 
south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. the ACL is 913 mt. The southern ACL is 
35.6 percent of the coastwide ABC based on the average swept-area 
biomass estimates (2003-2012) from the NMFS NWFSC trawl survey. 42 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (41 mt) and research catch (1 mt), resulting in a 
fishery HG of 871 mt for the area south of 34[deg]27' N. lat.
    \cc\ Spiny dogfish. A coastwide spiny dogfish stock assessment 
was conducted in 2011. The coastwide spiny dogfish biomass was 
estimated to be at 63 percent of its unfished biomass in 2011. The 
coastwide OFL of 2,503 mt is derived from the 2011 assessment using 
an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The 
coastwide ABC of 2,085 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target biomass of 
B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 338 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (275 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (49.5 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (12.5 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,747 mt.
    \dd\ Splitnose rockfish. A splitnose rockfish coastwide 
assessment was conducted in 2009 that estimated the stock to be at 
66 percent of its unfished biomass in 2009. Splitnose rockfish in 
the north is managed in the Minor Slope Rockfish complex and with 
species-specific harvest specifications south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. 
The coastwide OFL is projected in the 2009 assessment using an 
F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The coastwide 
OFL is apportioned north and south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. based on 
the average 1916-2008 assessed area catch resulting in 64.2 percent 
of the coastwide OFL apportioned south of 40[deg]10' N. lat., and 
35.8 percent apportioned for the contribution of splitnose rockfish 
to the northern Minor Slope Rockfish complex. The southern OFL of 
1,826 mt results from the apportionment described above. The 
southern ABC of 1,746 mt is a 4.4 percent reduction from the 
southern OFL ([sigma]=0.36/P*=0.45) as it's a category 1 stock. The 
ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is estimated to be 
above its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 110.5 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate research catch (9 mt) and EFP 
catch (1.5 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,736 mt.
    \ee\ Starry Flounder. The stock was assessed in 2005 and was 
estimated to be above 40 percent of its unfished biomass in 2005 (44 
percent in Washington and Oregon, and 62 percent in California). The 
coastwide OFL of 1,847 mt is derived from the 2005 assessment using 
an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of F<INF>30</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 
1,539 mt is a 16.7 percent reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/
P*=0.40) as it's a category 2 stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC 
because the stock is estimated to be above its target biomass of 
B<INF>25</INF><INF>%</INF>. 10.3 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (2 mt), and the incidental open 
access fishery (8.3 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,529 mt.
    \ff\ Widow rockfish. The widow rockfish stock was assessed in 
2011 and was estimated to be at 51.1 percent of its unfished biomass 
in 2011. The OFL of 3,990 mt is projected in the 2011 stock 
assessment using an F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF> F<INF>MSY</INF> 
proxy. The ABC of 3,790 mt is a 5 percent reduction from the OFL 
([sigma]=0.41/P*=0.45). A unique sigma of 0.41 was calculated for 
widow rockfish since the variance in estimated biomass was greater 
than the 0.36 used as a proxy for other category 1 stocks. The ACL 
could be set equal to the ABC because the stock is above its target 
biomass of B40%. However, the ACL of 2,000 mt is less than the ABC 
due to high uncertainty in estimated biomass, yet this level of 
allowable harvest will allow access to healthy co-occurring species, 
such as yellowtail rockfish. 120.2 mt is deducted from the ACL to 
accommodate the Tribal fishery (100 mt), the incidental open access 
fishery (3.3 mt), EFP catch (9 mt), and research catch (7.9 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    \gg\ Yellowtail rockfish. A 2013 yellowtail rockfish stock 
assessment was conducted for the portion of the population north of 
40[deg]10' N. lat. The estimated stock depletion is 69 percent of 
its unfished biomass in 2013. The OFL of 6,949 mt is projected in 
the 2013 stock assessment using an F<INF>MSY</INF> proxy of 
F<INF>50</INF><INF>%</INF>. The ABC of 6,344 mt is an 8.7 percent 
reduction from the OFL ([sigma]=0.72/P*=0.45) as it is a category 2 
stock. The ACL is set equal to the ABC because the stock is above 
its target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 1,029.6 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (1,000 mt), 
the incidental open access fishery (3 mt), EFP catch (10 mt) and 
research catch (16.6 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 5,314 mt.
    \hh\ Minor Nearshore Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Nearshore 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 88 mt is the sum of the OFL 
contributions for the component species managed in the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish in California, brown 
rockfish, China rockfish, and copper rockfish) and a sigma value of 
1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The 
resulting ABC of 77 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for 
the component species. The ACL of 69 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contributions for blue rockfish in California and China rockfish 
where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC contributions for 
these two stocks because they are in the precautionary zone. No 
deductions are made to the ACL, thus the fishery HG is equal to the 
ACL, which is 69 mt. Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 42[deg] N. lat. 
the Minor Nearshore Rockfish complex north has a harvest guideline 
of 23.7 mt. Blue rockfish south of 42[deg] N. lat. has a species-
specific HG, described in footnote kk/.
    \ii\ Minor Shelf Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Shelf 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 2,218 mt is the sum of the 
OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. The 
ABCs for the minor rockfish complexes are based on a sigma value of 
0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., greenspotted rockfish between 
40[deg]10' and 42[deg] N. lat. and greenstriped rockfish) and a 
sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 
0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,953 mt is the summed contribution of 
the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 1,952 mt is the sum 
of contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed 
stocks, plus the ACL contribution of greenspotted rockfish in 
California where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
72 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (30 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (26 mt), EFP catch (3 mt), 
and research catch (13.4 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,880 mt.
    \jj\ Minor Slope Rockfish north. The OFL for Minor Slope 
Rockfish north of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,844 mt is the sum of the 
OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. The 
ABCs for the Minor Slope Rockfish complexes are based on a sigma 
value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.36 for other 
category 1 stocks (i.e., splitnose rockfish), a sigma value of 0.72 
for category 2 stocks (i.e., rougheye rockfish, blackspotted 
rockfish and sharpchin rockfish), and a sigma value of 1.44 for 
category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma of 
0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in 
estimated spawning biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy 
for other category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 1,706 mt is the 
summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL 
is set equal to the ABC because all the assessed component stocks 
are above the target biomass of B<INF>40</INF><INF>%</INF>. 64 mt is 
deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (36 mt), the 
incidental open access fishery (19 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and 
research catch (8.1 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 1,642 mt.
    \kk\ Minor Nearshore Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor 
Nearshore Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,288 mt

[[Page 726]]

is the sum of the OFL contributions for the component species within 
the complex. The ABC for the southern Minor Nearshore Rockfish 
complex is based on a sigma value of 0.36 for category 1 stocks 
(i.e., gopher rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat.), a sigma value 
of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., blue rockfish north of 
34[deg]27' N. lat., brown rockfish, China rockfish and copper 
rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all 
others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting ABC of 1,148 mt is the 
summed contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL 
of 1,006 mt is the sum of the contributing ABCs of healthy assessed 
stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution for blue 
rockfish north of 34[deg]27' N. lat. where the 40-10 adjustment was 
applied to the ABC contribution for this stock because it is in the 
precautionary zone. 4 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the 
incidental open access fishery (1.4 mt) and research catch (2.6 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 1,002 mt. Blue rockfish south of 
42[deg] N. lat. has a species-specific HG set equal to the 40-10-
adjusted ACL for the portion of the stock north of 34[ordm]27' N 
lat. (137.5) plus the ABC contribution for the unassessed portion of 
the stock south of 34[ordm]27' N. lat. (60.8 mt). The California 
(i.e. south of 42[deg] N. lat.) blue rockfish HG is 198.3 mt.
    \ll\ Minor Shelf Rockfish south. The OFL for the Minor Shelf 
Rockfish complex south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. of 1,919 mt is the sum 
of the OFL contributions for the component species within the 
complex. The ABCs for the southern Minor Shelf Rockfish complex is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., 
greenspotted and greenstriped rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. The resulting 
ABC of 1,626 mt is the summed contribution of the ABCs for the 
component species. The ACL of 1,625 mt is the sum of contributing 
ABCs of healthy assessed stocks and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL 
contribution of greenspotted rockfish in California where the 40-10 
adjustment was applied to the ABC contribution for this stock 
because it is in the precautionary zone. 49 mt is deducted from the 
ACL to accommodate the incidental open access fishery (9 mt), EFP 
catch (30 mt), and research catch (9.6 mt), resulting in a fishery 
HG of 1,576 mt.
    \mm\ Minor Slope Rockfish south. The OFL of 814 mt is the sum of 
the OFL contributions for the component species within the complex. 
The ABC for the southern Minor Slope Rockfish complex is based on a 
sigma value of 0.39 for aurora rockfish, a sigma value of 0.72 for 
category 2 stocks (i.e., blackgill rockfish, rougheye rockfish, 
blackspotted rockfish, sharpchin rockfish) and a sigma value of 1.44 
for category 3 stocks (all others) with a P* of 0.45. A unique sigma 
of 0.39 was calculated for aurora rockfish since the variance in 
estimated biomass was greater than the 0.36 used as a proxy for 
other category 1 stocks. The resulting ABC of 705 mt is the summed 
contribution of the ABCs for the component species. The ACL of 695 
mt is the sum of the contributing ABCs of healthy assessed stocks 
and unassessed stocks, plus the ACL contribution of blackgill 
rockfish where the 40-10 adjustment was applied to the ABC 
contribution for this stock because it is in the precautionary zone. 
20 mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the incidental open 
access fishery (17 mt), EFP catch (1 mt), and research catch (2 mt), 
resulting in a fishery HG of 675 mt. Blackgill rockfish has a 
species-specific HG set equal to the species' contribution to the 
40-10-adjusted ACL. The blackgill rockfish HG is 117 mt.
    \nn\ Other Flatfish. The Other Flatfish complex is comprised of 
flatfish species managed in the PCGFMP that are not managed with 
species-specific OFLs/ABCs/ACLs. Most of the species in the Other 
Flatfish complex are unassessed, and include: butter sole, curlfin 
sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab (assessed in 2013, but the 
assessment results were too uncertain to inform harvest 
specifications), rock sole, sand sole, and rex sole (assessed in 
2013). The Other Flatfish OFL of 9,645 mt is based on the sum of the 
OFL contributions of the component stocks. The ABC of 7,243 mt is 
based on a sigma value of 0.72 for category 2 stocks (i.e., rex 
sole) and a sigma value of 1.44 for category 3 stocks (all others) 
with a P* of 0.40. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. The ACL is set 
equal to the ABC since all of the assessed stocks (i.e., Pacific 
sanddabs and rex sole) were above their target biomass of B25%. 204 
mt is deducted from the ACL to accommodate the Tribal fishery (60 
mt), the incidental open access fishery (125 mt), and research catch 
(19 mt), resulting in a fishery HG of 7,039 mt.
    \oo\ Other Fish. The Other Fish complex is comprised of kelp 
greenling coastwide, cabezon off Washington, and leopard shark 
coastwide. These species are unassessed. The OFL of 291 mt is the 
sum of the OFL contributions for kelp greenling off California (the 
SSC has not approved methods for calculating the OFL contributions 
for kelp greenling off Oregon and Washington), cabezon off 
Washington, and leopard shark coastwide. The ABC of 243 mt is the 
sum of ABC contributions for kelp greenling off California, cabezon 
off Washington and leopard shark coastwide calculated by applying a 
P* of 0.45 and a sigma of 1.44 to the OFL contributions for those 
stocks. The ACL is set equal to the ABC. There are no deductions 
from the ACL so the fishery HG is equal to the ACL of 243 mt.


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* * * * *
0
11. In Sec.  660.130, paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (e)(4)(iv) are revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  660.130  Trawl fishery-management measures.

* * * * *

[[Page 730]]

    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Coastwide. Widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope 
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, 
shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 
petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other flatfish, lingcod, 
sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, other fish, longnose skate, and 
Pacific whiting;
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) If a vessel fishes in the trawl RCA, it may not participate in 
any fishing on that trip that is prohibited within the trawl RCA. 
Nothing in these Federal regulations supersedes any state regulations 
that may prohibit trawling shoreward of the fishery management area (3-
200 nm).
* * * * *
0
12. In Sec.  660.140 paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(D) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.140  Shorebased IFQ Program.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) For the trawl fishery, NMFS will issue QP based on the 
following shorebased trawl allocations:

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* * * * *
0
13. Table 1 (North) and 1 (South) to 660, subpart D, are revised to 
read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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* * * * *
0
14. In Sec.  660.230, paragraph (c)(2)(i) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  660.230  Fixed gear fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Coastwide--widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope 
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, 
shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 
petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other flatfish, lingcod, 
sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, other fish, longnose skate, and 
Pacific whiting;
* * * * *
0
15. In Sec.  660.231 paragraph (b)(3)(i) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  660.231  Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *

[[Page 734]]

    (i) A vessel participating in the primary season will be 
constrained by the sablefish cumulative limit associated with each of 
the permits registered for use with that vessel. During the primary 
season, each vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph 
(a) of this section may take, retain, possess, and land sablefish, up 
to the cumulative limits for each of the permits registered for use 
with that vessel (i.e., stacked permits). If multiple limited entry 
permits with sablefish endorsements are registered for use with a 
single vessel, that vessel may land up to the total of all cumulative 
limits announced in this paragraph for the tiers for those permits, 
except as limited by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Up to 3 
permits may be registered for use with a single vessel during the 
primary season; thus, a single vessel may not take and retain, possess 
or land more than 3 primary season sablefish cumulative limits in any 
one year. A vessel registered for use with multiple limited entry 
permits is subject to per vessel limits for species other than 
sablefish, and to per vessel limits when participating in the daily 
trip limit fishery for sablefish under Sec.  660.232. In 2015, the 
following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 41,175 (18,677 kg), 
Tier 2 at 18,716 lb (8,489 kg), and Tier 3 at 10,695 lb (4,851 kg). For 
2016 and beyond, the following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 
45,053 lb (20,436 kg), Tier 2 at 20,479 lb (9,289 kg), and Tier 3 at 
11,702 lb (5,308 kg).
* * * * *
0
16. Tables 2 (North) and 2 (South) to part 660, subpart E, are revised 
to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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0
17. In Sec.  660.330, paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (d)(13)(iii) are revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  660.330  Open access fishery--management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Coastwide--widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched 
rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue 
rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope 
rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, 
shortspine and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, 
petrale sole, starry flounder, English sole, other flatfish, lingcod, 
sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, longnose skate, other fish, 
Pacific whiting, and Pacific sanddabs;
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (13) * * *
    (iii) The non-groundfish trawl RCA restrictions in this section 
apply to vessels taking and retaining or possessing groundfish in the 
EEZ, or landing groundfish taken in the EEZ. Unless otherwise 
authorized by Part 660, it is unlawful for a vessel to retain any 
groundfish taken on a fishing trip for species other than groundfish 
that occurs within the non-groundfish trawl RCA. If a vessel fishes in 
a non-groundfish fishery in the non-groundfish trawl RCA, it may not 
participate in any fishing on that trip that is prohibited within the 
non-groundfish trawl RCA. Nothing in these Federal regulations 
supersedes any state regulations that may prohibit trawling shoreward 
of the fishery management area (3-200 nm).
* * * * *
0
18. Tables 3 (North) and 3 (South) to part 660, subpart F, are revised 
to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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0
19. In Sec.  660.360, paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(D)(1) through (3), 
(c)(1)(iii)(B), (c)(1)(iv)(A) and (B), (c)(2)(iii)(A), (D) and (E), 
(c)(3)(i)(A)(2) through (5), (c)(3)(ii)(A)(2) through (4), 
(c)(3)(iii)(A)(2) through (4), (c)(3)(iii)(B), and (c)(3)(v)(A)(1) 
through (4) are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  660.360  Recreational fishery-management measures.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (D) * * *
    (1) West of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line Between the U.S. border with 
Canada and the Queets River (Washington state Marine Area 3 and 4), 
recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited seaward of a boundary 
line approximating the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour from May 9 through 
Labor Day, except on days when the Pacific halibut fishery is open in 
this area it is lawful to retain, lingcod, Pacific cod and sablefish 
seaward of the 20 fm (37 m) boundary. Days open to Pacific halibut 
recreational fishing off Washington are announced on the NMFS hotline 
at (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662-9825. Coordinates for the boundary line 
approximating the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour are listed in Sec.  
660.71, subpart C.
    (2) Between the Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and Leadbetter 
Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) (Washington state Marine Area 2), 
recreational fishing for groundfish, is prohibited seaward of a 
boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour from March 
15 through June 15 with the following exceptions: Recreational fishing 
for lingcod is permitted within the RCA on days that the primary 
halibut fishery is open; recreational fishing for rockfish is permitted 
within the RCA from March 15 through June 15; recreational fishing for 
sablefish and Pacific cod is permitted within the recreational RCA from 
May 1 through June 15. In addition to the RCA described above, between 
the Queets River (47[deg]31.70' N. lat.) and Leadbetter Point 
(46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) (Washington state Marine Area 2), recreational 
fishing for lingcod is prohibited year round seaward of a

[[Page 742]]

straight line connecting all of the following points in the order 
stated: 47[deg]31.70' N. lat., 124[deg]45.00' W. long.; 46[deg]38.17' 
N. lat., 124[deg]30.00' W. long. with the following exceptions: On days 
that the primary halibut fishery is open lingcod may be taken, retained 
and possessed within the lingcod area closure. Days open to Pacific 
halibut recreational fishing off Washington are announced on the NMFS 
hotline at (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662-9825. For additional regulations 
regarding the Washington recreational lingcod fishery, see paragraph 
(c)(1)(iv) of this section. Coordinates for the boundary line 
approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth contour are listed in Sec.  
660.71.
    (3) Between Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and the 
Columbia River (Marine Area 1), when Pacific halibut are onboard the 
vessel, no groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, 
except sablefish and Pacific cod from May 1 through September 30. 
Except that taking, retaining, possessing or landing incidental halibut 
with groundfish on board is allowed in the nearshore area on days not 
open to all-depth Pacific halibut fisheries in the area shoreward of 
the boundary line approximating the 30 fathom (55 m) depth contour 
extending from Leadbetter Point, WA (46[deg]38.17' N. lat., 
124[deg]15.88' W. long.) to the Columbia River (46[deg]16.00' N. lat., 
124[deg]15.88' W. long.) and from there, connecting to the boundary 
line approximating the 40 fathom (73 m) depth contour in Oregon. 
Nearshore season days are established in the annual management measures 
for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the Federal 
Register and are announced on the NMFS halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825. 
Between Leadbetter Point (46[deg]38.17' N. lat.) and 46[deg]28.00' N. 
lat., recreational fishing for lingcod is prohibited year round seaward 
of a straight line connecting all of the following points in the order 
stated: 46[deg]38.17' N. lat., 124[deg]21.00' W. long.; and 
46[deg]28.00' N. lat., 124[deg]21.00' W. long.
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (B) Between 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape Alava) and 46[deg]16' N. lat. 
(Columbia River) (Washington Marine Areas 1-3), there is a 2 cabezon 
per day bag limit.
* * * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (A) Between the U.S./Canada border and 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape 
Alava) (Washington Marine Area 4), recreational fishing for lingcod is 
open, for 2015, from April 16 through October 15, and for 2016, from 
April 16 through October 15. Lingcod may be no smaller than 22 inches 
(61 cm) total length.
    (B) Between 48[deg]10' N. lat. (Cape Alava) and 46[deg]16' N. lat. 
(Columbia River) (Washington Marine Areas 1-3), recreational fishing 
for lingcod is open for 2015, from March 14 through October 17, and for 
2016, from March 12 through October 15. Lingcod may be no smaller than 
22 inches (56 cm) total length.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) Marine fish. The bag limit is 10 marine fish per day, which 
includes rockfish, kelp greenling, cabezon and other groundfish 
species. There is a 1 fish sub-bag limit per day for canary rockfish 
(of the total marine bag limit, no more than 1 fish may be canary) from 
January 1 through December 31. The bag limit of marine fish excludes 
Pacific halibut, salmonids, tuna, perch species, sturgeon, sanddabs, 
flatfish, lingcod, striped bass, hybrid bass, offshore pelagic species 
and baitfish (herring, smelt, anchovies and sardines). The minimum size 
for cabezon retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 16 in (41 
cm) total length. The minimum size for kelp greenling retained in the 
Oregon recreational fishery is 10 in (25 cm).
* * * * *
    (D) In the Pacific halibut fisheries. Retention of groundfish is 
governed in part by annual management measures for Pacific halibut 
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register. Between the 
Columbia River and Humbug Mountain, during days open to the ``all-
depth'' sport halibut fisheries, when Pacific halibut are onboard the 
vessel, no groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, 
except sablefish and Pacific cod. ``All-depth'' season days are 
established in the annual management measures for Pacific halibut 
fisheries, which are published in the Federal Register and are 
announced on the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825.
    (E) Taking and retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited at all 
times and in all areas.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) * * *
* * * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish (except 
``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour along 
the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from May 15 
through October 31 (shoreward of 20 fm is open), and is closed entirely 
from January 1 through May 14 and from November 1 through December 31.
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish 
(except ``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of the boundary line approximating the 
30 fm (55 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands 
and offshore seamounts from April 15 through December 31; and is closed 
entirely from January 1 through April 14. Closures around Cordell Banks 
(see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this section) also apply in this area. 
Coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 30 fm (55 m) depth 
contour are listed in Sec.  660.71.
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for all groundfish (except 
``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this 
section) is prohibited seaward of a boundary line approximating the 40 
fm (73 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and 
offshore seamounts from April 1 through December 31; and is closed 
entirely from January 1 through March 31 (i.e. prohibited seaward of 
the shoreline). Coordinates for the boundary line approximating the 40 
fm (73 m) depth contour are specified in Sec.  660.71.
    (5) South of 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Southern Management Area), 
recreational fishing for all groundfish (except California scorpionfish 
as specified below in this paragraph and in paragraph (c)(3)(v) of this 
section and ``other flatfish'' as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of 
this section) is prohibited seaward of a boundary line approximating 
the 60 fm (109.7 m) depth contour from March 1 through December 31 
along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts, 
except in the CCAs where fishing is prohibited seaward of the 20 fm (37 
m) depth contour when the fishing season is open (see paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(B) of this section). Recreational fishing for all groundfish 
(except California scorpionfish and ``other flatfish'') is closed 
entirely from January 1 through February 28 (i.e., prohibited seaward 
of the shoreline). Recreational fishing for California scorpionfish 
south of 34[deg]27' N. lat. is prohibited seaward of a boundary line 
approximating the 60 fm (109.7 m) depth contour from January 1 through 
December 31, except in the CCAs where

[[Page 743]]

fishing is prohibited seaward of the 20 fm (37 m) depth contour when 
the fishing season is open.
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) * * *
* * * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is open from 
May 15 through October 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 through May 
14 and November 1 through December 31).
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is 
open from April 15 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 
through April 14).
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG complex is open from 
April 1 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 through 
March 31).
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (2) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from May 15 
through October 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 through May 14 and 
November 1 through December 31).
    (3) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open 
from April 15 through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 
through April 14).
    (4) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 
through December 31 (i.e. it's closed from January 1 through March 31).
* * * * *
    (B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the 
recreational season for lingcod is open, there is a limit of 2 hooks 
and 1 line when fishing for lingcod. The bag limit is 3 lingcod per 
day. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid permit issued by 
California and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the number 
of days in the fishing trip.
* * * * *
    (v) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (1) Between 40[deg]10' N. lat. and 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. (Mendocino 
Management Area), recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is 
open from May 15 through October 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 
through May 14 and from November 1 through December 31).
    (2) Between 38[deg]57.50' N. lat. and 37[deg]11' N. lat. (San 
Francisco Management Area), recreational fishing for California 
scorpionfish is open from April 15 through December 31 (i.e., it's 
closed from January 1 through April 14).
    (3) Between 37[deg]11' N. lat. and 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Central 
Management Area), recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is 
open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e., it's closed from January 1 
through March 31).
    (4) South of 34[deg]27' N. lat. (Southern Management Area), 
recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open from January 1 
through December 31.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2014-30114 Filed 1-5-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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