Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2005/12/19/05-24203.html
Timestamp: 2019-06-26 04:11:03
Document Index: 445779780

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 660', 'art 660', 'ART 660', 'art 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', '§ 660', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 600', 'art 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'ART 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 1', '§ 679', 'art) 1', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art) 1', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 1', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', 'art 1', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'ART 679', 'art\n679', 'art 679', 'art 600', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art\n679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 679']

Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting, 75080-75084 [05-24203] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting, 75080-75084 [05-24203]
Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting, 75080-75084 [05-24203]
Download as PDF 75080 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2005 / Rules and Regulations this determination in a letter dated October 20, 2005. NMFS prepared an FEIS for this regulatory amendment. A Notice of Availability of the FEIS was published on May 6, 2005. The Record of Decision is available from William L. Robinson (see ADDRESSES). List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660 Administrative practice and procedure, American Samoa, Fisheries, Fishing, Guam, Hawaiian natives, Indians, Northern Mariana Islands, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: December 13, 2005. James W. Balsiger, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 660 is amended as follows: I PART 660—FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC 1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 660.22, paragraphs (aa), (bb), (cc), and (mm) are removed; paragraphs (dd) though (ll) are redesignated as (aa) through (ii); paragraphs (nn) through (vv) are redesignated as paragraphs (jj) through (rr); new paragraphs (ss) through (vv) are added and reserved; and paragraph (z) is revised to read as follows: I § 660.22 Prohibitions. * * * * * (z) Fail to fish in accordance with the seabird take mitigation techniques set forth at § 660.35(a)(1) or § 660.35(a)(2) when operating a vessel registered for use under a Hawaii longline limited access permit in violation of § 660.35(a). * * * * * I 3. In § 660.35, paragraphs (a) and (b)(10) are revised to read as follows: § 660.35 Pelagic longline seabird mitigation measures. (a) Seabird mitigation techniques. When deep-setting or shallow-setting north of 23° N. lat. or shallow-setting south of 23 N. lat., owners and operators of vessels registered for use under a Hawaii longline limited access permit, must either side-set according to paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or fish in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (1) Side-setting. Owners and operators of vessels opting to side-set under this VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:05 Dec 16, 2005 Jkt 208001 section must fish according to the following specifications: (i) The mainline must be deployed as far forward on the vessel as practicable, and at least 1 m (3.3 ft) forward from the stern of the vessel; (ii) The mainline and branch lines must be set from the port or the starboard side of the vessel; (iii) If a mainline shooter is used, the mainline shooter must be mounted as far forward on the vessel as practicable, and at least 1 m (3.3 ft) forward from the stern of the vessel; (iv) Branch lines must have weights with a minimum weight of 45 g (1.6 oz); (v) One weight must be connected to each branch line within 1 m (3.3 ft) of each hook; (vi) When seabirds are present, the longline gear must be deployed so that baited hooks remain submerged and do not rise to the sea surface; and (vii) A bird curtain must be deployed. Each bird curtain must consist of the following three components: a pole that is fixed to the side of the vessel aft of the line shooter and which is at least 3 m (9.8 ft) long; at least three main streamers that are attached at regular intervals to the upper 2 m (6.6 ft) of the pole and each of which has a minimum diameter of 20 mm (0.8 in); and branch streamers attached to each main streamer at the end opposite from the pole, each of which is long enough to drag on the sea surface in the absence of wind, and each of which has a minimum diameter 10 mm (0.4 in). (2) Alternative to side-setting. Owners and operators of vessels that do not side-set must: (i) Discharge fish, fish parts (offal), or spent bait while setting or hauling longline gear, on the opposite side of the vessel from where the longline gear is being set or hauled, when seabirds are present; (ii) Retain sufficient quantities of fish, fish parts, or spent bait, between the setting of longline gear for the purpose of strategically discharging it in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section; (iii) Remove all hooks from fish, fish parts, or spent bait prior to its discharge in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section; (iv) Remove the bill and liver of any swordfish that is caught, sever its head from the trunk and cut it in half vertically and periodically discharge the butchered heads and livers in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section; (v) When using basket-style longline gear north of 23° N. lat., ensure that the main longline is deployed slack to maximize its sink rate; and PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (vi) Use completely thawed bait that has been dyed blue to an intensity level specified by a color quality control card issued by NMFS; and (vii) Maintain a minimum of two cans (each sold as 0.45 kg or 1 lb size) containing blue dye on board the vessel; and (viii) Follow the requirements in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section, as applicable. (3) Deep-setting requirements. The following additional requirements apply to vessels engaged in deep-setting using a monofilament main longline north of 23° N. lat. that do not side-set. Owners and operators of these vessels must: (i) Employ a line shooter; and (ii) Attach a weight of at least 45 g (1.6 oz) to each branch line within 1 m (3.3 ft) of the hook. (4) Shallow-setting requirement. In addition to the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section, owners and operators of vessels engaged in shallow-setting that do not side-set must begin the deployment of longline gear at least 1 hour after local sunset and complete the deployment no later than local sunrise, using only the minimum vessel lights to conform with navigation rules and best safety practices. (b) * * * (10) Any seabird that is released in accordance with paragraph (b)(9) of this section or under the guidance of a veterinarian must be placed on the sea surface. * * * * * [FR Doc. 05–24207 Filed 12–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 050628170–5328–02; I.D. 062105B] RIN 0648—AR67 Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule amending Table 2 to 50 CFR part 679. Table 2 is the source for species codes used in data collection, analysis, and E:\FR\FM\19DER1.SGM 19DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2005 / Rules and Regulations monitoring of the Federal groundfish fisheries. This action is necessary to standardize collection of species information with the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), increase effectiveness of rockfish management, reflect current fisheries management interest in skates, and promote better enforcement of rockfish regulations. This final rule is intended to meet the conservation and management requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) with respect to groundfish and to further the goals and objectives of the Alaska groundfish fishery management plans. DATES: Effective January 18, 2006. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Categorical Exclusion and the Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) prepared for this action may be obtained by mail from the Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 1668, Attn: Lori Durall, or from the NMFS Alaska Region website at www.fakr.noaa.gov. Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted to NMFS Alaska Region and by e-mail to DavidlRostker@omb.eop.gov, or fax to (202) 395–7285. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, (907) 586 7008 or patsy.bearden@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fisheries in the EEZ off the coast of Alaska according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. These fishery management plans (FMPs) were prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and approved by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. The FMPs are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 679. General provisions governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMPs appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600. Background and Need for Action The management background and explanation of the need for this action were described in the preamble to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2005 (70 FR 52060). Table 2 to Part 679 provides a list of FMP species and non-FMP species on which ADF&G and NMFS VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:05 Dec 16, 2005 Jkt 208001 75081 Table 2 to Part 679 skates.’’ NMFS has implemented separate management and harvest specifications for the species ‘‘big skates’’ that require a new species code (69 FR 26313, May 12, 2004). An identification guide of big skates and longnose skates is available from NMFS, Alaska Region (see ADDRESSES) or at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/infobulletins/ 2003/Rajalposter.jpg. 3. The description ’’skates general,’’ code 700 in Table 2a, is revised to read ’’Other (if longnose or big skates - use specific species code).’’ 4. The description ’’sharks general,’’ code 689 in Table 2a, is revised to read ’’Other (if salmon, spiny dogfish or Pacific sleeper shark - use specific species code).’’ 5. The description ’’miscellaneous flatfish,’’ code 120, is removed from the group codes and added to the FMP species in Table 2a as ’’Flatfish, miscellaneous (flatfish species without separate codes).’’ 6. The Latin name for all individual rockfish species is added to Table 2a. 7. In § 679.2, paragraph (1) of the definition for ’’Groundfish’’ is revised by removing ’’Table 2’’ and adding in its place ’’Table 2a.’’ 1. The table is reformatted from one table into four separate tables (Tables 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d). 2. The following rockfish group codes are removed from Table 2 to part 679: 144, slope rockfish; 168, demersal shelf rockfish; 169, pelagic shelf rockfish; and 171, shortraker/rougheye rockfish. Removal of these group codes does not alter the use of the terms, ’’slope rockfish,’’ ’’demersal shelf rockfish,’’ ’’pelagic shelf rockfish,’’ or ’’shortraker/ rougheye rockfish’’ in Tables 10 and 11 to 50 CFR part 679. These terms are still valid for calculation of maximum retainable percentages for basis species. 3. In § 679.2, the definition for ’’Groundfish product or fish product’’ is revised by removing ‘‘Tables 1 and 2 to this part, excluding the prohibited species listed in Table 2 to this part’’ and adding in its place ’’Tables 1, 2a, 2c, and 2d to this part.’’ 4. In § 679.5, paragraph (m)(3)(v) is revised by removing reference to group codes 144, 168, 169, and 171. Table 2b to Part 679 1. The table is entitled ’’Species Codes: FMP Prohibited Species.’’ This table contains the names and species codes of species that are identified as prohibited species in the FMPs and that must be recorded and reported in NMFS logbooks and forms. 2. The species name for prohibited species code 932 in Table 2b, is changed from ’’Opilio tanner crab’’ to read ’’Tanner, snow (C. opilio).’’ 3. The species name for prohibited species code 923 in Table 2b, is changed from ’’Gold/brown king crab’’ to read ’’King, golden (brown).’’ 4. In § 679.2, the definition for ’’Prohibited species’’ is revised by adding a reference to ’’Table 2b.’’ 5. In § 679.5, paragraph (n)(2)(iv)(D) is revised by removing ’’Table 2’’ and adding in its place ’’Table 2b.’’ 6. In § 679.21, paragraph (b)(1) is revised by removing ’’see § 679.2’’ and adding in its place ’’see § 679.2 and Table 2b to this part.’’ Table 2a to Part 679 Table 2c to Part 679 1. The table is entitled ’’Species Codes: FMP Groundfish Species.’’ This table contains the names and species codes of groundfish that are managed under the FMPs and that must be recorded and reported in NMFS logbooks and forms. 2. A species code, 702, is added to Table 2a to describe the species ‘‘big 1. The table is entitled ’’Species Codes: FMP Forage Fish Species.’’ This table contains the names and species codes of species that are identified as forage fish in the FMPs and that must be recorded and reported in NMFS logbooks and forms. 2. In § 679.2, the definition for ’’Forage fish’’ is revised by removing Alaska Region have agreed for use on ADF&G fish tickets as well as NMFS logbooks and forms. The FMP species are those which are managed under the FMPs and which must be recorded and reported in logbooks and forms. The non-FMP species are species that are frequently caught in association with FMP species, but that are not actively managed under the FMPs. These nonFMP species may be recorded and reported in logbooks and forms. This action may require a few participants to learn to identify individual species of rockfish. An identification guide for rockfish of the Northeastern Pacific Ocean is available from NMFS, Alaska Region (see ADDRESSES) or at: http:// www.afsc.noaa.gov/race/media/ publications/archives/pubs2000/ techmemo117.pdf. The proposed rule to implement these changes was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2005, for a 30day comment period that ended October 3, 2005 (70 FR 52060). No written comments were received. Elements of the Final Rule PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19DER1.SGM 19DER1 75082 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2005 / Rules and Regulations ’’see Table 2 to this part’’ and adding in its place ’’see Table 2c to this part and § 679.20(i).’’ 3. In § 679.20, paragraph (i)(1) is revised by removing ’’see § 679.2’’ and adding in its place ’’See Table 2c to this part.’’ Table 2d to Part 679 1. The table is entitled ’’Species Codes: Non-FMP Species.’’ This table contains the names and species codes of species that may be recorded in NMFS logbooks and forms but which recording is not required by regulations at 50 CFR part 679. 2. A species code, 112, is added to Table 2d for the species, Pacific hake. Fishermen increasingly are reporting catch of Pacific hake in the EEZ off Alaska. This creates the need for a new species code to record the catch. 3. The species name for non-FMP species code 961 in Table 2d, is changed from ’’Pink shrimp’’ to read ’’Northern (pink).’’ 4. The species name for non-FMP species code 951 in Table 2d, is amended by adding the Latin name ‘‘Paralomis multispina.’’ 5. The species name for non-FMP species code 953 in Table 2d, is amended by adding the Latin name ‘‘Paralomis verilli.’’ Additional Changes In § 679.5, the headings for paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) are revised by removing ‘‘groundfish and prohibited species’’ and by adding in its place ’’groundfish, prohibited species, and forage fish.’’ In § 679.5, paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) are revised by removing ‘‘all groundfish and prohibited species’’ and adding in its place ‘‘all groundfish (see Table 2a to this part), prohibited species (see Table 2b to this part), and forage fish (see Table 2c to this part).’’ Classification This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. No comments were received regarding this certification or the economic impacts of the rule. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared. This rule contains collection-ofinformation requirements that are subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and which have been approved by OMB. The collections are listed below by OMB Control Number. OMB Control Number 0648 0213 ADDRESSEES) and by e-mail to DavidlRostker@omb.eop.gov, or fax to (202) 395 7285. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with other Federal regulations. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 679 Alaska, Fisheries, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Dated: December 13, 2005. James W. Balsiger, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 679 is amended as follows: I PART 679—FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA 1. The authority citation for part 679 continues to read as follows: Total public reporting burden for this collection is 41,219 hours. Species codes are recorded and reported in this collection. I OMB Control Number 0648 0401 Total public reporting burden for this collection is 1,024 hours. Species codes are recorded and reported in this collection. Send comments regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of this data collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see §§ 679.2, 679.5, 679.20, and 679.21 [Amended] 2. In the table below, for each of the paragraphs shown in the ‘‘Location’’ column, remove the phrase indicated in the ‘‘Remove’’ column and replace it with the phrase indicated in the ‘‘Add’’ column for the number of times indicated in the ‘‘Frequency’’ column. Location Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 1540(f); 1801 et seq.; 1851 note; 3631 et seq. I Remove Add Frequency § 679.2 definition for ‘‘Forage fish’’ (see Table 2 to this part) (see Table 2c to this part and § 679.20(i)) 1 § 679.2 definition for paragraph (1) ‘‘Groundfish’’ Table 2 Table 2a 1 § 679.2 definition for ‘‘Groundfish product or fish product’’ Tables 1 and 2 to this part, excluding the prohibited species listed in Table 2 to this part Tables 1, 2a, 2c, and 2d to this part 1 § 679.2 definition for ‘‘Prohibited species’’ Tanner crab Tanner crab (see Table 2b to this part) 1 § 679.5(a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) paragraph heading Groundfish and prohibited species Groundfish, prohibited species, and forage fish 1 § 679.5(a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) all groundfish and prohibited species all groundfish (see Table 2a to this part), prohibited species (see Table 2b to this part), and forage fish (see Table 2c to this part) 1 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:05 Dec 16, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19DER1.SGM 19DER1 75083 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Location Remove Add Frequency § 679.5(m)(3)(v) code for each species from Table 2 to this part, except species codes 120, 144, 168, 169, or 171; code for each species from Tables 2a though 2d to this part, except species code 120 1 § 679.5(n)(2)(iv)(D) Table 2 Table 2b 1 § 679.20(i)(1) See § 679.2 See Table 2c to this part 1 § 679.21(b)(1) See § 679.2 See § 679.2 and Table 2b to this part 1 3. Table 2 to Part 679—Species Codes for FMP Species and non-FMP Species is removed, and Tables 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to Part 679 are added to read as follows: I TABLE 2A TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES: FMP GROUNDFISH—Continued Species Description TABLE 2A TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES: FMP GROUNDFISH Species Description TABLE 2A TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES: FMP GROUNDFISH—Continued Species Description Code Code Pygmy (S. wilsoni) Code 141 Salmon 690 Spiny dogfish Pacific ocean perch (S. alutus) 691 179 SKATES Atka mackerel (greenling) 193 Quillback (S. maliger) 147 Flatfish, miscellaneous (flatfish species without separate codes) 120 Redbanded (S. babcocki) 153 Redstripe (S. proriger) 158 Rosethorn (S. helvomaculatus) 150 Rougheye (S. aleutianus) 151 Sharpchin (S. zacentrus) 166 Butter 126 Big Longnose FLOUNDER 702 701 Other (if longnose or big skate - use specific species code) 700 Alaska plaice 133 Arrowtooth and/or Kamchatka 121 Starry 129 Shortbelly (S. jordani) 181 Dover 124 Octopus 870 Shortraker (S. borealis) 152 English 128 Pacific cod 110 Silvergray (S. brevispinis) 157 Flathead 122 Pollock 270 Splitnose (S. diploproa) 182 Petrale 131 Stripetail (S. saxicola) 183 Rex 125 Thornyhead (all Sebastolobus species) 143 Rock 123 Sand 132 Tiger (S. nigrocinctus) 148 Yellowfin 127 Vermilion (S. miniatus) 184 Widow (S. entomelas) 156 Yelloweye (S. ruberrimus) 145 Yellowmouth (S. reedi) 175 Yellowtail (S. flavidus) 155 ROCKFISH Aurora (S. aurora) 185 Black (BSAI) (S. melanops) 142 Blackgill (S. melanostomus) 177 Blue (BSAI) (S. mystinus) 167 Bocaccio (S. paucispinis) 137 Canary (S. pinniger) 146 Chilipepper (S. goodei) 178 China (S. nebulosus) 149 Copper (S. caurinus) 138 Darkblotched (S. crameri) 159 SOLE Squid 875 Turbot, Greenland 134 TABLE 2B TO PART 679—SPECIES CODE: FMP PROHIBITED SPECIES Species Description Sablefish (blackcod) Sculpins Code 710 160 CRAB King, blue 922 King, golden (brown) 923 King, red 921 King, scarlet 924 Tanner, Bairdi (C. bairdi) 931 SHARKS Dusky (S. ciliatus) 154 Greenstriped (S. elongatus) 135 Harlequin (S. variegatus) 176 Other (if salmon, spiny dogfish or Pacific sleeper shark - use specific species code) Northern (S. polyspinis) 136 Pacific sleeper VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:05 Dec 16, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4700 692 Sfmt 4700 689 E:\FR\FM\19DER1.SGM 19DER1 75084 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2005 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 2B TO PART 679—SPECIES CODE: FMP PROHIBITED SPECIES— Continued Species Description Tanner, grooved TABLE 2C TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES: FMP FORAGE FISH SPECIES—Continued (all species of the following families) Code Species Description 933 Tanner, snow (C. opilio) 934 Pacific halibut 200 Pacific herring (family Clupeidae) Surf smelt (family Osmeridae) 932 Tanner, triangle TABLE 2D TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES—NON-FMP SPECIES—Continued 235 Code 515 TABLE 2D TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES—NON-FMP SPECIES Species Description Code Species Description Code Jellyfish 625 Lamprey, Pacific 600 Lingcod 130 Lumpsucker 216 Mussel, blue 855 Abalone Chinook Chum Pacific flatnose 260 720 Pacific hagfish 212 Arctic char, anadromous 410 860 Albacore SALMON 521 Pacific hake 112 450 CLAMS Pacific saury 220 Butter 810 Pacific tomcod 250 Cockle 820 Prowfish 215 Eastern softshell 842 Rockfish, black (GOA) 142 Geoduck Coho 815 Rockfish, blue (GOA) 167 Little-neck 840 Sardine, Pacific (pilchard) 170 Razor 830 Scallop, weathervane 850 Surf 812 Scallop, pink (or calico) 851 Coral 899 Sea cucumber 895 430 Pink 440 Sockeye 420 Steelhead trout 540 TABLE 2C TO PART 679—SPECIES CODES: FMP FORAGE FISH SPECIES (all species of the following families) Species Description Bristlemouths, lightfishes, and anglemouths (family Gonostomatidae) Code 209 CRAB Sea urchin, green 893 Box 900 Sea urchin, red 892 Dungeness 910 Shad 180 SHRIMP Capelin smelt (family Osmeridae) 516 Deep-sea smelts (family Bathylagidae) 773 Korean horsehair 940 951 Eulachon smelt (family Osmeridae) 511 Multispina (Paralomis multispina) Coonstripe 964 Verrilli (Paralomis verillii) 953 Humpy 963 Gunnels (family Pholidae) 207 Dolly varden, anadromous 531 Northern (pink) 961 Krill (order Euphausiacea) 800 Eels or eel-like fish 210 Sidestripe 962 Laternfishes (family Myctophidae) 772 Giant grenadier 214 Spot 965 Pacific sandfish (family Trichodontidae) 206 Skilfish 715 Pacific sand lance (family Ammodytidae) 774 Pricklebacks, war-bonnets, eelblennys, cockscombs and shannys (family Stichaeidae) 208 GREENLING Kelp 194 Smelt, surf 515 Rock 191 Snails 890 Whitespot 192 Sturgeon, general 680 Grenadier (rattail) 213 [FR Doc. 05–24203 Filed 12–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:05 Dec 16, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19DER1.SGM 19DER1
[Pages 75080-75084]
[FR Doc No: 05-24203]
[Docket No. 050628170-5328-02; I.D. 062105B]
RIN 0648--AR67
Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast
of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule amending Table 2 to 50 CFR part
679. Table 2 is the source for species codes used in data collection,
monitoring of the Federal groundfish fisheries. This action is
necessary to standardize collection of species information with the
State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), increase
effectiveness of rockfish management, reflect current fisheries
management interest in skates, and promote better enforcement of
rockfish regulations. This final rule is intended to meet the
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) with
respect to groundfish and to further the goals and objectives of the
Alaska groundfish fishery management plans.
DATES: Effective January 18, 2006.
Impact Review (RIR) prepared for this action may be obtained by mail
from the Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box
21668, Juneau, AK 99802 1668, Attn: Lori Durall, or from the NMFS
Alaska Region website at www.fakr.noaa.gov. Written comments regarding
the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-
information requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted
to NMFS Alaska Region and by e-mail to David--Rostker@omb.eop.gov, or
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, (907) 586 7008 or
EEZ off the coast of Alaska according to the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the Fishery Management Plan
for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. These fishery
management plans (FMPs) were prepared by the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council) and approved by the Secretary of Commerce
(Secretary) under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq. The FMPs are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 679.
General provisions governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with
the FMPs appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600.
The management background and explanation of the need for this
action were described in the preamble to the proposed rule published in
the Federal Register on September 1, 2005 (70 FR 52060). Table 2 to
Part 679 provides a list of FMP species and non-FMP species on which
ADF&G and NMFS Alaska Region have agreed for use on ADF&G fish tickets
as well as NMFS logbooks and forms. The FMP species are those which are
managed under the FMPs and which must be recorded and reported in
logbooks and forms. The non-FMP species are species that are frequently
caught in association with FMP species, but that are not actively
managed under the FMPs. These non-FMP species may be recorded and
reported in logbooks and forms.
This action may require a few participants to learn to identify
individual species of rockfish. An identification guide for rockfish of
the Northeastern Pacific Ocean is available from NMFS, Alaska Region
(see ADDRESSES) or at: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/race/media/
publications/archives/pubs2000/techmemo117.pdf.
The proposed rule to implement these changes was published in the
Federal Register on September 1, 2005, for a 30-day comment period that
ended October 3, 2005 (70 FR 52060). No written comments were received.
1. The table is reformatted from one table into four separate
tables (Tables 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d).
2. The following rockfish group codes are removed from Table 2 to
part 679: 144, slope rockfish; 168, demersal shelf rockfish; 169,
pelagic shelf rockfish; and 171, shortraker/rougheye rockfish. Removal
of these group codes does not alter the use of the terms, ''slope
rockfish,'' ''demersal shelf rockfish,'' ''pelagic shelf rockfish,'' or
''shortraker/rougheye rockfish'' in Tables 10 and 11 to 50 CFR part
679. These terms are still valid for calculation of maximum retainable
percentages for basis species.
3. In Sec.  679.2, the definition for ''Groundfish product or fish
product'' is revised by removing ``Tables 1 and 2 to this part,
excluding the prohibited species listed in Table 2 to this part'' and
adding in its place ''Tables 1, 2a, 2c, and 2d to this part.''
4. In Sec.  679.5, paragraph (m)(3)(v) is revised by removing
reference to group codes 144, 168, 169, and 171.
1. The table is entitled ''Species Codes: FMP Groundfish Species.''
This table contains the names and species codes of groundfish that are
managed under the FMPs and that must be recorded and reported in NMFS
logbooks and forms.
2. A species code, 702, is added to Table 2a to describe the
species ``big skates.'' NMFS has implemented separate management and
harvest specifications for the species ``big skates'' that require a
new species code (69 FR 26313, May 12, 2004). An identification guide
of big skates and longnose skates is available from NMFS, Alaska Region
(see ADDRESSES) or at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/infobulletins/2003/
Rajalposter.jpg.
3. The description ''skates general,'' code 700 in Table 2a, is
revised to read ''Other (if longnose or big skates - use specific
species code).''
4. The description ''sharks general,'' code 689 in Table 2a, is
revised to read ''Other (if salmon, spiny dogfish or Pacific sleeper
shark - use specific species code).''
5. The description ''miscellaneous flatfish,'' code 120, is removed
from the group codes and added to the FMP species in Table 2a as
''Flatfish, miscellaneous (flatfish species without separate codes).''
6. The Latin name for all individual rockfish species is added to
7. In Sec.  679.2, paragraph (1) of the definition for
''Groundfish'' is revised by removing ''Table 2'' and adding in its
place ''Table 2a.''
1. The table is entitled ''Species Codes: FMP Prohibited Species.''
This table contains the names and species codes of species that are
identified as prohibited species in the FMPs and that must be recorded
and reported in NMFS logbooks and forms.
2. The species name for prohibited species code 932 in Table 2b, is
changed from ''Opilio tanner crab'' to read ''Tanner, snow (C.
opilio).''
3. The species name for prohibited species code 923 in Table 2b, is
changed from ''Gold/brown king crab'' to read ''King, golden (brown).''
4. In Sec.  679.2, the definition for ''Prohibited species'' is
revised by adding a reference to ''Table 2b.''
5. In Sec.  679.5, paragraph (n)(2)(iv)(D) is revised by removing
''Table 2'' and adding in its place ''Table 2b.''
6. In Sec.  679.21, paragraph (b)(1) is revised by removing ''see
Sec.  679.2'' and adding in its place ''see Sec.  679.2 and Table 2b to
this part.''
1. The table is entitled ''Species Codes: FMP Forage Fish
Species.'' This table contains the names and species codes of species
that are identified as forage fish in the FMPs and that must be
recorded and reported in NMFS logbooks and forms.
2. In Sec.  679.2, the definition for ''Forage fish'' is revised by
[[Page 75082]]
''see Table 2 to this part'' and adding in its place ''see Table 2c to
this part and Sec.  679.20(i).''
3. In Sec.  679.20, paragraph (i)(1) is revised by removing ''see
Sec.  679.2'' and adding in its place ''See Table 2c to this part.''
1. The table is entitled ''Species Codes: Non-FMP Species.'' This
table contains the names and species codes of species that may be
recorded in NMFS logbooks and forms but which recording is not required
by regulations at 50 CFR part 679.
2. A species code, 112, is added to Table 2d for the species,
Pacific hake. Fishermen increasingly are reporting catch of Pacific
hake in the EEZ off Alaska. This creates the need for a new species
code to record the catch.
3. The species name for non-FMP species code 961 in Table 2d, is
changed from ''Pink shrimp'' to read ''Northern (pink).''
4. The species name for non-FMP species code 951 in Table 2d, is
amended by adding the Latin name ``Paralomis multispina.''
5. The species name for non-FMP species code 953 in Table 2d, is
amended by adding the Latin name ``Paralomis verilli.''
In Sec.  679.5, the headings for paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and
(C) are revised by removing ``groundfish and prohibited species'' and
by adding in its place ''groundfish, prohibited species, and forage
fish.''
In Sec.  679.5, paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) are revised
by removing ``all groundfish and prohibited species'' and adding in its
place ``all groundfish (see Table 2a to this part), prohibited species
(see Table 2b to this part), and forage fish (see Table 2c to this
part).''
entities. No comments were received regarding this certification or the
economic impacts of the rule. As a result, a regulatory flexibility
This rule contains collection-of-information requirements that are
(PRA) and which have been approved by OMB. The collections are listed
below by OMB Control Number.
Total public reporting burden for this collection is 41,219 hours.
Species codes are recorded and reported in this collection.
Total public reporting burden for this collection is 1,024 hours.
to NMFS (see ADDRESSEES) and by e-mail to David--Rostker@omb.eop.gov,
or fax to (202) 395 7285.
This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with other
Sec. Sec.  679.2, 679.5, 679.20, and 679.21  [Amended]
2. In the table below, for each of the paragraphs shown in the
``Location'' column, remove the phrase indicated in the ``Remove''
column and replace it with the phrase indicated in the ``Add'' column
for the number of times indicated in the ``Frequency'' column.
Location             Remove                Add          Frequency
Sec.   679.2         (see Table 2 to     (see Table 2c to    1
definition for       this part)          this part and
``Forage fish''                          Sec.   679.20(i))
Sec.   679.2         Table 2             Table 2a            1
``Groundfish''
Sec.   679.2         Tables 1 and 2 to   Tables 1, 2a, 2c,   1
definition for       this part,          and 2d to this
``Groundfish         excluding the       part
product or fish      prohibited
product''            species listed in
Table 2 to this
Sec.   679.2         Tanner crab         Tanner crab (see    1
definition for                           Table 2b to this
``Prohibited                             part)
species''
Sec.                 Groundfish and      Groundfish,         1
679.5(a)(1)(ii)(A)   prohibited          prohibited
, (B), and (C)       species             species, and
paragraph heading                        forage fish
Sec.                 all groundfish and  all groundfish      1
679.5(a)(1)(ii)(A)   prohibited          (see Table 2a to
, (B), and (C)       species             this part),
species (see
Table 2b to this
part), and forage
fish (see Table
2c to this part)
[[Page 75083]]
Sec.                 code for each       code for each       1
679.5(m)(3)(v)       species from        species from
Table 2 to this     Tables 2a though
part, except        2d to this part,
species codes       except species
120, 144, 168,      code 120
169, or 171;
Sec.                 Table 2             Table 2b            1
679.5(n)(2)(iv)(D)
Sec.   679.20(i)(1)  See Sec.   679.2    See Table 2c to     1
Sec.   679.21(b)(1)  See Sec.   679.2    See Sec.   679.2    1
and Table 2b to
3. Table 2 to Part 679--Species Codes for FMP Species and non-FMP
Species is removed, and Tables 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to Part 679 are added
Atka mackerel (greenling)                        193
Flatfish, miscellaneous (flatfish species        120
without separate codes)
FLOUNDER                                         .......................
Alaska plaice                                   133
Arrowtooth and/or Kamchatka                     121
Starry                                          129
Octopus                                          870
Pacific cod                                      110
Pollock                                          270
ROCKFISH                                         .......................
Aurora (S. aurora)                              185
Black (BSAI) (S. melanops)                      142
Blackgill (S. melanostomus)                     177
Blue (BSAI) (S. mystinus)                       167
Bocaccio (S. paucispinis)                       137
Canary (S. pinniger)                            146
Chilipepper (S. goodei)                         178
China (S. nebulosus)                            149
Copper (S. caurinus)                            138
Darkblotched (S. crameri)                       159
Dusky (S. ciliatus)                             154
Greenstriped (S. elongatus)                     135
Harlequin (S. variegatus)                       176
Northern (S. polyspinis)                        136
Pacific ocean perch (S. alutus)                 141
Pygmy (S. wilsoni)                              179
Quillback (S. maliger)                          147
Redbanded (S. babcocki)                         153
Redstripe (S. proriger)                         158
Rosethorn (S. helvomaculatus)                   150
Rougheye (S. aleutianus)                        151
Sharpchin (S. zacentrus)                        166
Shortbelly (S. jordani)                         181
Shortraker (S. borealis)                        152
Silvergray (S. brevispinis)                     157
Splitnose (S. diploproa)                        182
Stripetail (S. saxicola)                        183
Thornyhead (all Sebastolobus species)           143
Tiger (S. nigrocinctus)                         148
Vermilion (S. miniatus)                         184
Widow (S. entomelas)                            156
Yelloweye (S. ruberrimus)                       145
Yellowmouth (S. reedi)                          175
Yellowtail (S. flavidus)                        155
Sablefish (blackcod)                             710
Sculpins                                         160
SHARKS                                           .......................
Other (if salmon, spiny dogfish or Pacific      689
sleeper shark - use specific species code)
Pacific sleeper                                 692
Salmon                                          690
Spiny dogfish                                   691
SKATES                                           .......................
Big                                             702
Longnose                                        701
Other (if longnose or big skate - use specific  700
species code)
SOLE                                             .......................
Butter                                          126
Dover                                           124
English                                         128
Flathead                                        122
Petrale                                         131
Rex                                             125
Rock                                            123
Sand                                            132
Yellowfin                                       127
Squid                                            875
Turbot, Greenland                                134
Table 2b to Part 679--Species Code: FMP Prohibited Species
CRAB                                             .......................
King, blue                                      922
King, golden (brown)                            923
King, red                                       921
King, scarlet                                   924
Tanner, Bairdi (C. bairdi)                      931
[[Page 75084]]
Tanner, grooved                                 933
Tanner, snow (C. opilio)                        932
Tanner, triangle                                934
Pacific halibut                                 200
Pacific herring (family Clupeidae)              235
SALMON                                           .......................
Chinook                                         410
Chum                                            450
Coho                                            430
Pink                                            440
Sockeye                                         420
Steelhead trout                                 540
Table 2c to Part 679--Species Codes: FMP Forage Fish Species
Bristlemouths, lightfishes, and anglemouths      209
(family Gonostomatidae)
Capelin smelt (family Osmeridae)                 516
Deep-sea smelts (family Bathylagidae)            773
Eulachon smelt (family Osmeridae)                511
Gunnels (family Pholidae)                        207
Krill (order Euphausiacea)                       800
Laternfishes (family Myctophidae)                772
Pacific sandfish (family Trichodontidae)         206
Pacific sand lance (family Ammodytidae)          774
Pricklebacks, war-bonnets, eelblennys,           208
cockscombs and shannys (family Stichaeidae)
Surf smelt (family Osmeridae)                    515
Table 2d to Part 679--Species Codes--Non-FMP Species
Abalone                                          860
Albacore                                         720
Arctic char, anadromous                          521
CLAMS                                            .......................
Butter                                          810
Cockle                                          820
Eastern softshell                               842
Geoduck                                         815
Little-neck                                     840
Razor                                           830
Surf                                            812
Coral                                           899
Box                                             900
Dungeness                                       910
Korean horsehair                                940
Multispina (Paralomis multispina)               951
Verrilli (Paralomis verillii)                   953
Dolly varden, anadromous                         531
Eels or eel-like fish                            210
Giant grenadier                                  214
GREENLING                                        .......................
Kelp                                            194
Rock                                            191
Whitespot                                       192
Grenadier (rattail)                              213
Jellyfish                                        625
Lamprey, Pacific                                 600
Lingcod                                          130
Lumpsucker                                       216
Mussel, blue                                     855
Pacific flatnose                                 260
Pacific hagfish                                  212
Pacific hake                                     112
Pacific saury                                    220
Pacific tomcod                                   250
Prowfish                                         215
Rockfish, black (GOA)                            142
Rockfish, blue (GOA)                             167
Sardine, Pacific (pilchard)                      170
Scallop, weathervane                             850
Scallop, pink (or calico)                        851
Sea cucumber                                     895
Sea urchin, green                                893
Sea urchin, red                                  892
Shad                                             180
SHRIMP                                           .......................
Coonstripe                                      964
Humpy                                           963
Northern (pink)                                 961
Sidestripe                                      962
Spot                                            965
Skilfish                                         715
Smelt, surf                                      515
Snails                                           890
Sturgeon, general                                680