Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2011/04/05/2011-8056.html
Timestamp: 2020-03-29 06:45:39
Document Index: 505418838

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 635', 'art 635', 'ART 635', 'art 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 600', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', 'art 648', '§ 648', 'art 648', '§ 648', 'art 679', 'art 600', 'art 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679', '§ 679']

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery, 18661-18663 [2011-8056] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery, 18661-18663 [2011-8056]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery, 18661-18663 [2011-8056]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Small Entity Compliance Guide Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 states that, for each rule or group of related rules for which an agency is required to prepare a FRFA, the agency shall publish one or more guides to assist small entities in complying with the rule, and shall designate such publications as ‘‘small entity compliance guides.’’ The agency shall explain the actions a small entity is required to take to comply with a rule or group of rules. Copies of the compliance guide for this final rule is available (see ADDRESSES). Weak Hook Voucher Program The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that preserves and restores our nation’s native wildlife species and habitats) is conducting a Weak Hook Voucher Program through which Atlantic Tuna Longline permit holders who use PLL gear in the GOM may obtain an initial supply of weak hooks. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will mail vouchers to Atlantic Tuna Longline permit holders that used PLL gear in the GOM in 2009– 2010. Atlantic Tuna Longline permit holders that have not received the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation voucher in the mail by April 12, 2011, and are planning to fish with PLL gear in the GOM this year, may request a voucher by contacting Mary Beth Charles with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at 202–595–2445 or Marybeth.charles@nfwf.org. Weak hook vouchers are for hooks that will be used in the Gulf of Mexico and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will consider requests for vouchers on a case-by-case basis. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 635 Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations, Imports, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Treaties. WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES Dated: March 31, 2011. Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 635 is amended as follows: PART 635—ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES 1. The authority citation for part 635 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:08 Apr 04, 2011 Jkt 223001 2. In § 635.2, the definition of ‘‘round wire stock’’ is added in alphabetical order to read as follows: ■ § 635.2 * * * * Round wire stock means round metal wire, typically used in the manufacturing of fishing hooks, that has not been forged, or otherwise modified or treated in any way to increase the original factory tensile strength set by the hook manufacturer. * * * * * ■ 3. In § 635.21, paragraph (c)(5)(iii)(C)(2)(i) is revised to read as follows: § 635.21 Gear operation and deployment restrictions. * * * * * (c) * * * (5) * * * (iii) * * * (C) * * * (2) * * * (i) For purposes of paragraphs (c)(5)(iii)(C)(1) and (c)(5)(iii)(C)(2) of this section, the outer diameter of an 18/0 circle hook at its widest point must be no smaller than 2.16 inches (55 mm), and the outer diameter of a 16/0 circle hook at its widest point must be no smaller than 1.74 inches (44.3 mm), when measured with the eye of the hook on the vertical axis (y-axis) and perpendicular to the horizontal axis (xaxis). The distance between the hook point and the shank (i.e., the gap) on an 18/0 circle hook must be no larger than 1.13 inches (28.8 mm), and the gap on a 16/0 circle hook must be no larger than 1.01 inches (25.8 mm). The allowable offset is measured from the barbed end of the hook, and is relative to the parallel plane of the eyed-end, or shank, of the hook when laid on its side. The only allowable offset circle hooks are those that are offset by the hook manufacturer. In the Gulf of Mexico, as described at § 600.105(c), circle hooks also must be constructed of corrodible round wire stock that is no larger than 3.65 mm in diameter. * * * * * ■ 4. In § 635.71, add paragraph (a)(54) to read as follows: Prohibitions. * * * * * (a) * * * (54) Possess, use, or deploy, in the Gulf of Mexico, any circle hook, other than as described at § 635.21(c). Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, with pelagic gear onboard, are prohibited from possessing, using, or deploying circle hooks that are constructed of round wire stock which is larger than 3.65 mm in PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 diameter (See: § 635.21(c)(5)(iii)(C)(2)(i)). * * * * * [FR Doc. 2011–8052 Filed 4–1–11; 8:45 am] Definitions. * § 635.71 18661 Sfmt 4700 BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 0910051338–0151–02] RIN 0648–XA304 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment of landing limits. AGENCY: NMFS increases the possession limit for George’s Bank (GB) cod, Cape Cod (CC)/Gulf of Maine (GOM) yellowtail flounder, and Southern New England (SNE)/MidAtlantic (MA) yellowtail flounder, and reduces the trip limit GOM cod and GOM winter flounder for Northeast (NE) multispecies common pool vessels for the 2010 fishing year (FY), through April 30, 2011. This action is authorized under the authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and by the regulations implementing Amendment 16 and Framework Adjustment 44 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The action is intended to facilitate the harvest of GB cod, CC/ GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail to allow the total catch of these stocks to approach the pertinent common pool sub-annual catch limits (sub-ACLs). This action is also intended to reduce catch rates of GOM cod and GOM winter flounder by NE common pool vessels and minimize additional overharvest of these stocks relative to the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs. DATES: The trip limit increases for GB cod and SNE/MA and CC/GOM yellowtail flounder are effective March 31, 2011, through April 30, 2011. The trip limits reductions for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder are effective April 5, 2011, through April 30, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Heil, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281–9257, fax (978) 281–9135. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM 05APR1 18662 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2011 / Rules and Regulations SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations governing the NE multispecies fishery are found at 50 CFR 648 subpart F. The regulations at § 648.86(o) authorize the NE Regional Administrator (RA) to adjust the possession limits for common pool vessels in order to optimize the harvest of NE regulated multispecies by preventing the overharvest or underharvest of the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs. For FY 2010, the common pool sub-ACLs for GB cod, GOM cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, and GOM winter flounder are: 128 mt (282,192 lb); 240 mt (529,109 lb); 50 mt (110,231 lb); 75 mt (165,347 lb), and 25 mt (55,116 lb), respectively. The current possession limit for GB cod is 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per day-at-sea (DAS) up to 20,000 lb (9,071.8 kg) per trip, and the current possession limit for CC/GOM yellowtail flounder and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder is 250 lb (113.4 kg) per DAS up to 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) per trip. The current possession limits for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder are: 100 lb (45.4 kg) per DAS up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per trip and 250 lb (113.4 kg) per trip, respectively. The initial limit for GOM cod set by Amendment 16 was 800 lb (362.9 kg) per DAS up to 4,000 lb (1,814.5 kg) per trip. An inseason action published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2010 (75 FR 29678), reduced the common pool trip limits for five stocks: GOM haddock, GB haddock, GOM winter flounder, GB winter flounder, and GB yellowtail flounder. A subsequent action (75 FR 44924, July 30, 2010) reduced the trip limit for GOM cod to 200 lb (90.7 kg) per DAS up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per trip and imposed a gear restriction in the U.S./Canada Management Area to reduce catch of GB yellowtail flounder. A September 2, 2010, inseason action (75 FR 53872) imposed 2:1 differential DAS counting in the Inshore GOM, Offshore GOM, Inshore GB, and Offshore GB Differential DAS Areas to reduce effort on GOM cod, white hake, and witch flounder. A fourth action (75 FR 59154, September 27, 2010) further reduced the GOM cod trip limit to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per DAS. No inseason adjustments have been made to the possession limits for GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder for FY 2010. As of March 24, 2011, the best available catch information, including Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reports and dealer reports, indicated that approximately 44 percent of the GB cod, 67 percent of the CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, 24 percent of the SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, 102 percent of the GOM cod, and 100 percent of the GOM winter flounder common pool sub-ACLs has been harvested. Based on this information, the RA determined that additional measures are needed to facilitate the harvest of GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder to help allow the total catch of these stocks by common pool vessels to approach the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs. Conversely, the RA determined that additional measures are needed to slow catch rates of GOM cod and GOM winter flounder by common pool vessels. Therefore, the trip limit for GB cod is increased to 3,000 lb (1,360.8 kg) per DAS up to 30,000 lb (13,607.8 kg) per trip, and the trip limit for CC/ GOM yellowtail flounder and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder is increased to 750 lb (340.2 kg) per DAS up to 3,000 lb (1,360.8 kg) per trip for common pool vessels, effective March 31, 2011 through April 30, 2011. In addition, the trip limit for GOM cod is reduced to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip, and the trip limit for GOM winter flounder is reduced to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip for common pool vessels, effective April 5, 2011, through April 30, 2011. This action does not change the current cod trip limit for vessels with a Handgear A (50 lb (22.7 kg) per trip), Handgear B (25 lb (11.3 kg) per trip), or Small Vessel Category (75 lb (34.0 kg) per trip of cod within the limit of 300 lb (136.1 kg) of cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder combined) permit. This action does change the GOM winter flounder trip limit for vessels with a Handgear A, Handgear B, or Small Vessel Category permit to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip). The trip limit adjustments implemented through this action are detailed in the table below. Catch will continue to be monitored through dealer-reported landings, VMS catch reports, and other available information, and if necessary, additional adjustments to common pool management measures may be made. Stock Old possession/trip limit New possession/trip limit CC/GOM yellowtail flounder 250 lb (113.4 kg) per DAS up to 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) per trip. 250 lb (113.4 kg) per DAS up to 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) per trip. 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per DAS up to 20,000 lb (9,071.8 kg) per trip. 100 lb (45.4 kg) per DAS up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per trip. 250 lb (113.4 kg) per trip ................................................ 750 lb (340.2 kg) per DAS up to 3,000 lb (1,360.8 kg) per trip. 750 lb (340.2 kg) per DAS up to 3,000 lb (1,360.8 kg) per trip. 3,000 lb (1,360.8 kg) per DAS up to 30,000 lb (13,607.8 kg) per trip. 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip. SNE yellowtail flounder ........ GB cod ................................. GOM cod .............................. GOM winter flounder ............ WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES Classification This action is authorized by 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and (d)(3) to waive prior notice and the opportunity for public comment, as well as delayed effectiveness, for this inseason adjustment because notice, comment, and a delayed effectiveness would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The regulations at VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:08 Apr 04, 2011 Jkt 223001 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip. § 648.86(o) grant the RA authority to adjust the NE multispecies possession limits for common pool vessels in order to prevent the overharvest or underharvest of the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs. This action increases the possession limit for GB cod, CC/ GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder to facilitate the harvest of these stocks, as well as reduces the trip limits for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder to minimize overharvest of the common pool subACLs for these stocks. Catch data upon PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 which this action is based have only recently become available. The time necessary to provide for prior notice and comment, and delayed effectiveness for this action, would prevent NMFS from implementing the necessary possession limit adjustments in a timely manner. A resulting delay in the liberalization of possession limits would unnecessarily restrain catch rates for GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, thereby preventing the total catch of these stocks to approach the pertinent common pool E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM 05APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sub-ACLs. In addition, a resulting delay in the curtailment of the catch rates of GOM cod and GOM winter flounder could increase the amount of overharvest of GOM cod, or cause the GOM winter flounder sub-ACL to be exceeded, thereby undermining the conservation objectives of the FMP. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 31, 2011. Margo Schulze-Haugen, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2011–8056 Filed 3–31–11; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 101126521–0640–02] RIN 0648–XA347 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2011 Pacific cod allowable catch (TAC) specified for WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:08 Apr 04, 2011 Jkt 223001 catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), April 4, 2011, through 1200 hrs, A.l.t., June 10, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh Keaton, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The B season allowance of the 2011 Pacific cod TAC allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI is 4,949 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2011 and 2012 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (76 FR 11139, March 1, 2011). In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the B season allowance of the 2011 Pacific cod TAC allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI will soon be reached. Therefore, the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 4,449 mt, and is setting aside the remaining 500 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 18663 After the effective date of this closure the maximum retainable amounts at § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification This action responds to the best available information recently obtained from the fishery. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, (AA), finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This requirement is impracticable and contrary to the public interest as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data in a timely fashion and would delay the closure of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data only became available as of March 30, 2011. The AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. This action is required by § 679.20 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 31, 2011. Margo Schulze-Haugen, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2011–8058 Filed 3–31–11; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM 05APR1
[Pages 18661-18663]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8056]
RIN 0648-XA304
Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment of landing limits.
SUMMARY: NMFS increases the possession limit for George's Bank (GB)
cod, Cape Cod (CC)/Gulf of Maine (GOM) yellowtail flounder, and
Southern New England (SNE)/Mid-Atlantic (MA) yellowtail flounder, and
reduces the trip limit GOM cod and GOM winter flounder for Northeast
(NE) multispecies common pool vessels for the 2010 fishing year (FY),
through April 30, 2011. This action is authorized under the authority
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and by
the regulations implementing Amendment 16 and Framework Adjustment 44
to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The action is
intended to facilitate the harvest of GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail
flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail to allow the total catch of these
stocks to approach the pertinent common pool sub-annual catch limits
(sub-ACLs). This action is also intended to reduce catch rates of GOM
cod and GOM winter flounder by NE common pool vessels and minimize
additional overharvest of these stocks relative to the pertinent common
pool sub-ACLs.
DATES: The trip limit increases for GB cod and SNE/MA and CC/GOM
yellowtail flounder are effective March 31, 2011, through April 30,
2011. The trip limits reductions for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder
are effective April 5, 2011, through April 30, 2011.
(978) 281-9257, fax (978) 281-9135.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations governing the NE multispecies
fishery are found at 50 CFR 648 subpart F. The regulations at Sec.
648.86(o) authorize the NE Regional Administrator (RA) to adjust the
possession limits for common pool vessels in order to optimize the
harvest of NE regulated multispecies by preventing the overharvest or
underharvest of the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs. For FY 2010, the
common pool sub-ACLs for GB cod, GOM cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder,
SNE/MA yellowtail flounder, and GOM winter flounder are: 128 mt
(282,192 lb); 240 mt (529,109 lb); 50 mt (110,231 lb); 75 mt (165,347
lb), and 25 mt (55,116 lb), respectively. The current possession limit
for GB cod is 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per day-at-sea (DAS) up to 20,000 lb
(9,071.8 kg) per trip, and the current possession limit for CC/GOM
yellowtail flounder and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder is 250 lb (113.4 kg)
per DAS up to 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) per trip. The current possession
limits for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder are: 100 lb (45.4 kg) per
DAS up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per trip and 250 lb (113.4 kg) per trip,
The initial limit for GOM cod set by Amendment 16 was 800 lb (362.9
kg) per DAS up to 4,000 lb (1,814.5 kg) per trip. An inseason action
published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2010 (75 FR 29678),
reduced the common pool trip limits for five stocks: GOM haddock, GB
haddock, GOM winter flounder, GB winter flounder, and GB yellowtail
flounder. A subsequent action (75 FR 44924, July 30, 2010) reduced the
trip limit for GOM cod to 200 lb (90.7 kg) per DAS up to 1,000 lb
(453.6 kg) per trip and imposed a gear restriction in the U.S./Canada
Management Area to reduce catch of GB yellowtail flounder. A September
2, 2010, inseason action (75 FR 53872) imposed 2:1 differential DAS
counting in the Inshore GOM, Offshore GOM, Inshore GB, and Offshore GB
Differential DAS Areas to reduce effort on GOM cod, white hake, and
witch flounder. A fourth action (75 FR 59154, September 27, 2010)
further reduced the GOM cod trip limit to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per DAS. No
inseason adjustments have been made to the possession limits for GB
cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, or SNE/MA yellowtail flounder for FY
As of March 24, 2011, the best available catch information,
including Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reports and dealer reports,
indicated that approximately 44 percent of the GB cod, 67 percent of
the CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, 24 percent of the SNE/MA yellowtail
flounder, 102 percent of the GOM cod, and 100 percent of the GOM winter
flounder common pool sub-ACLs has been harvested. Based on this
information, the RA determined that additional measures are needed to
facilitate the harvest of GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/
MA yellowtail flounder to help allow the total catch of these stocks by
common pool vessels to approach the pertinent common pool sub-ACLs.
Conversely, the RA determined that additional measures are needed to
slow catch rates of GOM cod and GOM winter flounder by common pool
vessels. Therefore, the trip limit for GB cod is increased to 3,000 lb
(1,360.8 kg) per DAS up to 30,000 lb (13,607.8 kg) per trip, and the
trip limit for CC/GOM yellowtail flounder and SNE/MA yellowtail
flounder is increased to 750 lb (340.2 kg) per DAS up to 3,000 lb
(1,360.8 kg) per trip for common pool vessels, effective March 31, 2011
through April 30, 2011. In addition, the trip limit for GOM cod is
reduced to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip, and the trip limit for GOM winter
flounder is reduced to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip for common pool
vessels, effective April 5, 2011, through April 30, 2011. This action
does not change the current cod trip limit for vessels with a Handgear
A (50 lb (22.7 kg) per trip), Handgear B (25 lb (11.3 kg) per trip), or
Small Vessel Category (75 lb (34.0 kg) per trip of cod within the limit
of 300 lb (136.1 kg) of cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder combined)
permit. This action does change the GOM winter flounder trip limit for
vessels with a Handgear A, Handgear B, or Small Vessel Category permit
to 100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip). The trip limit adjustments implemented
through this action are detailed in the table below. Catch will
continue to be monitored through dealer-reported landings, VMS catch
reports, and other available information, and if necessary, additional
adjustments to common pool management measures may be made.
Old possession/trip   New possession/trip
Stock                     limit                 limit
CC/GOM yellowtail flounder..  250 lb (113.4 kg)     750 lb (340.2 kg)
per DAS up to 1,500   per DAS up to 3,000
lb (680.4 kg) per     lb (1,360.8 kg) per
trip.                 trip.
SNE yellowtail flounder.....  250 lb (113.4 kg)     750 lb (340.2 kg)
GB cod......................  2,000 lb (907.2 kg)   3,000 lb (1,360.8
per DAS up to         kg) per DAS up to
20,000 lb (9,071.8    30,000 lb (13,607.8
kg) per trip.         kg) per trip.
GOM cod.....................  100 lb (45.4 kg) per  100 lb (45.4 kg) per
DAS up to 1,000 lb    trip.
(453.6 kg) per trip.
GOM winter flounder.........  250 lb (113.4 kg)     100 lb (45.4 kg) per
per trip.             trip.
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and (d)(3) to waive prior notice and
the opportunity for public comment, as well as delayed effectiveness,
for this inseason adjustment because notice, comment, and a delayed
effectiveness would be impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. The regulations at Sec.  648.86(o) grant the RA authority to
adjust the NE multispecies possession limits for common pool vessels in
order to prevent the overharvest or underharvest of the pertinent
common pool sub-ACLs. This action increases the possession limit for GB
cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder to
facilitate the harvest of these stocks, as well as reduces the trip
limits for GOM cod and GOM winter flounder to minimize overharvest of
the common pool sub-ACLs for these stocks. Catch data upon which this
action is based have only recently become available. The time necessary
to provide for prior notice and comment, and delayed effectiveness for
this action, would prevent NMFS from implementing the necessary
possession limit adjustments in a timely manner. A resulting delay in
the liberalization of possession limits would unnecessarily restrain
catch rates for GB cod, CC/GOM yellowtail flounder, and SNE/MA
yellowtail flounder, thereby preventing the total catch of these stocks
to approach the pertinent common pool
sub-ACLs. In addition, a resulting delay in the curtailment of the
catch rates of GOM cod and GOM winter flounder could increase the
amount of overharvest of GOM cod, or cause the GOM winter flounder sub-
ACL to be exceeded, thereby undermining the conservation objectives of
[FR Doc. 2011-8056 Filed 3-31-11; 4:15 pm]