05-11392. Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction  

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    AGENCY:

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

    ACTION:

    Final rule; correcting amendment.

    SUMMARY:

    NMFS issues this final rule, correcting amendment to the regulations governing the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. This action is necessary to clarify procedures and to correct discrepancies provided in a previous rulemaking. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner Crabs (FMP), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable law.

    DATES:

    Effective April 1, 2005.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Patsy A. Bearden, 907-586-7008 or patsy.bearden@noaa.gov.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Background

    In January 2004, the U.S. Congress amended section 313(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-199, section 801). As amended, section 313(j)(1) requires the Secretary of Commerce to approve and implement by regulation the Crab Rationalization Program (Program), as it was approved by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) between June 2002 and April 2003, and all trailing amendments, including those reported to Congress on May 6, 2003. In June 2004, the Council consolidated its actions on the Program into the Council motion, which is contained in its entirety in Amendment 18. Additionally, in June 2004, the Council developed Amendment 19, which represents minor changes necessary to implement the Program. The Notice of Availability for these amendments was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2004 (69 FR 53397). NMFS published a proposed rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on October 29, 2004 (69 FR 63200). NMFS approved Amendments 18 and 19 on November 19, 2004. NMFS published a final rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). NMFS also published a final rule (March 18, 2005; 70 FR 13097) to correct OMB control numbers provided in the final rule dated March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174).

    Need for Corrections

    NOAA seeks to ensure the final rule (March 2, 2005; 70 FR 10174) conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program, to provide clarification regarding the Program's regulatory requirements, and to correct minor technical errors.

    1. Statutory Conformance Corrections

    These corrections are made to sections of the rule that do not currently conform to the statutory requirements of the Program. Some of the dates specified in the final rule for qualifying years and eligibility years were incorrect. This correction ensures that the final rule conforms to statutory requirements.

    Table 7 to Part 680

    For the Bristol Bay red king crab (BBR) Quota Share (QS) fishery, the participation seasons for Catcher Vessel Crew (CVC) and Catcher/processor Crew (CPC) QS are corrected by adding the year 1999 and removing the year 2002. On page 10293, row 1 (BBR), column D, paragraph (3) is removed. On page 10293, row 1 (BBR), column D, paragraph (2) is redesignated as paragraph (3), “October 15, 2001 through October 18, 2001.” On page 10293, row 1 (BBR), column D, paragraph (1) is redesignated as paragraph (2), “October 16, 2000 through October 20, 2000.” On page 10293, row 1 (BBR), column D, a new paragraph (1) is added, “October 15, 1999 through October 20, 1999.”

    For the Bering Sea snow crab (BSS) QS fishery, the 1998 qualifying year for QS and the 1998 eligibility year for CVC and CPC QS are corrected. On page 10293, row 2 (BSS), columns B and C, paragraphs (3) are amended by removing “March 21, 1998” and adding in its place “March 20, 1998.”

    For the Bering Sea Tanner crab (BST) QS fishery, the qualifying years for CVC and CPC QS are corrected. The 1991/1992 year was inadvertently omitted from the qualifying years and is added by this rule. The year November 1, 1993 through November 10, 1993 is combined with the year November 20, 1993 through January 1, 1994. On page 10293, row 3 (BST), column B, paragraphs (2) and (3) are combined as new paragraph (3), “November 1, 1993 through November 10, 1993, and November 20, 1993 through January 1, 1994.” On page 10293, row 3 (BST), column B, paragraph (1) is redesignated as paragraph (2), “November 15, 1992 through March 31, 1993.” On page 10293, row 3 (BST), column B, new paragraph (1) is added, “November 15, 1991 through March 31, 1992.” This date was inadvertently omitted in the final rule.

    For the Eastern Aleutian Islands golden king crab QS fishery (EAG), the date for the 2000 eligibility year for CVC and CPC QS is corrected. On page 10294, row 4 (EAG), column C, paragraph (5) is amended by removing “September 25, 2000” and adding in its place “September 24, 2000.”

    For the Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab QS fishery (WAG), the date for the 1997/1998 qualifying year for QS, the date for the 2000/2001 qualifying year for QS, 2000/2001 eligibility year for CVC and CPC QS, and the 2000/2001 recent participation season for CVC and CPC QS are corrected. On page 10294, row 7 (WAG), column B, paragraph (2) is amended by removing “August 21, 1998” and adding in its place “August 31, 1998.” On page 10294, row 7 (WAG), columns B and C, paragraphs (5) and column D, paragraph (2), are amended by removing “March 28, 2001” and adding in its place “May 28, 2001.”

    For the Western Aleutian Islands red king crab QS fishery (WAI), the date for the 1993/1994 eligibility year for CVC and CPC QS is corrected and two typographical errors are corrected. On page 10295, row 8 (WAI), column C, paragraph (2) is amended by removing “November 1, 1995” and adding in its place “November 1, 1993.” On page 10295, row 8 (WAI), column C, the introductory paragraph is amended by removing a duplicate paragraph “3 of the 4 seaons beginning on:” On page 10295, row 8 (WAI), column D, the introductory paragraph is amended by removing “fishiers” and adding in its place “fisheries.”

    Table 9 to Part 680

    For the Bering Sea Tanner crab QS fishery (BSS), the date of the 1998 initial Start Printed Page 33391issuance of crab PQS is corrected. On page 10295, row 2 Bering Sea snow crab (BSS), column B, season (2) is amended by removing “March 21, 1998” and adding in its place “March 20, 1998.”

    2. Regulatory Intent Corrections and Clarifications

    These corrections are clarifications that explain regulatory changes that are more substantive than typographical/editorial type corrections.

    Preamble, Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program

    Wording in the preamble of the proposed rule (69 FR 63200) regarding crab issues in the CDQ Program was correct. However, in two places, wording in the final rule regarding these same issues was inadvertently changed from “IFQ” to read “quotas” and “quota.” This rule corrects those two errors.

    On page 10176, column 3, 21 lines after the heading, Community Development Quota Program and Community Allocations, replace “when IFQ have been reached” with “when quotas have been reached.”

    On page 10176, column 3, 22 lines after the heading, Community Development Quota Program and Community Allocations, remove “associated with IFQ overages” and replace it with “associated with quota overages.”

    Section 680.6 Crab Economic Data Report (EDR)

    Section 680.6 is corrected by removing the phrase “whether OUR CRAB or THEIR CRAB” to remove potential double counting activities during custom processing. This phrase was removed from the EDRs, but inadvertently was not removed from the regulations. The phrase “whether OUR CRAB or THEIR CRAB” is removed at the following locations:

    On page 10253, column 3, paragraph 680.6(c)(5)(xii);

    On page 10255, column 1, paragraph 680.6(d)(4)(xii);

    On page 10256, column 3, paragraph 680.6(e)(5)(ix);

    On page 10257, column 3, paragraph 680.6(f)(4)(ix);

    On page 10259, column 2, paragraph 680.6(g)(5)(ix); and

    On page 10260, column 1, paragraph 680.6(h)(4)(ix).

    On page 10260, column 1, paragraph 680.6(h)(4)(viii) is amended by removing “over all vessel activities” and adding in its place “over all plant activities.”

    Section 680.7 Prohibitions

    On page 10261, column 1, paragraphs 680.7(e)(3) and (e)(4) are removed. Paragraph (e)(3) prohibits the receipt of Class B IFQ by transfer if a person holds PQS or IPQ. Paragraph (e)(4) prohibits the receipt of Class B IFQ by transfer if you are affiliated with a person who holds PQS or IPQ. At page 10186, column 1, 3rd full paragraph, halfway down, the clear intent of NMFS is to allow this same receipt of Class B IFQ by transfer. “The Annual Application for IFQ or IPQ” requires each applicant to annually submit their affidavit and provides a reasonable assurance that if affiliation were to change in mid-season, those changes will be reflected in the affidavit for the following year. NMFS established a time period from shortly after the annual application is due until IFQ and IPQ is issued in which no transfers of IFQ or IPQ will be approved (see paragraph 680.41(b)(4)). This will provide NMFS with time to review the affiliation information, determine the amount of Class A IFQ and Class B IFQ to be issued to each IFQ holder, and to issue that IFQ and IPQ. Once issued, transfers could occur that could result in Class B IFQ being transferred to IPQ holders or their affiliates. Because NMFS is modifying the way in which Class A IFQ and Class B IFQ is allocated to PQS or IPQ holders and their affiliates, this would be permitted.

    Section 680.21 Crab Harvesting Cooperatives

    In the proposed rule, paragraph 680.21(f)(1) stated that “transfers of QS that occur after the June 30 deadline” . . . “will not be reflected in the type or amount of IFQ permit issued to the

    cooperative for the subsequent fishing season.” A new crab fishing year begins each July 1; therefore this paragraph speaks to the next fishing season. This text was revised in the final rule, paragraph 680.21(d)(1) to state that “transfers of QS that occur after the August 1 deadline” . . . “will not be reflected in the type or amount of IFQ permit issued to the crab harvesting cooperative for the subsequent fishing season.” When the date changed from June 30 to August 1, the term “subsequent” inadvertently was not changed to read “current,” to reflect that a new fishing year had begun. On page 10269, column 1, paragraph 680.21(d)(1) is amended by removing “subsequent fishing season” and adding in its place “current fishing season.”

    Section 680.40 Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual Processor Quota (IPQ) Issuance

    NMFS is removing a 60 day notification deadline at Section 680.40(f)(3)(i). These regulations require that an application for PQS based on legal processing that occurred in an Eligible Crab Community (ECC), other than Adak, must include an affidavit signed by the applicant stating that notice has been provided to the ECC of the applicant's intent to apply for PQS 60 days prior to the end of the application period for receiving PQS or QS. The requirement that this notice be provided to the ECC 60 days prior to the end of the application period is being removed. The application period was specified in the Federal Register on March 8, 2004 (70 FR 11194). The application period ends on June 3, 2005. The date 60 days prior to the end of the application period is April 4, 2005.

    NMFS is removing a similar 60 day notification deadline at Section 680.40(f)(3)(ii). These regulations require that an application for PQS based on legal processing that occurred in the Gulf of Alaska north of a line at 56°20′ N. lat. must include an affidavit signed by the applicant stating that notice has been provided to the City of Kodiak and Kodiak Island Borough of the applicant's intent to apply for PQS 60 days prior to the end of the application period for receiving PQS or QS. The requirement that this notification must have been provided to the ECC 60 days prior to the end of the application period is being removed.

    The notification deadline was intended to ensure that potential PQS holders contacted ECCs in a timely fashion so that right of first refusal contracts specified under section 313(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act could be completed among the ECC entities selected by the ECCs and PQS holders prior to the end of the application period and the issuance of PQS. This deadline would unduly restrict potential PQS holders and contravenes the Magnuson-Stevens Act as amended by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (Pub. L. No. 108-199). The 60- day deadline provided in the final rule is not specified in the Magnuson-Stevens Act amendment and nothing in that amendment would limit the ability of potential PQS holders to receive PQS if notice of the intent to apply for PQS is not provided. This notification deadline was not intended to serve as a mechanism to preclude the ability of potential PQS holders to receive PQS if Start Printed Page 33392they did not meet the notification deadline. This correction must be made prior to the end of the application period (June 3, 2005).

    Section 680.42 Limitations on Use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ

    Under the final rule regulatory text, NMFS is concerned that the use caps could be interpreted in a way that could allow substantially more consolidation than the Council intended, and more specifically, it is not consistent with the preamble language where NMFS makes a specific reference to affiliation. This final rule corrects the wording to be more specific. On page 10288, column 2, paragraph 680.42(a)(4)(iii) is amended by removing “A non-individual person that holds PQS would be limited to a QS and IFQ cap that would be calculated based on the sum of all QS or IFQ held by that PQS holder and all QS or IFQ held by any entity in which that PQS holder has a 10 percent or greater direct or indirect ownership interest.” and adding in its place “A non-individual person that holds PQS, and all affiliates of that person, is limited to a QS and IFQ use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all QS or IFQ held by that PQS holder and all QS or IFQ held by any affiliate of the PQS holder.”

    On page 10288, column 3, paragraph 680.42(b)(3)(iii) is amended by removing “A person that holds PQS would be limited to a PQS use cap that would be calculated based on the sum of all PQS held by that PQS holder and all PQS held by any entity in which that PQS holder has a 10 percent or greater direct or indirect ownership interest.” and adding in its place “A person that holds PQS is limited to a PQS use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all PQS held by that PQS holder and all PQS held by any affiliate of the PQS holder.”

    On page 10288, column 3, paragraph 680.42(b)(3)(iv) is amended by removing “A person that holds IPQ would be limited to an IPQ use cap that would be calculated based on the sum of all IPQ held by that IPQ holder and all IPQ held by any entity in which that IPQ holder has a 10 percent or greater direct or indirect ownership interest.” and adding in its place “A person that holds IPQ is limited to an IPQ use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all IPQ held by that IPQ holder and all IPQ held by any affiliate of the IPQ holder.”

    3. Technical Corrections

    The following typographical and editorial corrections are made in this rule.

    Table 14a to Part 679

    On page 10239, the ADF&G code for “Other Alaska” is amended by removing “UNK” and adding in its place “OAK.”

    Table 14b to Part 679

    On page 10239, the NMFS code for “Other California” is amended by removing “1599” and adding in its place “599.”

    Table 7 to Part 680

    On page 10294, column D, row 6, a “period” is added after the last word “fisheries.”

    Section 680.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting (R&R)

    On page 10247, paragraph 680.5(a)(2)(i)(H) is amended by removing the reference to “§ 680.5(d)” and adding in its place “§ 680.5(e).”

    On page 10247, paragraph 680.5(a)(2)(i)(I) is amended by removing the reference to “§ 680.5(e)” and adding in its place “§ 680.5(f).”

    On page 10247, paragraph 680.5(a)(2)(i)(J) is amended by removing the reference to “§ 680.5(f)” and adding in its place “§ 680.5(g).”

    On page 10247, column 2, paragraph 680.5(b)(4) is amended by removing reference to “paragraphs (c)(7), (c)(8), or (c)(9)” and adding in its place “paragraphs (d)(7), (d)(8), or (d)(9).”

    On page 10248, column 2, paragraphs 680.5(d)(5) and (d)(6) are amended by removing reference to “paragraph (b)(5)” and adding in its place “paragraph (b)(7).”

    On page 10248, column 2, paragraph 680.5(d)(7) is amended by removing reference to “paragraph (c)(11)” and adding in its place “paragraph (d)(9).”

    On page 10248, column 2, paragraph 680.5(d)(8) is amended by removing reference to “paragraph (c)(7)” and adding in its place “paragraph (d)(7).”

    On page 10248, column 3, paragraph 680.5(d)(9) is amended by removing reference to “paragraph (c)(7)” and adding in its place “paragraph (d)(7).”

    Section 680.7 Prohibitions

    On page 10260, column 3, paragraph 680.7(c)(1) is amended by removing “BSAI crab” and adding in its place “CR crab.”

    On page 10260, column 3, paragraph 680.7(c)(2) is amended by removing “IFQ crab” and adding in its place “CR crab.”

    Section 680.20 Arbitration System

    On page 10267, column 1, paragraph 680.20(h)(4)(iv) is amended by removing “would be” and adding in its place “will be.”

    Section 680.23 Equipment and Operational Requirements

    On page 10273, column 3, paragraph 680.23(g)(5)(iv) is amended by removing “paragraph (e)(3)” and adding in its place “paragraph (f)(3).”

    Section 680.40 Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual Processor Quota (IPQ) Issuance

    On page 10281, column 1, paragraph 680.40(h)(4) is amended by removing “would be” and adding in its place “will be.”

    On page 10281, column 2, paragraph 680.40(h)(5) is amended by removing “would be” and adding in its place “will be.”

    Section 680.42 Limitations on Use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ

    On page 10287, column 3, paragraph 680.42(a)(2) is amended by removing reference to “(b)(1)(ii)” and adding in its place “(a)(1)(ii).”

    On page 10287, column 3, paragraph 680.42(a)(2) is amended by removing reference to “(b)(3)” and adding in its place “(a)(3).”

    On page 10288, column 2, paragraph 680.42(a)(5) is amended by removing reference to “paragraph (b)” and adding in its place “paragraph (a).”

    4. Correction to Information About OMB Control Number 0648-0518

    Incorrect burden estimates for 4 of the Economic Data Reports (EDRs) were provided in the final rule, although the correct burden estimates are given in the individual EDRs and in the PRA support statement. On page 10231, column 3, the EDR burden estimates are corrected as follows: remove 25 hours for Catcher processor annual EDR and replace it with 12.5 hours; remove 15 hours for Catcher vessel annual EDR and replace it with 7.5 hours; remove duplicate phrase “15 hours for Catcher vessel annual EDR;” remove 15 hours for the Stationary crab floating processor historical EDR and replace it with 20 hours; remove 15 hours for the Stationary crab floating processor annual EDR and replace it with 10 hours; remove 15 hours for Shoreside crab processor historical EDR and replace it with 20 hours. and remove 15 hours for Shoreside crab processor annual EDR and replace it with 10 hours.

    Classification

    The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that this final rule is necessary for the conservation and management of the BSAI crab fisheries. Start Printed Page 33393The Regional Administrator also has determined that this final rule is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws.

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Order 12866.

    Because prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., are inapplicable.

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C.553(b)(B), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA) finds good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice and comment would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest. Through this action, NOAA seeks to ensure that the final rule conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program, provide clarification regarding the Program's regulatory requirements and correct minor technical errors. Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest for the following reasons. First, corrections to ensure the rule's conformance with the Program's statutory requirements are non-discretionary. As such, prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are unnecessary as the agency has no choice but to ensure its regulations are consistent with the statute. Second, corrections and clarifications to ensure the rule's compliance with the intent of the Program must be made immediately in order to provide the regulated community with adequate and accurate information to, among other things, apply for participation in the Program prior to the closing of the application date (June 3, 2005). Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on these measures are impracticable and contrary to the public interest because the time necessary to provide such procedures would lead to the realization of the very harm sought to be avoided by this rule. In contrast, waiving those procedures does not affect the eligibility of those otherwise eligible under the regulations as originally promulgated and ensures that all parties who might be eligible are aware of that fact prior to the close of the application period. Finally, the editorial changes made by this rule are non-substantive. As a result, prior notice and an opportunity for comment on these changes are unnecessary.

    The non-substantive changes made by this rule are not subject to the 30-day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d). With respect to those substantive changes made by this rule, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). The waiver of the 30-day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d) is necessary to provide the regulated community with timely, adequate and accurate information to, among other things, apply for participation in the program prior to the closing of the application date (June 3, 2005). A 30-day delay in the effective date of this notice would lead to the realization of the very harm sought to avoided by this rule. Waiving the 30-day delay in effective date requirement does not effect the eligibility of those otherwise eligible under the regulations as originally promulgated and ensures all parties who might be eligible are aware of that fact prior to the close of the application period.

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    List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 679 and 680

    • Alaska
    • Fisheries
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
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    Dated: May 27, 2005.

    William T. Hogarth,

    Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.

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    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 679 and 680 are corrected by making the following correcting amendments:

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    PART 679—FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA

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    1. The authority citation for part 679 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., 1801 et seq., and 3631 et seq.; Title II of Division C, Pub. L. 105-277; Sec. 3027, Pub. L. 106-31, 113 Stat. 57; 16 U.S.C. 1540(f).

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    2. In part 679, revise Table 14a to Part 679 to read as follows:

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    Table 14a to Part 679—Port of Landing Codes1: Alaska

    Port NameNMFS CodeADF&G Code
    Adak186ADA
    Akutan, Akutan Bay101AKU
    Alitak103ALI
    Anchorage105ANC
    Angoon106ANG
    Aniak300ANI
    Anvik301ANV
    Atka107ATK
    Auke Bay136JNU
    Beaver Inlet119DUT
    Bethel302BET
    Captains Bay119DUT
    Chefornak189CHF
    Chignik113CHG
    Cordova115COR
    Craig116CRG
    Dillingham117DIL
    Douglas136JNU
    Dutch Harbor/Unalaska119DUT
    Egegik122EGE
    Ekuk303EKU
    Elfin Cove123ELF
    Emmonak304EMM
    Excursion Inlet124XIP
    False Pass125FSP
    Fairbanks305FBK
    Galena306GAL
    Glacier Bay307GLB
    Glennallen308GLN
    Gustavus127GUS
    Haines128HNS
    Halibut Cove130HBC
    Homer132HOM
    Hoonah133HNH
    Hydaburg309HYD
    Hyder134HDR
    Juneau136JNU
    Kake137KAK
    Kaltag310KAL
    Kasilof138KAS
    Kenai139KEN
    Kenai River139KEN
    Start Printed Page 33394
    Ketchikan141KTN
    King Cove142KCO
    King Salmon143KNG
    Kipnuk144KIP
    Klawock145KLA
    Kodiak146KOD
    Kotzebue311KOT
    Mekoryuk147MEK
    Metlakatla148MET
    Moser Bay312MOS
    Naknek149NAK
    Nenana313NEN
    Nikiski (or Nikishka)150NIK
    Ninilchik151NIN
    Nome152NOM
    Nunivak Island314NUN
    Old Harbor153OLD
    Other Alaska1499OAK
    Pelican155PEL
    Petersburg156PBG
    Port Alexander158PAL
    Port Armstrong315PTA
    Port Bailey159PTB
    Port Graham160GRM
    Port Lions316LIO
    Port Moller317MOL
    Port Protection161PRO
    Quinhagak187QUK
    Sand Point164SPT
    Savoonga165SAV
    Selawik326SWK
    Seldovia166SEL
    Seward167SEW
    Sitka168SIT
    Skagway169SKG
    Soldotna318SOL
    St. George170STG
    St. Mary319STM
    St. Paul172STP
    Tee Harbor136JNU
    Tenakee Springs174TEN
    Togiak176TOG
    Toksook Bay177TOB
    Tununak178TUN
    Ugashik320UGA
    Unalakleet321UNA
    Valdez181VAL
    Wasilla322WAS
    Whittier183WHT
    Wrangell184WRN
    Yakutat185YAK
    1 To report a landing at a location not currently assigned a location code number, use the code for “Other Alaska” code “499” or “OAK.”
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    3. In part 679, revise Table 14b to Part 679 to read as follows:

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    Table 14b to Part 679—Port of Landing Codes: Non-Alaska (California, Canada, Oregon, Washington)

    Port State or CountryPort NameNMFS CodeADF&G Code
    CALIFORNIAEureka500EUR
    Other California1599OCA
    CANADAOther Canada1899OCN
    Port Edward802PRU
    Prince Rupert802PRU
    OREGONAstoria600AST
    Newport603NPT
    Other Oregon1699OOR
    Portland323POR
    Warrenton604WAR
    WASHINGTONAnacortes700ANA
    Bellingham702BEL
    Blaine717BLA
    Everett704EVT
    Start Printed Page 33395
    La Conner708LAC
    Olympia324OLY
    Other Washington1799OWA
    Seattle715SEA
    Tacoma325TAC
    1 To report a landing at a location not currently assigned a location code number, use the code for “Other California,” “Other Oregon,” “Other Washington,” or Other Canada” at which the landing occurs.
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    PART 680—SHELLFISH FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA

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    4. The authority citation for part 680 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862.

    End Authority
    [Corrected]
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    5. Correct § 680.5 as follows:

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    a. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(H), remove “§ 680.5(d)” and add in its place “§ 680.5(e)”;

    b. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(I), remove “§ 680.5(e)” and add in its place “§ 680.5(f)”;

    c. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(J), remove “§ 680.5(f)” and add in its place “§ 680.5(g)”;

    d. Paragraph (b)(4), remove “paragraphs (c)(7), (c)(8), or (c)(9)” and add in its place “paragraphs (d)(7), (d)(8), or (d)(9)”;

    e. Paragraphs (d)(5) and (d)(6), remove “paragraph (b)(5)” and add in its place “paragraph (b)(7)”;

    f. Paragraph (d)(7)(vii), remove “paragraph (c)(11)” and add in its place “paragraph (d)(9)”;

    g. Paragraph (d)(8), remove “paragraph (c)(7)” and add in its place “paragraph (d)(7)”; and

    h. Paragraph (d)(9), remove “paragraph (c)(7)” and add in its place “paragraph (d)(7).”

    [Corrected]
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    6. Correct § 680.6 as follows:

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    a. Remove the phrase “whether OUR CRAB or THEIR CRAB,” from wherever it appears in the section; and

    b. Paragraph (h)(4)(viii), remove “over all vessel activities” and add in its place “over all plant activities.”

    [Corrected]
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    7. Correct § 680.7 as follows:

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    a. Paragraph (c)(1), remove “BSAI crab” and add in its place “CR crab”;

    b. Paragraph (c)(2), remove “IFQ crab” and add in its place “CR crab”; and

    c. Remove paragraphs (e)(3) and (e)(4).

    [Corrected]
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    8. In § 680.20, paragraph (h)(4)(iv), remove “would be” and add in its place “will be.”

    End Amendment Part
    [Corrected]
    Start Amendment Part

    9. In § 680.21, paragraph (d)(1), remove “subsequent fishing season” and add in its place “current fishing season.”

    End Amendment Part
    [Corrected]
    Start Amendment Part

    10. Correct § 680.40 as follows:

    End Amendment Part

    a. Paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii), remove “60 days prior to the end of the application period”; and

    b. Paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5), remove “would be” and add in its place “will be.”

    [Corrected]
    Start Amendment Part

    11. Correct § 680.42 as follows:

    End Amendment Part

    a. Paragraph (a)(2), remove “(b)(1)(ii)” and add in its place “(a)(1)(ii)” and remove “(b)(3)” and add in its place “(a)(3)”; and

    b. Paragraph (a)(5), remove “paragraph (b)” and add in its place “paragraph (a).”

    Start Amendment Part

    12. In § 680.42, revise paragraphs (a)(4)(iii), (b)(3)(iii), and (b)(3)(iv) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Limitations on use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ.

    (a) * * *

    (4) * * *

    (iii) A non-individual person that holds PQS, and all affiliates of that person, is limited to a QS and IFQ use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all QS or IFQ held by that PQS holder and all QS or IFQ held by any affiliate of the PQS holder.

    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (3) * * *

    (iii) A person that holds PQS is limited to a PQS use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all PQS held by that PQS holder and all QS or IFQ held by any affiliate of the PQS holder.

    (iv) A person that holds IPQ is limited to an IPQ use cap that is calculated based on the sum of all IPQ held by that IPQ holder and all IPQ held by any affiliate of the IPQ holder.

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    13. Revise Table 7 to Part 680 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Printed Page 33396

    Table 7 to Part 680—Initial Issuance of Crab QS by Crab QS Fishery

    Column A: Crab QS FisheriesColumn B: Qualifying Years for QSColumn C: Eligibility Years for CVC and CPC QSColumn D: Recent Participation Seasons for CVC and CPC QSColumn E: Subset of Qualifying Years
    For each crab QS fishery the Regional Administrator shall calculate (see § 680.40(c)(2)):QS for any qualified person based on that person's total legal landings of crab in each of the crab QS fisheries for any:In addition, each person receiving CVC and CPC QS must have made at least one landing per year, as recorded on a State of Alaska fish ticket, in any three years during the base period described below:In addition, each person receiving CVC or CPC QS, must have made at least one landing, as recorded on a State of Alaska fish ticket, in at least 2 of the last 3 fishing seasons in each of the crab QS fisheries as those seasons are described below:The maximum number of qualifying years that can be used to calculate QS for each QS fishery is:
    1. Bristol Bay red king crab (BBR)4 years of the 5-year QS base period beginning on: (1) November 1-5, 1996; (2) November 1-5, 1997; (3) November 1-6, 1998; (4) October 15-20, 1999; (5) October 16-20, 2000.3 years of the 5-year QS base period beginning on: (1) November 1-5, 1996; (2) November 1-5, 1997; (3) November 1-6, 1998; (4) October 15-20, 1999; (5) October 16-20, 2000.(1) October 15-20, 1999. (2) October 16-20, 2000. (3) October 15-18, 2001.4 years
    2. Bering Sea snow crab (BSS)4 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) January 15, 1996 through February 29, 1996; (2) January 15, 1997 through March 21, 1997; (3) January 15, 1998 through March 20, 1998; (4) January 15, 1999 through March 22, 1999; (5) April 1-8, 2000.3 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) January 15, 1996 through February 29, 1996; (2) January 15, 1997 through March 21, 1997; (3) January 15, 1998 through March 20, 1998; (4) January 15, 1999 through March 22, 1999; (5) April 1-8, 2000.(1) April 1-8, 2000. (2) January 15, 2001 through February 14, 2001. (3) January 15, 2002 through February 8, 2002.4 years
    3. Bering Sea Tanner crab (BST)4 of the 6 seasons beginning on: (1) November 15, 1991 through March 31, 1992; (2) November 15, 1992 through March 31, 1993; (3) November 1-10, 1993, and November 20, 1993 through January 1, 1994; (4) November 1-21, 1994; (5) November 1-16, 1995; (6) November 1-5, 1996 and November 15-27, 1996.3 of the 6 seasons beginning on: (1) November 15, 1991 through March 31, 1992; (2) November 15, 1992 through March 31, 1993; (3) November 1-10, 1993, and November 20, 1993 through January 1, 1994; (4) November 1-21, 1994; (5) November 1-16, 1995; (6) November 1-5, 1996 and November 15-27, 1996.In any 2 of the last 3 seasons prior to June 10, 2002 in the Eastern Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Western Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Bering Sea snow crab, or Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries.4 years
    Start Printed Page 33397
    4. Eastern Aleutian Islands golden king crab (EAG)5 years of the 5-year base period beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through December 25, 1996; (2) September 1, 1997 though November 24, 1997; (3) September 1, 1998 through November 7, 1998; (4) September 1, 1999 through October 25, 1999; (5) August 15, 2000 through September 24, 2000.3 years of the 5-year base period beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through December 25, 1996; (2) September 1, 1997 though November 24, 1997; (3) September 1, 1998 through November 7, 1998; (4) September 1, 1999 through October 25, 1999; (5) August 15, 2000 through September 24, 2000.(1) September 1 1999 through October 25, 1999. (2) August 15, 2000 through September 24, 2000. (3) August 15, 2001 through September 10, 2001.5 years
    5. Pribilof red king and blue king crab (PIK)4 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) September 15- 21, 1994; (2) September 15-22, 1995; (3) September 15-26, 1996; (4) September 15-29, 1997; (5) September 15-28, 1998.3 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) September 15-21, 1994; (2) September 15-22, 1995; (3) September 15-26, 1996; (4) September 15-29, 1997; (5) September 15-28, 1998.In any 2 of the last 3 seasons prior to June 10, 2002 in the Eastern Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Western Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Bering Sea snow crab, or Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries, except that persons applying for an allocation to receive QS based on legal landings made aboard a vessel less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA at the time of harvest are exempt from this requirement.4 years
    6. St. Matthew blue king crab (SMB)4 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) September 15-22, 1994; (2) September 15-20, 1995; (3) September 15-23, 1996; (4) September 15-22, 1997; (5) September 15-26, 1998.3 years of the 5-year period beginning on: (1) September 15-22, 1994; (2) September 15-20, 1995; (3) September 15-23, 1996; (4) September 15-22, 1997; (5) September 15-26, 1998.In any 2 of the last 3 seasons prior to June 10, 2002 in the Eastern Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Western Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Bering Sea snow crab, or Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries.4 years
    7. Western Aleutian Islands brown king crab (WAG)5 of the 5 seasons beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through August 31, 1997; (2) September 1, 1997 though August 31, 1998; (3) September 1, 1998 through August 31, 1999; (4) September 1, 1999 through August 14, 2000; (5) August 15, 2000 through May 28, 2001.3 of the 5 seasons beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through August 31, 1997; (2) September 1, 1997 though August 31, 1998; (3) September 1, 1998 through August 31, 1999; (4) September 1, 1999 through August 14, 2000; (5) August 15, 2000 through May 28, 2001.(1) September 1 1999 through August 14, 2000. (2) August 15, 2000 through May 28, 2001. (3) August 15 2001 through March 30, 2002.5 years
    Start Printed Page 33398
    8. Western Aleutian Islands red king crab (WAI)3 of the 4 seasons beginning on: (1) November 1, 1992 through January 15, 1993; (2) November 1, 1993 through February 15, 1994; (3) November 1-28, 1994; (4) November 1, 1995 through February 13, 1996.3 of the 4 seasons beginning on: (1) November 1, 1992 through January 15, 1993; (2) November 1, 1993 through February 15, 1994; (3) November 1-28, 1994; (4) November 1, 1995 through February 13, 1996.In any 2 of the last 3 seasons prior to June 10, 2002 in the Eastern Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Western Aleutian Island golden (brown) king crab, Bering Sea snow crab, or Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries.3 years
    Start Amendment Part

    14. In part 680, revise Table 9 to Part 680 to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part

    Table 9 to Part 680—Initial Issuance of Crab PQS by Crab QS Fishery

    Column A: For each crab QS fisheryColumn B: The Regional Administrator shall calculate PQS for any qualified person based on that person's total legal purchase of crab in each of the crab QS fisheries for any...
    Bristol Bay red king crab (BBR)3 years of the 3-year QS base period beginning on: (1) November 1-5, 1997; (2) November 1-6, 1998; and (3) October 15-20, 1999.
    Bering Sea snow crab (BSS)3 years of the 3-year period beginning on: (1) January 15, 1997 through March 21, 1997; (2) January 15, 1998 through March 20, 1998; and (3) January 15, 1999 through March 22, 1999.
    Bering Sea Tanner crab (BST)Equivalent to 50 percent of the total legally processed crab in the Bering Sea snow crab fishery during the qualifying years established for that fishery, and 50 percent of the totally legally processed crab in the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery during the qualifying years established for that fishery.
    Eastern Aleutian Islands golden king crab (EAG)4 years of the 4-year base period beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through December 25, 1996; (2) September 1, 1997 though November 24, 1997; (3) September 1, 1998 through November 7, 1998; and (4) September 1, 1999 through October 25, 1999.
    Pribilof Islands red and blue king crab (PIK)3 years of the 3-year period beginning on: (1) September 15-26, 1996; (2) September 15-29, 1997; and (3) September 15-28, 1998.
    St. Matthew blue king crab (SMB)3 years of the 3-year period beginning on: (1) September 15- 23, 1996; (2) September 15-22, 1997; and (3) September 15-26, 1998.
    Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab (WAG)4 years of the 4-year base period beginning on: (1) September 1, 1996 through August 31, 1997; (2) September 1, 1997 though August 31, 1998; (3) September 1, 1998 through August 31, 1999; and (4) September 1, 1999 through August 14, 2000.
    Western Aleutian Islands red king crab (WAI)Equivalent to the total legally processed crab in the Western Aleutian Islands golden (brown) king crab fishery during the qualifying years established for that fishery.
    End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 05-11392 Filed 6-7-05; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

Document Information

Effective Date:
4/1/2005
Published:
06/08/2005
Department:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; correcting amendment.
Document Number:
05-11392
Dates:
Effective April 1, 2005.
Pages:
33390-33398 (9 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 040831251-5138-04, I.D. 082504A
RINs:
0648-AS47: Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs--Crab Rationalization Program
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/0648-AS47/amendments-18-and-19-to-the-fishery-management-plan-for-bering-sea-aleutian-islands-king-and-tanner-
PDF File:
05-11392.pdf
CFR: (7)
50 CFR 680.5
50 CFR 680.6
50 CFR 680.7
50 CFR 680.20
50 CFR 680.21
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