2011-10796. Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2011 Management Measures

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments; notice of availability of an environmental assessment.

SUMMARY:

NMFS establishes fishery management measures for the 2011 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California and the 2012 salmon seasons opening earlier than May 1, 2012. Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (3-200 NM) off Washington, Oregon, and California. The management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non-treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and to provide for inside fisheries (fisheries occurring in state internal waters). This document also announces the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the environmental impacts of implementing the 2011 ocean salmon management measures.

DATES:

This final rule is effective from 0001 hours Pacific Daylight Time, May 1, 2011, until the effective date of the 2012 management measures, as published in the Federal Register.

Comments must be received by May 19, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by 0648-XA184, by any one of the following methods:

• Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov.
• Fax: [phone] Attn: Peggy Busby, or 562-980-4047 Attn: Jennifer Stanford.
• Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070 or to Rod McInnis, Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213.

Instructions: No comments will be posted for public viewing until after the comment period has closed. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.

NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). You may submit attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

Copies of the documents cited in this document are available from Dr. Donald O. McIsaac, Executive Director, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97220-1384, and are posted on its Web site (http://www.pcouncil.org).

Send comments regarding the reporting burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection-of-information requirements in these management measures, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to one of the NMFS addresses listed above and to Office of Management and Budget (OMB), by e-mail at [e-mail] or by fax at [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Peggy Busby at 206-526-4323, or Jennifer Stanford at 562-436-2462.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The ocean salmon fisheries in the EEZ off Washington, Oregon, and California are managed under a “framework” fishery management plan entitled the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan (Salmon FMP). Regulations at 50 CFR part 660, subpart H, provide the mechanism for making preseason and inseason adjustments to the management measures, within limits set by the Salmon FMP, by notification in the Federal Register.

The management measures for the 2011 and pre-May 2012 ocean salmon fisheries that are implemented in this final rule were recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) at its April 9 to 15, 2011, meeting.

Schedule Used To Establish 2011 Management Measures

The Council announced its annual preseason management process for the 2011 ocean salmon fisheries in the Federal Register on December 21, 2010 (75 FR 80041), and on the Council's Web site at (http://www.pcouncil.org). This notice announced the availability of Council documents as well as the dates and locations of Council meetings and public hearings comprising the Council's complete schedule of events for determining the annual proposed and final modifications to ocean salmon fishery management measures. The agendas for the March and April Council meetings were published in the Federal Register and posted on the Council's Web site prior to the actual meetings.

In accordance with the Salmon FMP, the Council's Salmon Technical Team (STT) and staff economist prepared four reports for the Council, its advisors, and the public. All four reports were posted on the Council's Web site and otherwise made available to the Council, its advisors, and the public upon their completion. The first of the reports, “Review of 2010 Ocean Salmon Fisheries,” was prepared in February when the scientific information necessary for crafting management measures for the 2011 and pre-May 2012 ocean salmon fishery first became available. The first report summarizes biological and socio-economic data for the 2010 ocean salmon fisheries and assesses how well the Council's 2010 management objectives were met. The second report, “Preseason Report I Stock Abundance Analysis and Environmental Assessment Part 1 for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations” (PRE I), provides the 2011 salmon stock abundance projections and analyzes the impacts on the stocks and Council management goals if the 2010 regulations and regulatory procedures were applied to the projected 2011 stock abundances. The completion of PRE I is the initial step in evaluating the full suite of preseason alternatives.

Following completion of the first two reports, the Council met in Vancouver, WA from March 5 to 11, 2011, to develop 2011 management alternatives for proposal to the public. The Council proposed three alternatives for commercial and recreational fisheries management for analysis and public comment. These alternatives consisted of various combinations of management measures designed to protect weak stocks of coho and Chinook salmon, and to provide for ocean harvests of more abundant stocks. After the March Council meeting, the Council's STT and staff economist prepared a third report, “Preseason Report II Proposed Alternatives and Environmental Assessment Part 2 for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations” (PRE II), which analyzes the effects of the proposed 2011 management options.

Public hearings, sponsored by the Council, to receive testimony on the proposed alternatives were held on March 28, 2011, in Westport, WA and Coos Bay, OR; and March 29, 2011, in Eureka, CA. The States of Washington, Oregon, and California sponsored meetings in various forums that also collected public testimony, which was then presented to the Council by each state's Council representative. The Council also received public testimony at both the March and April meetings and received written comments at the Council office.

The Council met from April 9 to 15, 2011, in San Mateo, CA to adopt its final 2011 recommendations. Following the April Council meeting, the Council's STT and staff economist prepared a fourth report, “Preseason Report III Analysis of Council-Adopted Management Measures for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fisheries” (PRE III), which analyzes the environmental and socio-economic effects of the Council's final recommendations. After the Council took final action on the annual ocean salmon specifications in April, it published the recommended management measures in its newsletter and also posted them on the Council Web site (http://www.pcouncil.org).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Council's documents described above (PRE I, PRE II, and PRE III) collectively comprise the Environmental Assessment (EA) for this action, providing analysis of environmental and socioeconomic effects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA and its related Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) are posted on the NMFS Northwest Region Web site (http://www.nwr.noaa.gov).

Resource Status

Fisheries south of Cape Falcon, OR are limited primarily by the status of Sacramento River winter Chinook salmon and California Coastal Chinook salmon, which are both evolutionarily significant units (ESU) listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon. Fisheries north of Cape Falcon are limited by Lower Columbia River Chinook salmon and Lower Columbia River coho salmon, stocks which are also listed under the ESA, and by Thompson River coho from Canada. At the start of the preseason planning process for the 2011 management season, NMFS provided a letter to the Council, dated March 3, 2011, summarizing its ESA consultation standards for listed species as required by the Salmon FMP. The Council's recommended management measures comply with NMFS ESA consultation standards and guidance for those listed salmon species that may be affected by Council fisheries. In most cases, the recommended measures are more restrictive than NMFS's ESA requirements.

The Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon stock (SRFC) is the major contributing stock to ocean Chinook salmon fisheries off Oregon and California. Chinook salmon fisheries south of Cape Falcon were largely closed in 2008 and 2009 to conserve SRFC in response to low preseason abundance forecasts. In 2010, an improved stock forecast of 245,000 supported limited fisheries south of Cape Falcon. 2010 spawning escapement for SRFC was 125,353, which, while lower than projected, met the stock's conservation objective of 122,000-180,000 adult natural and hatchery spawners. Preseason forecasts for 2011 project a SRFC stock abundance of 729,900 adults.

In 2010, NMFS consulted under ESA section 7 and provided guidance to the Council regarding the effects of Council area fisheries on the Sacramento River winter Chinook salmon ESU. NMFS completed a Biological Opinion that includes a reasonable and prudent alternative (RPA) to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of this ESU. The RPA includes management area specific fishing season openings and closures, and minimum size limits for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The Council incorporated the RPA into their recommended 2011 management measures.

NMFS last consulted under ESA section 7 regarding the effects of Council area fisheries on California Coastal Chinook salmon in 2005. Klamath River fall Chinook are used as a surrogate to set limits on ocean harvest impacts. The Biological Opinion requires that management measures result in an age-4 ocean harvest rate of no greater than 16%. This objective is met by the Council's recommended 2011 management measures.

Klamath River Fall Chinook (KRFC) were determined to be overfished based on escapement levels below the conservation objective of an average escapement of 33-34% of potential spawners and no fewer than 35,000 naturally spawning adults in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The Council developed and has implemented a rebuilding plan for the past several years, requiring that the fishery be managed for an escapement of the S_MSY level of 40,700 (S_MSY is the spawning escapement level that is expected to produce the maximum sustainable yield, MSY). Prior to the start of the 2011 preseason planning process, NMFS assessed the status of KRFC and determined that they are rebuilt based on observed escapements from 2007-2010 relative to the S_MSY level. Therefore, KRFC are managed in 2011 subject to the conservation objective in the FMP.

In 2010, NMFS consulted under ESA section 7 and provided guidance to the Council regarding the effects of Council area fisheries on the Lower Columbia River (LCR) Chinook salmon ESU. NMFS completed a Biological Opinion that applies to fisheries in 2010 and 2011 concluding that the proposed 2011 fisheries, if managed consistent with the terms of the Biological Opinion, are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of LCR Chinook. The LCR Chinook salmon ESU is comprised of a spring component, a “far-north” migrating bright component, and a component of north migrating tules. The bright and tule components both have fall run timing. There are twenty-one separate populations within the tule component of this ESU. Unlike the spring or bright populations of the ESU, LCR tule populations are caught in large numbers in Council fisheries, as well as fisheries to the north and in the Columbia River. Therefore, this component of the ESU is the one most likely to constrain Council area fisheries. Total exploitation rate on tule populations has been reduced from 49 percent in 2006, to 42 percent in 2007, 41 percent in 2008, 38 percent in 2009 and 2010, and then to 37 percent in 2011.

In 2008, NMFS conducted an ESA section 7 consultation and issued a biological opinion regarding the effects of Council fisheries and fisheries in the Columbia River on Lower Columbia River (LCR) coho. The states of Oregon and Washington use a harvest matrix for LCR coho, developed by Oregon, following their listing under Oregon's State ESA. Under the matrix the allowable harvest in a given year depends on indicators of marine survival and brood year escapement. The matrix has both ocean and in-river components which can be combined to define a total exploitation rate limit for all ocean and in-river fisheries. Generally speaking, NMFS supports use of management planning tools that allow harvest to vary depending on the year-specific circumstances. Conceptually, we think Oregon's approach is a good one. However, NMFS has taken a more conservative approach for LCR coho in recent years because of unresolved issues related to application of the matrix. NMFS will continue to apply the matrix as we have in the past, by limiting the total harvest to that allowed in the portion of the matrix that applies to ocean fisheries. As a consequence, ocean salmon fisheries under the Council's jurisdiction in 2011, and commercial and recreational salmon fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River, including select area fisheries (e.g., Youngs Bay), must be managed subject to a total exploitation rate limit on LCR coho not to exceed 15 percent. The recommended management measures that would affect LCR coho are consistent with this requirement.

The ESA listing status of Oregon Coast (OC) coho has changed over the years. On February 11, 2008, NMFS again listed OC coho as threatened under the ESA (73 FR 7816 February 11, 2008). Regardless of their listing status, the Council has managed OC coho consistent with the terms of Amendment 13 of the Salmon FMP as modified by the expert advice provided by the 2000 ad hoc Work Group appointed by the Council. NMFS approved the management provisions for OC coho through its section 7 consultation on Amendment 13 in 1999, and has since supported use of the expert advice provided by the Council's ad hoc Work Group. For the 2011 season, the applicable spawner status is in the “high” category, but marine survival index is in the “low” category. Under this circumstance, the Work Group report requires that the exploitation rate be limited to no more than 15 percent. The recommended management measures that would affect OC coho are consistent with this requirement.

Interior Fraser (Thompson River) coho, a Canadian stock, continues to be depressed, remaining in the “low” status category under the Pacific Salmon Treaty and, along with LCR coho, is the coho stock most limiting the 2011 ocean fisheries north of Cape Falcon. The recommended management measures for 2011 satisfy the maximum 10.0 percent total U.S. exploitation rate called for by the Pacific Salmon Treaty agreements and the Salmon FMP.

Management Measures for 2011 Fisheries

The Council-recommended ocean harvest levels and management measures for the 2011 fisheries are designed to apportion the burden of protecting the weak stocks identified and discussed in PRE I equitably among ocean fisheries and to allow maximum harvest of natural and hatchery runs surplus to inside fishery and spawning needs. NMFS finds the Council's recommendations responsive to the goals of the Salmon FMP, the requirements of the resource, and the socioeconomic factors affecting resource users. The recommendations are consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and U.S. obligations to Indian Tribes with Federally recognized fishing rights, and U.S. international obligations regarding Pacific salmon. Accordingly, NMFS has adopted them.

North of Cape Falcon, the 2011 management measures for non-Indian commercial troll and recreational fisheries have a significantly lower Chinook salmon quota and a similar coho quota relative to the 2010 season. While Chinook abundance in this area is generally improved in 2011 relative to 2010, restrictions are necessary to meet the exploitation rate limit under ESA consultation for Lower Columbia River (LCR) tule Chinook, which is 37 percent in 2011 compared to 38 percent in 2010. In addition, higher fishing levels are expected in Alaskan and Canadian fisheries, resulting in higher impacts on LCR tule Chinook. The North of Falcon fisheries are also managed to protect threatened Lower Columbia River coho, threatened Oregon Coastal Natural coho, and coho salmon from the Thompson River in Canada. Washington coastal and Puget Sound Chinook generally migrate to the far north and are not significantly affected by ocean salmon harvests from Cape Falcon, OR, to the U.S.-Canada border. Nevertheless, ocean fisheries in combination with fisheries inside Puget Sound are restricted in order to meet ESA related conservation objectives for Puget Sound Chinook. North of Cape Alava, WA, the Council recommended a provision prohibiting retention of chum salmon in the salmon fisheries during August and September to protect ESA listed Hood Canal summer chum. The Council has recommended such a prohibition since 2002 (67 FR 30616, May 7, 2002).

South of Cape Falcon, the commercial salmon fishery will have area specific openings throughout the season for all salmon except coho. As in 2010, there will not be a commercial salmon fishery for coho south of Cape Falcon in 2011. Recreational fisheries south of Cape Falcon will be primarily directed at Chinook salmon, with opportunity for coho limited to the area between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain, OR. Recreational fisheries south of Cape Falcon will have area specific openings throughout the season. As noted above, the projected abundance of Sacramento River Fall Chinook is significantly higher in 2011 than in 2010. In consideration of the scientific uncertainty in forecasting SRFC stock abundance, the Council designed management measures for fisheries south of Cape Falcon with the goal of achieving the upper end of the conservation objective escapement of 180,000. In fact, under the management measures in this final rule, and including anticipated in-river fishery impacts, spawning escapement for SRFC is projected at 377,000.

The treaty-Indian commercial troll fishery quota for 2011 is 41,000 Chinook salmon in ocean management areas and Washington State Statistical Area 4B combined. This quota is lower than the 55,000 Chinook salmon quota in 2010, for the same reasons discussed above for the non-Tribal fishery. The treaty-Indian commercial troll fisheries include a Chinook-directed fishery in May and June with a quota of 19,750 Chinook salmon, and an all-salmon season beginning July 1 with a 21,250 Chinook salmon sub-quota. The coho quota for the treaty-Indian troll fishery in ocean management areas, including Washington State Statistical Area 4B, for the July-September period is 42,000 coho, similar to the 41,500 coho quota in 2010.

Management Measures for 2012 Fisheries

The timing of the March and April Council meetings makes it impracticable for the Council to recommend fishing seasons that begin before May 1 of the same year. Therefore, this action also establishes the 2012 fishing seasons that open earlier than May 1. The Council recommended, and NMFS concurs, that the commercial season off Oregon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon/California border, the recreational season off Oregon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, and the recreational season off California from Horse Mountain to the U.S./Mexico border will open in 2012 as indicated in the Season Description section of this document. At the March 2012 meeting, the Council may consider inseason recommendations to adjust the commercial season prior to May 1 in the areas off Oregon and the recreational season off Oregon and California.

Inseason Actions

The following sections set out the management regime for the salmon fishery. Open seasons and days are described in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the 2011 management measures. Inseason closures in the commercial and recreational fisheries are announced on the NMFS hotline and through the U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners as described in Section 6. Other inseason adjustments to management measures are also announced on the hotline and through the Notice to Mariners. Inseason actions will also be published in the Federal Register as soon as practicable.

The following are the management measures recommended by the Council and approved and implemented here for 2011 and, as specified, for 2012.

Section 1. Commercial Management Measures for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fisheries

Parts A, B, and C of this section contain restrictions that must be followed for lawful participation in the fishery. Part A identifies each fishing area and provides the geographic boundaries from north to south, the open seasons for the area, the salmon species allowed to be caught during the seasons, and any other special restrictions effective in the area. Part B specifies minimum size limits. Part C specifies special requirements, definitions, restrictions and exceptions.

A. Season Description

North of Cape Falcon, OR

—U.S./Canada Border to Cape Falcon

May 1 through earlier of June 30 or 20,600 Chinook quota. Seven days per week (C.1). All salmon except coho (C.7). Cape Flattery, Mandatory Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area, and Columbia Control Zones closed (C.5). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). An inseason conference call will occur when it is projected that 13,700 Chinook have been landed to consider modifying the open period to five days per week and adding landing and possession limits to ensure the guideline is not exceeded.

July 1 through earlier of September 15 or 10,300 preseason Chinook guideline (C.8) or a 12,800 marked coho quota (C.8.d). Friday through Tuesday; landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook and 50 coho per vessel per open period north of Leadbetter Point or 50 Chinook and 50 coho south of Leadbetter Point (C.1). All Salmon except no chum retention north of Cape Alava, Washington in August and September (C.7). All coho must be marked (C.8.d). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). Cape Flattery, Mandatory Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area, and Columbia Control Zones closed; Grays Harbor Control Zone closed in August and September (C.5).

Vessels must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of any closure of this fishery. Under state law, vessels must report their catch on a state fish receiving ticket. Vessels fishing or in possession of salmon while fishing north of Leadbetter Point must land and deliver their fish within the area and north of Leadbetter Point. Vessels fishing or in possession of salmon while fishing south of Leadbetter Point must land and deliver their fish within the area and south of Leadbetter Point, except that Oregon permitted vessels may also land their fish in Garibaldi, Oregon. Oregon State regulations require all fishers landing salmon into Oregon from any fishery between Leadbetter Point, Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-867-0300 Ext. 271 or sending notification via e-mail to [e-mail]. Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery. Inseason actions may modify harvest guidelines in later fisheries to achieve or prevent exceeding the overall allowable troll harvest impacts (C.8).

South of Cape Falcon, OR

—Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain

April 15 through July 9, July 17 through August 31, October 1-31. (C.9). Seven days per week. All salmon except coho; landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook per vessel per calendar week in October (C.7). All vessels fishing in the area must land their fish in the State of Oregon. See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3) and Oregon State regulations for a description of special regulations at the mouth of Tillamook Bay.

In 2012, the season will open March 15 for all salmon except coho. This opening may be modified following Council review at its March 2012 meeting.

—Humbug Mountain to Oregon/California Border (Oregon KMZ)

May 1-31;

June 1 through earlier of June 30, or a 1,500 Chinook quota;

July 1 through earlier of July 31, or a 1,200 Chinook quota;

Aug. 1 through earlier of Aug. 31, or a 1,000 Chinook quota (C.9).

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook 28 inch total length minimum size limit (B). June 1 through August 31, landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook per vessel per day. Any remaining portion of the June and/or July Chinook quotas may be transferred inseason on an impact neutral basis to the next open quota period (C.8). All vessels fishing in this area must land and deliver all fish within this area or Port Orford, within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery, and prior to fishing outside of this area (C.1, C.6). Oregon State regulations require all fishers landing salmon from any quota managed season within this area to notify Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) within 1 hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling [phone] ext. 252 or sending notification via e-mail to [e-mail]. Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery. See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

In 2012, the season will open March 15 for all salmon except coho, with a 28 inch Chinook minimum size limit. This opening may be modified following Council review at its March 2012 meeting.

—Oregon/California Border to Humboldt South Jetty (California KMZ)

July 2 through the earlier of July 20 or a 1,400 Chinook quota, Saturday to Wednesday;

Aug. 1 through earlier of Aug. 15 or a 1,000 Chinook quota, seven days per week (C.9).

All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook 27 inch total length minimum size limit (B). Landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook per vessel. Any remaining portion of the July Chinook quota may be transferred inseason on an impact neutral basis to the August quota (C.8) All vessels fishing in this area must land and deliver all fish within this area, within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery, and prior to fishing outside of this area (C.1, C.6). See compliance requirements (C.1) and gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). Klamath Control Zone closed (C.5.e). See California State regulations for additional closures adjacent to the Smith and Klamath rivers. When the fishery is closed between the OR/CA border and Humbug Mt. and open to the south, vessels with fish on board caught in the open area off California may seek temporary mooring in Brookings, Oregon prior to landing in California only if such vessels first notify the Chetco River Coast Guard Station via VHF channel 22A between the hours of 0500 and 2200 and provide the vessel name, number of fish on board, and estimated time of arrival.

California State regulations require all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Humboldt South Jetty to Horse Mountain

Closed.

—Horse Mountain to Point Arena (Fort Bragg)

July 23-27; July 29 through Aug. 29; Sept. 1-30 (C.9).

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook 27 inch total length minimum size limit (B). All fish caught in the area when the KMZ quota fisheries are open must be landed south of Horse Mountain; all fish must be landed in California and offloaded within 24 hours of the August 29 closure (C.1, C.6). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Point Arena to Pigeon Point (San Francisco)

May 1-31 seven days per week;

June 25 through July 5 seven days per week;

July 9-27 Saturday through Wednesday;

July 29 through Aug. 29 seven days per week;

September 1-30 seven days per week (C.9).

All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook minimum size limit of 27 inches total length (B). All fish must be landed in California and offloaded within 24 hours of the August 29 closure. All fish caught in the area when the KMZ quota fisheries are open must be landed south of Horse Mt. (C.1, C.6). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

• Pt. Reyes to Pt. San Pedro (Fall Area Target Zone)

October 3-14. Monday through Friday. All salmon except coho (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit 27 inches total length (B). All vessels fishing in this area must land and deliver all fish between Point Arena and Pigeon Point (C.1, C.6). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Pigeon Point to Point Sur (Monterey)

May 1-31 seven days per week;

June 25 through July 5 seven days per week;

July 9-27 Saturday through Wednesday;

July 29 through Aug. 29 seven days per week;

September 1-30 seven days per week (C.9).

All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook minimum size limit of 27 inches total length (B). All fish must be landed in California and offloaded within 24 hours of the August 29 closure. All fish caught in the area when the KMZ quota fisheries are open must be landed south of Horse Mt. (C.1, C.6). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Point Sur to U.S./Mexico Border (Monterey South)

May 1 through July 5 seven days per week;

July 9-27 Saturday through Wednesday;

July 29 through Aug. 29 seven days per week (C.9).

All salmon except coho (C.7). Chinook minimum size limit of 27 inches total length (B). All fish must be landed in California and offloaded within 24 hours of the August 29 closure; all fish caught in the area June 1-24 must be landed south of Point San Pedro; all fish caught in the area when the KMZ quota fisheries are open must be landed south of Horse Mountain. (C.1, C.6). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require that all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

B. Minimum Size (Inches) (See C.1)

Area (when open)	Chinook		Coho		Pink
	Total length	Head-off	Total length	Head-off
North of Cape Falcon, OR	28.0	21.5	16.0	12.0	None.
Cape Falcon to Horse Mt	28.0	21.5			None.
Horse Mt. to U.S.-Mexico Border	27.0	20.5			None.
Metric equivalents: 28.0 in = 71.1 cm, 27.0 in = 68.6 cm, 21.5 in = 54.6 cm, 20.5 in = 52.1 cm, 16.0 in = 40.6 cm, and 12.0 in = 30.5 cm.

C. Special Requirements, Definitions, Restrictions, or Exceptions

C.1. Compliance With Minimum Size or Other Special Restrictions

All salmon on board a vessel must meet the minimum size, landing/possession limit, or other special requirements for the area being fished and the area in which they are landed if the area is open. Salmon may be landed in an area that has been closed more than 96 hours only if the salmon meet the minimum size, landing/possession limit, or other special requirements for the area in which they were caught. Salmon may be landed in an area that has been closed less than 96 hours only if the salmon meet the minimum size, landing/possession limit, or other special requirements for the areas in which they were caught and landed.

States may require fish landing/receiving tickets to be kept on board the vessel for 90 days after landing to account for all previous salmon landings.

C.2. Gear Restrictions

a. Salmon may be taken only by hook and line using single point, single shank, barbless hooks.

b. Cape Falcon, Oregon, to the OR/CA border: No more than 4 spreads are allowed per line.

c. OR/CA border to U.S./Mexico border: No more than 6 lines are allowed per vessel, and barbless circle hooks are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling.

C.3. Gear Definitions

Trolling defined: Fishing from a boat or floating device that is making way by means of a source of power, other than drifting by means of the prevailing water current or weather conditions.

Troll fishing gear defined: One or more lines that drag hooks behind a moving fishing vessel. In that portion of the fishery management area (FMA) off Oregon and Washington, the line or lines must be affixed to the vessel and must not be intentionally disengaged from the vessel at any time during the fishing operation.

Spread defined: A single leader connected to an individual lure or bait.

Circle hook defined: A hook with a generally circular shape and a point which turns inward, pointing directly to the shank at a 90°angle.

C.4. Transit Through Closed Areas With Salmon on Board

It is unlawful for a vessel to have troll or recreational gear in the water while transiting any area closed to fishing for a certain species of salmon, while possessing that species of salmon; however, fishing for species other than salmon is not prohibited if the area is open for such species, and no salmon are in possession.

C.5. Control Zone Definitions

a. Cape Flattery Control Zone—The area from Cape Flattery (48°23′00″ N. lat.) to the northern boundary of the U.S. EEZ; and the area from Cape Flattery south to Cape Alava (48°10′00″ N. lat.) and east of 125°05′00″ W. long.

b. Mandatory Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area—The area in Washington Marine Catch Area 3 from 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°14.00′ W. long. to 48°02.00′ N. lat.; 125°14.00′ W. long. to 48°02.00′ N. lat.; 125°16.50′ W. long. to 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°16.50′ W. long. and connecting back to 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°14.00′ W. long.

c. Grays Harbor Control Zone—The area defined by a line drawn from the Westport Lighthouse (46°53′18″ N. lat., 124°07′01″ W. long.) to Buoy #2 (46°52′42″ N. lat., 124°12′42″ W. long.) to Buoy #3 (46°55′00″ N. lat., 124°14′48″ W. long.) to the Grays Harbor north jetty (46°36′00″ N. lat., 124°10′51″ W. long.).

d. Columbia Control Zone—An area at the Columbia River mouth, bounded on the west by a line running northeast/southwest between the red lighted Buoy #4 (46°13′35″ N. lat., 124°06′50″ W. long.) and the green lighted Buoy #7 (46°15′09′ N. lat., 124°06′16″ W. long.); on the east, by the Buoy #10 line which bears north/south at 357° true from the south jetty at 46°14′00″ N. lat.,124°03′07″ W. long. to its intersection with the north jetty; on the north, by a line running northeast/southwest between the green lighted Buoy #7 to the tip of the north jetty (46°15′48″ N. lat., 124°05′20″ W. long.), and then along the north jetty to the point of intersection with the Buoy #10 line; and, on the south, by a line running northeast/southwest between the red lighted Buoy #4 and tip of the south jetty (46°14′03″ N. lat., 124°04′05″ W. long.), and then along the south jetty to the point of intersection with the Buoy #10 line.

e. Klamath Control Zone—The ocean area at the Klamath River mouth bounded on the north by 41°38′48″ N. lat. (approximately six nautical miles north of the Klamath River mouth); on the west, by 124°23′00″ W. long. (approximately 12 nautical miles off shore); and on the south, by 41°26′48″ N. lat. (approximately six nautical miles south of the Klamath River mouth).

C.6. Notification When Unsafe Conditions Prevent Compliance With Regulations

If prevented by unsafe weather conditions or mechanical problems from meeting special management area landing restrictions, vessels must notify the U.S. Coast Guard and receive acknowledgment of such notification prior to leaving the area. This notification shall include the name of the vessel, port where delivery will be made, approximate amount of salmon (by species) on board, the estimated time of arrival, and the specific reason the vessel is not able to meet special management area landing restrictions.

In addition to contacting the U.S. Coast Guard, vessels fishing south of the Oregon/California border must notify CDFG within one hour of leaving the management area by calling 800-889-8346 and providing the same information as reported to the U.S. Coast Guard. All salmon must be offloaded within 24 hours of reaching port.

C.7. Incidental Halibut Harvest

During authorized periods, the operator of a vessel that has been issued an incidental halibut harvest license may retain Pacific halibut caught incidentally in Area 2A while trolling for salmon. Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches (81.28 cm) in total length, measured from the tip of the lower jaw with the mouth closed to the extreme end of the middle of the tail, and must be landed with the head on. License applications for incidental harvest must be obtained from the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) (phone: [phone]). Applicants must apply prior to April 1 of each year. Incidental harvest is authorized only during May and June troll seasons and after June 30 if quota remains and if announced on the NMFS hotline (phone: [phone]). ODFW and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will monitor landings. If the landings are projected to exceed the 28,126 pound preseason allocation or the total Area 2A non-Indian commercial halibut allocation, NMFS will take inseason action to prohibit retention of halibut in the non-Indian salmon troll fishery.

Beginning May 1, IPHC license holders may possess or land no more than one Pacific halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 35 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length (with head on).

A “C-shaped” yelloweye rockfish conservation area (YRCA) is an area to be voluntarily avoided for salmon trolling. NMFS and the Council request salmon trollers voluntarily avoid this area in order to protect yelloweye rockfish. The area is defined in the west coast groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.70(c) and in West Coast salmon regulations at 50 CFR 660.405, with the following coordinates in the order listed:

48°18′ N. lat.; 125°18′ W. long.;

48°18′ N. lat.; 124°59′ W. long.;

48°11′ N. lat.; 124°59′ W. long.;

48°11′ N. lat.; 125°11′ W. long.;

48°04′ N. lat.; 125°11′ W. long.;

48°04′ N. lat.; 124°59′ W. long.;

48°00′ N. lat.; 124°59′ W. long.;

48°00′ N. lat.; 125°18′ W. long.;

and connecting back to 48°18′ N. lat.; 125°18′ W. long.

C.8. Inseason Management

In addition to standard inseason actions or modifications already noted under the season description, the following inseason guidance applies:

a. Chinook remaining from the May through June non-Indian commercial troll harvest guideline north of Cape Falcon may be transferred to the July through September harvest guideline on a fishery impact equivalent basis.

b. Chinook remaining from the June and/or July non-Indian commercial troll quotas in the Oregon KMZ may be transferred to the Chinook quota for the next open period on a fishery impact equivalent basis.

c. Chinook remaining from the July non-Indian commercial troll quota in the California KMZ area may be transferred to the August quota on a fishery impact equivalent basis.

d. NMFS may transfer fish between the recreational and commercial fisheries north of Cape Falcon on a fishery impact neutral, fishery equivalent basis if there is agreement among the areas' representatives on the Salmon Advisory Subpanel (SAS).

e. At the March 2012 meeting, the Council will consider inseason recommendations for special regulations for any experimental fisheries (proposals must meet Council protocol and be received in November 2011).

f. If retention of unmarked coho is permitted by inseason action, the allowable coho quota will be adjusted to ensure preseason projected mortality of critical stocks is not exceeded.

g. Landing limits may be modified inseason to sustain season length and keep harvest within overall quotas.

C.9. State Waters Fisheries

Consistent with Council management objectives:

a. The State of Oregon may establish additional late-season fisheries in state waters.

b. The State of California may establish limited fisheries in selected state waters. Check state regulations for details.

C.10. For the purposes of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Code, Section 8232.5, the definition of the Klamath Management Zone (KMZ) for the ocean salmon season is the area from Humbug Mountain, Oregon, to Horse Mountain, California.

Section 2. Recreational Management Measures for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fisheries

Parts A, B, and C of this section contain restrictions that must be followed for lawful participation in the fishery. Part A identifies each fishing area and provides the geographic boundaries from north to south, the open seasons for the area, the salmon species allowed to be caught during the seasons, and any other special restrictions effective in the area. Part B specifies minimum size limits. Part C specifies special requirements, definitions, restrictions and exceptions.

A. Season Description

North of Cape Falcon, OR

—U.S./Canada Border to Cape Falcon

June 18 through earlier of June 25 or a coastwide marked Chinook quota of 4,800 (C.5).

Seven days per week. Two fish per day, all salmon except coho, all Chinook must be marked with a healed adipose fin clip (C.1). Chinook 24-inch total length minimum size limit (B). See gear restrictions (C.2). Inseason management may be used to sustain season length and keep harvest within the overall Chinook recreational TAC for north of Cape Falcon (C.5).

—U.S./Canada Border to Cape Alava (Neah Bay)

June 26 through earlier of September 18 or 6,990 marked coho subarea quota with a subarea guideline of 3,200 Chinook. (C.5).

Seven days per week. All salmon except no chum beginning August 1; two fish per day, no more than one of which can be a Chinook, plus one additional pink salmon. All coho must be marked (C.1). See gear restrictions (C.2). Beginning August 1, Chinook non-retention east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line (C.4.a) during Council managed ocean fishery. Inseason management may be used to sustain season length and keep harvest within the overall Chinook and coho recreational TACs for north of Cape Falcon (C.5).

—Cape Alava to Queets River (La Push Subarea)

June 26 through earlier of September 18 or 1,700 marked coho subarea quota with a subarea guideline of 1,350 Chinook. (C.5).

September 24 through earlier of October 9 or 50 marked coho quota or 50 Chinook quota (C.5) in the area north of 47°50′00 N. lat. and south of 48°00′00″ N. lat.

Seven days per week. All salmon; two fish per day, no more than one of which can be a Chinook, plus one additional pink salmon. All coho must be marked (C.1). See gear restrictions (C.2). Inseason management may be used to sustain season length and keep harvest within the overall Chinook and coho recreational TACs for north of Cape Falcon (C.5).

—Queets River to Leadbetter Point (Westport Subarea)

June 26 through earlier of September 18 or 24,860 marked coho subarea quota with a subarea guideline of 16,900 Chinook (C.5).

Sunday through Thursday. All salmon; two fish per day, no more than one of which can be a Chinook. All coho must be marked (C.1). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). Grays Harbor Control Zone closed beginning August 1 (C.4). Inseason management may be used to sustain season length and keep harvest within the overall Chinook and coho recreational TACs for north of Cape Falcon (C.5).

—Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon (Columbia River Subarea)

June 26 through earlier of September 30 or 33,600 marked coho subarea quota with a subarea guideline of 7,400 Chinook (C.5).

Seven days per week. All salmon; two fish per day, no more than one of which can be a Chinook. All coho must be marked (C.1). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). Columbia Control Zone closed (C.4.c). Inseason management may be used to sustain season length and keep harvest within the overall Chinook and coho recreational TACs for north of Cape Falcon (C.5).

South of Cape Falcon, OR

—Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain

Except as provided below during the all-salmon mark-selective and non-mark-selective coho fisheries, the season will be March 15 through September 30 (C.6).

All salmon except coho; two fish per day (C.1). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain all-salmon mark-selective coho fishery: July 2 through earlier of August 13 or a landed catch of 15,000 marked coho.

Seven days per week. All salmon, two fish per day. All retained coho must be marked (C.1). Any remainder of the mark selective coho quota will be transferred on an impact neutral basis to the September non-selective coho quota listed below. The “all salmon except coho” season reopens the earlier of August 14 or attainment of the coho quota, through August 31.

Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain non-mark-selective coho fishery: September 1 through the earlier of September 10 or a landed catch of 3,000 non-mark-selective coho quota (C.5).

Thursday through Saturday all salmon, two fish per day;

Sunday through Wednesday, all salmon except coho, two fish per day.

The “all salmon except coho” season reopens the earlier of September 11 or attainment of the coho quota (C.5). Open days may be adjusted inseason to utilize the available coho quota (C.5).

Fishing in the Stonewall Bank yelloweye rockfish conservation area restricted to trolling only on days the all depth recreational halibut fishery is open (call the halibut fishing hotline [phone] for specific dates) (C.3.b, C.4.d).

In 2012, the season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain will open March 15 for all salmon except coho, two fish per day (B, C.1, C.2, C.3).

—Humbug Mountain to Oregon/California Border (Oregon KMZ)

May 14 through September 5 (C.6).

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

—Oregon/California Border to Horse Mountain. (California KMZ)

May 14 through September 5 (C.6).

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho; two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3). Klamath Control Zone closed in August (C.4.e). See California State regulations for additional closures adjacent to the Smith, Eel, and Klamath Rivers.

California State regulations require that all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Horse Mountain to Point Arena (Fort Bragg)

April 2 through October 30.

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho; two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

In 2012, season opens April 7 for all salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B); and the same gear restrictions as in 2011 (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require that all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Point Arena to Pigeon Point (San Francisco)

April 2 through October 30.

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

In 2012, season opens April 7 for all salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B); and the same gear restrictions as in 2011 (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require that all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

—Pigeon Point to U.S./Mexico Border (Monterey South)

April 2 through September 18.

Seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B). See gear restrictions and definitions (C.2, C.3).

In 2012, season opens April 7 for all salmon except coho, two fish per day (C.1). Chinook minimum size limit of 24 inches total length (B); and the same gear restrictions as in 2011 (C.2, C.3).

California State regulations require that all salmon be made available to a CDFG representative for sampling immediately at port of landing. Any person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the CDFG, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to the state (California Fish and Game Code § 8226).

B. Minimum Size (Total Length in Inches) (See C.1)

Area (when open)	Chinook	Coho	Pink
North of Cape Falcon	24.0	16.0	None.
Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border	24.0	16.0	None.
OR/CA Border to U.S./Mexico Border	24.0		24.0.
Metric equivalents: 24.0 in = 61.0 cm and 16.0 in = 40.6 cm.

C. Special Requirements, Definitions, Restrictions, or Exceptions

C.1. Compliance With Minimum Size and Other Special Restrictions

All salmon on board a vessel must meet the minimum size or other special requirements for the area being fished and the area in which they are landed if that area is open. Salmon may be landed in an area that is closed only if they meet the minimum size or other special requirements for the area in which they were caught.

Ocean Boat Limits: Off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California, each fisher aboard a vessel may continue to use angling gear until the combined daily limits of salmon for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been attained (additional state restrictions may apply).

C.2. Gear Restrictions

Salmon may be taken only by hook and line using barbless hooks. All persons fishing for salmon, and all persons fishing from a boat with salmon on board, must meet the gear restrictions listed below for specific areas or seasons.

a. U.S./Canada Border to Point Conception, California: No more than one rod may be used per angler; and no more than two single point, single shank barbless hooks are required for all fishing gear. [Note: ODFW regulations in the state-water fishery off Tillamook Bay may allow the use of barbed hooks to be consistent with inside regulations.]

b. Horse Mt., California, to Point Conception, California: Single point, single shank, barbless circle hooks (see gear definitions below) are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling, and no more than two such hooks shall be used. When angling with two hooks, the distance between the hooks must not exceed five inches when measured from the top of the eye of the top hook to the inner base of the curve of the lower hook, and both hooks must be permanently tied in place (hard tied). Circle hooks are not required when artificial lures are used without bait.

C.3. Gear Definitions

a. Recreational fishing gear defined: Angling tackle consisting of a line with no more than one artificial lure or natural bait attached. Off Oregon and Washington, the line must be attached to a rod and reel held by hand or closely attended; the rod and reel must be held by hand while playing a hooked fish. No person may use more than one rod and line while fishing off Oregon or Washington. Off California, the line must be attached to a rod and reel held by hand or closely attended. Weights directly attached to a line may not exceed four pounds (1.8 kg). While fishing off California north of Point Conception, no person fishing for salmon, and no person fishing from a boat with salmon on board, may use more than one rod and line. Fishing includes any activity which can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish.

b. Trolling defined: Angling from a boat or floating device that is making way by means of a source of power, other than drifting by means of the prevailing water current or weather conditions.

c. Circle hook defined: A hook with a generally circular shape and a point which turns inward, pointing directly to the shank at a 90° angle.

C.4. Control Zone Definitions

a. The Bonilla-Tatoosh Line: A line running from the western end of Cape Flattery to Tatoosh Island Lighthouse (48°23′30″ N. lat., 124°44′12″ W. long.) to the buoy adjacent to Duntze Rock (48°28′00″ N. lat., 124°45′00″ W. long.), then in a straight line to Bonilla Point (48°35′30″ N. lat., 124°43′00″ W. long.) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

b. Grays Harbor Control Zone—The area defined by a line drawn from the Westport Lighthouse (46°53′18″ N. lat., 124°07′01″ W. long.) to Buoy #2 (46°52′42″ N. lat., 124°12′42″ W. long.) to Buoy #3 (46°55′00″ N. lat., 124°14′48″ W. long.) to the Grays Harbor north jetty (46°36′00″ N. lat., 124°10′51″ W. long.).

c. Columbia Control Zone: An area at the Columbia River mouth, bounded on the west by a line running northeast/southwest between the red lighted Buoy #4 (46°13′35″ N. lat., 124°06′50″ W. long.) and the green lighted Buoy #7 (46°15′09″ N. lat., 124°06′16″ W. long.); on the east, by the Buoy #10 line which bears north/south at 357° true from the south jetty at 46°14′00″ N. lat., 124°03′07″ W. long. to its intersection with the north jetty; on the north, by a line running northeast/southwest between the green lighted Buoy #7 to the tip of the north jetty (46°15′48″ N. lat., 124°05′20″ W. long.) and then along the north jetty to the point of intersection with the Buoy #10 line; and on the south, by a line running northeast/southwest between the red lighted Buoy #4 and tip of the south jetty (46°14′03″ N. lat., 124°04′05″ W. long.), and then along the south jetty to the point of intersection with the Buoy #10 line.

d. Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area: The area defined by the following coordinates in the order listed:

44°37.46′ N. lat.; 124°24.92′ W. long.;

44°37.46′ N. lat.; 124°23.63′ W. long.;

44°28.71′ N. lat.; 124°21.80′ W. long.;

44°28.71′ N. lat.; 124°24.10′ W. long.;

44°31.42′ N. lat.; 124°25.47′ W. long.;

and connecting back to 44°37.46′ N. lat.; 124°24.92′ W. long.

e. Klamath Control Zone: The ocean area at the Klamath River mouth bounded on the north by 41°38′48″ N. lat. (approximately six nautical miles north of the Klamath River mouth); on the west, by 124°23′00″ W. long. (approximately 12 nautical miles off shore); and, on the south, by 41°26′48″ N. lat. (approximately 6 nautical miles south of the Klamath River mouth).

C.5. Inseason Management

Regulatory modifications may become necessary inseason to meet preseason management objectives such as quotas, harvest guidelines, and season duration. In addition to standard inseason actions or modifications already noted under the season description, the following inseason guidance is provided to NMFS:

a. Actions could include modifications to bag limits, or days open to fishing, and extensions or reductions in areas open to fishing.

b. Coho may be transferred inseason among recreational subareas north of Cape Falcon on a fishery impact equivalent basis to help meet the recreational season duration objectives (for each subarea) after conferring with representatives of the affected ports and the Council's SAS recreational representatives north of Cape Falcon.

c. Chinook and coho may be transferred between the recreational and commercial fisheries north of Cape Falcon on a fishery impact equivalent basis if there is agreement among the representatives of the Salmon Advisory Subpanel (SAS).

d. If retention of unmarked coho is permitted in the area from the U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon, Oregon, by inseason action, the allowable coho quota will be adjusted to ensure preseason projected mortality of critical stocks is not exceeded.

e. Marked coho remaining from the June/July through August Cape Falcon to Oregon/California border recreational coho quota may be transferred inseason to the September Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain non-mark-selective recreational fishery on a fishery impact equivalent basis.

C.6. Additional Seasons in State Territorial Waters

Consistent with Council management objectives, the states of Washington, Oregon, and California may establish limited seasons in state waters. Check state regulations for details.

Section 3. Treaty Indian Management Measures for 2011 Ocean Salmon Fisheries

Parts A, B, and C of this section contain requirements that must be followed for lawful participation in the fishery.

A. Season Descriptions

U.S./Canada Border to Cape Falcon

May 1 through the earlier of June 30 or 19,750 Chinook quota. All salmon except coho. If the Chinook quota for the May-June fishery is not fully utilized, the excess fish cannot be transferred into the later all-salmon season. If the Chinook quota is exceeded, the excess will be deducted from the later all-salmon season. See size limit (B) and other restrictions (C).

July 1 through the earlier of September 15, or 21,250 preseason Chinook quota, or 42,000 coho quota. All salmon. See size limit (B) and other restrictions (C).

B. Minimum Size (Inches)

Area (when open)	Chinook		Coho		Pink
	Total	Head-off	Total	Head-off
North of Cape Falcon	24.0	18.0	16.0	12.0	None.
Metric equivalents: 24.0 in = 61.0 cm, 18.0 in = 45.7 cm, 16.0 in = 40.6 cm, and 12.0 in = 30.5 cm.

C. Special Requirements, Restrictions, and Exceptions

C.1. Tribe and Area Boundaries

All boundaries may be changed to include such other areas as may hereafter be authorized by a Federal court for that Tribe's treaty fishery.

S'KLALLAM—Washington State Statistical Area 4B (All).

MAKAH—Washington State Statistical Area 4B and that portion of the FMA north of 48°02′15″ N. lat. (Norwegian Memorial) and east of 125°44′00″ W. long.

QUILEUTE—That portion of the FMA between 48°07′36″ N. lat. (Sand Pt.) and 47°31′42″ N. lat. (Queets River) and east of 125°44′00″ W. long.

HOH—That portion of the FMA between 47°54′18″ N. lat. (Quillayute River) and 47°21′00″ N. lat. (Quinault River) and east of 125°44′00″ W. long.

QUINAULT—That portion of the FMA between 47°40′06″ N. lat. (Destruction Island) and 46°53′18″ N. lat. (Point Chehalis) and east of 125°44′00″ W. long.

C.2. Gear Restrictions

a. Single point, single shank, barbless hooks are required in all fisheries.

b. No more than eight fixed lines per boat.

c. No more than four hand held lines per person in the Makah area fishery (Washington State Statistical Area 4B and that portion of the FMA north of 48°02′15″ N. lat. (Norwegian Memorial) and east of 125°44′00″ W. long.)

C.3. Quotas

a. The quotas include troll catches by the S'Klallam and Makah Tribes in Washington State Statistical Area 4B from May 1 through September 15.

b. The Quileute Tribe will continue a ceremonial and subsistence fishery during the time frame of September 15 through October 15. Fish taken during this fishery are to be counted against treaty troll quotas established for the 2011 season (estimated harvest during the October ceremonial and subsistence fishery: 100 Chinook; 200 coho).

C.4. Area Closures

a. The area within a six nautical mile radius of the mouths of the Queets River (47°31′42″ N. lat.) and the Hoh River (47°45′12″ N. lat.) will be closed to commercial fishing.

b. A closure within two nautical miles of the mouth of the Quinault River (47°21′00″ N. lat.) may be enacted by the Quinault Nation and/or the State of Washington and will not adversely affect the Secretary of Commerce's management regime.

Section 4. Halibut Retention

Under the authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act, NMFS promulgated regulations governing the Pacific halibut fishery, which appear at 50 CFR part 300, subpart E. On March 16, 2011, NMFS published a final rule (76 FR 14300) to implement the IPHC's recommendations, to announce fishery regulations for U.S. waters off Alaska and fishery regulations for treaty commercial and ceremonial and subsistence fisheries, some regulations for non-treaty commercial fisheries for U.S. waters off the West Coast, and approval of and implementation of the Area 2A Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and the Area 2A management measures for 2011. The regulations and management measures provide that vessels participating in the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A (all waters off the States of Washington, Oregon, and California), which have obtained the appropriate IPHC license, may retain halibut caught incidentally during authorized periods in conformance with provisions published with the annual salmon management measures. A salmon troller may participate in the halibut incidental catch fishery during the salmon troll season or in the directed commercial fishery targeting halibut, but not both.

The following measures have been approved by the IPHC, and implemented by NMFS. During authorized periods, the operator of a vessel that has been issued an incidental halibut harvest license may retain Pacific halibut caught incidentally in Area 2A while trolling for salmon. Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches (81.28 cm) in total length, measured from the tip of the lower jaw with the mouth closed to the extreme end of the middle of the tail, and must be landed with the head on. License applications for incidental harvest must be obtained from the International Pacific Halibut Commission (phone: [phone]). Applicants must apply prior to April 1 of each year. Incidental harvest is authorized only during May and June troll seasons and after June 30 if quota remains and if announced on the NMFS hotline (phone: [phone]). ODFW and WDFW will monitor landings. If the landings are projected to exceed the 28,126 pound preseason allocation or the total Area 2A non-Indian commercial halibut allocation, NMFS will take inseason action to close the incidental halibut fishery.

Beginning May 1, IPHC license holders may possess or land no more than one Pacific halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 35 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length (with head on).

NMFS and the Council request that salmon trollers voluntarily avoid a “C-shaped” YRCA (North Coast Recreational YRCA, also known as the Salmon Troll YRCA) in order to protect yelloweye rockfish. Coordinates for the Salmon Troll YRCA are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR660.70(c), and in salmon regulations at 50 CFR 660.405. See Section 1.C.7. in this document for the coordinates.

Section 5. Geographical Landmarks

Wherever the words “nautical miles off shore” are used in this document, the distance is measured from the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured.

Geographical landmarks referenced in this document are at the following locations:

Cape Flattery, WA	48°23′00″ N. lat.
Cape Alava, WA	48°10′00″ N. lat.
Queets River, WA	47°31′42″ N. lat.
Leadbetter Point, WA	46°38′10″ N. lat.
Cape Falcon, OR	45°46′00″ N. lat.
Florence South Jetty, OR	44°00′54″ N. lat.
Humbug Mountain, OR	42°40′30″ N. lat.
Oregon-California Border	42°00′00″ N. lat.
Humboldt South Jetty, CA	40°45′53″ N. lat.
Horse Mountain, CA	40°05′00″ N. lat.
Point Arena, CA	38°57′30″ N. lat.
Point Reyes, CA	37°59′44″ N. lat.
Point San Pedro, CA	37°35′40″ N. lat.
Pigeon Point, CA	37°11′00″ N. lat.
Point Sur, CA	36°18′00″ N. lat.
Point Conception, CA	34°27′00″ N. lat.

Section 6. Inseason Notice Procedures

Actual notice of inseason management actions will be provided by a telephone hotline administered by the Northwest Region, NMFS, 206-526-6667 or 800-662-9825, and by U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners broadcasts. These broadcasts are announced on Channel 16 VHF-FM and 2182 KHz at frequent intervals. The announcements designate the channel or frequency over which the Notice to Mariners will be immediately broadcast. Inseason actions will also be filed with the Federal Register as soon as practicable. Since provisions of these management measures may be altered by inseason actions, fishermen should monitor either the telephone hotline or Coast Guard broadcasts for current information for the area in which they are fishing.

Classification

This final rule is necessary for conservation and management and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These regulations are being promulgated under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 1855 (d) and 16 U.S.C. 773(c).

This notification of annual management measures is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

The provisions of 50 CFR 660.411 state that if, for good cause, an action must be filed without affording a prior opportunity for public comment, the measures will become effective; however, public comments on the action will be received for a period of 15 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. NMFS will receive public comments on this action until May 19, 2011. These regulations are being promulgated under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 1855 (d) and 16 U.S.C. 773(c).

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA) finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), to waive the requirement for prior notice and opportunity for public comment, as such procedures are impracticable and contrary to the public interest.

The annual salmon management cycle begins May 1 and continues through April 30 of the following year. May 1 was chosen because the pre-May harvests constitute a relatively small portion of the annual catch. The time-frame of the preseason process for determining the annual modifications to ocean salmon fishery management measures depends on when the pertinent biological data are available. Salmon stocks are managed to meet annual spawning escapement goals or specific exploitation rates. Achieving either of these objectives requires designing management measures that are appropriate for the ocean abundance predicted for that year. These pre-season abundance forecasts, which are derived from the previous year's observed spawning escapement, vary substantially from year to year, and are not available until January and February because spawning escapement continues through the fall.

The preseason planning and public review process associated with developing Council recommendations is initiated in February as soon as the forecast information becomes available. The public planning process requires coordination of management actions of four states, numerous Indian Tribes, and the Federal Government, all of which have management authority over the stocks. This complex process includes the affected user groups, as well as the general public. The process is compressed into a 2-month period which culminates at the April Council meeting at which the Council adopts a recommendation that is forwarded to NMFS for review, approval and implementation of fishing regulations effective on May 1.

Providing opportunity for prior notice and public comments on the Council's recommended measures through a proposed and final rulemaking process would require 30 to 60 days in addition to the two-month period required for development of the regulations. Delaying implementation of annual fishing regulations, which are based on the current stock abundance projections, for an additional 60 days would require that fishing regulations for May and June be set in the previous year, without the information regarding current stock status. For the 2011 fishing regulations, the current stock status was not available to the Council until February. Because the May and June salmon fisheries are relatively substantial fisheries, managing them with measures developed using the prior year's data could have significant adverse effects on the managed stocks, including ESA-listed stocks. Although salmon fisheries that open prior to May are managed under the prior year's measures, as modified by the Council at its March meeting, relatively little harvest occurs during that period (e.g., on average, less than 5 percent of commercial and recreational harvest occurred prior to May 1 during the years 2001 through 2010). Allowing the much more substantial harvest levels normally associated with the May and June salmon seasons to be promulgated under the prior year's regulations would impair NMFS' ability to protect weak and ESA listed salmon stocks that are impacted by the fishery, and to provide harvest opportunity where appropriate. The choice of May 1 as the beginning of the regulatory season balances the need to gather and analyze the data needed to meet the management objectives of the Salmon FMP and the need to manage the fishery using the best available scientific information.

If these measures are not in place on May 1, the previous year's management measures will continue to apply in most areas. For fisheries south of Cape Falcon, Oregon, this would result in lost fishing opportunities, primarily for commercial fisheries which were more restrictive in 2010 than proposed for 2011. In 2010, commercial fisheries did not open south of Cape Falcon until July, whereas in 2011 these fisheries were opened in April under inseason action, and would remain open beginning May 1 under 2011 management measures. North of Cape Falcon, if 2011 measures are not in place on May 1, there would be excessive harvest of Chinook salmon, as the Chinook salmon quota for commercial fisheries in May and June is half of the 2010 quota for this fishery to protect ESA listed salmon in the Columbia River.

Overall, the annual population dynamics of the various salmon stocks require managers to vary the season structure of the various West Coast area fisheries to both protect weaker stocks and give fishers access to stronger salmon stocks, particularly hatchery produced fish. Failure to implement these measures immediately could compromise the status of certain stocks, or result in foregone opportunity to harvest stocks whose abundance has increased relative to the previous year thereby undermining the purpose of this agency action. Based upon the above-described need to have these measures effective on May 1 and the fact that there is limited time available to implement these new measures after the final Council meeting in April and before the commencement of the ocean salmon fishing year on May 1, NMFS has concluded it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide an opportunity for prior notice and public comment under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA) also finds that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness of this final rule. As previously discussed, data are not available until February and management measures not finalized until mid-April. These measures are essential to conserve threatened and endangered ocean salmon stocks, and to provide for harvest of more abundant stocks. Failure to implement these measures immediately could compromise the ability of some stocks to attain their conservation objectives preclude harvest opportunity, and negatively impact anticipated international, state, and Tribal salmon fisheries, thereby undermining the purposes of this agency action.

To enhance notification of the fishing industry of these new measures, NMFS is announcing the new measures over the telephone hotline used for inseason management actions and is also posting the regulations on both of its West Coast regional Web sites (http://www.nwr.noaa.gov and http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov). NMFS is also advising the States of Washington, Oregon, and California on the new management measures. These states announce the seasons for applicable state and Federal fisheries through their own public notification systems.

This action contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), and which have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under control number 0648-0433. The public reporting burden for providing notifications if landing area restrictions cannot be met is estimated to average 15 minutes per response. This estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of this data collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see ADDRESSES) and by e-mail to [e-mail], 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.

NMFS has current ESA biological opinions that cover fishing under these regulations on all listed salmon species. NMFS reiterated their consultation standards for all ESA listed salmon and steelhead species in their annual Guidance letter to the Council dated March 3, 2011. Some of NMFS past biological opinions have found no jeopardy, and others have found jeopardy, but provided reasonable and prudent alternatives to avoid jeopardy. The management measures for 2011 are consistent with the biological opinions that found no jeopardy, and with the reasonable and prudent alternatives in the jeopardy biological opinions. NMFS consulted in 2010 on the effects of the 2011 annual regulations on LCR Chinook salmon. NMFS concluded that the proposed 2011 fisheries are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of LCR Chinook salmon. NMFS also consulted in 2010 on the effects of the 2011 annual regulations on Sacramento River winter Chinook salmon. NMFS provided a reasonable and prudent alternative in its jeopardy biological opinion, and the 2011 annual regulations are consistent with that RPA. The Council's recommended management measures therefore comply with NMFS' consultation standards and guidance for all listed salmon species which may be affected by Council fisheries. In some cases, the recommended measures result in impacts that are more restrictive than NMFS' ESA requirements.

In 2009, NMFS consulted on the effects of fishing under the Salmon FMP on the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale Distinct Population Segment (SRKW) and concluded the salmon fisheries were not likely to jeopardize SRKW. The 2011 salmon management measures are consistent with the terms of that biological opinion.

This final rule was developed after meaningful consultation and collaboration with the affected Tribes. The Tribal representative on the Council made the motion for the regulations that apply to the Tribal vessels.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773-773k; 1801 et seq.

Dated: April 28, 2011.

Samuel D. Rauch III,

Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.