[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 13, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41988-41989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20617]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No. 960126016-6121-04; I.D. 080596D]
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West
Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Adjustments from the U.S.-Canadian
Border to Leadbetter Point, WA
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Inseason adjustments.
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SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the possession and landing limit in the
commercial salmon fishery in the area from the U.S.-Canadian border to
Leadbetter Point, WA, was increased to 200 coho salmon per opening
beginning August 2, 1996. This adjustment is intended to increase
economic efficiency in the fishery. NMFS also announces that the bag
limit in the recreational salmon fishery in the area from the U.S.-
Canadian border to Cape Alava, WA, was decreased to one fish per day at
the opening of the season on August 5, 1996. This adjustment is
intended to prolong the season and provide fishing opportunity to a
larger number of recreational fishermen.
DATES: Modification of the commercial possession and landing limit is
effective 0001 hours local time, August 2, 1996, through 2400 hours
local time, September 30, 1996. Modification of the recreational bag
limit is effective 0001 hours local time, August 5, 1996, through 2400
hours local time, September 26, 1996. Comments will be accepted through
August 27, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to William Stelle, Jr., Director,
Northwest Region, NMFS (Regional Director), NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way
NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Information relevant to this action has
been compiled in aggregate form and is available for public review
during business hours at the office of the Regional Director.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William L. Robinson, 206-526-6140.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the annual management measures for ocean
salmon fisheries (61 FR 20175, May 6, 1996), NMFS announced that the
1996 commercial fishery for all salmon except chinook salmon in the
area between the U.S.-Canadian border and Leadbetter Point, WA, would
open July 26, and fishing would follow a cycle of 3 days open and 4
days closed. The fishery would close the earlier of September 30 or
attainment of the 18,800 coho salmon quota. Each vessel would be able
to possess, land and deliver no more than 75 coho salmon per open
period.
The best available information on July 31 indicated that commercial
catches for the first open period totaled 3,100 coho salmon. The
preseason objective for the possession and landing limit was as a
catch-dampening measure to prevent exceeding the quota during the first
open period. Increasing the possession and landing limit to 200 coho
salmon per opening would increase economic efficiency and provide
additional harvest opportunity to commercial fishermen. This adjustment
would be effective starting with the second open period on August 2-4.
In the annual management measures, NMFS announced that the 1996
recreational fishery for all salmon except chinook salmon in the area
between the U.S.-Canadian border and Cape Alava, WA, would open August
5 and continue through the earlier of September 26 or attainment of the
5,800 coho salmon subarea quota. The bag limit would be two fish per
day.
Based on historical catch and effort levels available on July 31,
it is expected that the quota would be reached and the fishery would be
closed within 2 days of the season opening. Opening the season with an
adjusted bag limit of one fish per day will provide a longer season and
additional fishing opportunity to more recreational fishermen.
Modifications of limited retention regulations and recreational bag
limits are authorized by regulations at 50 CFR 660.409(b)(1)(ii) and
(iii). All other restrictions that apply to these fisheries remain in
effect as announced in the annual management measures.
The Regional Director consulted with representatives of the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish
and Game, and Pacific Fishery Management Council regarding this action.
The State of Washington will manage the commercial and recreational
fisheries in State waters adjacent to these areas of the exclusive
economic zone consistent with this Federal action. As provided by the
inseason action procedures of 50
[[Page 41989]]
CFR 660.411, actual notice to fishermen of this action was given prior
to August 2, 1996 (reopening date of the commercial fishery between the
U.S.-Canadian border and Leadbetter Point, WA), and August 5, 1996
(opening date of the recreational fishery between the U.S.-Canadian
border and Cape Alava, WA), by telephone hotline number 206-526-6667 or
800-662-9825 and by U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners broadcasts on
Channel 16 VHF-FM and 2182 kHz. Because of the need for immediate
action to adjust these fisheries in a timely manner, NMFS has
determined that good cause exists for this action to be issued without
affording a prior opportunity for public comment. This action does not
apply to other fisheries that may be operating in other areas.
Classification
This action is authorized by 50 CFR 660.409 and 660.411 and is
exempt from review under E.O. 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 7, 1996.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-20617 Filed 8-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
