Ocean Salmon Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 661

[Docket No. 940422-4122; I.D. 051994C]

Ocean Salmon Fisheries Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and

California

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Inseason adjustment.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area

from Sisters Rocks to House Rock, Oregon, is open 7 days per week

beginning May 18, 1994. This adjustment is intended to provide

additional fishing opportunity to commercial fishermen and maximize the

harvest of chinook salmon without exceeding the ocean share allocated

to the commercial fishery in this area.

DATES: Effective at 0001 hours local time, May 18, 1994. Comments will

be accepted through June 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to J. Gary Smith, Acting Director,

Northwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 7600 Sand

Point Way NE., BIN C15700-Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Information

relevant to this notice has been compiled in aggregate form and is

available for public review during business hours at the office of the

NMFS Northwest Regional Director.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William L. Robinson at (206) 526-6140.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the annual management measures for ocean

salmon fisheries (59 FR 22999, May 4, 1994), NMFS announced that the

1994 commercial fishery in the area between Sisters Rocks and House

Rock, Oregon, would open on May 1 and fishing would be allowed during

designated 2-day periods (May 1-2, 5-6, 10-11, 14-15, 18-19, 22-23, 26-

27, and 31). The preseason objective for implementing the open/closure

cycle was to dampen catch rates and extend the fishing season for as

long as possible.

The best available information on May 17 indicated that commercial

catch and effort rates have been low, with catches totaling less than

100 chinook salmon. The fishery is scheduled to close the earlier of

May 31 or attainment of the 1,500 chinook salmon quota. The preseason

management measure that opened this fishery for 2-day periods is being

rescinded because its use as a catch dampening measure is now

considered to be too restrictive. Conversion to a 7-day fishing week

would provide additional fishing opportunity to commercial fishermen to

increase access to chinook salmon.

Modifications of fishing seasons are authorized by regulations at

50 CFR 661.21(b)(1)(i). All other restrictions that apply to this

fishery remain in effect as announced in the annual management measures

(59 FR 22999).

The Regional Director consulted with representatives of the Pacific

Fishery Management Council and the Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife regarding this adjustment affecting the commercial fishery

between Sisters Rocks and House Rock. The State of Oregon will manage

the commercial fishery in state waters adjacent to this area of the

Exclusive Economic Zone in accordance with this Federal action. In

accordance with the inseason notice procedures of 50 CFR 661.23, actual

notice to fishermen of this action was given prior to 0001 hours local

time, May 18, 1994, 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, the Secretary of Commerce has determined that good cause exists

for this notice to be issued without affording a prior opportunity for

public comment. This notice does not apply to other fisheries that may

be operating in other areas.

Classification

This action is authorized by 50 CFR 661.21 and 661.23.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

Dated: May 24, 1994.

David S. Crestin,

Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management,

National Marine Fisheries Service.

[FR Doc. 94-13183 Filed 5-27-94; 8:45 am]

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