# Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A94-22366 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Uncategorized Document - **Published:** September 9, 1994 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 50 CFR Part 675 [Docket No. 931100-4043; I.D. 072894A] Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Apportionment of reserve. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is apportioning reserve to certain target species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow for ongoing harvest and account for previous harvest of the total allowable catch (TAC). EFFECTIVE DATE: 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 8, 1994, until 12 midnight, A.l.t., December 31, 1994. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew N. Smoker, 907-586-7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fishery in the U.S. BSAI exclusive economic zone is managed by the Secretary of Commerce according to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by regulations implementing the FMP at 50 CFR parts 620 and 675. The Director, Alaska Region, NMFS, has determined that the initial TACs specified for sablefish in the Bering Sea subarea (BS), for sablefish and the sharpchin/northern rockfish species category in the Aleutian Islands subarea (AI), and for Atka mackerel in the Central and Western Aleutian Districts, need to be supplemented from the non- specific reserve in order to continue operations and account for prior harvest. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 675.20(b), NMFS is apportioning from the reserve to TACs for the following species: (1) For the BS - 81 metric tons (mt) to sablefish; (2) for the AI - 420 mt to sablefish, and 850 mt to the sharpchin/northern rockfish species category; (3) for the Central Aleutian District - 6,679 mt to Atka mackerel; and (4) for the Western Aleutian District - 1,500 mt to Atka mackerel. These apportionments are consistent with Sec. 675.20(a)(2)(i) and do not result in overfishing of a target species or the ``other species'' category because the revised TACs are equal to or less than specifications of acceptable biological catch. Pursuant to Sec. 675.24(c)(1)(i) the apportionment of the BS sablefish is allocated 41 mt to vessels using hook-and-line or pot gear, and 40 mt to vessels using trawl gear. Pursuant to Sec. 675.24(c)(1)(ii) the apportionment of the AI sablefish is allocated 315 mt to vessels using hook-and-line or pot gear, and 105 mt to vessels using trawl gear. This apportionment was proposed in the Federal Register at 59 FR 39725, August 4, 1994, requesting public comment. The public comment period ended on August 19, 1994. No comments were received. Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR 675.20 and is exempt from review under E.O. 12866. The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, (AA) has determined, under section 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, that good cause exists for waiving the 30-day delayed effectiveness period for this rule. Fisheries are currently taking place that will be benefited by this rule. Delaying the effective date would be disruptive and costly to these ongoing operations. Therefore, the AA is waiving the 30- day delayed effectiveness period for this action so that it may be effective immediately. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 2, 1994. David S. Crestin, Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 94-22366 Filed 9-8-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A94-22366. Public record. Not legal advice.