2025-19677: Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska

Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 206 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025) [Federal Register Volume 90, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 48715-48716] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-19677] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 250312-0037; RTID 0648-XF196] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska

Agency

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

Action

Temporary rule; closure. -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2025 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the GOA.

Dates

Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 25, 2025, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2025.

For Further Information Contact

Abby Jahn, 907-586-7228. [[Page 48716]]

Supplementary Information

NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) prepared and recommended by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The annual 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA is 82,265 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2025 and 2026 harvest specifications for groundfish in the GOA (90 FR 12468, March 18, 2025). The Regional Administrator has determined that the annual 2025 TAC of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA has been or will be reached. Therefore, in accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(i) and Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(ii)(B), the Regional Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 82,165 mt and is setting aside the remaining 200 mt as incidental catch because it is necessary to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. In accordance with Sec. 679.20(d)(1)(iii), the Regional Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance has been or will be reached. Consequently, NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA to prevent exceeding the annual apportionment of pollock TAC for this area. While this closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. Classification NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson- Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was issued pursuant to section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries data on pollock harvest in a timely fashion, and would delay the closure of pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant data on pollock harvest in Statistical Area 620 in the GOA only became available as of October 23, 2025. There is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the 30-day delay in the effective date of this action. This finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior notice and opportunity for public comment. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: October 24, 2025. Samuel D. Rauch, III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2025-19677 Filed 10-24-25; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P