Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for Area 2a

2016 PACIFIC HALIBUT CATCH SHARING PLAN FOR AREA 2A (a) FRAMEWORK This Plan constitutes a framework that shall be applied to the annual Area 2A total allowable catch (TAC) approved by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) each January. The framework shall be implemented in both IPHC regulations and domestic regulations (implemented by NMFS) as published in the Federal Register. (b) ALLOCATIONS This Plan allocates 35 percent of the Area 2A TAC to U.S. treaty Indian tribes in the State of Washington in subarea 2A-1, and 65 percent to non-Indian fisheries in Area 2A. The allocation to non-Indian fisheries is divided into four shares, with the Washington sport fishery (north of the Columbia River) receiving 35.6 percent, the Oregon sport fishery receiving 29.7 percent, the California sport fishery receiving 4.0 percent, and the commercial fishery receiving 30.7 percent. Allocations within the non-Indian commercial and sport fisheries are described in sections (e) and (f) of this Plan. These allocations may be changed if new information becomes available that indicates a change is necessary and/or the Pacific Fishery Management Council takes action to reconsider its allocation recommendations. Such changes will be made after appropriate rulemaking is completed and published in the Federal Register. All allocations and subquotas are described in net weight, consistent with the IPHC’s description of the TAC. (c) SUBQUOTAS The allocations in this Plan are distributed as subquotas to ensure that any overage or underage by any one group will not affect achievement of an allocation set aside for another group. The specific allocative measures in the treaty Indian, non-Indian commercial, and non-Indian sport fisheries in Area 2A are described in paragraphs (d) through (f) of this Plan. (d) TREATY INDIAN FISHERIES Thirty-five percent of the Area 2A TAC is allocated to 13 treaty Indian tribes in subarea 2A-1, which includes: all waters off the coast of Washington that are north of the Quinault River, WA (47°21.00’ N. lat) and east of 125°44.00' W. long; all waters off the coast of Washington that are between the Quinault River, WA (47°21.00’ N. lat) and Point Chehalis, WA (46°53.30′ N. lat.), and east of 125°08.50′ W. long.; and all inland marine waters of Washington. The treaty Indian allocation is to provide for a tribal commercial fishery and a ceremonial and subsistence fishery. These two fisheries are managed separately; any overages in the commercial fishery do not affect the ceremonial and subsistence fishery. The commercial fishery is managed to achieve an established subquota, while the ceremonial and subsistence fishery is managed for a year round season. The tribes will estimate the ceremonial and subsistence harvest expectations in January of each year, and the remainder of the allocation will be for the tribal commercial fishery. (1) The tribal ceremonial and subsistence fishery begins on January 1 and continues through December 31. No size or bag limits will apply to the ceremonial and subsistence fishery, 1 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan except that when the tribal commercial fishery is closed, treaty Indians may take and retain not more than two halibut per day per person for subsistence purposes. Ceremonial fisheries shall be managed by tribal regulations promulgated inseason to meet the needs of specific ceremonial events. Halibut taken for ceremonial and subsistence purposes may not be offered for sale or sold. (2) The tribal commercial fishery season dates will be set within the season dates determined by the IPHC and implemented in IPHC regulations. The tribal commercial fishery will close when the subquota is taken. Any halibut sold by treaty Indians during the commercial fishing season must comply with IPHC regulations on size limits for the non Indian fishery. (e) NON-INDIAN COMMERCIAL FISHERIES The non-Indian commercial fishery is allocated 30.7 percent of the non-Indian share of the Area 2A TAC for a directed halibut fishery and an incidental catch fishery during the salmon troll fishery. The non-Indian commercial allocation is approximately 19.9 percent of the Area 2A TAC. Incidental catch of halibut in the primary directed sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis, WA will be authorized if the Washington sport allocation exceeds 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) as described in section (e)(3) of this Plan. The structuring and management of these three fisheries is as follows. (1) Incidental halibut catch in the salmon troll fishery. Fifteen percent of the non-Indian commercial fishery allocation is allocated to the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A as an incidental catch during salmon fisheries. The quota for this incidental catch fishery is approximately 2.9 percent of the Area 2A TAC. The primary management objective for this fishery is to harvest the troll quota as an incidental catch during the April-June salmon troll fishery. The secondary management objective is to harvest the remaining troll quota as an incidental catch during the remainder of the salmon troll fishery. (i) The Council will recommend landing restrictions at its spring public meeting each year to control the amount of halibut caught incidentally in the troll fishery. The landing restrictions will be based on the number of incidental harvest license applications submitted to the IPHC, halibut catch rates, the amount of allocation, and other pertinent factors, and may include catch or landing ratios, landing limits, or other means to control the rate of halibut harvest. NMFS will publish the landing restrictions annually in the Federal Register, along with the salmon management measures. (ii) Inseason adjustments to the incidental halibut catch fishery. (A) NMFS may make inseason adjustments to the landing restrictions, if requested by the Council Chairman, as necessary to assure that the incidental harvest rate is appropriate for salmon and halibut availability, does not encourage target fishing on halibut, and does not increase the likelihood of exceeding the 2 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan quota for this fishery. In determining whether to make such inseason adjustments, NMFS will consult with the applicable state representative(s), a representative of the Council’s Salmon Advisory Sub-Panel, and Council staff. (B) Notice and effectiveness of inseason adjustments will be made by NMFS in accordance with paragraph (f)(5) of this Plan. (iii) If the overall quota for the non-Indian, incidental commercial troll fishery has not been harvested by salmon trollers during the April-June fishery, additional landings of halibut caught incidentally during salmon troll fisheries will be allowed in July and will continue until the amount of halibut that was initially available as quota for the troll fishery is taken or until the end of the season date for commercial halibut fishing determined by the IPHC and implemented in IPHC regulation. Landing restrictions implemented for the April-June salmon troll fishery will apply for as long as this fishery is open. Notice of the July opening of this fishery will be announced on the NMFS hotline (206) 526-6667 or (800) 662 9825. Halibut retention in the salmon troll fishery will be allowed after June only if the opening has been announced on the NMFS hotline. (iv) A salmon troller may participate in this fishery or in the directed commercial fishery targeting halibut, but not in both. (v) Under the Pacific Coast groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.330, fishing with salmon troll gear is prohibited within the Salmon Troll Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). The Salmon Troll YRCA is an area off the northern Washington coast and is defined by straight lines connecting latitude and longitude coordinates. Coordinates for the Salmon Troll YRCA are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.70(c) and in salmon regulations at 50 CFR 660.405(c). (2) Directed fishery targeting halibut. Eighty-five percent of the non-Indian commercial fishery allocation is allocated to the directed fishery targeting halibut (e.g., longline fishery) in southern Washington, Oregon, and California. The allocation for this directed catch fishery is approximately 17.0 percent of the Area 2A TAC. This fishery is confined to the area south of Subarea 2A-1 (south of Point Chehalis, WA; 46°53.30' N. lat.). This fishery may also be managed with closed areas designed to protect overfished groundfish species. Any such closed areas will be described annually in federal halibut regulations published in the Federal Register and the coordinates will be specifically defined at 50 CFR 660.71 through 660.74. The commercial fishery opening date(s), duration, and vessel trip limits, as necessary to ensure that the quota for the non-Indian commercial fisheries is not exceeded, will be determined by the IPHC and implemented in IPHC regulations. If the IPHC determines that poundage remaining in the quota for the non-Indian commercial fisheries is insufficient to allow an additional day of directed halibut fishing, the remaining halibut will be made available for incidental catch of halibut in the salmon troll fisheries (independent of the incidental harvest allocation). 3 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (3) Incidental catch in the sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis. If the Area 2A TAC is greater than 900,000 lb (408.2 mt), the primary directed sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis will be allocated the Washington sport allocation that is in excess of 214,110 lb (97.1 mt), provided a minimum of 10,000 lb (4.5 mt) is available (i.e., the Washington sport allocation is 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) or greater). If the amount above 214,110 lb (97.1 mt) is less than 10,000 lb (4.5 mt), then the excess will be allocated to the Washington sport subareas according to section (f) of this Plan. The amount of halibut allocated to the sablefish fishery will be shared as follows: up to 70,000 lb of halibut to the primary sablefish fishery north of Pt. Chehalis. Any remaining allocation will be distributed to the Washington sport fishery among the four subareas according to the sharing described in the Plan, Section (f)(1). The Council will recommend landing restrictions at its spring public meeting each year to control the amount of halibut caught incidentally in this fishery. The landing restrictions will be based on the amount of the allocation and other pertinent factors, and may include catch or landing ratios, landing limits, or other means to control the rate of halibut landings. NMFS will publish the landing restrictions annually in the Federal Register. Under Pacific Coast groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.230, fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the North Coast Commercial Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) and the Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA). The North Coast Commercial Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area YRCA is an area off the northern Washington coast, overlapping the northern part of North Coast Recreational YRCA. The Non-Trawl RCA is an area off the Washington coast. These closed areas are defined by straight lines connecting latitude and longitude coordinates. Coordinates for the North Coast Commercial YRCA are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.70(b). Coordinates for the Non-Trawl RCA are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.73. (4) Commercial license restrictions/declarations. Commercial fishers must choose either (1) to operate in the directed commercial fishery in Area 2A and/or retain halibut caught incidentally in the primary directed sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis, WA or (2) to retain halibut caught incidentally during the salmon troll fishery. Unless otherwise required by IPHC regulations, commercial fishers must obtain an individual vessel license for each commercial fishery: (1) to operate in the directed commercial fishery in Area 2A; or (2) to retain halibut caught incidentally in the primary sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis, WA; or (3) to retain halibut caught incidentally during the salmon troll fishery. Commercial fishers wishing to operate in both the directed commercial fishery in Area 2A and/or retain halibut caught incidentally in the primary directed sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis, WA may not obtain a vessel license to retain halibut caught incidentally during the salmon troll season. Commercial fishers operating in the directed halibut fishery must send their vessel license application to the IPHC postmarked no later than April 30, or the first 4 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan weekday in May, if April 30 falls on a weekend, in order to obtain a vessel license to fish for halibut in Area 2A. Unless otherwise required by IPHC regulations, commercial fishers operating in the primary sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis, WA who seek to retain incidentally caught halibut must send their vessel license application to the IPHC postmarked no later than March 15, or the first weekday following March 15, if March 15 falls on a weekend, in order to obtain a vessel license to retain incidentally caught halibut in Area 2A. Unless otherwise required by IPHC regulations, commercial fishers operating in the salmon troll fishery who seek to retain incidentally caught halibut must send their vessel license application to the IPHC postmarked no later than March 15, or the first weekday following March 15, if March 15 falls on a weekend, in order to obtain a vessel license to retain incidentally caught halibut in Area 2A. Fishing vessels licensed by IPHC to fish commercially in Area 2A are prohibited from operating in the sport fisheries in Area 2A. (f) SPORT FISHERIES The non-Indian sport fisheries are allocated 69.3 percent of the non-Indian share, which is approximately 45.0 percent of the Area 2A TAC. The allocation is further divided as subquotas among seven geographic subareas. (1) Subarea management. The sport fishery is divided into seven sport fishery subareas, each having separate allocations and management measures as follows. (i) Washington inside waters (Puget Sound) subarea. This sport fishery subarea is allocated 23.5 percent of the first 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) allocated to the Washington sport fishery, and 32 percent of the Washington sport allocation between 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) and 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) (except as provided in section (e)(3) of this Plan). This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters east of the mouth of the Sekiu River, as defined by a line extending from 48°17.30' N. lat., 124°23.70' W. long. north to 48°24.10' N. lat., 124°23.70' W. long., including Puget Sound. The structuring objective for this subarea is to provide a stable sport fishing opportunity and maximize the season length. To that end, the Puget Sound subarea may be divided into two regions with separate seasons to achieve a fair harvest opportunity within the subarea. Due to inability to monitor the catch in this area inseason, fixed seasons, which may vary and apply to different regions within the subarea, will be established preseason based on projected catch per day and number of days to achievement of the quota. Inseason adjustments may be made, and estimates of actual catch will be made postseason. The fishery will open in April or May and continue until a dates established preseason (and published in the sport fishery regulations) when the quota is predicted to be taken, or until September 30, whichever is earlier. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will develop recommendations to NMFS on the opening date and weekly structure of the fishery each year. The daily bag limit is one fish per person, with no size limit. (ii) Washington north coast subarea. 5 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan This sport fishery subarea is allocated 62.2 percent of the first 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) allocated to the Washington sport fishery, and 32 percent of the Washington sport allocation between 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) and 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) (except as provided in section (e)(3) of this Plan). This subarea is defined as all U.S. waters west of the mouth of the Sekiu River, as defined above in paragraph (f)(1)(i), and north of the Queets River (47°31.70' N. lat.). The management objective for this subarea is to provide a quality recreational fishing opportunity during May and June. The fishery will open on the first Saturday in May. The fishery will continue for two days (Thursday and Saturday) the following week in May with a quota management closure scheduled for the third week. If sufficient quota remains, then any openings after the quota management closure will be scheduled to allow adequate public notice before each opening. No sport fishing for halibut is allowed after September 30. If the fishery is closed prior to September 30, and there is insufficient quota remaining to reopen for another fishing day, then any remaining quota may be transferred inseason to another Washington coastal subarea by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The daily bag limit in all fisheries is one halibut per person with no size limit. Recreational fishing for groundfish and halibut is prohibited within the North Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). The North Coast Recreational YRCA is a C-shaped area off the northern Washington coast and is defined by straight lines connecting latitude and longitude coordinates. Coordinates for the North Coast Recreational YRCA are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.70(a) and will be described annually in federal halibut regulations published in the Federal Register. (iii) Washington south coast subarea. This sport fishery is allocated 12.3 percent of the first 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) allocated to the Washington sport fishery, and 32 percent of the Washington sport allocation between 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) and 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) (except as provided in section (e)(3) of this Plan. This subarea is defined as waters south of the Queets River (47°31.70' N. lat.) and north of Leadbetter Point (46°38.17' N. lat.). The structuring objective for this subarea is to maximize the season length, while maintaining a quality fishing experience. The south coast subarea quota will be allocated as follows: 10% or 2,000 pounds, whichever is less, will be set aside for the nearshore fishery with the remaining amount allocated to the primary fishery. During days open to the primary fishery and seaward of the 30-fm line lingcod may be taken, retained and possessed, when allowed by groundfish regulations. The fishery will open on the first Sunday in May. The primary fishery will be open two days per week, Sunday and Tuesday, in all areas, except where prohibited, and will remain open for three consecutive Sundays and Tuesdays before a management closure the following week to tally the catch. If the primary quota is projected to be obtained sooner than expected the management closure may occur earlier. If there is sufficient quota remaining following the management closure the fishery would continue two days per week, Sunday and/or Tuesday, until the quota for the primary fishery season is reached or September 30, whichever is earlier. If there is insufficient quota remaining 6 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan to reopen the primary fishery for another fishing day, the remaining primary fishery quota will be added to the nearshore quota. The nearshore fishery takes place, in the area from 47°31.70’ N. lat. south to 46°58.00’ N. lat. and east of a boundary line approximating the 30 fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates: 47°31.70´ N.lat, 124°37.03´ W. long; 47°25.67´ N. lat, 124°34.79´ W. long; 47°12.82´ N. lat, 124°29.12´ W. long; 46°58.00´ N. lat, 124°24.24´ W. long. During the primary season the nearshore fishery will be open seven days per week. Subsequent to the closure of the primary fishery, the nearshore fishery will continue seven days per week until the remaining quota is projected to be taken. If the fishery is closed prior to September 30, and there is insufficient quota remaining to reopen the nearshore areas for another fishing day, then any remaining quota may be transferred inseason to another Washington coastal subarea by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with no size limit. Recreational fishing for groundfish and halibut is prohibited within two YRCA’s off Washington’s southern coast. The South Coast Recreational YRCA and the Westport Offshore YRCA are defined by straight lines connecting latitude and longitude coordinates. Coordinates for these Recreational YRCAs are specified in groundfish regulations at 50 CFR 660.70 (d) and (e) and will be described annually in federal halibut regulations published in the Federal Register. (iv) Columbia River subarea. This sport fishery subarea is allocated 2.0 percent of the first 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) allocated to the Washington sport fishery, and 4.0 percent of the Washington sport allocation between 130,845 lb (59.4 mt) and 224,110 lb (101.7 mt) (except as provided in section (e)(3) of this Plan). This subarea is also allocated 2.3 percent of the Oregon sport allocation. This subarea is defined as waters south of Leadbetter Point, WA (46°38.17' N. lat.) and north of Cape Falcon, OR (45°46.00' N. lat.). The Columbia River subarea seasons are as follows: a. A nearshore fishery is allocated 500 pounds of the Columbia River subarea allocation, to allow incidental halibut retention on groundfish trips in the area shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 30 fathom (55 m) depth contour extending from Leadbetter Point, WA (46°38.17’ N. lat., 124°15.88’ W. long.) to the Washington-Oregon border (46°16.00’ N. lat., 124°15.88’ W. long.) and from there, connecting to the boundary line approximating the 40 fathom (73 m) depth contour in Oregon. Coordinates will be specifically defined at 50 CFR 660.71 through 660.74. The nearshore fishery will be open Monday through Wednesday following the opening of the all-depth fishery, until the nearshore allocation is taken or September 30, whichever is earlier. Taking, retaining, possessing or landing halibut on groundfish trips is only allowed in the nearshore 7 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan area on days not open to all-depth Pacific halibut fisheries. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with no size limit. b. The remaining Columbia River subarea allocation will be allocated for an all depth fishery beginning in May. The all-depth fishery will open on the first Thursday in May or May 1 if it is a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 4 days per week, Thursday through Sunday until the subarea allocation is taken, or until September 30, whichever is earlier. Subsequent to the closure, if there is insufficient quota remaining in the Columbia River subarea for another fishing day, then any remaining quota may be transferred inseason to another Washington and/or Oregon subarea by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. Any remaining quota would be transferred to each state in proportion to its contribution. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with no size limit. No groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, except sablefish, Pacific cod, and flatfish species, when allowed by groundfish regulations, if halibut are on board the vessel. (v) Oregon central coast subarea. This subarea extends from Cape Falcon (45°46.00' N. lat.) to Humbug Mountain, Oregon (42°40.50' N. lat.) and is allocated 93.79 percent of the Oregon sport allocation.. If the overall 2A TAC is 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) or greater, the structuring objectives for this subarea are to provide two periods of fishing opportunity in Spring and in Summer in productive deeper water areas along the coast, and provide a period of fishing opportunity in the summer for nearshore waters. If the overall 2A TAC is less than 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt), the structuring objectives for this subarea are to provide a period of fishing opportunity beginning in Spring in productive deeper water areas along the coast, and provide a period of fishing opportunity in nearshore waters. Any poundage remaining unharvested in the Spring all-depth subquota will be added to either the Summer all depth sub-quota or the nearshore subquota based on need, determined via joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW. If the 2A TAC exceeds 700,000 pounds, any poundage that is not needed to extend the inside 40-fathom (73 m) fishery through October 31 will be added to the Summer all-depth season if it can be used, and any poundage remaining unharvested from the Summer all-depth fishery will be added to the inside 40-fathom (73 m) fishery subquota, if it can be used. If inseason it is determined via joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW, that the combined all-depth and inside 40-fathom (73 m) fisheries will not harvest the entire quota to the subarea, quota may be transferred inseason to another subarea south of Leadbetter Point, WA by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, unless otherwise specified, with no size limit. During days open to all-depth halibut fishing, no groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, except sablefish, Pacific cod and flatfish species when allowed by groundfish regulations, if halibut are on board the vessel. Recreational fishing for groundfish and halibut is prohibited within the Stonewall Bank YRCA. The Stonewall Bank YRCA is an area off central Oregon, near Stonewall Bank, and is defined by straight lines connecting latitude and longitude coordinates. Coordinates for the Stonewall Bank YRCA are specified in groundfish 8 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan regulations at 50 CFR 660.70 (f) and will be described annually in federal halibut regulations published in the Federal Register. ODFW will sponsor a public input process shortly after the IPHC annual meeting to develop recommendations to NMFS on the open dates for each season each year. The three seasons for this subarea are as follows. A. The first season (nearshore fishery) opens June 1, 7 days per week, only in waters inside the 40-fathom (73 m) curve. The fishery continues until the subquota is taken, or until October 31, whichever is earlier and is allocated 12 percent of the subarea quota if the 2A TAC is above 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) or greater or 25 percent of the subarea quota if the 2A TAC is less than 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt). Any overage in the all-depth fisheries would not affect achievement of allocation set aside for the inside 40-fathom (73 m) curve fishery. B. The second season (Spring fishery) is an all-depth fishery with two potential openings and is allocated 63 percent of the subarea quota if the TAC is 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) or greater, or 75 percent of the subarea quota if the 2A TAC is less than 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt). Fixed season dates will be established preseason for the first Spring opening and will not be modified inseason except if the combined Oregon all-depth Spring and Summer season total quotas are estimated to be achieved. Recent year catch rates will be used as a guideline for estimating the catch rate for the Spring fishery each year. The number of fixed season days established will be based on the projected catch per day with the intent of not exceeding the subarea subquota for this season. The first opening will be structured for 2 days per week (Friday and Saturday) if the season is for 4 or fewer fishing days. The fishery will be structured for 3 days per week (Thursday through Saturday) if the season is for 5 or more fishing days. The fixed season dates will occur in consecutive weeks starting the second Thursday in May (if the season is 5 or more fishing days) or second Friday in May (if the season is 4 or fewer fishing days), with possible exceptions to avoid adverse tidal conditions. If, following the “fixed” dates, quota for this season remains unharvested, a second opening will be held. If it is determined appropriate through joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW, fishing may be allowed on one or more additional days. Notice of the opening(s) will be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The fishery will be open every other week on Thursday through Saturday except that week(s) may be skipped to avoid adverse tidal conditions. The potential open Thursdays through Saturdays will be identified preseason. The fishery will continue until there is insufficient quota for an additional day of fishing or July 31, whichever is earlier if the 2A TAC is 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) or greater. If the 2A TAC is less than 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) the fishery will continue until there is insufficient quota for an additional day of fishing or October 31, whichever is earlier. C. The last season (summer fishery) is an all-depth fishery that begins on the first Friday in August and is allocated 25 percent of the subarea quota if the 2A TAC is 9 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) or greater. If the 2A TAC is less than 700,000 pounds (317.5 mt) then 0 percent of the subarea quota will be allocated to this season. The fishery will be structured to be open every other week on Friday and Saturday except that week(s) may be skipped to avoid adverse tidal conditions. The fishery will continue until there is insufficient quota remaining to reopen for another fishing day or October 31, whichever is earlier. The potential open Fridays and Saturdays will be identified preseason. If after the first scheduled open period, the remaining Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain entire season quota (combined all-depth and inside 40-fathom (73 m) quotas) is 60,000 lb (27.2 mt) or more, the fishery will re-open on every Friday and Saturday (versus every other Friday and Saturday), if determined to be appropriate through joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW. The inseason action will be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. If after the Labor Day weekend, the remaining Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain entire season quota (combined all-depth and inside 40-fathom (73 m) quotas) is 30,000 lb (13.6 mt) or more and the fishery is not already open every Friday and Saturday, the fishery will re-open on every Friday and Saturday (versus every other Friday and Saturday), if determined to be appropriate through joint consultation between IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW. After the Labor Day weekend, the IPHC, NMFS, PFMC, and ODFW will consult to determine whether increasing the Oregon Central Coast bag limit to two fish is warranted with the intent that the quota for the subarea is taken by September 30. If the quota is not taken by September 30, the season will remain open, maintaining the bag limit in effect at that time, through October 31 or quota attainment, whichever is earlier. The inseason action will be announced by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. (vi) Southern Oregon Subarea This sport fishery is allocated 3.91 percent of the Oregon sport allocation. This area is defined as the area south of Humbug Mountain, OR (42° 40.50' N. lat.) to the Oregon/California Border (42° 00.00' N. lat.). This fishery will open May 1, seven days per week until the subquota is taken or October 31, whichever is earlier. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person with no size limit. No groundfish may be taken and retained, possessed or landed, except sablefish, Pacific cod, and flatfish species, in areas closed to groundfish, if halibut are on board the vessel. (vii) California subarea This sport fishery subarea is allocated 4.0 percent of the non-Indian allocation. This area is defined as the area south of the Oregon/California Border (42° 00.00' N. lat.), including all California waters. The fishery will be structured to provide recreational fishing opportunity seven days per week, from May 1 until the quota is projected to be taken, or until October 31, whichever is earlier. Additional closed periods during this season, such as closed weeks or months and including a later opening date, may be established preseason by NMFS based on the subarea quota and projected catch. Based on the subarea quota, and considering stakeholder input, the California Department of Fish and 10 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan Wildlife will provide recommendations to NMFS each year as soon as possible following the determination of the Area 2A TAC on the opening date and other closure dates, such as closed weeks or months, that would apply during the fishing season that year. Closure of the fishery or other inseason adjustments will be made by NMFS via an update to the recreational halibut hotline. The daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with no size limit. (2) Port of landing management. All sport fishing in Area 2A will be managed on a "port of landing" basis, whereby any halibut landed into a port will count toward the quota for the subarea in which that port is located, and the regulations governing the subarea of landing apply, regardless of the specific area of catch. (3) Possession limits. The sport possession limit on land in Washington is two daily bag limits, regardless of condition, but only one daily bag limit may be possessed on the vessel. The sport possession limit on land in Oregon is three daily bag limits, regardless of condition, but only one daily bag limit may be possessed on the vessel. The sport possession limit on land in California and on the vessel is one daily bag limit, regardless of condition. (4) Ban on sport vessels in the commercial fishery. Vessels operating in the sport fishery for halibut in Area 2A are prohibited from operating in the commercial halibut fishery in Area 2A. Sport fishers and charterboat operators must determine, prior to May 1 of each year, whether they will operate in the commercial halibut fisheries in Area 2A which requires a commercial fishing license from the IPHC. Sport fishing for halibut in Area 2A is prohibited from a vessel licensed to fish commercially for halibut in Area 2A. (5) Flexible inseason management provisions. (i) The Regional Administrator, NMFS West Coast Region, after consultation with the Chairman of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the IPHC Executive Director, and the Fisheries Director(s) of the affected state(s), or their designees, is authorized to modify regulations during the season after making the following determinations. (A) The action is necessary to allow allocation objectives to be met. (B) The action will not result in exceeding the catch limit for the area. (C) If any of the sport fishery subareas north of Cape Falcon, OR are not projected to utilize their respective quotas by September 30, NMFS may take inseason action to transfer any projected unused quota to another Washington sport subarea. (D) If any of the sport fishery subareas south of Leadbetter Point, WA are not projected to utilize their respective quotas by their season ending dates, NMFS may take inseason action to transfer any projected unused quota to another Oregon sport subarea. 11 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (ii) Flexible inseason management provisions include, but are not limited to, the following: (A) Modification of sport fishing periods; (B) Modification of sport fishing bag limits; (C) Modification of sport fishing size limits; (D) Modification of sport fishing days per calendar week; and (E) Modification of subarea quotas. (iii) Notice procedures. (A) Inseason actions taken by NMFS will be published in the Federal Register. (B) Actual notice of inseason management actions will be provided by a telephone hotline administered by the West Coast Region, NMFS, at 206 526-6667 or 800-662-9825. Since provisions of these regulations may be altered by inseason actions, sport fishermen should monitor the telephone hotline for current information for the area in which they are fishing. (iv) Effective dates. (A) Inseason actions will be effective on the date specified in the Federal Register notice or at the time that the action is filed for public inspection with the Office of the Federal Register, whichever is later. (B) If time allows, NMFS will invite public comment prior to the effective date of any inseason action filed with the Federal Register. If the West Coast Administrator determines, for good cause, that an inseason action must be filed without affording a prior opportunity for public comment, public comments will be received for a period of 15 days after of the action in the Federal Register. (C) Inseason actions will remain in effect until the stated expiration date or until rescinded, modified, or superseded. However, no inseason action has any effect beyond the end of the calendar year in which it is issued. (v) Availability of data. The West Coast Administrator will compile, in aggregate form, all data and other information relevant to the action being taken and will make them available for public review during normal office hours at the West Coast Regional Office, NMFS, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA. 12 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (6) Sport fishery closure provisions. The IPHC shall determine and announce closing dates to the public for any subarea in which a subquota is estimated to have been taken. Closures are determined after consultation with Regional Administrator, NMFS West Coast Region, Chairman of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the IPHC Executive Director, and the Fisheries Director(s) of the affected state(s), or their designees. When the IPHC has determined that a subquota has been taken, and has announced a date on which the season will close, no person shall sport fish for halibut in that area after that date for the rest of the year, unless a reopening of that area for sport halibut fishing is scheduled by NMFS as an inseason action, or announced by the IPHC. (g) PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Each year, NMFS will publish a proposed rule with any regulatory modifications necessary to implement the Plan for the following year, with a request for public comments. The comment period will extend until after the IPHC annual meeting, so that the public will have the opportunity to consider the final Area 2A TAC before submitting comments. After the Area 2A TAC is known, and after NMFS reviews public comments, NMFS will implement final rules governing the sport fisheries. The final ratio of halibut to Chinook to be allowed as incidental catch in the salmon troll fishery will be published with the annual salmon management measures. Sources: 80 FR 17344 (April 1, 2015) 79 FR 18827 (April 4, 2014) 78 FR 16423 (March 15,2013) 77 FR 16740 (March 22, 2012) 76 FR 14300 (March 16, 2011) 75 FR 13024 (March 18, 2010) 74 FR 11681 (March 19, 2009) 73 FR 12280 (March 7, 2008) 72 FR 11792 (March 14, 2007) 71 FR 10850 (March 3, 2006) 70 FR 20304 (April 19, 2005 69 FR 24524 (May 4, 2004) 68 FR 10989 (March 7, 2003) 67 FR 12885 (March 20, 2002) 66 FR 15801 (March 21, 2001) 65 FR 14909 (March 20, 2000) 64 FR 13519 (March 19, 1999) 63 FR 13000 (March 17, 1998) 62 FR 12759 (March 18, 1997) 61 FR 11337 (March 20, 1996) 60 FR 14651 (March 20, 1995) 59 FR 22522 (May 2, 1994) 58 FR 17791 (April 6, 1993) 13 2016 Area 2A Halibut Catch Sharing Plan